*Boom!*
A deafening collision echoed through Falling God Ravine. At the center of the fierce battle, countless dense spatial cracks visibly appeared, only to constantly reform.
*Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!*
Three figures rapidly retreated amidst the energy ripples, steadying themselves high in the air.
"Alright, stop. You can go now."
Chen Xiao ceased his movements and spoke to the stout and thin men opposite him.
These two were none other than the two seventh-tier magical beasts under the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast.
Entering any new realm and undergoing a period of adjustment isn't a bad thing.
Chen Xiao had just advanced to Dou Zong. After a chat with Little Fairy Doctor, he set his sights on these two magical beasts.
The only frustrating part was that with Little Fairy Doctor's deterrence, these two magical beasts didn't dare to fight seriously. Many of their killing moves became mere displays, so Chen Xiao felt no pressure at all fighting them.
This kind of battle was meaningless, aside from allowing him to adapt to his suddenly surging power.
So, after mastering his own strength, Chen Xiao immediately lost interest in sparring with them.
Little Fairy Doctor had kept these two magical beasts for two reasons. Firstly, to have them deter nearby venomous beasts outside the barrier and handle minor troubles she couldn't be bothered with.
Secondly, to prevent them from reporting back to the Scorpion Dragon Clan, avoiding any unforeseen complications.
Now, Chen Xiao had already broken through and emerged, and he had even received news that people from Eastern Dragon Island would soon arrive. Whether these two reported back or not was irrelevant.
Even if the entire Scorpion Dragon Clan attacked, they wouldn't dare show any disrespect upon seeing powerhouses from the Ancient Dragon Clan.
The bloodline suppression among magical beasts was even more difficult to overcome than the power gap among humans.
Hearing Chen Xiao's words, the stout and thin men quickly clasped their fists.
"Thank you, Young Master. We two will never reveal anything about this place!"
The man called Dry Monkey was clearly more agile, not forgetting to offer a guarantee before leaving.
Although Chen Xiao didn't care about the matter, he was quite satisfied to see the other party being so sensible.
"Where do you two plan to go after leaving Falling God Ravine?"
Hearing this, the two men paused for a moment.
They truly hadn't seriously considered that question.
However, with their strength comparable to a three-star Dou Zong, no matter where they went, as long as they weren't too unlucky, they could establish themselves as local overlords.
"Now that you've transformed, you can live like normal humans. There's no need to waste time living in the mountains. I have a force called Purple Firmament Pavilion in the Black-Corner Region of the Northwest Continent. If you two are interested, you may join my Purple Firmament Pavilion."
Chen Xiao smiled and extended an invitation.
He had already heard from Little Fairy Doctor that these two seventh-tier magical beasts had been very obedient for several months, not neglecting any of Little Fairy Doctor's arrangements.
This meant Chen Xiao had no killing intent towards them from the start.
Bringing it up now was just out of regard for Dry Monkey's obedience and quick wit. If they were willing, he wouldn't mind taking them under his wing; if not, it didn't matter.
"Thank you for your regard, Young Master. I grew up in Falling God Ravine and have never left this place. Now that I have the opportunity, I plan to travel the continent. If I'm interested then, I will definitely go to the Black-Corner Region and join Purple Firmament Pavilion!"
Dry Monkey clasped his fists again in thanks.
Although Chen Xiao's strength was only Dou Zong, not much different from theirs, Little Fairy Doctor, a Dou Zun powerhouse, willingly stayed by his side and let him have his way. This made the astute Dry Monkey keenly aware of certain things.
Sometimes, choice is everything.
Just like a few months ago, if they had chosen to avenge the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast, they might already be reunited with it underground.
Their strength wasn't weak, but it wasn't particularly formidable either. If they truly wanted to settle down, relying on true powerhouses or forces with impressive backgrounds, as they did before, was undoubtedly more suitable and much better than fighting alone.
They knew very little about the forces in Central State, and if they went to seek refuge, there was no telling what kind of treatment they would receive.
So, if they were truly considering joining a force, Chen Xiao's Purple Firmament Pavilion was a good choice.
At the very least, after their brief interaction, they had gained some understanding of Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor.
