Xiao Yi's words were like a pebble cast into a still lake. They not only sent ripples spreading through Xiao Yan's heart, but also made Yao Lao, who had been focused on refining pills beside them, tremble almost imperceptibly.
Especially when he heard the phrases "absorb the entire clan's bloodline" and "lead the whole Xiao Clan to ascend together," an exceedingly complex, inscrutable gleam flashed through Yao Lao's aged, illusory eyes.
As an alchemist who had once stood at the very pinnacle of the continent's pyramid, his knowledge and experience were far beyond those of a fledgling youth like Xiao Yan. He knew much more than ordinary people about the secrets submerged in the long river of the Dou Qi Continent's history.
Especially those concerning the name "Xiao Clan," and its long-buried glory and tragedy. Xiao Xuan, that peerless genius who had once sought to gather the bloodline of his entire clan through his own strength and break through to the elusive Dou Di realm... the outcome spoke for itself.
The Xiao Clan's current plight, secluded in a remote corner with its talent dwindling, was the most direct aftermath of that great gamble. Yao Lao seemed to see once more the blood-red pillar of light soaring into the heavens, and the endless desolation that followed. He drew a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his surging emotions, while the furnace flames continued to burn steadily under his control.
He slowly turned his translucent head, his gaze lingering between Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi before finally settling on Xiao Yan's still somewhat bewildered and defiant face. In a grave voice, he said, "Young Xiao Yan, when it comes to character, I think what this... sworn elder brother of yours said may be more worthy of your reflection. Once you take a wrong step down certain roads, there is no turning back."
He neither spoke openly of the Xiao Clan's past nor laid bare the deeper meaning in Xiao Yi's words, offering only a measured hint. Yet his solemnity sent a chill through Xiao Yan's heart.
Caught off guard by Yao Lao's sudden seriousness, Xiao Yan was at a loss. He had thought Yao Lao would be more inclined to agree with this world's laws of survival. He opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to argue, and a saying common back in his Old Home slipped out.
"But, sir... if a man does not act for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him! In this world where the strong devour the weak, if you don't look out for yourself a little more, I'm afraid..." Under Yao Lao's and Xiao Yi's gazes, his voice gradually faded, sounding increasingly uncertain.
Hearing Xiao Yan deliver that classic "famous saying," Xiao Yi theatrically covered his forehead with one hand and let out a long sigh, as though he had heard something utterly absurd.
"Honestly, taking words out of context does no end of harm! 'Act' here doesn't mean acting for your own benefit. It means cultivating yourself, making something of yourself! What that saying really means is that if someone doesn't work to cultivate their character and improve their morals and abilities, then heaven and earth truly will reject them, and the Great Dao will cast them aside! It urges people to strive forward and keep improving themselves, not to wave the banner of 'looking out for yourself' so you can feel perfectly justified doing things that benefit you at others' expense, or even violate heaven's laws and human decency!"
Xiao Yi's explanation left Xiao Yan rooted to the spot, his mouth slightly open, as though he had never heard such an interpretation before. He carefully considered Xiao Yi's words. "Cultivate yourself, improve yourself"-that was as far apart as heaven and earth from the "selfishness" he had understood before. For a moment, Xiao Yan felt dazed. Had I been getting it wrong all this time?
Just as both Xiao Yan and Yao Lao grew curious about Xiao Yi's interpretation and widened their eyes, waiting for him to continue, Xiao Yan suddenly slapped his own forehead with a sharp smack, as though something had struck him in the head.
"Oh! I remember! I remember!" As excited as if he had discovered a new continent, he pointed at Xiao Yi, then at himself.
"The way you explained 'if a man does not act for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him'... I think you're actually right! I remember now. Back when I... when I was in my Old Home, I think I was a humanities student! Yes! I think that's exactly what the teacher told us in language class! 'Act' means cultivating yourself, improving yourself! Oh, man, how many years has it been? How did I forget that?"
He scratched his head in frustration, looking both enlightened and filled with bitter regret. "It's all my fault! After I started university, I... I did nothing but play games. Counter-Strike, Grand Theft Auto, and that other one... Audition! I played day and night until everything was a blur, and handed everything I'd learned right back to my teachers! Four years of gaming fried my brain!"
At this, Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows theatrically, an impish "so that explains it" expression spreading over his face. He drew out his words, his tone tinged with teasing.
"Oho-so after all that complaining about never having a relationship, it turns out you spent all four years of university addicted to games, and that's why you had no time to date? It wasn't because you were studying so hard you couldn't spare the time... truly... enough to move heaven and earth and bring tears to anyone's eyes!"
As he spoke, Xiao Yi even made a solemn show of wiping nonexistent tears from the corners of his eyes, earning a prolonged eye roll from Xiao Yan.
"Oh, get lost! What are you talking about?" Xiao Yan shoved Xiao Yi irritably, his cheeks growing a little hot, and forcibly steered the conversation back on track.
"I'm being serious! Back to what we were discussing. Even though I admittedly had a few... well, a few too many thoughts just now, since I've already started this, I, Xiao Yan, am not someone who gives up halfway! Since I saved these children, I'll take responsibility for them to the end. I'll definitely find a way to settle them somewhere and give them a chance to live. I was just... just speaking from the heart, sighing a little over how hard life is!"
Yao Lao quietly listened to their conversation, peppered as it was with terms from another world. Although much of it still made little sense to him, Xiao Yan's final, firm declaration stirred something in his heart. He could feel the sincerity and resolve in Xiao Yan's words.
The medicinal cauldron trembled gently, and its lid twisted open on its own. A refreshing medicinal fragrance instantly spread through the entire dilapidated courtyard. Several smooth, round pills giving off a soft green glow slowly rose from within and floated in midair, their fragrance so rich it seemed almost tangible.
"Boy, these are Spring-Returning Pills. Their medicinal properties are mild and suitable for these children. They can strengthen their foundations, nourish their vital essence, and treat internal injuries. These pale white ones are pellets refined from Flesh-Regenerating Powder. Crush them and apply them externally-they work best on those chilblains and external wounds. Be gentle. Don't frighten them."
Xiao Yan composed himself and turned to look at Xiao Yi. They nodded to each other, then carefully took the pills from the air. The medicinal fragrance seemed to have the power to soothe the heart. When the children, who had still been shrinking back, smelled it, their eyes brightened a little and much of their tension eased.
Xiao Yan took charge of the Spring-Returning Pills for internal use. He patiently fed them to the younger children one by one, moving gently and doing his best to reassure them.
Xiao Yi picked up the Flesh-Regenerating Powder pellets, found a clean porcelain bowl, and carefully used his "Internal Energy" to crush them into a fine powder. He mixed in medicinal liquor to make an ointment, preparing to treat the children's external injuries.
Two boys who looked about ten years old and whose injuries were relatively minor saw how busy they were. After a moment's hesitation, they gathered their courage and approached, quietly asking whether they could help. Xiao Yi grinned, praised them with a "Good lads," and showed them how to apply the medicine.
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