Chapter 239: Jia Xingtian's Regret
Hearing this, Xiao Yuan nodded slightly. With a slight tremble of his shoulders, a pair of cyan wings unfurled from his back. As the wings flapped gently, he floated upward, eventually appearing above the massive head of the Youhai Flood Dragon.
"Who are you?" The enormous beast's eyes locked onto the tiny figure before it. The mist around its body suddenly thinned, and after a brief pause, it cried out, "Kid, why do you have such a heavy fire attribute on you? Get away from me!"
Startled by the Flood Dragon's reaction, everyone else was briefly confused. Then Xiao Yuan remembered: he now bore a fused Heavenly Flame powerful enough to rank in the top ten. Naturally, as a water-type magical beast, the Flood Dragon would be extremely wary of fire—especially a flame formed from three merged Heavenly Fires.
As the beast trembled in discomfort, two whooshing sounds rang out. Jia Xingtian and the curious Zi Yan flew up to hover beside Xiao Yuan.
"Hehe, don't be alarmed, old thing. Mister Xiao Yuan is an alchemist, so it's only natural he carries a strong fire presence. This Primordial Bone-Molding Pill was refined by him. However, to fully activate its medicinal power, certain methods are needed. So just bear with it for now."
Jia Xingtian smiled as he explained.
The Youhai Flood Dragon relaxed a little, though it still dared not get too close to Xiao Yuan. In its weakened state, one mishap from that terrifying fire aura might cost it its life.
"He's huge, but such a scaredy-cat..." Zi Yan teased, seeing the beast cower.
"You little brat, are you looking for death?" the Flood Dragon roared angrily. While it feared Xiao Yuan, it had no reason to fear a mere child like Zi Yan. And with its naturally violent temperament, it exploded with rage.
"You damn worm! How dare you roar at me?! You're the one looking for death!" Zi Yan's angry shout rang out as her gemstone-like eyes glowed faintly purple.
The Flood Dragon's giant eyes glared, preparing to bellow again—but then it saw the strange purple light in Zi Yan's eyes and froze. An inexplicable pressure spread from its soul.
Its massive body suddenly dropped midair, as if oppressed by some ancient force. Though it recovered quickly, the experience shocked it to its core.
That was bloodline suppression!
This little girl… she's a magical beast?! And one powerful enough to frighten me?! Could she possess an ancient bloodline?!
The Flood Dragon stared wide-eyed at Zi Yan, stunned. After a long pause, it let out a low rumble—a sound which, if listened to closely, had a note of submission in it.
Jia Xingtian noticed the shift immediately. Though his face showed little change, his heart was turbulent. He glanced at Zi Yan beside Xiao Yuan with concealed astonishment. The Youhai Flood Dragon was a rare and powerful magical beast, yet it showed fear toward this child?
Who exactly was she?
Seeing the beast back down, Zi Yan wrinkled her nose proudly and shot Xiao Yuan a cheeky look.
Xiao Yuan ruffled her head, smiling—not surprised at all.
If the elders of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan saw someone speak to Zi Yan like that, they'd slap them into minced meat.
"Alright, no more delay," Xiao Yuan said with a smile to Jia Xingtian. He waved his hand, and the pill floated before him. Glancing at the Flood Dragon, he added, "Ready? It may hurt a little."
"Thank you, sir," the beast replied, now much more polite after what it had just experienced.
Xiao Yuan nodded. With a thought, his cyan-brown flame enveloped the pill. With a flick, the flame-wrapped pill soared above the beast's head.
As Xiao Yuan changed hand seals, the flames expanded, and from them a dense cyan glow spilled out, cascading like a curtain over the Flood Dragon's massive form.
The beast writhed in discomfort. Groans echoed from its throat, disturbing the lake's surface.
Jia Xingtian watched nervously but refrained from interrupting upon seeing Xiao Yuan's focused expression.
Xiao Yuan, ever considerate, activated his Wind-Wood Qi. The green flames carried a soothing life force, and the beast's groaning ceased—replaced by a comfortable hum.
"That feels good," the Flood Dragon said, shaking its head in delight.
Soon, Jia Xingtian saw its old wounds slowly begin to heal. The strange cyan glow was working wonders.
Its physical injuries were mending, and even its faded aura was climbing steadily. Overjoyed, Jia Xingtian watched his old comrade slowly return to peak condition.
To the royal family, this was a moment worthy of celebration.
The glowing mist persisted for nearly an hour. During that time, the pill within the flames shrank dramatically, most of its energy spent.
After another half hour, the glow dimmed and the last of the pill crumbled to ash.
Xiao Yuan beckoned the flames back into his body and clapped his hands. Smiling at Jia Xingtian, he said, "Its injuries are fully healed. After some rest, it'll be back at its peak—maybe even stronger."
"Thank you, Mister Xiao Yuan. If you ever need help in the future, come to me. I'll do whatever's in my power to assist you!"
Jia Xingtian said with heartfelt gratitude.
As they spoke, the Flood Dragon's eyes opened, and a powerful aura exploded from its body, shaking the mountains and scaring away countless birds.
Xiao Yuan nodded, satisfied. This level of power was worthy of his effort. And if the royal family dared go against him—well, he could just as easily cripple this beast again.
But if they remained loyal, this power would shield the Xiao Clan.
With a faint smile, Xiao Yuan thought: With Master Yao's teaching, one should always keep a hidden card. