Now that she'd been discovered, Zi Yan decided to stop pretending. She swaggered out, curiously sizing up Qing Lin.
"Sister Xun Er?"
"No, this is Qing Lin. Xun Er is over there."
Following Chen Xiao's gaze, they could see Xun Er and Little Fairy Doctor sitting closely together in the distance, conversing. Their voices were muffled, but from the scene, their conversation seemed quite amicable.
Zi Yan glanced over and then retracted her gaze. She wasn't familiar with Xun Er, having only heard Chen Xiao mention her, and now her curiosity was satisfied.
"Since you're awake, that's perfect. The people from Eastern Dragon Island have arrived in Central State, so you don't need to conceal your bloodline anymore."
Zi Yan nodded slightly. Then, under the gaze of Chen Xiao and Qing Lin, purple energy swirled around her, and she instantly transformed into her Big Dragon Person form, lazily stretching.
"It's a shame. If I had a few more months, I definitely could have advanced too."
Because she was mentally prepared, Zi Yan didn't seem overly sad at this moment.
Just as Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor had said, even if she went to Dragon Island, she would still be able to return.
"Eastern Dragon Island?" Qing Lin, who was beside them, looked a little confused.
"Zi Yan's true form is a Void Ancient Dragon. Due to certain circumstances, she ended up on the Northwest Continent. After arriving in Central State, we've been trying to contact the Ancient Dragon Clan. We only made progress recently, and the people from Eastern Dragon Island will bring her back to Dragon Island."
Chen Xiao briefly explained the situation.
Qing Lin understood, glancing at the Big Dragon Person who was still observing her out of the corner of her eye.
For some reason, she always felt that Zi Yan seemed to harbor a hidden wariness towards her.
"I don't know much about the Ancient Dragon Clan, but if you don't want to be taken away, perhaps I can help you."
From the conversation between Zi Yan and Chen Xiao, Qing Lin sensed a casualness and naturalness, which made it clear that their relationship was very good.
Realizing this, as long as Zi Yan didn't want to leave, Qing Lin wouldn't mind helping her.
With Qing Lin's current strength, the people sent by Eastern Dragon Island might not necessarily be stronger than her.
Zi Yan chuckled awkwardly. She found that this unheard-of Qing Lin seemed quite nice. She immediately put away her little thoughts and shook her head.
"Let's not. Although I don't have much feeling for the clan, I still want to go and see. I can already sense a very familiar aura approaching this way. His speed is very, very fast."
Seeing this, Qing Lin said no more.
She and Zi Yan weren't familiar with each other.
However, with Zi Yan's personality, even with the relatively unfamiliar Qing Lin by her side, she could still find countless topics of conversation.
Her gaze returned to the distance, and Zi Yan mumbled softly.
"What do you think Sister Xun Er and Sister Xian'er are talking about? Chen Xiao, are you panicking now?"
"..."
Chen Xiao's forehead was covered in black lines; he wished he could just shut her up.
Qing Lin, however, wasn't like Zi Yan, playing mind games. She gently comforted him, "Sister Xun Er's personality is firm yet gentle. Once she decides on something, she'll see it through to the end. In this regard, she's very different from Young Master. Young Master doesn't need to worry too much."
"..."
To put it bluntly, Xun Er was more devoted.
And Chen Xiao was greedier...
Just like that, amidst their quiet whispers, half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
Xun Er and Little Fairy Doctor finally finished their private conversation and walked back side by side.
"Sister Xun Er, I'm Zi Yan. I've heard Chen Xiao talk about you many times."
Zi Yan greeted her very familiarly, cleverly saying something good about Chen Xiao for once.
Deep down, she still had some ulterior motives.
Among the people around Chen Xiao, Cai Lin was like a sister and mother to Zi Yan, and their relationship was the best.
Little Fairy Doctor and Cao Ying were also very close to her.
Only Xun Er was someone she was meeting for the first time, so she needed to build a good relationship in advance.
As for Qing Lin, she knew the least about her and hadn't known Qing Lin's relationship with Chen Xiao before. So, while Qing Lin thought she was being wary, the Big Dragon Person was actually contemplating how to interact with her.
"Zi Yan, don't lie to me. I know Chen Xiao Ge-ge's personality very well; he wouldn't talk about these things so openly."
Xun Er smiled faintly; she wasn't so easily fooled.
If she were to calculate seriously, she had spent more time with Chen Xiao than anyone else, and she understood him more deeply.
With her lie exposed on the spot, Zi Yan could only give a dry laugh.
Xun Er didn't mind, her gaze turning to Chen Xiao.
"Chen Xiao Ge-ge, would you like to take a walk with Xun Er?"
That simple sentence made Chen Xiao's heart clench.
The more gentle and considerate she was, the more endearing she became, making it difficult to even look directly into her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Xiao nodded gently.
However, at that moment, the poisonous mist high in the sky suddenly surged, and with a loud boom, space ripped open.
The next moment, a tall, sturdy figure strode out from within.
His gaze swept over everyone, lingered slightly on Qing Lin and Little Fairy Doctor, then quickly locked onto Zi Yan.
The resonance between their bloodlines was the best proof; no further evidence was needed.
"I am Hei Qing of the Ancient Dragon Clan. Greetings, everyone. I heard a member of my clan's bloodline was living outside, so I've come to bring her back to Dragon Island."
Hei Qing bowed slightly in greeting, but his eyes remained fixed on Zi Yan.
He was 100% certain that Zi Yan was his target for this trip.
Moreover, Zi Yan's bloodline was even stronger than his!
It was so strong it made his heart tremble, indicating she was very likely of the royal lineage, or even the Dragon Emperor's line!
However, this matter was too significant for Hei Qing to make a rash judgment.
But no matter what, Chen Xiao and his group had gone to great lengths to contact Dragon Island and help their clansman return to their kin. This was a favor that needed to be repaid with courtesy.
Compared to the other three Dragon Islands, Eastern Dragon Island was very clear about its debts and grievances.
"That was fast..." Zi Yan mumbled softly.
Chen Xiao and Zi Yan exchanged a glance, then immediately stepped forward into the high sky.
Qing Lin, Little Fairy Doctor, and Xun Er followed close behind.
Zi Yan dawdled, lagging at the very end.
"I went to the Pill Domain Cao Family and learned some things. Young Brother must be Chen Xiao, right? If Young Brother doesn't mind, you can just call me Old Brother Hei Qing. For this matter, my Eastern Dragon Island owes you a favor!"
Before Chen Xiao could speak, Hei Qing continued.
The stronger Zi Yan's bloodline, the more highly she would be regarded.
Correspondingly, the greater this favor would be.
Therefore, Hei Qing was proactively showing goodwill now.
Of course, Qing Lin and Little Fairy Doctor also played a role.
With two Dou Zun experts accompanying them, and Qing Lin being on par with Hei Qing in cultivation, if they upset this group, it wouldn't be easy for Hei Qing to take Zi Yan away.
"Then I'll presume upon your generosity, Old Brother Hei Qing. Since we proactively contacted Dragon Island, we were prepared. Zi Yan can return with you, but I also ask Old Brother Hei Qing to guarantee that Zi Yan's freedom will not be restricted." Chen Xiao clasped his hands and returned the greeting.
Zi Yan also nodded repeatedly.
She didn't have much resistance to returning to Dragon Island now.
Her only main concern was that after going to Dragon Island, it wouldn't be easy to leave again.
Although Chen Xiao had told her a lot about Eastern Dragon Island, what if things changed?
Hei Qing looked at Zi Yan, but saw that Zi Yan was completely ignoring him, looking as if everything depended on Chen Xiao. He immediately realized their relationship was extremely close.
Seeing this, Hei Qing pondered for a moment, then finally spoke after a long pause.
"Brother Chen Xiao, you will also be considered one of us from now on, so Old Brother won't hide anything from you. Zi Yan's bloodline, in my perception, is extremely powerful. If she returns to Dragon Island, she will definitely be highly valued. And she is currently only at Peak Sixth Rank, comparable to Peak Dou Huang. With such strength, the clan elders definitely won't feel at ease allowing her to leave Dragon Island. This time returning, she will need to advance at least once, or even twice, before they can feel at ease. At that time, no one will restrict her freedom."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao nodded slightly towards Zi Yan.
Hei Qing was being quite frank.
Zi Yan possessed the Dragon Emperor's bloodline; its importance to the Void Ancient Dragons went without saying.
Allowing her to gain the strength for self-preservation before venturing out wasn't a restriction, but rather a form of protection.
