"Um... I can compensate you!"
Zi Yan's eyes darted around, and an idea soon came to her. "I'm number one on the Inner Academy's Strong Ranking, and I have my own exclusive cultivation spot. I can give it to you. How about that?"
"Can you beat me?" Xiao Yan asked with a chuckle.
"No..." Zi Yan answered meekly.
"Then if I beat you up, first place on the Strong Ranking will be mine too."
Zi Yan froze.
Only after a long silence did she stare at Xiao Yan with tear-filled eyes, gently wiping away her tears. "Then what do you want? I'll give you anything I have."
"..."
Xiao Yan studied Zi Yan without saying a word.
It was only when despair welled up in the girl and she squeezed her eyes shut to await death that the pressure against her back suddenly vanished. She fell to the ground with a thud. Feeling the poisonous flames disappear from her body, she looked up at Xiao Yan in bewilderment.
"You're... not going to eat me?"
"Why would I eat you, you little brat?" Xiao Yan smiled and ruffled Zi Yan's pale purple hair, as though petting a little beast. His conscience really wouldn't let him bully a child with neither a father nor a mother.
Then he headed out of the cave.
"Hey, you're just leaving?" Zi Yan asked, her eyes widening in surprise. Her head still felt warm, retaining the touch of that large hand.
"What else? Want me to eat you?" Xiao Yan paused and turned back with a smile.
"No, not that..."
Zi Yan shrank back a little and asked hesitantly, "Um, can I follow you?"
"Give me a reason."
"The pills you make taste really good, and my instincts tell me I'll feel really comfortable around you..."