"Me too!"
The stout man also quickly replied.
Chen Xiao nodded slightly, waved his hand, and watched the two depart towards the outside of Falling God Ravine.
"If these two go to Purple Firmament Pavilion, there's absolutely no need to worry about the Black-Corner Region."
Little Fairy Doctor quietly appeared beside him, smiling charmingly.
Two powerhouses comparable to three-star Dou Zong might not be top-tier in Central State, but in the current Black-Corner Region, they would be among the very best.
"Let's see what they decide. I was just acting on a whim," Chen Xiao chuckled and nodded.
As the two were talking, Little Fairy Doctor's expression suddenly changed. She abruptly looked up into the distance.
"There's a strong presence approaching this way. One of them is very powerful, definitely a high-level Dou Zun!"
Because the poisonous miasma here was quite special and restricted their perception, the two couldn't sense things very clearly. They could only determine that the other party's direction was precisely where they were.
Chen Xiao also released his soul perception to sense carefully. As the approaching figures drew closer, the expression on his face also changed.
"Is it someone from the Void Ancient Dragon clan?"
"No. If my senses aren't mistaken, you should know them too."
Chen Xiao shook his head, a hint of anticipation on his face.
Though surprised, he had vaguely identified the newcomers from their two familiar auras.
Hearing Chen Xiao's words, Little Fairy Doctor's face showed surprise.
Someone I know?
But she had no recollection of anyone.
At this moment, Little Fairy Doctor hadn't thought of the gentle and sensible girl who used to follow Chen Xiao.
After all, it had only been a short seven or eight years. For someone just starting cultivation, normally, reaching the Dou Wang or Dou Huang level would already make them a profoundly fortunate genius.
There were only a few people on the entire continent who could advance to Dou Zun in just a few years like her, let alone someone whose improvement was even greater than hers; it was truly unimaginable.
Under the eager gazes of Little Fairy Doctor and Chen Xiao, two graceful figures soon broke through the mist and entered their sight.
Upon seeing Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor, the two unexpected arrivals both revealed charming smiles.
"My lord!"
"Brother Chen Xiao!"
Chen Xiao immediately recognized their identities, and the two women instantly locked onto Chen Xiao as well.
After years apart, the familiar closeness that washed over them was just as it used to be!
"Xun Er, Qing Lin, it really is you!"
Chen Xiao moved, appearing before the two women, his joy overflowing.
It had been several years since their parting at Jia Nan Academy.
The once naive and green youth had advanced from a mere Dou Ling to a Dou Zong, and the two women before him had also blossomed into beauties of unparalleled grace.
Their strength, furthermore, filled him with awe!
"Brother Chen Xiao's reaction is exactly what Xun Er expected."
Taking in Chen Xiao's surprise, Xun Er smiled sweetly.
She had anticipated that Chen Xiao would recognize them, and she had also guessed that he would show such a look of surprised delight.
For this, the two women had been looking forward to it for a long time on their journey.
"My lord, not long after you entered Central State, Sister Xun Er and I received news. Then, despite the murmurs from within her clan, Sister Xun Er forcefully left the Ancient Clan with me. We traveled across most of Central State before finally arriving here."
Seeing the two still showing restraint, Qing Lin chuckled, adding fuel to the fire.
"Qing Lin, stop talking," Xun Er chided, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.
Seeing the bashfulness on Xun Er's cheeks, Chen Xiao suddenly realized even more clearly that the girl who had spent his entire childhood with him had truly grown up completely.
Xun Er's nature was like a clear lotus in the mundane world. Due to the bloodline within her, ordinary things found it difficult to stir her emotions.
Especially matters of love; if a mark wasn't left in her heart early on, as she grew, it would become increasingly difficult to penetrate her feelings, until eventually, her heart would become like concrete.
Fortunately, before this beauty could fully mature, she had already formed a bond with him. Looking back now, it was indeed a blessing.
Gazing at the captivating blush on Xun Er's delicate face, Chen Xiao no longer hesitated. He extended his hands and finally pulled this perfect goddess, coveted by countless others, into his embrace.
Seeing this scene, Qing Lin's smile grew even brighter, clearly pleased with the outcome.