"Brother Chen Xiao, no need to worry. From Zi Yan's current state, she's already at a point where she can advance at any time. If she returns to Dragon Island with me, her growth will only accelerate. It won't be long before, if she wishes to leave, the elders will certainly not obstruct her."
Hearing these words, Zi Yan finally stepped out from behind Chen Xiao.
"I can go back with you, but if Dragon Island doesn't keep its word, don't blame me for causing you trouble!"
When serious, Zi Yan's intelligence was still online.
Knowing her bloodline was extraordinary, she immediately adopted an appropriate attitude.
Hei Qing chuckled and agreed.
Eastern Dragon Island was considered the only pure land among the four Dragon Islands currently, and he was quite confident in this aspect.
Having received the desired answer, Zi Yan then turned to look at Chen Xiao and his group.
"Chen Xiao, Sister Xian'er, wait for me in Central State! I'll be back soon! Then, we can adventure together again!"
Little Fairy Doctor chuckled and nodded: "Once you're on Dragon Island, cultivate well. If you get bored, send us a message."
Chen Xiao stepped forward and transmitted his voice: "Barring any accidents, Eastern Dragon Island can be trusted. If an unexpected danger truly arises, tell them that I know where the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit is. They will definitely not harm you once they learn of it. This matter is top secret; just keep it in mind until you truly understand Eastern Dragon Island."
This was also just in case.
Although it was likely unnecessary, having a secret that could save one's life wasn't a bad thing.
Zi Yan nodded heavily, committing it to memory.
For now, she still didn't understand what the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit signified.
"I'm leaving now, Sister Xun Er, Qing Lin, goodbye."
Zi Yan reluctantly glanced at Little Fairy Doctor and Chen Xiao one last time before steeling herself and bidding farewell to Xun Er and Qing Lin.
All four nodded.
"Brother Chen Xiao, everyone, farewell!"
Hei Qing grinned, waved his large hand, and a rift tore open in the void space before them. Then, under their gazes, he was the first to step into it.
Zi Yan waved back and, without hesitation, followed him in.
The spatial rift instantly closed, leaving Xun Er and Qing Lin feeling alright, but Chen Xiao and Little Fairy Doctor were slightly lost in thought.
Zi Yan loved to laugh and play; having that girl around always brought joy and banished loneliness.
Since their first meeting at Jia Nan Academy, Chen Xiao and Zi Yan had never been separated, whether returning to the Jia Ma Empire or adventuring in the Black-Corner Region.
Now, seeing her leave, Chen Xiao didn't say anything, but he felt quite reluctant inside.
Suddenly, his palm was enveloped by a delicate warmth—the gentle touch left by Xun Er's fingertips.
"The Void Ancient Dragon clan is the most mysterious and powerful. Zi Yan's return to her clan will surely ensure she receives the best training and grows faster. This is a good thing for her, Brother Chen Xiao, so please don't fret."
Chen Xiao came back to his senses and nodded slightly.
He naturally understood these things.
Taking a deep breath, he temporarily cast aside distracting thoughts, gave Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin a look, and then led Xun Er away.
During the months he and Zi Yan were in seclusion, the two seventh-tier Magical Beasts guarding outside the Barrier had set up a wooden pavilion as their daily resting place.
Now, this spot became the most suitable place for a conversation.
They arrived at the pavilion in silence. Chen Xiao intended to let go and tidy up the pavilion's interior, but Xun Er held his hand even tighter.
Helpless, he could only unleash a burst of Dou Qi to thoroughly clean the wooden pavilion.
Sitting down on the long bench, Chen Xiao deliberated for a long time before finally speaking.
"Xun Er..."
Xun Er gently raised her slender hand and placed it over his lips, her watery eyes glistening. As the tassels in her hair swayed, she silently shook her head.
"Brother Chen Xiao, there's no need to apologize to Xun Er. When I learned that Brother Chen Xiao had come to Central State, accompanied by Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, Xun Er already had a premonition. That's why I only brought Qing Lin out. Qing Lin's strength is one reason, and the other is that I didn't want the voices of my clan members to cause misunderstandings."
Xun Er spoke vaguely, but Chen Xiao understood.
What kind of status did Xun Er hold within the Ancient Clan?
Many members of the Ancient Clan regarded her as their goddess. Now, not only had Chen Xiao successfully won Xun Er's heart, but he also desired to have multiple partners. If the Ancient Clan members were to see this, they would probably want to kill Chen Xiao.
