Chapter 35: Recommending a Candidate

Xiao Yan regained his focus, looking at Ruolin with a hint of anticipation in his eyes. "Mentor, I would like to recommend someone to you. She is incredibly strong and possesses extraordinary talent."

Ruolin raised an eyebrow, observing Xiao Yan with keen interest. "Oh? Someone you’re recommending? Tell me more. To have caught your attention like this, she must have some real ability."

Xiao Yan nodded, his expression earnest. "She is truly remarkable; she became a Dou Zhe in less than a day."

"Furthermore, she is exceptionally bright and kind-hearted, with an understanding of Dou Qi that far surpasses the average person. Her strength is definitely superior to mine."

Listening to Xiao Yan, a look of amusement crossed Ruolin’s face. "Are you pulling my leg again? A Dou Zhe in less than a day? How is that possible? Even the top geniuses of this continent rarely achieve such a feat."

Seeing her disbelief, Xiao Yan grew even more serious and said urgently, "I am not joking, Mentor. I am speaking the truth. She truly possesses such strength; you must believe me."

Ruolin gazed at his earnest expression, pondered for a moment, and replied, "Since she is even more talented than you, I can offer her an opportunity. However, time is limited; I cannot wait for her indefinitely."

Xiao Yan’s heart leaped with joy. He quickly said, "I will return to the academy with her. I won’t keep you waiting too long, I promise!"

Ruolin looked at him with amusement, teasing, "Seeing you so anxious, could it be a girl you’re fond of? Going to such lengths to recommend her."

Xiao Yan’s face flushed a deep red. He rubbed his head in embarrassment and chuckled. "Mentor, please, don't tease me. She is truly outstanding; I just hope the academy can grant her a chance."

Watching his reaction, Ruolin couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright, I understand. I look forward to the day you both appear at the academy. I hope she is as formidable as you claim."

"Thank you, Mentor. Rest assured, she will not disappoint you." Changing the subject, he asked, "While you are in Wutan City, why not stay at the Xiao family estate?"

Ruolin smiled. "Heh, very well. Let’s head to the Xiao family."

That evening...

"Master Yao, when shall we set off?"

"We will go out shortly to procure some daily necessities. Once prepared, we leave. After all, we will be staying in the deep mountains for quite some time."

***

Xiao Yan arrived at the Mittel family’s auction house. Ya Fei held a list, looking at him with a puzzled expression. A signature smile played on her lips as she whispered, "Little brother Xiao Yan, why do you suddenly need so many wilderness supplies? Are you planning on going..."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his expression calm. "Yes, I am indeed planning to leave Wutan City in a few days, so I want to prepare enough supplies for any emergencies."

Ya Fei’s gaze returned to the list in her hand, and she remarked with surprise, "With so many supplies, this could last for several years, couldn't it?"

Xiao Yan hummed in agreement. "I intend to go out and gain some experience. The situation outside is complex, so it is always best to be well-prepared."

Hearing this, a flicker of curiosity crossed Ya Fei’s eyes. She asked softly, "That mysterious alchemist will be accompanying you, right? With him around, your safety will be much more assured."

Xiao Yan nodded earnestly. "He is my teacher. With him by my side on this journey, I can feel much more at ease."

Ya Fei suddenly realized and nodded gently. "I see. In that case, you must be an alchemist as well? After all, you were able to refine a Tier 2 medicinal pill before."

Xiao Yan smiled without answering, his lips curving slightly.

He looked at Ya Fei and said, "Then I must trouble you, Sister Ya Fei, to have these supplies prepared. Please deduct the cost from this." He produced a card and placed it on the table.

Ya Fei looked at him, a trace of reluctance in her eyes, though she quickly regained her elegant smile.

"Little brother Xiao Yan, I look forward to the surprise you will bring me when you appear before me once again. I wish you a safe journey."

Xiao Yan responded with a smile, "Then thank you for your blessings, Sister Ya Fei."

He turned and walked toward the door, his figure gradually disappearing from her sight.

Ya Fei watched him leave, a sense of melancholy in her gaze. She murmured to herself, "I wonder if we will meet again, or if we will ever be able to speak so easily as we do now."

"I hope you are safe out there, and that you return soon."

She sighed softly, tucked away the list, and silently prayed for him.

***

Xiao Yan stood on a corner of the street, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings. Vendors were still hawking their wares, and the constant flow of people was filled with the vitality of everyday life.

He sighed slightly, a look of sadness on his face. "I really am a bit reluctant to leave."

With a heavy heart, he walked into his father’s room. Seeing his father sitting there, he stepped forward and said earnestly, "Father, you must take care of your health. While I am away, please do not overwork yourself."

***

Xiao Zhan looked at his grown son, his heart filled with emotion. He patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder and said with deep concern, "Yan'er, you are grown now. Out in the world, be careful. People are complex; do not be impulsive when you encounter trouble."

"If you have the chance to go to the borders of the Jia Ma Empire, visit Shimo City to see your eldest and second brothers. They miss you dearly."

Xiao Yan nodded, listening intently to his father’s instructions.

After talking for a while, Xiao Yan rose to leave. As he stepped out of the house, he saw Ruolin and Xiao Xun'er standing beside her.

Ruolin looked at Xiao Yan and raised an eyebrow. "Ready to go?"

Xiao Yan nodded. "Yes, Mentor. It is time to set off."

A slight smile played on Ruolin’s lips. "Then I shall look forward to news of someone storming the Misty Cloud Sect in a year’s time. Do not let me down."

Having said that, she looked at Xiao Xun'er and added, "You two talk; I won't disturb you."

After Ruolin left, Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Xun'er, feeling a sudden sense of awkwardness.

He opened his mouth slightly and said, "Xun'er, take good care of yourself at Jia Nan Academy. There are many people there, so learn to protect yourself. If anything happens, go to Mentor Ruolin or someone else reliable for help."

Listening to him, Xiao Xun'er felt a lump in her throat. Unable to hold back any longer, she threw herself into Xiao Yan’s arms, sobbing, "Xun'er will wait for Brother Xiao Yan at Jia Nan Academy. You must return soon."

Xiao Yan paused, then gently patted her back, saying softly, "Alright, don't cry. It’s not as if we will never see each other again. I promise you, I will return safely."

Xiao Xun'er pulled back from his embrace, hanging her head, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I’ve dampened Brother Xiao Yan’s clothes."

Xiao Yan laughed dismissively. "That’s nothing. You have always been my younger sister; it is only natural for a brother to care for his sister."

"At the academy, make sure to practice hard and improve your strength."

Xiao Xun'er felt a glimmer of happiness at his comfort, but hearing the word "sister" clearly saddened her.

She looked up at him, her eyes resolute. "Xun'er will wait for Brother Xiao Yan at Jia Nan Academy, and I will work hard to become stronger."

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, looking toward the distant mountains. "I will. In a year's time, I will certainly return..."