Departure

After settling things with Tutor Ruolin, Xiao Yu felt relieved. However, seeing Xun'er looking a bit downcast, his heart couldn't help but feel a little heavy. He quickly grabbed Xun'er's small hand and, under the somewhat surprised gazes of the others, led her out of the tent.

"Yu'er, what is the relationship between your younger brother and this little girl, Xun'er?" someone asked.

Xiao Yu pursed her rosy lips and responded, "Childhood sweethearts."

Everyone immediately understood. It seemed that these two talented youths were quite a match for each other.

Xiao Yu held Xun'er's hand as they walked slowly through the city of Wutan. Xun'er remained silent, letting herself be led by Xiao Yu. Stopping, Xiao Yu gently lifted her small face, seeing her big eyes filled with tears, her expression tender and pitiable. Xiao Yu's heart ached as he softly reassured her, "Don't worry, I promise I'll come to Canaan Academy to find you in a year. If things go smoothly, I might be able to return in just a little over half a year!"

Xun'er finally spoke in a soft voice, "Really? You promise not to go back on your word?"

"Really, I promise!" Xiao Yu hugged Xun'er tightly, whispering into her ear, "I won't make you wait too long."

Xun'er buried her face in Xiao Yu's chest, breathing in his scent with a hint of longing, and softly replied, "Okay."

Seeing that Xun'er's mood had improved slightly, Xiao Yu continued walking with her. For a brief moment, he had considered not going to the Magical Beast Mountain Range and staying by Xun'er's side. But he knew his strength needed to improve. He was aware of the power of the ancient clans, who didn't even consider Dou Ancestor-level experts significant. As weak as he was now, strength was the key to any negotiations.

After spending a long time with Xun'er, Xiao Yu finally returned to his room. Now that everything was settled, he planned to leave after sending Xun'er off to join the flight bound for Canaan Academy.

Over the next seven days, Xiao Yu stayed by Xun'er's side. As the departure day for Canaan Academy drew closer, Xun'er became increasingly silent, her reluctance to part with him evident.

Xiao Yu wasn't idle either. Aside from spending time with Xun'er, he went to the market to buy a tent, dry rations, some important herbs, and beast-repelling potions. He also visited the Mittel Auction House. Unfortunately, Yafei had already been transferred back to the Mittel family headquarters in the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire. Xiao Yu didn't think much of it; after all, he and Xiao Yan had helped raise her standing within the family through their actions at the auction house. Now that her experience was sufficient, it made sense for her to return to the headquarters.

Seven days later, the flying team from Canaan Academy finally arrived in Wutan City, and the academy's recruitment team was preparing to depart.

At the same square as before, Xiao Yu led Xun'er to the crowded area, where many new students were preparing to leave for Canaan Academy. Xiao Yu even spotted Luo Bu, whom he had injured with a single punch. Luo Bu's eyes flashed with both fear and a hint of resentment, but Xiao Yu only smiled. Why would he care about the hatred of a weakling?

As the new students boarded the flying vessels, Xun'er couldn't resist leaving a soft kiss on Xiao Yu's cheek before turning and walking away without looking back. Xiao Yu, his face complicated, said to Xiao Yu, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her."

Xiao Yu smiled faintly and nodded. "Thank you."

With the departure of the Canaan Academy team, the square suddenly felt much emptier. A sense of loneliness and melancholy flickered in Xiao Yu's heart.

"It's time to leave," Xiao Yu thought to himself. He returned to the Xiao family and informed his father of his plans in the study. Although his father was reluctant, he didn't try to stop him. "Though the two elders have spoken not highly of your talent, I believe in you. Destiny is in your own hands. Go without worry. If you ever get the chance, visit the Stone Desert City on the border of the Jia Ma Empire. Your brothers are there, and they've established a mercenary group called 'Desert Iron,' which has some influence in the region."

Xiao Yu nodded. "Don't worry, Father. I'll make sure to visit."

After leaving the study, Xiao Yu returned to his room to pack. Before leaving, he took one last look around his room, sighed softly, and said, "I wonder when I'll be back again." He then set aside his sadness and left without hesitation.

Thus, Xiao Yu's legendary journey on the Dou Qi Continent began to unfold.

---

**Cloud Mist Sect**

At the peak of Yunlan Mountain, where clouds swirled like an ethereal paradise, a woman dressed in a pale blue gown sat on a protruding rock ledge near the cliff, forming cultivation seals with her hands. Her eyes were closed in meditation, and the Dou Qi circulating within her body was absorbed with each breath. A faint, light blue aura spiraled around her before being refined and absorbed into her body. This woman was none other than Nalan Yanran, cultivating at the Cloud Mist Sect.

As Nalan Yanran trained, a graceful figure rapidly ascended from the base of the mountain and soon arrived at the peak. The newcomer was a woman dressed in a simple but elegant robe, her full figure wrapped in the fabric, and her long hair styled in a noble phoenix bun. Her calm, breathtaking beauty was almost otherworldly. This was Yun Yun, the sect master of the Cloud Mist Sect and a Dou Emperor expert.

Nalan Yanran absorbed the last trace of blue aura into her body, opened her eyes, and glanced at Yun Yun at the peak. With a light tap of her toes, she gracefully returned to the mountaintop in an instant, displaying a profound mastery of movement techniques.

Yun Yun smiled warmly. "Your talent and dedication are what I value most about you. It seems you haven't disappointed me."

Nalan Yanran bowed slightly and replied with a light smile, "I would never disappoint you, Master. Is there something you need me to do?"

Yun Yun nodded. "Yes, I see you've reached a bottleneck in your cultivation. I'm planning to head to the Magical Beast Mountain Range to borrow the Ziling Crystal from the Purple-Gold Winged Lion King."

"The Purple-Gold Winged Lion King?" Nalan Yanran was shocked. "That's a Tier 6 magical beast. Are you confident, Master?"

Yun Yun didn't elaborate but instead offered some advice. "Don't worry about that. Focus on your cultivation. While I'm away, you'll need to handle the sect's affairs."

"Yes, Master," Nalan Yanran nodded.

"Also, regarding the engagement cancellation, your father is aware of it. You'll have to explain it to him yourself. Though, out of respect for me, he won't make a scene, but he will likely be upset. You'll need to have a good talk with him," Yun Yun advised.

Nalan Yanran sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "I understand, Master. I'll explain everything to him personally."

After Yun Yun left, Nalan Yanran stood at the edge of the cliff, facing the wind, and muttered, "Xiao Yu, Xiao Yan, in just over a year, I'll be waiting for you at the Cloud Mist Sect."