XIAO FAMILY

"Can't you make a different request, my lord? You should know how important a storage ring is to an alchemist."

Even though Gu He realized that the man before him was a powerful Dou Ancestor, he hesitated, trying to negotiate. His storage ring contained valuable and rare medicinal recipes and pills. Handing it over would severely hinder his ability to continue refining pills for a long time.

"I don't care about any of that. If you think those things aren't worth your life, I'll gladly deliver you to Mulan Valley instead."

Xie Tianxiao said coldly, watching Gu He's indecision. He then slowly extended his right hand, and an invisible force began to emanate, enveloping Gu He.

Seeing Xie Tianxiao's movement, Gu He's eyes widened in panic, 

 "Wait! Please, my lord. I am willing to hand over the ring!"

Gu He had only been testing the waters, but he hadn't expected Xie Tianxiao to immediately show killing intent. If he had hesitated any longer, his newly spared life would have been lost.

 "Too late!"

Xie Tianxiao's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he clenched his fist. A formidable force erupted from his body, spreading out in all directions.

Gu He felt immense pain as his already injured body was wracked with agony. He coughed up blood, his legs giving out as he collapsed to his knees.

Xie Tianxiao extended his hand, and a massive hand of fire-attributed Dou Qi appeared, grasping Gu He's neck and lifting him into the air.

 "M-my lord…" 

Gu He's feet dangled as he struggled for breath, his vision dimming. Just when he thought he might suffocate, Xie Tianxiao released his grip.

"Huff!"

Gasping for air, Gu He collapsed to the ground, desperately inhaling the fresh air.

 "Ah!"

But before he could catch his breath, he screamed in pain as his finger, which bore the ring, was burned to ashes by a black and white flame, leaving only the small storage ring, which slowly floated over to Xie Tianxiao.

"This is just a lesson."

"Remember, when dealing with someone stronger, don't try to play tricks, and never defy their words. The consequences are beyond your imagination."

Xie Tianxiao coldly warned as he stored Gu He's ring.

"Yes… Thank you, my lord, for your guidance…"

Gu He, now kneeling on the ground, buried his head deeply, speaking with difficulty.

There was nothing he could do; he was powerless in the face of such overwhelming strength. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but he had no choice.

 "Sigh… I didn't want to do this, but why do you people only behave when I take action? That elder from Mulan Valley was much smarter than you." 

 Seeing Gu He in such a pitiful state, Xie Tianxiao shook his head with a sigh.

"You could have barely flown back before, but now… I won't bother with you anymore."

He sneered, looking at Gu He, who was too injured to even lift his head.

With a leap, Xie Tianxiao soared toward the distant horizon.

After Xie Tianxiao's figure disappeared completely, Gu He lay on the ground, groaning in pain.

 "I hate this… Where did that Dou ancestor come from, and why is he so erratic and cruel…?"

He stared up at the sky, his expression changing from anger to helplessness and despair.

Not long after, a mother and her child passed by. The little girl, noticing Gu He, curiously pointed and said, 

 "Mommy, look, there's a strange uncle over there."

--------------

After leaving, Xie Tianxiao didn't give Gu He another thought. Instead, he muttered to himself, 

"Wutan City, huh? I wonder if Yao Chen has woken up, if Xiao Yan has broken off the engagement, and whether he's said that classic line yet."

 As Xie Tianxiao flew through the sky, he thought about all the possible events that might have already taken place, his heart filled with anticipation.

Of course, his anticipation wasn't because he wanted to become Xiao Yan's protector or babysitter. He was simply interested in witnessing the indomitable spirit of youth that Xiao Yan embodied—a spirit that Xie Tianxiao admired.

And even if anyone were to fawn over someone, it would be Xiao Yan who should be fawning over him! After all, he was fortunate enough to have fused with a powerful figure after his transmigration. But knowing Xiao Yan's character, he doubted that would ever happen.

**Jia Ma Empire, Wutan City.**

The Xiao Clan's square was bustling with activity, crowded with people.

"It's time for the test again today."

"Yeah, I hope I can reach Dou Qi stage seven this time. Otherwise, I'll be sent off to manage the family's businesses in a remote area next year."

 "Hey, do you guys think our young genius Xiao Yan will drop even lower in Dou Qi this time?"

"You mean that genius who started training at four, reached Dou Qi stage nine at ten, and broke through to Dou practitioner at eleven?"

"Genius? More like a has-been. I bet he'll drop even further in the Dou Qi test this time."

 The crowd was abuzz with chatter, with various expressions ranging from excitement and regret to envy and jealousy. Some were genuinely concerned, while others took pleasure in mocking the former prodigy of the Xiao Clan.

In short, the square was filled with all sorts of voices, but everyone's attention was focused on one place—the stone tablet at the center of the square.

At this moment, the black testing stone tablet lit up, displaying golden characters.

 "Xiao Mei, Dou Qi, stage six!"

The middle-aged man next to the testing stone glanced at the displayed information and announced loudly.

"Yay!"

Hearing the result, the young girl's face lit up with a radiant smile. She clenched her fists in excitement, her cheeks flushed with joy.

"Wow, Xiao Mei reached stage six of Dou Qi! That's amazing!"

"She's only thirteen, right?"

"Yeah, at this rate, she'll probably reach stage seven by next year!"

The crowd murmured in admiration, making the girl's smile even brighter. Vanity was an irresistible temptation for many girls…

The girl was about fourteen years old, not yet a true beauty, but her youthful face held a hint of charm. The combination of innocence and allure made her the center of attention…

"Next, Xiao Xun'er!"

 The tester's voice rang out again, and the crowd suddenly quieted down. All eyes turned to a young girl in a purple dress standing gracefully in the crowd.

The girl had a calm and serene expression, her delicate face remaining unchanged despite the attention. Her ethereal and indifferent demeanour, like a lotus blooming in the early morning, made it hard to imagine how stunning she would be when she grew up…

______________________

______________________

END