In contrast, a fleeting, unusual expression crossed Little Fairy Doctor's face behind them.
With Cai Lin, Cao Ying, and the ever-changing Zi Yan, she was already mentally prepared. Now, it was just one more sister.
Comparatively, she was more curious: did this beautiful woman, whose identity seemed extraordinary at a glance, know about these things? If she did, what choice would she make?
Pulled into Chen Xiao's arms, Xun Er's earlobes instantly flushed a delicate red, like peach blossoms budding in spring—charming and endearing.
A warm blush spread from her ears to her cheeks, blooming into an intoxicating flush on her delicate skin. Though shy, she didn't resist in the slightest. Instead, her lips curved slightly, carrying a hint of sweetness and comfort, as she gently and obediently rested her head on Chen Xiao's shoulder.
She willingly endured the pressure from her clan, traveling across mountains and rivers to come, just for a brief reunion. Such an act had already expressed her feelings to the fullest.
And Chen Xiao's direct response also delighted her.
However, constrained by the gazes of the two people, one in front and one behind, Xun Er couldn't linger. After a brief moment of closeness, she slowly stood up.
"Brother Chen Xiao, aren't you going to introduce this friend to Xun Er?"
Her gaze swept past Chen Xiao and landed on Little Fairy Doctor.
She had known of Little Fairy Doctor's existence for a long time, but this was her first time meeting her in person.
Moreover, from the way Little Fairy Doctor looked at Chen Xiao, Xun Er could tell that their relationship might be more than just friends.
At this thought, Xun Er felt a slight oddness in her heart.
Hearing Xun Er's words, the smile on Chen Xiao's face stiffened slightly.
Little Fairy Doctor was fine; although their feelings for each other were already clear, only the final step had yet to be taken.
But Cai Lin…
With a sigh, Chen Xiao decided not to beat around the bush. He immediately brought Xun Er and Qing Lin over to Little Fairy Doctor.
"Little Fairy Doctor, it's been a long time~"
Qing Lin spoke first, greeting Little Fairy Doctor with a smile.
They had met once before at the Ten Thousand Medicines Pavilion in Green Mountain Town.
Little Fairy Doctor nodded gently.
"Qing Lin, it has been a long time."
Even now, Little Fairy Doctor still felt it was somewhat surreal.
She had a deep impression of Qing Lin. When Chen Xiao told her about the hardships Qing Lin had endured, Little Fairy Doctor couldn't help but feel pity.
However, that girl had said something that remained vivid in her memory.
"Qing Lin isn't pitiful, Qing Lin thinks she's the luckiest person in the world!"
In that instant, Little Fairy Doctor was deeply moved.
Now, several years later, that optimistic and self-reliant little girl had grown into a formidable expert, impressive even to her.
"Xun Er, Xian'er is a friend I met when I first left the Xiao Family for training. I won't dwell on the past; suffice it to say, Xian'er and I are now truly inseparable."
"Xun Er, let's talk. Not just about Xian'er, but also about Cai Lin in the Northwest Continent."
Without much hesitation, Chen Xiao prepared to come clean.
Xun Er had the right to know everything.
No matter how she reacted or what she decided after learning the truth, Chen Xiao would have nothing to say.
These matters ultimately needed to be faced; constant evasion was meaningless.
Upon hearing this, Xun Er shook her head, her expression slightly complicated.
Then, she took a deep breath and smiled, "Brother Chen Xiao, Xun Er wants to talk with Little Fairy Doctor first. Can we have a detailed discussion later?"
Meeting Xun Er's gaze, Chen Xiao nodded gently.
Sensing Chen Xiao's concern, Little Fairy Doctor gave him a reassuring look.
Her nature was such that she would never put Chen Xiao in a difficult position.
And from her observation, Xun Er was similar.
Given these preconditions, the things Chen Xiao worried about most were unlikely to happen.
Just like that, the two women, meeting for the first time, walked off into the distance together.
"Young Master, don't worry. Sister Xun Er is very kind. I know Sister Xun Er best."
Qing Lin stepped forward, comforting him softly.
