Chapter Fourteen: Xiao Xun’er’s Realization

At that moment, Elder Yao’s voice echoed in his mind: “Xiao Yan, seeing how concerned you are about Jiuyou, why not try crafting some pills for her?”

“Help her restore her energy. She just spent a lot of Dou Qi clearing your meridians and needs proper recuperation.”

Xiao Yan was momentarily taken aback but soon his gaze grew resolute. He silently vowed not to betray Jiuyou’s kindness and care.

He thought to himself that from now on, he must refine more pills—not only to help Jiuyou regain her strength but also to support her on her path of cultivation.

“The teacher is right. I can’t just accept her help; I should do something for her as well,” Xiao Yan said softly, his eyes brimming with earnestness.

Elder Yao chuckled, saying, “Good, Xiao Yan. It’s the thought that counts. I happen to have some formulas here for pills that restore Dou Qi and nourish the body.”

“You can give it a try, but refining pills is not easy. You must be prepared.”

Xiao Yan nodded. “Don’t worry, teacher. I will work hard.”

Xiao Xun’er noticed the complicated expression on Xiao Yan’s face as he looked at Jiuyou’s retreating figure. It was as if she understood something, yet a pang of reluctance quietly welled up in her heart.

She bit her lip slightly and asked, “Brother Xiao Yan, it seems you care deeply about Sister Jiuyou...”

At that moment, Xiao Yan was still immersed in feelings of gratitude and a desire to repay Jiuyou.

He thought Xun’er’s “care” referred more to admiration for Jiuyou’s abilities and assistance, never suspecting the deeper meaning behind her words.

With a serious look, he nodded and said frankly, “Yes. Jiuyou is truly wonderful—not only gifted but always there to lend a hand when I need it most.”

“Take this time for example. If she hadn’t brought out that exquisite technique and patiently helped me clear my meridians, I wouldn’t have cultivated so smoothly. I sincerely admire and appreciate her.”

Xiao Xun’er listened quietly to his words, noting the light that unconsciously flickered in his eyes when he spoke of Jiuyou.

She understood that Xiao Yan’s feelings for Jiuyou were probably more than mere admiration and gratitude.

Yet she swallowed her bitterness and replied, “Yes, Sister Jiuyou is indeed very good—talented and kind-hearted. We’re lucky to know her.”

Hearing Xun’er share his sentiments, Xiao Yan’s words flowed freely.

He eagerly pulled her along and said, “Xun’er, you don’t know how amazing that ‘Ling Yun Tian Shu Formula’ Jiuyou gave me is.”

“Following it, my Dou Qi condenses much faster.”

“Before, some young ones in the clan hit bottlenecks, and she actively helped them with unique methods. Several managed to break through their realms.”

“Even my father—if she hadn’t sensed his potential breakthrough and assisted him, he wouldn’t have advanced to Dou Ling so smoothly.”

“She also auctioned off powerful techniques to secure many cultivation resources for the Xiao clan. She always contributes silently; such dedication is rare…”

Xiao Xun’er listened as Xiao Yan spoke excitedly, her heart growing heavier but unable to interrupt, forcing a smile.

Watching his enthusiasm, she felt a quiet ache, realizing that Jiuyou had already taken a significant place in Xiao Yan’s heart without him noticing.

After some time, Xiao Yan's voice grew hoarse, and he finally paused.

Glancing at the sky, he realized it was late and scratched his head sheepishly.

“Ah, Xun’er, I’ve been talking too much. It’s so late already. You should get some rest or you’ll be exhausted.”

Xiao Xun’er nodded softly, forcing a smile. “Alright, Brother Xiao Yan. I’ll go back now. You should also rest early and not tire yourself.”

With that, she turned and walked toward the door, her steps somewhat heavy.

Only after leaving the room did she sigh quietly, the sadness in her eyes no longer concealed. Under the night’s shadow, her figure appeared lonely.

After Xun’er left, Elder Yao emerged from the storage ring, glanced at Xiao Yan, then recalled Xun’er’s expression moments ago and said meaningfully:

“Xiao Yan, Xun’er’s look toward you just now wasn’t quite right. Didn’t you notice anything?”

Xiao Yan was slightly stunned. “Teacher, what do you mean?”

“What’s wrong with Xun’er? She just came to speak with me about something.”

Elder Yao shook his head helplessly. “You, sometimes smart and sometimes so clueless.”

“The way that girl looked at you—the care and sorrow couldn’t be hidden. She probably has special feelings for you.”

Xiao Yan showed a hint of surprise but frowned. “Teacher, don’t say such improper things!”

Elder Yao chuckled lightly. “Alright, you…”

“But seeing you like this really reminds me of my younger days, when I was also quite popular with the ladies, haha…”

Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, ignoring Elder Yao’s teasing. He was used to his teacher’s lack of decorum.

He sat cross-legged by the bed and said, “Teacher, please stop joking. I’ll just refine the ‘Ling Yun Tian Shu Formula’ a few more times.”

Closing his eyes, Xiao Yan circulated his Dou Qi and began cultivation.

As his Dou Qi flowed through his meridians, he once again deeply felt the profoundness of this technique.

His Dou Qi condensed faster than before, and during circulation, he clearly sensed the external spiritual energy being continuously absorbed and perfectly fused with his own Dou Qi.

Elder Yao watched Xiao Yan’s focused cultivation and quietly concealed himself, not disturbing him.

The room was filled only with Xiao Yan’s gentle breathing and the faint humming of circulating Dou Qi…

Time flew; three months passed in the blink of an eye, and Xiao Yan was about to face his coming-of-age ceremony.

The day before the ceremony, he realized he had been too busy cultivating to relax or spend time with Jiuyou, so he decided to take her shopping and have a good day out the next day.

Early the next morning, at dawn, Xiao Yan stood before Jiuyou’s door.

He adjusted his clothes, took a deep breath, and gently knocked.

Hearing the knock, Jiuyou quickly opened the door.

She was still sleepy, about to ask who it was, but then saw Xiao Yan.

He wore a brand-new outfit, looking especially spirited. The clothes were mainly black with intricate embroidery at the cuffs and collar.

Seeing Jiuyou’s adorable, drowsy look, Xiao Yan paused briefly, then smiled warmly.

“Jiuyou, rest today. I’ll take you out shopping, and don’t worry—everything will be on me!” His voice carried excitement and expectation, eyes full of sincerity.