Chapter 55: The Appearance of Yao Lao

In the rear mountain of the Xiao family, Xiao Yan sat on the mountain peak, his mind elsewhere. He gazed at the steep, mist-covered mountain range opposite him.

There lay the infamous Magical Beast Mountain Range of the Jia Ma Empire.

«Strength… In this world, without strength, you're worse than dog shit! At least no one dares to step on dog shit!» Xiao Yan's shoulders shook slightly as he let out a low, self-deprecating laugh, filled with bitter indignation and humiliation.

His fingers ran through his black hair, teeth biting hard on his lips, allowing the faint taste of blood to spread in his mouth.

Although he didn't show any inappropriate emotions in the hall, Nalan Yanran's words were like knives cutting into his heart, filling him with shame and making his whole body tremble.

«I never want to endure today's humiliation again!» Xiao Yan's voice was hoarse but resolute, tinged with bitterness and helplessness.

«Heh heh, little one, it looks like you need some help!»

Suddenly, an elderly, strange laugh echoed in Xiao Yan's ears.

Xiao Yan's face changed, and he jumped up, his sharp, eagle-like eyes scanning around, but he found no one.

«Heh heh, no need to look. I'm on your finger.»

Just as Xiao Yan thought he might have been hallucinating, the strange laugh sounded again.

His pupils contracted, and Xiao Yan's gaze fixed on the black, ancient-looking ring on his right hand.

It was a relic left by his mother.

«Is it you speaking?» Xiao Yan forced himself to stay calm, trying to keep his voice steady.

«You've got good composure, kid…» The mocking laugh came from the ring.

After a brief silence, Xiao Yan asked clearly, «Who are you? Why are you in my ring? What do you want?»

«Don't worry about who I am. I won't harm you. Ah, after all these years, I finally found someone with a strong enough soul. I'm lucky. Heh heh… Hmm? Someone's coming, kid. I'll explain later.»

The elderly voice suddenly fell silent.

…

«Someone's coming?» Xiao Yan frowned, turning his gaze towards the direction up the mountain.

Soon, he heard the rustling of branches and footsteps on the fallen leaves, and two figures appeared in his sight.

«Father, and Mr. Wei!» Xiao Yan thought.

Soon, Xiao Zhan arrived before Xiao Yan with Wei Yang.

Xiao Zhan stepped forward, patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder with a sigh, his tone concerned, «I knew you'd be here.»

«Father…» Xiao Yan lowered his head in shame, «I disgraced you today.»

Xiao Zhan shook his head with guilt, sighing, «It's not your fault. It's mine… But I hope you understand, as the head of the Xiao family, I have to consider the consequences…»

Xiao Yan shook his head, interrupting, «Father, you don't need to say more. I understand.»

Both father and son fell silent.

But soon, Xiao Zhan reacted, turning to Wei Yang with an apologetic smile, «I'm sorry.»

«No problem,» Wei Yang waved his hand, smiling at Xiao Zhan, «Xiao clan leader, you can leave us alone. I'd like to speak with Xiao Yan privately.»

«Here?» Xiao Zhan was surprised.

«Here,» Wei Yang nodded firmly, «Just make sure no one disturbs us.»

«Alright!» Xiao Zhan hesitated briefly but then agreed. He patted Xiao Yan's head lightly, smiling, «Yan'er, Mr. Wei promised to treat your body, remember?»

Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with hesitation but quickly nodded, «Of course, I've been looking forward to this day.»

«Well, I brought Mr. Wei for you,» Xiao Zhan smiled, then turned to Wei Yang, «Mr. Wei, I'll leave this to you.»

Wei Yang nodded.

Then Xiao Zhan gave Xiao Yan an encouraging look and left.

…

When only Xiao Yan and Wei Yang were left at the mountaintop, Xiao Yan's gaze towards Wei Yang was complex, with a mix of shame, anxiety, and a hint of worry.

Wei Yang smiled, «Xiao Yan, we meet again.»

«Mr. Wei,» Xiao Yan adjusted his mood, respectfully cupping his hands.

Wei Yang waved his hand, smiling, «No need to be so formal, Xiao Yan. I'm only three years older than you; we're peers. Relax.»

Hearing this, Xiao Yan relaxed a bit and smiled, then asked, «Mr. Wei, I wonder…»

Wei Yang's gaze fell on the ring on Xiao Yan's right hand.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan's pupils contracted. He felt like a thief caught red-handed, becoming flustered. He first tried to hide his hand in his sleeve but then gritted his teeth and exposed the ring entirely to Wei Yang's gaze.

His feelings were conflicted; he wanted to hide the ring but also feared the elderly voice.

Since Wei Yang had noticed, Xiao Yan decided not to hide it anymore.

Wei Yang smiled slightly, cupping his hands towards the ring, «Senior, please show yourself.»

…

The atmosphere on the mountaintop turned deathly silent.

Cold sweat seeped from Xiao Yan's forehead, and he bit his teeth hard, not daring to make a sound, except for his heaving chest and slightly rapid breathing.

Could it be true that an old monster was living in his ring?!

The thought of wearing this ring every day, even while sleeping, made him shiver.

He wanted to take the ring off and throw it far away.

But he resisted the urge.

After a moment.

Seeing no reaction from the ring, Wei Yang lowered his hands and chuckled, «Senior, I know you can hear me. There's no need to be cautious; I mean no harm. I sensed your presence three months ago. If I intended harm, I wouldn't come alone.»

After speaking, Wei Yang quietly watched the ancient black ring, his eyes slightly narrowed.

Given Yao Lao's current state, if careful, Wei Yang should be safe. Even if outmatched, he could fly away.

But he had to be wary of Yao Lao's Bone Chilling Flame!

That thing was untouchable.

With these thoughts, Wei Yang's muscles tensed slightly, ready to flee.

But Yao Lao probably wouldn't attack rashly. Xiao Yan was still here.

If necessary, Wei Yang wouldn't hesitate to use Xiao Yan to threaten Yao Lao.

Yao Lao, having searched so long for a suitable disciple, wouldn't give him up easily.

…

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan's back was soaked with cold sweat, and his right hand trembled.

The invisible pressure was overwhelming.

Finally.

An elderly voice echoed in the space, «Little one, what do you want from me?»

As the voice fell, a transparent, elderly figure slowly emerged from the ring.

«You…» Xiao Yan was like a startled cat, his pupils shrinking to needle points. He couldn't hold back, tearing the ring from his finger and throwing it far away.

He almost shouted, «A ghost!»

Then Xiao Yan darted to Wei Yang's side, trembling as he stared at the elderly, ethereal figure.

The ring, just a few meters away, was pulled back by an invisible force into the translucent old man's hand.

(End of the chapter)