"You've probably already guessed that I'm not from the Jia Ma Empire. I came from Sky Star."
"I've traveled all this way, crossing Chu Yun and the Tagor Desert like a wanderer. Staying here for two years was already my limit. Wutan City isn't the end of my journey."
Apart from Xiao Yi Xian and her mother, who had only recently arrived, no one was surprised by his decision.
For someone like Chen Cang, staying in Wutan City forever would have been the strange thing. As he had said, spending two years here was already the most he could do.
Wutan City was far, far too small a stage.
"I've long been prepared for this day, but now that it's actually here, it still feels too soon. Then again, the Xiao Clan should be content to have basked in your light for two years. I know your mind is made up, so I won't try to persuade you to stay. I only hope you'll come back for a visit if you have the chance. You'll always be welcome in the Xiao Clan."
Xiao Yan and his two brothers nodded along, wholeheartedly agreeing with their father.
Now that the moment of parting had truly arrived, all three brothers were reluctant to see him go. Chen Cang's care for them over the past two years had not been wasted.
"Brother Chen Cang, where are you going? You'll come back to see me, won't you?"
Compared with Xiao Zhan and his three sons, Xiao Xun'er was undoubtedly the most dejected. Her little face puckered, as though tiny pearls might spill from her eyes at any moment.
"Of course. I'm only going out to travel, not leaving forever. Xian'er will stay in the Xiao Clan to keep you company, too. Both of you need to cultivate diligently. It might be three to five months, or perhaps six months to a year. I could come back at any time."
Hearing this, the atmosphere immediately brightened considerably.
At the very least, they would have another chance to meet.
Xiao Yi Xian and her mother wanted to accompany Chen Cang and faithfully attend to their duties, but seeing that his mind was made up, they ultimately remained silent and accepted his arrangements.
"Brother Cang, you still haven't answered Cousin Xun'er's other question. Where are you planning to travel? Tell us so we can offer some advice. This is the Jia Ma Empire, after all. Father definitely knows it better than you do."
The quick-witted Xiao Yan chimed in, lightening the mood.
Everyone was curious about this question.
Chen Cang considered it briefly, then smiled. "I'll probably take a look around the Tagor Desert. A world of yellow sand isn't something you see every day. I was in such a hurry when I passed through before that I never really took it in."
"I might also visit the imperial capital. I was pressed for time on my last visit and didn't properly experience its splendor, much less the renowned Misty Cloud Sect."
Everyone nodded. Within the Jia Ma Empire, those did seem to be the only particularly interesting places.
At most, the Magical Beast Mountain Range could be added to the list.
"Haha, don't look at me. Your father's strength only amounts to this much. I've never been to the Tagor Desert, and I wouldn't dare go. That's the territory of the Snake-People Tribe. The infamous Queen Medusa lives deep within that desert."
Meeting Xiao Yan's gaze, Xiao Zhan laughed.
Then he changed tack. "But speaking of the imperial capital, I do know a few people there. As it happens, Yan'er has a marriage agreement with the Nalan Family in the capital. Old Master Nalan is tremendously powerful, ranking among the top ten in the entire Jia Ma Empire. How about this? I'll give you a token to carry with you. If you need anything when you reach the capital, you can ask the Nalan Family for help. Knowing the old master as I do, he certainly won't refuse."
Before Nalan Yanran came to annul the engagement, Xiao Zhan had nothing but goodwill toward the Nalan Family. He felt certain his future in-laws would not deny him face over such a small matter.
He simply never imagined what a surprise those fine future in-laws would give him.
As for Xiao Yan's engagement, only Xiao Xun'er, Xiao Yi Xian, and her mother had been unaware of it. Upon hearing the news, they could not help giving Xiao Yan another look.
That was all.
Xiao Zhan acted as soon as he spoke, immediately searching his Storage Ring for a token that could establish his identity.
Yet after looking through his belongings, the only symbolic item he seemed to have was the Clan Leader's jade token.
Xiao Zhan felt a little regretful. Had he known, he would have had some elder tokens, Guest Elder tokens, and the like made for the Xiao Clan.
"Er, I'd better write a letter instead. Old Master Nalan and I were fairly well acquainted back then. He'll recognize my handwriting."
The Tou She Ancient God Jade, which Xiao Zhan regarded as the jade token representing his position as Clan Leader, certainly could not be given away.
Although he did not know the jade token's true significance, it had been passed down from generation to generation as the symbol of the Clan Leader's authority and held great importance to the Xiao Clan.
Chen Cang did not refuse Xiao Zhan's kindness, even though he felt it would be of little use.
They talked from early morning until noon before Chen Cang finally decided to set out.
Declining everyone's offer to see him off, Chen Cang departed with the Void Pegasus Beast from the mountain behind the Xiao Clan.
First stop, Tagor!
The Void Pegasus Beast was astonishingly fast. In just a few breaths, it had already reached the far edge of the sky.
Only then did Xiao Xun'er and Ling Ying emerge from their hiding place.
"Elder Ling, will Brother Chen Cang be in danger? What if he encounters Queen Medusa?"
"Don't worry, young lady. That boy is only one step away from Dou Ling now. With his exceptional cultivation method and seemingly endless tricks, he wouldn't be afraid even if he encountered a genuine Dou Ling. In fact, the other party might be the one in danger. As for Queen Medusa, the leader of an entire tribe doesn't have that much time on her hands. You should understand that better than most, young lady."
Xiao Xun'er nodded silently in agreement, yet a trace of worry lingered in her heart.
That was true under normal circumstances, but what if something unexpected happened?
Two flowers bloomed, each with its own story.
Meanwhile, Chen Cang naturally knew what the greatest danger in the Tagor Desert was.
Thus, although he had spoken of wandering wherever he pleased, he had actually planned his route long ago, keeping as far from the desert's center as possible.
Even with the Void Pegasus Beast as his trump card, he absolutely could not act recklessly. Any notion of becoming the Dou Qi Continent's Xu Xian had to be strangled at its source.
At least until he broke through to Dou Wang, Queen Medusa was the woman Chen Cang respected most. His answer would be the same no matter who asked.
Only reverence, no impure thoughts!
He silently repeated it several times until he, too, believed it to be true.
Mm, much more reassuring.
The journey passed without incident, and at last, as darkness fell, the man and his steed reached their destination.
Desert City!
Chen Cang had already had plans for this place two years ago, but certain circumstances had delayed them until now.
Still, that was just as well. After two years of growth, he was far more confident now.
Without any detours, Chen Cang entered the city, familiarized himself with its situation, then headed straight for its most famous Map Shop.
He had wanted to meet Ice Emperor Hai Bodong for a long time.
Chen Cang had imagined many ways his meeting with this angel investor might unfold. He might have to bluff him, or be met with disdain. Given the man's eccentric temper, he might even be attacked on sight.
But he had never imagined that, as he drew closer and closer to the Map Shop, the old fellow would suddenly take to his heels and flee for his life without any apparent reason.
Boom!
The shop collapsed with a thunderous crash, and a figure shot out from within, gliding into the distance without so much as a backward glance.
The icy-blue Dou Qi pushed to its utmost limit and the panicked retreating figure both laid bare the terror in their owner's heart.
"Huh?"
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