Chen Xiao forced a smile. Of course, he also understood Xun Er's personality, but this kind of matter couldn't be inferred with conventional thinking.
Taking a deep breath and temporarily suppressing his thoughts, Chen Xiao looked at Qing Lin, who had grown into a graceful and charming young woman beside him.
"Qing Lin's changes are even greater than I imagined."
"No matter what Qing Lin becomes, Young Master will always be Qing Lin's Young Master!"
If one has always lived in darkness, they will remember every ray of light that shines through.
For Qing Lin, the day she met Chen Xiao in Mo City was a turning point in her destiny.
Since then, she had never been bullied again, never suffered from hunger or cold, and had people who cared for her.
Chen Xiao smiled slightly. Qing Lin was still Qing Lin, as always, unchanged.
"How have you been doing in the Ancient Clan these past few years?"
"Sister Xun Er has taken great care of me. After those Ancient Clan elders learned about my Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils, they valued me highly. The treatment they gave me was no less than that of the Ancient Clan's chosen talents, and they often sent some snake-type magical beasts to help me cultivate."
"It's just that a few of the Ancient Clan's commanders are very annoying..."
Qing Lin didn't hide anything, even mentioning some of the elders who usually looked after her, as well as a few Black Annihilation Army commanders who had intentions towards her.
Chen Xiao nodded occasionally, not particularly surprised by Qing Lin's experiences.
Xun Er held a high status in the Ancient Clan, and since Qing Lin was brought back by her, she would naturally receive corresponding care.
Moreover, Qing Lin possessed the Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils and had great potential. As long as the Ancient Clan members weren't foolish, they would certainly attach importance to her.
After all, cultivating Qing Lin would only cost a drop in the bucket for the Ancient Clan in terms of resources. As long as it allowed Qing Lin to remember this kindness, it wouldn't be a loss.
Although the Ancient Clan was powerful, they wouldn't push away such a powerful assistant who came to them willingly.
"Sister Xun Er and I mostly cultivated every day. I wanted to come find Young Master a long time ago, but even though Sister Xun Er clearly wanted to every day, she never said anything, so I didn't feel comfortable bringing it up either."
Chen Xiao was speechless. Finally, he asked a question that greatly piqued his curiosity.
"Qing Lin, what's your current strength?"
Qing Lin revealed her aura. In an instant, all the poisonous beasts in the Falling God Ravine trembled under her formidable presence.
"Eight-star Dou Zun, but I'm confident I can hold my own even against a nine-star Dou Zun. Additionally, within my Three-Flower Pupils' space, I control five eighth-tier snake-type magical beasts. It's because of this that Sister Xun Er and I dared to force our way out."
Their true combat power and hidden trump cards were extremely private matters.
However, Qing Lin had no intention of concealing anything, being one hundred percent honest with Chen Xiao.
After listening to her account, Chen Xiao couldn't help but click his tongue in surprise.
In the original timeline, Qing Lin had entered the Dou Zun realm in less than ten years at Heavenly Snake Mansion, but only as a low-tier Dou Zun.
Now, she had taken even less time to reach high-tier Dou Zun!
Compared side-by-side, her growth had undoubtedly accelerated significantly.
"Young Master, the Ancient Clan doesn't restrict my freedom. After a few days, once I safely escort Sister Xun Er back, I'll return to continue following Young Master, if that's alright?"
Qing Lin looked up, her pretty face openly showing her anticipation.
While cultivating with the Ancient Clan had rapidly increased her strength, she preferred to be by Chen Xiao's side, just like before.
Among the myriad beings in the world, the purpose of cultivation varied. For Qing Lin, this was precisely what she desired.
Xun Er couldn't stay for long. If she remained outside for too extended a period, the Ancient Clan would certainly send someone to bring her back. Both Qing Lin and Chen Xiao could anticipate this.
That was why she spoke as she did.
Chen Xiao nodded slightly, not refusing.
An eight-star Dou Zun was already enough to make him work hard to catch up for a long time.
As the two chatted idly, Chen Xiao's peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a head quietly peeking out from the stone castle.
Discovered by Chen Xiao, Little Dragon Person chuckled foolishly.
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