Chapter Ten: Xiao Zhan Breaks Through to Dou Ling

Everyone greeted Ning Jiuyou with warm smiles as she appeared. Recently, thanks to her abilities, she had helped several members of the Xiao family achieve breakthroughs in their cultivation, a significant contribution that had earned her immense favor among them.

"Ah, Jiuyou, you've come! I've been practicing the cultivation method you gave me, and I can already feel my realm advancing."

"That technique you provided is truly extraordinary! I honestly don’t know how to thank you enough."

"Indeed, Jiuyou. Thanks to your help, several of our youngsters have broken through their bottlenecks. We all hold your kindness toward the Xiao family close to our hearts."

Ning Jiuyou smiled modestly, waving her hands in protest. "You are all too kind. I have received so much care here in the Xiao family; it is only right that I do what I can to help. Besides, your breakthroughs are the result of your own hard work. I have only provided a little guidance."

The crowd continued to heap praise upon her, and she responded to everyone with patient, cordial warmth. After a while, noticing that she seemed to have business with Xiao Zhan, the others tactfully made excuses to leave, and soon only the two of them remained in the hall.

Xiao Zhan looked at Ning Jiuyou with a gentle smile. "Young lady, is there something you need?"

Ning Jiuyou nodded. "Uncle Xiao Zhan, it is nothing urgent. I happened to be nearby and thought I would come to see you."

Xiao Zhan chuckled. "It is good to have you here. Stay and chat with an old man for a while. I have been much more at ease knowing you have been looking after Yan'er."

"Uncle Xiao Zhan, you are too polite," she replied with a smile. "Xiao Yan has helped me a great deal as well; we take care of each other. The Xiao family has treated me so well, and I simply wish to do my part."

During their conversation, Ning Jiuyou keenly sensed the fluctuations in Xiao Zhan’s aura. Her heart stirred, and she spoke up, "Uncle Xiao Zhan, over these past few days, I have observed that your cultivation has reached a point where a breakthrough is imminent. If you trust me, I would like to assist you."

Xiao Zhan paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes before he smiled warmly. "My dear, there is no need for such trouble. You have already done so much for the Xiao family. As for my breakthrough, I can manage it slowly on my own. Besides, you are young and possess incredible talent; I cannot have you exhausting your energy for my sake. Also, 'Uncle Xiao Zhan' sounds a bit distant. If you don't mind, just call me Uncle."

Ning Jiuyou gave a sweet smile. "Uncle, you have taken me in, and everyone in the Xiao family has treated me wonderfully. I have always wanted an opportunity to repay that kindness. Helping you reach the next level is no difficulty for me, and I truly wish to express my gratitude. Please, let me do this for you."

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, Xiao Zhan was moved. After a brief hesitation, he nodded. "Very well, I shall not refuse your kindness. I will trouble you, then."

Ning Jiuyou stood up. "Uncle, please begin circulating your Dou Qi and steady your mind. I will assist you from the side."

Xiao Zhan sat cross-legged as instructed and slowly began to circulate his energy. Ning Jiuyou stood beside him, circulating her own Dou Qi and carefully sensing the flow of his. She realized that Xiao Zhan was at the peak of the Da Dou Shi realm, only a step away from becoming a Dou Ling, lacking only the catalyst to shatter that final barrier.

Concentrating, she transformed her Dou Qi into a gentle force and slowly guided it into his body, directing his own energy toward the critical meridians. Xiao Zhan clearly felt this external, gentle power helping him streamline his internal flow, and he was struck with fresh admiration for her capabilities.

Time ticked by...

When Xiao Zhan finally opened his eyes, the aura of a Dou Ling powerhouse radiated from his body. He stood up, stretched his limbs, and felt the surging power within him. A joyful smile broke across his face. "My dear, thank you! I never expected to reach the Dou Ling realm so soon."

Ning Jiuyou shook her head with a smile. "Congratulations, Uncle. This is the result of your own accumulation and hard work; I merely provided a little assistance."

Looking at her, Xiao Zhan felt a deep sense of gratification. It was a true blessing for the Xiao family to have encountered such a gifted and loyal young woman.

As Xiao Zhan successfully achieved the Dou Ling realm, a powerful and sharp aura swept across the Xiao estate. The clansmen sensed it immediately and stopped what they were doing, their faces filled with shock and curiosity.

"That... that is the aura of a Dou Ling!" one of the juniors exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Come, let's go see!" an elder commanded, taking the lead as they hurried toward the source of the pressure.

Soon, the hall was filled with members of the Xiao family. They were stunned to realize that this familiar yet potent aura originated from their own patriarch, Xiao Zhan.

"The Patriarch has broken through?!" A wave of exclamation erupted from the crowd, joy lighting up every face.

"I never thought the Patriarch would reach the Dou Ling realm! Our Xiao family will have much more standing now!"

"Indeed, for so many years, the highest we reached was Da Dou Shi. Finally, the Xiao family can truly stand tall."

"This is a grand occasion indeed!"

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Xiao Zhan stepped forward and raised his hands to quiet them. Once the noise subsided, he said, "I was able to reach the Dou Ling realm today entirely thanks to the help of young Ning. If not for her guidance and assistance, I would not have broken through so smoothly."

The crowd was stunned at first, but then it seemed to make sense. After all, Ning Jiuyou had previously displayed extraordinary abilities, helping the younger generation with their own breakthroughs and even providing techniques for them to study.

"So that's it," an elder nodded, a look of sudden realization dawning on him. "It is no wonder; Miss Ning is a person of exceptional talent—such methods are hardly surprising from her."

"Indeed, Miss Ning is truly a benefactor to our Xiao family."

The crowd chimed in, their gazes filled with gratitude and respect.

Xiao Xun'er stood among the crowd, genuinely happy for Xiao Zhan’s breakthrough. Yet, at the same time, she felt even more curious about Ning Jiuyou’s background. Although the ancient clans possessed profound foundations and might have similar techniques, the way Ning Jiuyou’s techniques operated was peculiar—entirely different from the methods of the ancient clans, yet undeniably beneficial to cultivation.

Xun'er’s beautiful eyes shifted as she pondered the origins of the mysterious girl.