Xue Lan

**Chapter 57 - Snow Lan**

Little Doctor Immortal was equally shocked. She hadn't expected such a situation and glared at Xiao Yu, who had his eyes shut. She quickly took out a piece of clothing and, seeing the snake-woman's confused expression, sighed softly and helped her put on the clothes.

Once the snake-woman was dressed, Xiao Yu opened his eyes, muttering to himself, "Is this a free show?"

However, noticing Little Doctor Immortal's odd look, Xiao Yu could only smile awkwardly. After tidying up, he said, "Since we're all set, let's continue. We should be nearing Stone Desert City."

Little Doctor Immortal nodded slightly, and the snake-woman, of course, was content to follow Xiao Yu.

The trio made their way toward Stone Desert City. Soon, the massive outline of the city on the eastern edge of the Tager Desert appeared in the distance.

Xiao Yu looked at the city and exhaled with relief. "Finally, we've arrived!"

"Yes, let's hurry. It's getting dark!" Little Doctor Immortal reminded them.

After traveling through the desert for seven or eight days, the relentless sandstorm had left everyone exhausted, and they were in urgent need of a place to rest.

They soon arrived at the city gates. Xiao Yu's second-tier alchemist robes earned him great respect from the soldiers at the gate, and passersby cast admiring glances at him.

However, Xiao Yu disliked the attention and quickly removed his alchemist robes, feeling much better without being gawked at.

The guards and defenses of Stone Desert City were stronger than those in the interior cities of the Gamma Empire, likely due to the frequent presence of snake-people. Soldiers were seen patrolling the city.

Although Stone Desert City wasn't large, it was sizeable. Xiao Yu stopped a passerby and asked, "Hello, can you tell me where the Mo-Tie Mercenary Group is?" He handed over a bag of gold coins.

The passerby's eyes lit up upon seeing the coins. He quickly said, "I'll take you there. Follow me!"

Xiao Yu smiled. "That would be great!"

Under the guide's direction, the trio made their way south through several winding streets until they reached a large courtyard. A flag fluttered above the courtyard with the words "Mo-Tie Mercenary Group" written on it.

"This is the place. I won't go in with you," the guide said, waving before leaving.

Xiao Yu observed several burly men standing outside the courtyard, armed and positioned by the gate. Their sharp eyes and the faint aura of iron and blood emanating from them made Xiao Yu remark, "It looks like the older brother and second brother are doing well here."

Little Doctor Immortal nodded. "Establishing such a significant force in this place is no easy feat."

Xiao Yu smiled. "Of course. Father once said that the older brother is exceptionally intelligent, while the second brother is cautious and ruthless. They complement each other perfectly. I'll go ask if they're here."

As Xiao Yu stepped forward, the burly men's attention focused on him. One of them asked gruffly, "What's your business?"

Xiao Yu smiled. "I'm here to see your group leader and second leader. I have business to discuss."

The burly men appraised Xiao Yu and then looked at Little Doctor Immortal and the snake-woman behind him. After a brief hesitation, one of them said, "Wait here. I'll inform them."

At that moment, a graceful figure emerged from the courtyard. The woman, around twenty years old, had an exquisite face, with brows arched defiantly like a desert leopard. Her bold attire revealed a bronze-toned, slender waist and long, alluring legs.

"What's going on?" the woman asked coolly.

The burly man bowed slightly and said, "Three people have come outside, claiming they want to discuss business with the group leaders."

The woman looked over at Xiao Yu and then said, "Hold on. I'll check it out."

"Understood."

The woman approached Xiao Yu and asked, "Are you here to discuss business with our leaders?"

Xiao Yu smiled. "Yes, is there a problem?"

The woman scrutinized Xiao Yu and his companions, then shook her head. "You don't really look like you're here for business."

Xiao Yu glanced at the woman and suddenly asked, "Aren't you Xue Lan?"

Se Lan frowned slightly, her eyes showing a hint of wariness. "We haven't met before, how do you know my name?" She signaled to the burly men nearby.

The mercenaries gathered around, but Xiao Yu remained calm and smiled. "We haven't met, but I've heard my older brother mention you."

Xue Lan's curiosity was piqued, and she started to doubt Xiao Yu's business claim, thinking he might be here to cause trouble.

Xiao Yu continued, "Don't be hasty. Why don't you ask your leaders if they know someone named Xiao Yu? Also, you might not be a match for me, so there's no need to make things difficult."

"Arrogant!" one of the burly men shouted angrily.

Anyone hearing Xiao Yu's words would think him arrogant. The surrounding mercenaries, most of whom were at least five-star Dou Practitioners, were offended and ready to teach him a lesson.

Just as Little Doctor Immortal and the snake-woman were anxiously advising Xiao Yu to be cautious, Xue Lan suddenly said, "Hold on!"

The surrounding mercenaries stopped and looked at Xue Lan in confusion. Xue Lan took another careful look at Xiao Yu and noticed his resemblance to the group leader and second leader.

"You said your name is Xiao Yu?" Xue Lan asked after a moment of thought.

Xiao Yu nodded with a smile.

Xue Lan continued, "I remember the leaders mentioning they had two younger brothers with great talent, one of whom is named Xiao Yu!"

Xiao Yu added, "The other one should be called Xiao Yan, right?"

"Yes, yes! It seems you not only know the leaders but are also their brother!" Xue Lan said with delight.

Xiao Yu asked, "Now that you believe my identity, can you take me to see my older brother and second brother?"

Xue Lan nodded repeatedly. "Of course, of course. I'll take you right away!"

Just as Xue Lan was about to turn, she suddenly seemed to remember something. A blush appeared on her face, and she asked softly, "Did your older brother really mention me?"

"What?" Xiao Yu was momentarily puzzled, then recalled his earlier words. He smiled and nodded. "Of course. Would I lie to you?"

Seeing that Xue Lan was a good person, Xiao Yu decided to play along, thinking it might help with Xue Lan's relationship with Xiao Ding. Perhaps Xue Lan would become a sister-in-law in the future!