And Xun Er, being thoughtful, had already considered this point.
Her mind was as meticulous as ever.
"Xun Er just didn't expect that Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, who have always been by Brother Chen Xiao's side, wouldn't be as I imagined. Instead, it was Cai Lin from the Jia Ma Empire who had already established a relationship with Brother Chen Xiao."
Xun Er withdrew her raised jade hand and leaned gently against Chen Xiao's shoulder.
"Brother Chen Xiao, please tell Xun Er about your experiences over these years, from the Northwest Continent to Central State, from that Cai Lin to Cao Ying of the Cao Family. Xun Er wants to know everything."
Chen Xiao took a deep breath. Years of experience couldn't be explained in a few words, but how could he refuse such a small request?
After a moment's thought, Chen Xiao began to narrate slowly.
From the time he parted ways with Xun Er and Qing Lin, venturing into the Black-Corner Region with Zi Yan, then returning to the Jia Ma Empire, and back to the Black-Corner Region again, until he reached Peak Dou Huang, only then did he bring Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan to Central State...
Chen Xiao recounted everything in great detail, from major events like the conflicts with Demon Flame Valley to minor ones like holding an Auction in the Jia Ma Empire to obtain the method for condensing the Poison Pill that Little Fairy Doctor needed, explaining each one.
Xun Er listened intently, as if immersing herself in the story, silently accompanying him.
Time passed quietly. By the time Chen Xiao spoke of entering Falling God Ravine to slay the Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast, it was already late at night.
"The people around Brother Chen Xiao are truly not simple. Little Fairy Doctor has the Woeful Poison Body, Qing Lin has the Azure Snake Three-Flower Pupils, Cai Lin evolved into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and Zi Yan is even a Void Ancient Dragon. Even that Cao Ying is a rare genius Alchemist."
Her complex emotions gradually settled, and Xun Er couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
If she, a member of an ancient race, were added, this lineup would be even more impressive.
Chen Xiao had long grown numb to this.
To be honest, with his Ice Attribute, at just over nineteen, almost twenty years old, reaching the Dou Zong level at this age wasn't slow by any means.
However, people fear comparison, and when compared to the women around him, a gap immediately became apparent.
"Brother Chen Xiao, the past cannot be changed, and Xun Er doesn't want to make things difficult for you. However, besides the few people just mentioned, Brother Chen Xiao must not get involved with anyone else. Otherwise, Xun Er fears she might not be able to control her temper."
Xun Er's words were final, delivering Chen Xiao's ultimate verdict.
Everyone had a bottom line. Xun Er could barely convince herself that the past happened because she couldn't always be by his side, allowing others to take advantage, and she had never explicitly stated her feelings about it.
But from now on, someone would always be by Chen Xiao's side. If such a situation were to occur again, she would find it very difficult to convince herself.
At that point, tragedy would surely strike.
Chen Xiao nodded heavily. Humans were naturally greedy.
But similarly, they should also exercise restraint.
Xun Er had already conceded so much; if he pushed his luck further, he truly wouldn't be acting like a person.
With Xun Er's decisive statement resolving the trickiest issue, Chen Xiao could finally ask about some pressing matters he was concerned about.
"Xun Er, the Emperor Jade you took from the Xiao Family back then..."
Before Chen Xiao could finish speaking, Xun Er flipped her palm, and a fragmented jade appeared in her hand.
"Before I left, Brother Chen Xiao told me to hide it. Although I didn't understand why, I trusted Brother Chen Xiao. No one knows about this Emperor Jade, except for Old Ling."
Xun Er had considered hiding it, but after much thought, she realized that no place was as safe for it as keeping it on her person.
Given her status, no one in the Ancient Clan would dare to search her.
Those Ancient Clan Elders would also never suspect that their own Young Miss would deceive them.
Looking at the Emperor Jade in Xun Er's hand, Chen Xiao nodded slightly.
When the Xiao Family failed to escape the Soul Hall's attack, Chen Xiao had already suspected that Xun Er had followed his instructions and hadn't told anyone about obtaining the Emperor Jade, nor had she placed it in the Ancient Clan's Ancestral Hall.
Otherwise, the Soul Hall would surely have known the news.
Now, it seemed his suspicions were correct.
Hiding this Emperor Jade was absolutely necessary.
As long as Hun Tiandi couldn't gather all the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade, he would never be able to open the Ancient Emperor Cave!
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