Warmth by the Campfire

Xiao Yao began circulating the All-Character Secret, but he could not trigger it no matter what. The Blazing Flame Python opened its bloody maw and spat out a scorching stream of fire. Xiao Yao turned and dodged.

Just then, Xiao Yao successfully activated the All-Character Secret, and his cultivation instantly rose to the Da Dou Shi realm. Seizing the opportunity, he launched a counterattack, channeling all his Dou Qi into a blow at the Blazing Flame Python's head. In the end, Xiao Yao directly blasted its head apart.

Xiao Yao had successfully defeated the Blazing Flame Python. He panted heavily as he looked at the dead giant snake on the ground, unable to stop a surge of emotion. He knew this was the first Magical Beast he had ever killed.

Xiao Yao walked over and picked up the second-tier fire-attributed Magic Core that had fallen from the Blazing Flame Python's head. Looking at the Magic Core brimming with fire-attributed energy, he reflected that this was the unique Magic Core of a Magical Beast. For someone like him who cultivated fire-attributed techniques, it was undoubtedly a treasure. Xiao Yao stored it in his Storage Ring.

Xiao Yao turned and walked toward Xun'er, helping her down.

Xun'er walked to Xiao Yao's side. Looking at his tired yet fulfilled face, her heart was filled with admiration and love. She gently supported him and asked softly, "Brother Xiao Yao, are you all right?"

Xiao Yao shook his head and answered with a smile, "I'm fine, Xun'er. This is what I should do. Protecting you is my responsibility."

Hearing Xiao Yao's words, Xun'er's eyes grew moist. She knew that Brother Xiao Yao had always protected her like this and was willing to give everything for her. She nestled into Xiao Yao's embrace and whispered, "Thank you, Brother Xiao Yao. I'll always stay by your side and support you."

After a short while, Xiao Yao gently patted Xun'er's shoulder and said softly, "Come on, little crybaby. We need to get back to Father before they start worrying."

Xun'er wiped away her tears and said coquettishly, "Brother Xiao Yao, you're making fun of me again." With that, she took Brother Xiao Yao's hand and headed back.

When Xiao Yao and Xun'er appeared before the Xiao Clan's party, the sight before them made them stop in their tracks. Xiao Zhan stood amid a patch of scorched earth, his figure appearing especially tall and imposing beneath the sunlight.

Blood dripped from his fists, clearly left behind from killing the Crimson Flame Bear.

Before Xiao Zhan lay an enormous Crimson Flame Bear, already devoid of life. Its massive body looked particularly conspicuous against the ground, while charred trees and grass were scattered around it. The air was thick with the smell of burning.

Seeing his father's valiant appearance, a trace of admiration flashed through Xiao Yao's eyes. Xun'er, meanwhile, clutched his hand tightly, seeming somewhat frightened and worried.

When Xiao Zhan saw the two approach, a smile appeared on his face. He stepped forward, gently patted Xiao Yao's shoulder, and said, "Yao'er, you've worked hard. You weren't hurt, were you?"

Xiao Zhan circled Xiao Yao once. After seeing that he had not suffered any injuries, he asked with a concerned smile, "Yao'er, after you lured away that Blazing Flame Python, what happened? Did you kill it?"

Xiao Yao smiled. "How could I have killed it? I lured it far away, then hid. It didn't notice me and left. Later, I ran into Xun'er and came back with her. If you don't believe me, ask Xun'er." He finished with a smile toward Xun'er.

The moment Xun'er saw Brother Xiao Yao's smile, she understood what he meant. Smiling sweetly, she said, "Uncle Xiao, Brother Xiao Yao is right. I saw him on the road and came back with him. As for that Magical Beast, I never saw it."

After hearing Xiao Yao and Xun'er, Xiao Zhan nodded, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

"Yao'er, you did very well." Xiao Zhan smiled and patted Xiao Yao's shoulder.

Xiao Zhan looked at the group and shouted, "Everyone, pack up. Let's try to leave the outer region of the Magic Beast Mountain Range before night falls, then rest."

The lingering light of the setting sun wrapped around the treetops like ribbons, draping the earth in golden garments and creating a dreamlike scene.

At this time, the Xiao Clan's party successfully left the outer region of the Magic Beast Mountain Range. Seeing that the Nalan Household was still some distance away, Xiao Zhan had everyone stop and called out, "Everyone, get a good rest here tonight and prepare for tomorrow's journey."

Night fell, and an atmosphere of tranquility and peace filled the Xiao Clan's camp.

Xiao Yao and Xun'er sat beside the campfire, recalling the day's events. At that moment, Xiao Yan came over and sat beside Xiao Yao. With a face full of admiration, he said, "Brother Yao, you managed to lure away that giant snake all by yourself today. That was so brave. If it were me, I might not have been able to do it."

Xiao Yao smiled. "All right, let's not talk about that. Come on, I'll make some roasted meat for you two."

Xiao Yao went over to his father and took a large piece of meat from the Crimson Flame Bear's leg. He returned to Xun'er's side and sat down, setting up an iron rack before the fire and placing a frying pan on it.

Xiao Yao skillfully coated the pan with a layer of oil, then placed the sliced bear meat inside. He expertly controlled the heat, allowing the meat to gradually turn golden and enticing over the flames.

As time passed, the aroma of bear meat began to spread throughout the camp, drawing everyone's attention. They gathered around one after another, watching Xiao Yao roast the meat and unable to stop themselves from swallowing.

Sitting beside Xiao Yao, Xun'er stared at the bear meat in the pan and said excitedly, "Brother Xiao Yao, I really want to eat it!"

Xiao Yao smiled, brushed a layer of honey over the cooked bear meat, and handed it to Xun'er. "Here, give it a try and see whether it suits your taste."

Xun'er took the bear meat and carefully bit into it. Her eyes immediately widened, and she said in delighted surprise, "Wow, it's so delicious! It's sweet without being cloying. Brother Xiao Yao, whenever I want to eat something tasty in the future, you have to make it for me!"

Seeing Xun'er's satisfied expression, Xiao Yao's heart filled with affection. He rubbed her head and said with a smile, "Of course. Whatever Xun'er wants to eat in the future, just tell me, and I'll prepare it for you. We should not only eat well, but also live happily and fully."

Hearing Xiao Yao's words, Xun'er's heart was filled with emotion and happiness. In her sweet voice, she said, "Mm, then it's settled. We'll eat until we're old and play until we're old."

Xiao Zhan also walked over. Seeing Xiao Yao roasting meat, a gratified smile appeared on his face.

He patted Xiao Yao's shoulder and said, "Yao'er, I didn't expect you to have such skill. Roast a piece for your father to try."

Xiao Yao nodded and said modestly, "All right, Father. There happens to be a piece already cooked." After saying that, Xiao Yao placed the roasted meat on a plate and handed it to Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan took the plate and began eating. Smiling, he said, "Mm, Yao'er's cooking is indeed not bad. The flavor is decent. No wonder so many people have gathered here."

Seeing that his father and Xun'er had both started eating, Xiao Yan hurriedly moved closer and whispered to Xiao Yao, "Brother Yao, what about me? I haven't gotten any yet."

Xiao Yao laughed when he heard that. "All right, I know you haven't eaten yet. The next piece is yours."

Amid laughter and cheerful conversation, everyone sat around the campfire and enjoyed the delicious bear meat. At that moment, they forgot all their worries and exhaustion, immersed only in the beautiful atmosphere.

Late at night, the campfire gradually died out. Xiao Yao and Xun'er returned to their tent and lay on the bed, recalling the day's events.

Their hearts were filled with joy and satisfaction. They knew this was an important moment on their path of growth.