Xun'er, I Have High Hopes for You Two

"After taking a blow, a person has to grow, right?"

Xiao Yan shrugged, his expression brimming with confidence.

After regaining his talent for cultivation, his entire state of mind had naturally undergone an earth-shaking change.

"Nalan Yanran will definitely regret it."

Xun'er pursed her lips and chuckled, her certainty making her words sound like a verdict.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly, casually straightened his clothes, and walked toward the girl.

Now that he knew his father was the reincarnation of an Immortal Emperor, and he himself had awakened the fire spirit bloodline, Xiao Yan was filled with confidence.

What did a mere Nalan Yanran amount to?

Drawing closer, Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Xun'er, who was already almost as tall as he was. His gaze swept over her beautiful, slightly youthful face, and he suddenly felt a little dazed.

That little thing who used to trail behind him with a runny nose and a bare bottom had actually grown into such a lovely, radiant girl...

With a soft chuckle and warmth in his eyes, Xiao Yan reached out without hesitation and pinched her delicate cheek under her astonished gaze. "Xun'er has grown up too. Still, at least you haven't forgotten how pathetic your Brother Xiao Yan looked when he fell while picking fruit for you as a child and ended up covered in bruises."

Stunned for a long moment by Xiao Yan's affectionate gesture, Xun'er stared into those pure, dark eyes with her own bright, lively gaze and smiled inwardly.

When they were little, Brother Xiao Yan had always liked pinching her chubby cheeks.

But ever since what had happened three years ago, he had been like someone who had built a wall around his heart, shutting everyone out.

No matter how hard she tried to draw close, his lukewarm attitude would sting her into leaving in dejection...

He really is back... But he still seems to think of me as that little tagalong from our childhood. What a blockhead...

She pouted slightly, happy at the change in Xiao Yan.

But the thought that she would soon leave the Xiao Clan-and Brother Xiao Yan-immediately dampened Xiao Xun'er's spirits.

She truly could not bear to leave this place, could not bear to leave Brother Xiao Yan...

But...

Whenever she thought of the warning that Xiao Clan elder had given her last night, Xiao Xun'er was torn.

If Brother Xiao Yan finds out I came to the Xiao Clan with ulterior motives...

Will he hate me for it?

At that moment, Xiao Xun'er's heart was truly tangled in knots.

"Little Sister Xun'er, what's wrong?"

Noticing the change in Xiao Xun'er's expression, Xiao Yan looked concerned.

"Nothing, Brother Xiao Yan. Is Uncle Xiao home?"

Xiao Xun'er forced a smile, thinking she might as well leave the Xiao Clan for now. At least then she could leave Brother Xiao Yan with the best possible impression of her.

"He is. I just came from his place."

Xiao Yan said casually, "Why? Do you need to speak to my father?"

"Yes. Brother Xiao Yan, come with me to see Uncle Xiao. I have something to tell you too."

At the thought of having to say goodbye to Brother Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er's spirits sank further.

Xiao Yan nodded, then led Xiao Xun'er toward the courtyard where Xiao Zhan lived.

"My disciple, this little girlfriend of yours probably has quite an extraordinary background..."

Just then, Yao Chen's voice rang out in Xiao Yan's mind.

Teacher, you know where she comes from?

Xiao Yan froze, then asked inwardly.

"I sensed the aura of heavenly flames inside her. If I'm not mistaken, she should be from the Gu Clan, one of the Eight Ancient Clans."

There was a trace of surprise in Yao Lao's voice as well.

The Eight Ancient Clans? The Gu Clan?

Yao Chen's words left Xiao Yan utterly bewildered.

"It's perfectly normal that you don't know. When we have time, I'll tell you all about these secrets of the continent."

If Xiao Yan had merely been an insignificant young member of the Xiao Clan, Yao Chen probably would not have said much. Given his strength, there was no way he would come into contact with such things anytime soon.

But Xiao Yan's father was the reincarnation of an Immortal Emperor.

His status as an Immortal Emperor's son alone was enough to place Xiao Yan among the continent's most elite heirs. Naturally, Yao Chen would not keep him in suspense.

Soon, Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er arrived at Xiao Zhan's residence.

"Yan'er, why are you back again?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Xiao Zhan's eyes when he saw Xiao Yan return. Then he noticed Xiao Xun'er behind him and immediately understood. With a beaming smile, he said, "Xun'er is here too."

Naturally, he had already learned last night why Xiao Xun'er would be coming.

"Greetings, Uncle Xiao."

Xiao Xun'er hurried forward and greeted him obediently. Throughout her years in the Xiao Clan, Xiao Zhan had always treated her very well, so now that she intended to leave, she had made a point of coming to tell him.

"What brings you here, Xun'er?"

Xiao Zhan invited the two to sit and asked with a cheerful smile.

Xiao Xun'er fell silent for a moment, then parted her lips. "Uncle Xiao, Brother Xiao Yan, I've come to say goodbye..."

"Goodbye?"

Xiao Yan froze at her words and hurriedly asked, "Xun'er, are you going away somewhere?"

Xiao Xun'er's expression was complicated. "No. I'm planning to return to my own clan."

"What!"

Xiao Yan stared at Xiao Xun'er in disbelief.

"Little Sister Xun'er, why are you leaving so suddenly?"

For some reason, learning that Xiao Xun'er was leaving filled Xiao Yan's heart with distress and reluctance to part.

"Xun'er, you don't actually have to leave."

With a conflicted expression, Xiao Xun'er was just about to say something when Xiao Zhan suddenly spoke.

Xiao Xun'er looked at Xiao Zhan in confusion. Hadn't that Xiao Clan elder warned her yesterday to leave the Xiao Clan?

"If this is because of what happened last night, there's no need at all."

Xiao Zhan smiled at Xiao Xun'er, his expression kind. "All these years, I've always treated you as my own daughter. How could I bear to let you leave? Don't overthink it."

"Uncle Xiao, you mean..."

Xiao Xun'er froze at his words, then a hint of delight appeared on her pretty face.

Could it be that Master Ling being badly injured last night wasn't a warning from that powerful member of the Xiao Clan?

That powerful member of the Xiao Clan simply hadn't wanted Master Ling eavesdropping?

Uncle Xiao hadn't intended for me to leave the Xiao Clan either?

At that thought, a spark of joy flashed through Xiao Xun'er's heart.

Then doesn't that mean I don't have to leave the Xiao Clan?

Meeting Xiao Xun'er's incredulous gaze, Xiao Zhan nodded with the same kindly expression. "Xun'er, you should stay. I've seen the feelings between you and Yan'er with my own eyes..."

At his words, a blush swiftly spread across Xiao Xun'er's face. She shyly glanced at Xiao Yan beside her, then lowered her head.

As for Xiao Yan, he looked rather embarrassed.

What on earth is Father saying?

I think of Xun'er as my little sister.

However.

When it came to that thought in his heart.

Even Xiao Yan himself was a little uncertain.

Do I really think of Xun'er as my little sister?

PS: Is anyone reading? Could you cast a vote?