Chapter 241: Huang Min Teases Zi Yan
"It's such a pity that Teacher isn't here, or we'd be able to share this joy with him!"
Outside the Heavenly Phoenix Palace in Tianwaitian.
Hearing Ling Yun's words, Xiao Xuan's expression beneath his mask softened into a small smile. Internally, he reflected, "Tianchen truly has an extraordinary eye for talent. Who would have thought his two disciples would not only be so powerful but also so grateful?"
Smiling gently, Xiao Xuan said, "You don't need to worry. Even though your teacher isn't here in Tianwaitian, I'm certain that, knowing how far you've come, he would feel immensely proud of you both."
"Proud?" Huang Min's heart stirred with a tinge of sadness.
Before her fateful battle against the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, she might have indeed been her teacher's pride. But after that defeat, guilt weighed on her, and she felt unworthy of meeting Xiao Tianchen again.
"Thank you for the praise, Lord Xuan. However, we're merely unworthy disciples. Compared to Teacher, we still have a long way to go," Ling Yun replied humbly.
"Hahaha, don't belittle yourselves. In today's Dou Qi Continent, your strength easily ranks in the top ten. Even old powerhouses like Gu Yuan and Zhu Kun wouldn't dare claim a guaranteed victory against you.
Alright, since you've successfully emerged from your training, take some time to enjoy the calm days ahead. Based on your teacher's timeline, he should return to Tianwaitian in about five years," Xiao Xuan said before turning to leave.
Following him, Muling, Tianluo, and Xiao Qing all said their goodbyes and disappeared.
Once the others had left, Huang Jiuji led Huang Min and Ling Yun into the Heavenly Phoenix Palace.
Inside the Heavenly Phoenix Palace
Seated at the head of the hall, Huang Jiuji beamed with pride as he addressed the two young phoenixes. "Min'er, Ling Yun, seeing your achievements fills this old man with joy!"
Ling Yun bowed respectfully and replied, "We owe it all to your care over the years. Without you, we wouldn't have reached where we are today."
"Hahaha! This was simply my duty," Huang Jiuji laughed heartily.
At that moment, Huang Min stepped forward and said solemnly, "It wasn't just duty. We'll never forget everything you've done for us.
But now that we've emerged from our training, I want to challenge Zhu Kun again. Teacher once forbade us from seeking him out until we reached nine star Dou Sheng strength. Now, although Teacher isn't here, we've met his condition. I'd like to go to the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan and settle things once and for all."
Her words caused neither surprise nor disapproval from Ling Yun or Huang Jiuji. The two seemed to have anticipated this moment.
After a moment of silence, Huang Jiuji shook his head with a sigh. "Min'er, you must realize that the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan has already submitted to the Xiao Clan. If you strike Zhu Kun now, it'll create problems for the Xiao Clan."
Huang Jiuji was concerned that no matter the outcome whether Huang Min defeated Zhu Kun or vice versa it would create tension for the Xiao Clan, which had worked hard to integrate the dragon clan into its fold over the past five years.
The Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan had not only sent many capable members to serve in Tianwaitian but also stationed warriors to protect Zhu Kun's daughter, Zi Yan, who was living there as a symbolic hostage. Among them was the Northern Dragon King, Zhu Guang, who now served as Xiao Qing's mount and Zi Yan's bodyguard.
Huang Min waved a dismissive hand and reassured him, "Don't worry. I will only spar with Zhu Kun to test myself. I've long since let go of past grievances. I just want to know if I can truly defeat him now."
Ling Yun added with a smile, "Please don't worry. Min Jie has moved on. We won't act recklessly or make things difficult for the Xiao Clan.
This challenge is more about settling old regrets than seeking revenge."
Ling Yun's words served as a protective cover for Huang Min. While he himself held no grudges against Zhu Kun, he had supported Huang Min in her earlier pursuits because of her strong convictions. However, their previous defeat had allowed them both to grow. For Huang Min, revenge no longer mattered; this was now about closure.
"So be it. I'll inform Xiao Qing and have him send a message to Zhu Kun. We'll arrange the duel," Huang Jiuji said with resignation.
