Chapter 106: Xiao Qian's Breakthrough and Goals

With Xiao Qian's company, Lu An's journey was much enriched.

They practiced together daily, exchanged moves, and not only did their cultivation improve rapidly, but they also mastered many new techniques.

However, Lu An's progress was minuscule compared to Xiao Qian's. For some unknown reason, every time they practiced together, Xiao Qian's cultivation soared like a rocket, while Lu An only made slight progress.

He pondered for a long time but couldn't figure out the reason, so he eventually gave up.

He also did not neglect the "Basic Array Formation Compendium" that Yuan Zong had given him. Although it was a beginner's guide to formations, its difficulty exceeded his expectations.

Many parts were extremely obscure, but he could often consult Yuan Zong; otherwise, it would have been very hard for him to make progress on his own.

This was expected, as the study of formations, like talismans, was inherently difficult.

He had the Four Treasures of the Study in his spiritual sea to help him improve quickly in talismans. However, the study of formations had to rely on his own slow comprehension, making it much slower.

Despite this, studying formations broadened Lu An's horizons, revealing many similarities with talismans. If he delved deeply into formations, the two might indeed complement each other.

Xiao Qian, on the other hand, no longer wore a mask and resumed her true appearance. The reason she had been wearing the mask was that it was inconvenient to explain to the people from Lingfu Residence, but now there was no need for concealment.

However, after she revealed her true face, it still drew astonished reactions from people on the boat.

Yuan Zong even reproached Lu An, saying he kept a beautiful woman hidden and didn't inform his brother, making him suffer in ignorance.

Li Li, having seen Xiao Qian before, was not too surprised, but she did not visit Lu An again afterward.

In the blink of an eye, five months had passed.

One day, an astonishing fluctuation suddenly erupted from Lu An's room.

The fluctuation was so intense that even the room's restrictions couldn't completely contain it.

Others immediately felt the anomaly and went out to investigate.

Lu An stood at the door, stopping those who came.

"Xiao Qian is in the crucial stage of her breakthrough. Please forgive any disturbance caused."

The others immediately showed understanding.

"Miss Xiao Qian is about to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage. Congratulations!"

"Friend Ye has broken through to the late stage in such a short time. She must have put in a lot of effort these days."

Lu An had an odd expression, feeling that there was some ambiguity in what was said. However, seeing the sincere expressions of the crowd, he returned their greetings.

They had been together for five months, and this journey represented Yongning County. They shared both honor and misfortune, and there were no grudges among them, so their interactions were quite good.

While everyone was chatting, the door of the room opened from the inside, and Ye Xiao Qian walked out slowly, her presence clearly showing the aura of the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Lu An's eyes lit up, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried about any issues, but now the breakthrough had finally succeeded.

Ye Xiao Qian was also quite pleased. After such a long time, she had finally broken through again, making their trip to the palace even more promising.

At this moment, a figure appeared from the distance.

Seeing this person, everyone quickly went forward to bow.

"Greetings, Hall Master."

"Hall Master, what brings you here?"

The Hall Master did not answer immediately. Instead, she walked over to Ye Xiao Qian, looked her up and down, and praised, "Very good, very good. This girl is beautiful and her cultivation is quite impressive."

Then, she addressed the crowd, saying, "In three days, we will arrive at Wanren City. I plan to rest here for a few days before proceeding to the capital."

"I am here to remind you all that Wanren City is not like Yongning City. It is the capital of a state."

"Once we arrive there, you must be very discreet to avoid causing any trouble that might delay our journey. Do you all understand?"

Everyone bowed in response, and the Hall Master nodded in satisfaction before turning to leave.

After everyone dispersed, Lu An and Ye Xiao Qian returned to their room.

"With your talent, I am truly envious. You've broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage, surpassing me by two small realms now."

Ye Xiao Qian smiled slightly and said, "These days, it's all thanks to you and that Qi Gathering Array that I could break through to the late stage before we reach the capital."

"I believe this will give us even more confidence in our mission."

Lu An nodded and asked, "You've been avoiding telling me your goal despite my repeated inquiries. Now that we are almost at our destination, aren't you going to tell me?"

Ye Xiao Qian pondered for a moment, seemingly having made some decision, and then said, "This matter is a secret of Lingxiao Pavilion and is not supposed to be disclosed to anyone."

"But given our relationship, I shouldn't hide it from you."

She took a breath and continued, "The target of my mission is actually a prince from Zhao Country."

Lu An's eyes showed a trace of confusion. A prince from Zhao Country to be assassinated in Qi Country's palace?

Ye Xiao Qian explained, "The Shui Tian Dharma Assembly is a grand event in Qi Country, and neighboring countries are invited to attend."

"At that time, talents from various countries may showcase their skills to demonstrate their country's strength."

"However, this time, the Zhao Country delegation has a different mission. They want their Seventh Prince to marry our Qi Country's eldest princess."

"The Seventh Prince is said to be naturally dull, and only with the continuous supply of medicinal pills from the Zhao royal family has he barely reached the Foundation Establishment stage."

"The eldest princess, on the other hand, is exceptionally intelligent and extraordinarily beautiful. Although she is only a few years older than me, she entered the late Foundation Establishment stage four or five years earlier."

"It's a pity that she is a woman, and her mother is missing, leaving no one to support her."

Lu An realized with a start. It seemed the Seventh Prince was indeed not worthy of the eldest princess.

But his doubts grew. Even if she did not obstruct the marriage, wouldn't the Qi Emperor disagree with such a union?

Moreover, what does this marriage have to do with Lingxiao Pavilion?

He voiced his doubts, and surprisingly, Ye Xiao Qian was also unsure of the reasons behind this.

Ye Xiao Qian shook her head and said, "The Pavilion Master seems to care deeply about this matter but hasn't explained it to us."

"She has only given a strict order to eliminate the Zhao Country's Seventh Prince and sabotage the marriage."

"As for why the Qi Emperor would agree to this, I suspect it has something to do with the beast tide, but the specifics are unknown."

Hearing this, Lu An's expression grew serious.

He thought for a moment before speaking slowly, "Assassinating a Zhao Country prince in Qi Country could have significant repercussions and might even trigger a war between the two countries."

"Not to mention the Zhao delegation, even the Qi Emperor would not spare you."

Xiao Qian shook her head and said, "The Pavilion Master said that the Qi Emperor himself did not wish for the marriage, so our actions align with his wishes."

Lu An frowned slightly, disagreeing with this notion. "Regardless of his thoughts, if the Zhao Country prince dies in the Qi Country palace, there will need to be an explanation."

"If they hand you over, won't that be a serious problem?"

Xiao Qian pondered for a moment before confirming, "The Pavilion Master said that this is something the Qi Emperor owes her and will not cause trouble for me. I trust the Pavilion Master."