For Multiple-Choice Questions

"I have my own path and inheritance. I'm giving you this Cultivation Technique so that you can stay by my side in the future! Our separation now is so we can meet again at the finish line."

"The other technique is a soul Cultivation Technique, a Mystic Tier soul technique. It isn't especially precious to your clan, but it is still a token of my feelings."

"Soul-Nourishing Jade and Wood Spirit Fruit probably no longer exist in this world, so keep it secret! This is a secret between Xun'er and me!"

Xiao Xun'er nodded slightly. She wore the Storage Ring on her finger without inspecting it, then looked solemnly at Lin Qing.

"Since it is a gift from Brother Lin Qing, Xun'er will accept it! Also, I do not know how much Brother Lin Qing knows about Tuoshe Ancient Emperor. Xun'er will not reveal this Cultivation Technique either, but do not mention these things before anyone in the future. And if Brother ever obtains anything within the Xiao Clan, be sure to hide it well! Otherwise, even those people in Xun'er's clan may make a move. The reason Xun'er was sent to the Xiao Clan was partly because of that thing."

Since Lin Qing had already made an indirect confession, Xun'er did not hide anything either and directly stated the gravity of the matter.

"Then if you fail to complete your mission, Xun'er, will you..."

"I won't, Brother Lin Qing, so don't worry. The people in my clan would not dare do anything to me! Besides, there is no difference between Brother Lin Qing obtaining that thing and Xun'er obtaining it!"

Of course, he knew no one in the Ancient Clan would dare do anything to Xiao Xun'er! Even if Gu Yuan looked utterly disheveled, he was still a Nine-Star Battle Saint Peak expert. What Lin Qing meant was whether they would send someone else over.

He only wanted the Ancient Jade—he had not even taken it yet! Yet this girl had already guessed it. Still, being treated differently felt damn good!

After discussing business, the two leaned against each other and whispered the private words of childhood sweethearts.

"Brother Lin Qing, if one day you leave this world, will you take me with you?"

"I will not leave this world, because the people I care about are in this world."

"Does Xun'er count?"

"There are only a few people in this world whom I care about. Xun'er, you are one of the most important."

At the beginning, Xiao Xun'er had merely wanted to uncover the boy's secrets. She had become interested in him, but after learning about his past, seeing how diligently he cultivated, and being treated gently by him—especially being drawn in by the faint warmth that seemed to linger around him—she gradually grew accustomed to such days. The reason in her bloodline told her this was wrong, yet she ignored that reason, greedily cherished his kindness, and fell deeply in love with Lin Qing.

Xiao Xun'er had always felt that Lin Qing could not remain by her side forever and might even leave this world.

Over the years, Lin Qing had told her many stories. Given her intelligence, and judging by his expressions and tone, how could she possibly not know those stories were real?

More than once, she had seen Lin Qing sitting in the courtyard, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. Lin Qing had told her that the moon carried one's longing for home.

She had always feared the arrival of that day, but only today did she realize that she had worried for nothing. The boy cared about her too. He had even given her the inheritance of a Dou Emperor. Being cherished by the person she loved felt so wonderful.

It was not until the sun set and the moon rose that the two returned to the entrance of the Small Courtyard.

"Xun'er!"

Lin Qing called out to Xiao Xun'er, who was about to return to her own Small Courtyard.

Suddenly, Lin Qing stepped forward and gently wrapped his arms around the girl's waist, softly drawing her into his embrace. This was their first hug, and his movements were exceedingly tender.

The girl's body stiffened in shock at his actions, but when she caught that masculine scent and felt the warmth of his embrace, her tense body gradually relaxed.

Feeling her soft, fragrant body, Lin Qing had no improper thoughts.

After thinking for a moment, Lin Qing spoke clearly.

"In three days, I will leave. I will travel around the Jia Ma Empire for a while, then go to Canaan Academy half a year later. About four or five years from now, I will head to the Central Plains and attend the Pill Convention. Wait for me, Xun'er. I will go to your clan to bring you back. I believe that day will not be far away!"

In truth, Lin Qing had never believed in pure love. He had witnessed far too many couples part ways, and he himself had experienced a girlfriend's betrayal.

After coming to this world where strength reigned supreme, where the strong devoured all, he had even considered becoming powerful enough to build a vast crystal palace like the Western Heaven Battle Emperor and gather countless beauties within it.

Ever since transmigrating, he had cultivated desperately. Even after obtaining the system, he remained the same. He did so in order not to answer single-choice questions, but multiple-choice questions; not to be destroyed by the Soul Hall or the Soul Clan; to witness the Great Thousand World, and perhaps even see worlds higher still. (Hun Tiandi was indeed both brave and resourceful, but when he became an emperor, he acted like a madman. Aside from blood-sacrificing the Central Plains, he wanted to massacre everyone after becoming an emperor just because the name Central Plains did not sound nice.)

Even with standard answers in hand, his future was still uncertain, because there were countless possibilities ahead.

His motives for approaching Xiao Xun'er had not been entirely pure. He had treated her as an NPC, a rich girl who could provide rewards. But after spending time with her, he began to feel sorry for the little girl. At such a young age, she had been sent out by her father and clan to be a spy. A Heavenly Flame was sealed inside her body, and every day she endured the burning pain of its leaking energy. Her health was not particularly good either, and she looked malnourished. So he began raising the little girl as though she were his younger sister.

But now, he was certain that he truly liked this girl whose eyes were filled only with him. Who could refuse such a girl? Especially when he was both lustful and devoted.

The two quietly embraced like that. The moonlight was beautiful tonight, and the wind was gentle as well.

After a long while, a set of footsteps sounded in the distance.

"Who is it? Sneaking around!"

"Ah!" Xiao Xun'er ran away with a red face and swiftly darted into her own courtyard.

The newcomer was none other than Xiao Yan.

"Uh... carry on!"

Seeing that he had interrupted someone else's romantic moment, Xiao Yan awkwardly rubbed his nose. He then backed away a few steps, turned around, and hurried off.

Tsk! He ran off again!

For some reason, ever since that night, Xiao Yan acted like this every time he saw him! Unless his uncle and aunt were present.

Perhaps because Xiao Yan's mother had not died, although Xiao Yan was somewhat flamboyant and liked teasing little girls, he had never gone near the women's hot springs. He was somewhat proud and looked down a little on those less talented than himself, but he was nowhere near as arrogant as he had been on the original path. These were merely minor flaws, and he was far better than the foolish young master next door.

The next day, at the Xiao Clan's testing square.

Today was the monthly testing day.

News that Xiao Yan had broken through to the Ninth Duan of Dou Force had already spread throughout the upper ranks of the Xiao Clan, making the place especially lively today.

Not only had Xiao Zhan come, several elders had come as well.

The group sat on the high platform, speaking quietly among themselves. Xiao Zhan occasionally let out a hearty laugh.

"Xiao Yan!"