Just as they were discussing, Huang Min and Ling Yun suddenly sensed a new presence and exchanged a glance before vanishing.
Watching them leave abruptly, Huang Jiuji's expression shifted. "Not good! They must have sensed the presence of that little girl from the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan."
Outside the Tianchen Manor
Zi Yan strolled toward the Tianchen Manor, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"Greetings, Miss Zi Yan!" Xiao Bieli, stationed at the manor entrance, greeted her warmly.
"Is Mister back yet?" Zi Yan asked, her large eyes sparkling with hope.
"Not yet, Miss Zi Yan. Didn't I tell you before? The First Grand Elder is still away in the outside world and won't return for quite some time," Xiao Bieli replied with a helpless smile.
Zi Yan pouted, clearly displeased. "If Mister doesn't come back soon, I'll have to keep eating those terrible medicine pills!"
"Haha, Miss Zi Yan, don't the medicine pills refined by the alchemists in Tianwaitian taste good enough?" Xiao Bieli teased.
"They're not bad, but they don't compare to Mister's pills! Those alchemists are so stingy. Every time I go to them, they give me a few low grade pills and send me away. Now they've even set up restrictions around the Alchemy Hall to keep me out. It's no fun at all," Zi Yan grumbled with frustration.
Huang Min and Zi Yan Meet
As Zi Yan spoke, two figures suddenly appeared nearby Huang Min and Ling Yun.
"You must be Zi Yan, Zhu Kun's little princess," Huang Min said with a teasing smile, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness.
Zi Yan turned to face them, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "And you are...?"
"Huang Min of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan. Your father and I have some unfinished business, but seeing you here, I couldn't resist taking a closer look," Huang Min replied with a sly grin.
Zi Yan puffed out her chest and declared, "If you're looking for a fight with my father, you'll have to wait until Mister returns. He promised to take care of me!"
Huang Min raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Zi Yan's fiery response. "Oh? And what makes you so confident that Mister Xiao will side with you?"
"Because Mister likes me best!" Zi Yan retorted, sticking out her tongue.
Ling Yun chuckled softly and said, "Min Jie, it seems this little dragon princess is just as feisty as the stories say."
"Feisty indeed," Huang Min replied, crossing her arms. "But let's see if she can back it up when the time comes."
The two phoenixes exchanged amused glances, leaving Zi Yan fuming but determined to prove herself.
To prevent Zi Yan from causing trouble, a protective spirit array had been set up, isolating the Alchemy Hall entirely. This precaution was necessary due to Xiao Tianchen's influence. He had previously given Zi Yan a large number of pills, claiming they were low grade. In truth, most of them were fifth, sixth, or even seventh tier pills, which Xiao Tianchen considered too low level for his use.
While these pills weren't particularly rare within the Xiao Clan, the sheer number of clan members made them too precious to be handed out like candy. However, Zi Yan had developed a taste for these pills, and after learning that Xiao Tianchen resided in the Tianchen Manor, she began visiting regularly to demand more.
Zi Yan's Visit to Tianchen Manor
"I see now," Xiao Bieli said with a smile. "Miss Zi Yan, I still have two seventh tier high grade pills that the First Grand Elder gave me years ago. If you don't mind, I'd be happy to give them to you."
Xiao Bieli, now a one star Dou Saint, still faithfully guarded the Tianchen Manor.
Zi Yan's eyes widened with excitement as she quickly retrieved two Dragon Beard Fruits from her storage ring and said cheerfully, "Then I'll trade you these two Dragon Beard Fruits for them."
Xiao Bieli shook his head with a smile and retrieved two seventh tier high grade pills from his ring. Handing them over, he said, "Miss Zi Yan, the Dragon Beard Fruits are just as valuable as these pills. There's no need for an exchange consider the pills a gift."
Hearing this, Zi Yan frowned and snatched the pills from the jade bottles. Then, she shoved the two Dragon Beard Fruits into Xiao Bieli's hands and said, "I'm not taking your stuff for free. Alright, I'm off!"
As she turned to leave, a sudden chill ran down her spine, and she froze. Her hair stood on end, and cold sweat formed on her forehead.
