Xiao Yan's awakening filled Luo Jin with excitement and joy, and his spirits lifted considerably. Xiao Yan's face also wore the joy of surviving a calamity.
Being able to escape that dream truly gave Xiao Yan the feeling of escaping from death.
Fueled by their contrasting emotions, the two chatted like old friends who hadn't seen each other for years and were now suddenly reunited. They laughed and joked all day long, and even after dark, they continued to drink heartily until dawn the next day, when their cups were finally empty.
Although Xiao Yan and Luo Jin were both Half-Emperor, their friendship was deep, and they did not try to neutralize the alcohol in the wine, but let it run rampant in their bodies.
Therefore, after drinking all night, the two of them were flushed all over and lay sprawled on the ground. With their breathing, the entire attic was filled with a strong smell of alcohol, so strong that it had even turned into a thin bluish mist, which was unbearable.
However, the two were completely unaware of this. As their breathing gradually became steady and orderly, they fell into a deep sleep in no time. Zhang Yi was quite helpless about this and could only shake his head before leaving the chaotic Half-Emperor floor.
A few days later, in Lengcui City, an old man with an ordinary aura and a weathered face stood in front of the Cloud-Hidden Pavilion.
When pedestrians on the street saw the old man, they couldn't help but frown slightly. Cloud-Hidden Pavilion had been closed for half a year, and there was a clear sign on the door saying it was temporarily closed. Why was this strange old man standing here?
But when these pedestrians saw Zhang Yi emerge from the Cloud-Hidden Pavilion Cloud-Hidden Pavilion respectfully welcome the old man into it, their expressions froze instantly. Their mouths gaped open, and they stood there like statues, speechless for a long time.
Meanwhile, in the Cloud-Hidden Pavilion, Luo Ao finally saw Xiao Yan again.
Indeed, this seemingly powerless old man is none other than Luo Ao.
When Luo Ao first saw Xiao Yan, his worries about Xiao Yan finally dissipated. Before that, even he couldn't guarantee whether Xiao Yan would wake up, after all, Xiao Yan's injuries this time were too severe.
Fortunately, by the grace of heaven, although Xiao Yan was seriously injured, he ultimately escaped death and successfully woke up.
As Luo Ao met Xiao Yan, the latter was equally excited.
Xiao Yan had genuine respect for Luo Ao, not only because Luo Ao was his elder, but also because of the care and concern Luo Ao had shown him over the past two years.
"Haha, kid, I knew you wouldn't die so easily. It seems my hunch was right!"
Upon approaching, Luo Ao saw Xiao Yan bowing and cupping his hands in greeting, and immediately burst into laughter.
"Hehe, I've already learned about some of the things that have happened over the past six months from Brother Luo Jin. I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for your concern over the past six months!"
Xiao Yan cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Luo Ao and smiled with a tone full of reverence.
"Hehe, alright, we're all family here, why are you being so polite? Let's sit down first, and talk about everything after we're all seated."
Seeing the polite attitude between Luo Ao and Xiao Yan, Luo Jin felt somewhat uncomfortable and could only smile wryly as he addressed the two of them in unison.
Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances, then smiled at each other and, without further ado, found seats to sit down.
Although the attic space on the sixth floor was relatively small compared to the other floors, it felt quite spacious for four people. Therefore, the atmosphere inside did not become oppressive despite the brief silence.
After everyone took their seats, Xiao Yan finally looked up and smiled at the others.
"Haha, kid, you've kept us on our toes for the past six months!"
As soon as he sat down, Luo Ao chuckled and said in a joking tone.
Xiao Yan nodded upon hearing this. He was perfectly aware of the situation, and immediately stood up again, clasped his hands in a fist salute to the people in front of him, and said in a solemn voice:
" Xiao Yan is here to thank you all!"
"Haha, alright, alright, why are you being so polite all the time? Do you think we treat you like an outsider?... Let's not talk about anything else for now, let's get to the most important thing for you right now."
Upon seeing Xiao Yan stand up, Luo Ao frowned and spoke in a somewhat displeased tone, before changing the subject back to Xiao Yan.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan nodded somewhat awkwardly, gave an embarrassed smile, and then sat down again.
After Xiao Yan sat down, Luo Ao's gaze swept over the people present, finally settling on Xiao Yan. His expression gradually returned to seriousness, and he spoke:
" Xiao Yan, what is your attitude towards the Four Great Sects?"
"If we can kill him, we will show no mercy!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was taken aback at first, then his eyes gradually sharpened, Heavenly Flames surged deep in his pupils, and he spoke in a low voice.
Seeing this, Elder Luo frowned slightly. Such deep resentment was not a good thing. If Xiao Yan ever lost his rationality, it might harm him!
Luo Ao frowned, his mind racing. After a long while, he spoke again in a low voice:
"Very well, since that's the case, then please answer a few of my questions first."
"Please speak, senior."
Xiao Yan slowly regained his composure and said respectfully.
Upon seeing this, Luo Ao was slightly startled, but quickly focused his mind on the rules, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke:
" Xiao Yan, what are your thoughts on the great battle six months ago?"
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, then frowned and said in a deep voice:
"Those four sect leaders are indeed very strong. I am no match for them now."
Although these words were concise and clear, and somewhat meant to boost the morale of the others, Luo Ao nodded slightly after hearing them. It was indeed true that Xiao Yan was no match for them; in fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was no match for them.
After all, even in that great battle half a year ago, none of the four of them used their true strength. For a dignified Dou Di, that was quite shameful.
However, what made Luo Ao nod was Xiao Yan's word, "Now."
Xiao Yan is right. Right now, he is indeed no match for any of the four sect leaders, but that doesn't include the future.
Given Xiao Yan's current cultivation speed, barring any unforeseen circumstances, his future achievements will only surpass those of the four of them. This is Luo Ao's heartfelt deduction, and it reflects his confidence in Xiao Yan.
"That's good. Although the words were a bit short, they were concise and to the point, which is sufficient."
Luo Ao nodded, said something in a calm tone, then changed the subject and asked:
"So, how strong do you think those four are exactly?"
"Um..."
This time, Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment, and after a long while, he finally spoke again:
"These four are all top-tier individuals at the Dou Di level, having advanced to Dou Di many years ago. They have few rivals at the Dou Emperor Tier, but precisely because they have stagnated at their current cultivation level for so long, it will be difficult for them to make any further progress. They will likely remain at this level for the rest of their lives. Therefore, although they are very strong, there are people stronger than them. Anyone who surpasses Dou Di can easily kill them!"
Luo Ao smiled and nodded again. This was the result he wanted. He wanted Xiao Yan to tell himself that if he wanted to kill the leaders of the Four Great Sects, he had to surpass the Dou Di first. He wanted Xiao Yan to take this as a warning so that he wouldn't do anything crazy in a moment of impulsiveness.
"Hehe, thank you for your guidance, senior. Please rest assured, I will never do anything crazy. At least, I will not confront them directly until I have the strength to stand on equal footing with them."
Suddenly, Xiao Yan's respectful voice rang out again. Luo Ao immediately smiled, stroked his beard, nodded repeatedly, and said with a smile:
"Alright, kid, it's good that you have this much awareness. I was worrying too much. Compared to you, hehe, our little rascal who always wants to rely on his elders is really just a brat who will never grow up!"
At the end of his sentence, Luo Ao grinned and glanced at Luo Jin beside him. His words made the latter pout repeatedly and turn his head away helplessly. At the same time, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, which made Luo Ao burst into laughter.