Chapter 170

Rou Ling stared at the familiar yet unfamiliar face in shock. The usually calm and gentle like water, Rou Ling's mind was in turmoil. 

A few days ago, she learned about the massacre of the Xiao Clan from Xiao Yan, and the latter claimed to be the only survivor. This sudden news shook her heart; Rou Ling was sad after learning about Xiao Yu's death. 

Not only Xiao Yu was her favorite student, but Rou Ling also doted on Xiao Yu as if she were her daughter. 

For the last few days, Rou Ling drowned in sadness, stayed in her pavilion, and did not step out. 

Today, after the guard revealed the identity of the student reporting, a glimmer of hope appeared in her dull eyes, and Rou Ling rushed out. 

...

Rou Ling kept staring at Xiao Ning, which made the latter helpless. He couldn't comprehend why Instructor Rou Ling's eyes showed sadness. 

"Student Xiao Ning, where have you been all this time? How is Xiao Yu? Is she alive?" Rou Ling asked in a hoarse voice. A glimmer of hope appeared in her eyes when she asked Xiao Ning. 

Xiao Ning was stunned and only reacted after a moment. Instantly, various thoughts flashed in his mind, and finally, he decided not to reveal his secret. 

He organized his words and said, "I was away from the Wu Tian city when the tragedy happened." 

Xiao Ning told the half-truth but did not explain it to her. Even if he knew that Rou Ling's affection for Xiao Yu was real; Xiao Ning couldn't risk the lives of his clan members. 

It was his duty as the patriarch to make tough decisions. 

Xiao Ning's words shattered the last trace of hope in Rou Ling's heart. Her eyes dimmed, and she stood blankly for a moment before she barely forced out a smile and gestured Xiao Ning to follow her. 

...

Xiao Ning sat cross-legged on his bed and smiled wryly. He recalled Instructor Rou Ling's expression and felt bad for concealing it from her. 

A few minutes ago, Xiao Ning followed Instructor Rou Ling and settled in an empty room. "Come down in the evening," Rou Ling left after leaving a sentence behind. 

Xiao Ning could understand the latter's current emotional status and chose to stay silent. Xiao Ning took a deep breath and calmed his agitated mood. A few peaceful days didn't make him forget his purpose of coming to the academy. 

'There is still a long way to go,' Xiao Ning thought and sighed lightly. He closed his eyes and meditated for the rest of the time. 

A few hours later, Xiao Ning followed Instructor Rou Ling's instructions, and unhurriedly walked toward the room. Xiao Ning guessed the reason why the instructor had called him here, and a sneer appeared on his face. 

It was as he had anticipated; Xiao Ning walked into the room, and he saw three familiar figures sitting. A cold light flashed in the depths of Xiao Ning's eyes when he saw Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er, but no one discovered it. 

Xiao Ning expressionlessly glanced at Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er and nodded to Instructor Rou Ling with a slight smile. He then proceeded to sit on the only empty seat in the room. 

Instructor Rou Ling smiled gently and said, "Xiao Ning, just like you, Xiao Yan was also lucky enough to avoid the disaster." 

Everyone reacted differently after hearing her words; Xiao Yan's corner of his eyes twitched as if he recalled something terrifying. Gu Xun Er's smile disappeared, and a glint of golden flashed in Xiao Ning's eyes. 

Rou Ling sensed the weird atmosphere and reacted immediately. She changed the topic and started introducing the academy. Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er were not unaware of it. They were also given an introduction at the beginning. 

She spoke about it again only for Xiao Ning; one could already see the degree of importance Rou Ling placed on Xiao Ning. 

Xiao Ning listened patiently and nodded from time to time while the latter two also smiled politely. Rou Ling smiled after seeing this. 

Soon, they ate and chatted for some time before Rou Ling waved her hand, gesturing them to leave. At the same time, Xiao Ning also learned that there are two days before the qualifying competition. 

 "Xiao Yan, stop; I have something to discuss privately." The moment they stepped out of the room, Xiao Ning spoke suddenly. 

The moment Xiao Ning's voice fell, the atmosphere became tense, and both Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er became vigilant. 

"Can I join Xiao Ning, big brother?" As Xiao Yan was thinking about whether to follow Xiao Ning or not, Gu Xun Er smiled lightly and asked in a soft voice. 

Gu Xun Er's words surprised both Xiao Ning and Xiao Yan. Xiao Ning thought for a moment and looked at Xiao Yan weirdly before he nodded, "You may follow; do as you wish." 

Xiao Ning spoke blandly, he turned around and steadily walked towards his room; Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er followed behind him in doubt. 

...

Xiao Yan sat beside Gu Xun Er, and Xiao Ning sat opposite them. He poured tea and placed the tea cups in front of them. Xiao Ning picked one in front of him and took a sip before he said, "I called you here to talk about the Xiao Clan." 

Xiao Ning's words attracted Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er's attention. 

"Did anyone else survive apart from you?" Xiao Ning asked Xiao Yan. He needed to know before he could tell Xiao Yan the real reason for calling him here. 

Xiao Yan hesitated momentarily before he glanced at Gu Xun Er beside him and only spoke after seeing her nod, "Apart from me, my two elder brothers escaped." 

Xiao Ning looked thoughtfully at their interaction and inferred that Gu Clan might have saved them. As for their whereabouts? It was easy to guess. 

Xiao Ning nodded before his face turned solemn, and said, "I barely managed to escape from the disaster, and I have also guessed the reason why they massacred the Xiao Clan." 

He then pointed his finger at Xiao Yan and said, "It was all because of your rash behavior and openly challenging the Misty Cloud Sect."