She felt as if she were being locked onto by a predator.
Huang Min and Ling Yun Appear
With a sharp whoosh, two figures materialized before her, blocking her path. The terrifying aura emanating from the newcomers caused Zi Yan to tremble involuntarily.
Xiao Bieli immediately stepped forward and respectfully saluted the pair. "This humble one greets Her Highness Huang Min and His Highness Ling Yun!"
"No need for formalities, Uncle Bieli," Ling Yun replied with a gentle wave.
"Thank you, Your Highnesses. May I ask what brings you here?" Xiao Bieli asked cautiously.
"For her," Huang Min answered before Ling Yun could reply, pointing directly at Zi Yan.
Xiao Bieli stiffened. He was well aware that Zi Yan was Zhu Kun's daughter and that Huang Min and Ling Yun had suffered greatly at the hands of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan in the past.
If the two truly intended to harm Zi Yan, there would be no time to intervene.
However, Xiao Bieli was overthinking it. Huang Min and Ling Yun had no intention of attacking Zi Yan, a mere Dou Zong girl. They were drawn to her simply because they had sensed her unique aura and wanted to investigate.
Meeting Zi Yan
"Are you Zi Yan?" Huang Min asked with a warm smile.
"B big sister, I... I'm Zi Yan. You and that big brother have such scary auras," Zi Yan stammered, her legs trembling slightly.
Seeing her frightened state, both Huang Min and Ling Yun felt a pang of guilt and quickly retracted their auras. Once the pressure subsided, Zi Yan let out a small sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, big brother and big sister!"
"I'm Huang Min, and he's Huang Lingyun. You can call me Sister Min, and call him whatever you like," Huang Min said with a chuckle.
Despite recognizing Zi Yan as a member of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, they harbored no ill will toward her. Upon seeing her doll like appearance, they couldn't help but find her endearing.
"Hello, Sister Min! Hello, Brother Ling Yun!" Zi Yan greeted cheerfully, her nerves eased by Huang Min's kind demeanor.
Behind her, Xiao Bieli quietly wiped the cold sweat from his brow. The two phoenixes had given him quite the scare.
"You're such a good girl. Are you here to see Teacher?" Huang Min asked, squatting down to pat Zi Yan's head.
"Teacher? Do you mean Mister?" Zi Yan asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Xiao Bieli quickly clarified, "Miss Zi Yan, these two are disciples of the First Grand Elder. There's also another one you've met before Huaian."
"Huaian? Who's that? Have I met him?" Zi Yan thought for a moment but couldn't recall.
With a helpless smile, Xiao Bieli said, "Miss Zi Yan, Huaian is the one you call 'Little Enzi.'"
At the mention of "Little Enzi," Zi Yan burst into laughter and exclaimed, "Oh, so Little Enzi is also Mister's disciple? His name is Huaian?"
Xiao Bieli broke into a cold sweat. Huaian was Xiao Tianchen's disciple, highly respected and a three star Dou Saint. Even Xiao Bieli, a Xiao Clan elder, had to bow to him.
Yet Zi Yan had not only given him a nickname but had also forgotten his real name entirely.
Huang Min and Ling Yun chuckled at this revelation. They knew Huaian well but hadn't expected him to receive such a nickname from this mischievous little dragon girl.
"It's been so many years; Huaian must have grown up a lot," Huang Min remarked with a smile.
"No wonder you two are so strong, Sister Min and Brother Ling Yun. I wish I were Mister's disciple too," Zi Yan said enviously.
Huang Min found the girl's innocence endearing. She explained, "Teacher doesn't take just anyone as a disciple. Otherwise, after all these years, there would be more than just us. Even Huaian wasn't a true disciple until he reached Dou Saint."
"Wow! Does that mean Mister's disciples have to be at least Dou Saint?" Zi Yan exclaimed in shock.
Seeing her astonished expression, Huang Min laughed and nodded. "That's right. Teacher has very high standards. But you're not entirely without hope. If you treat me to a nice meal, I might put in a good word for you when Teacher returns. What do you think?"
(End of Chapter)
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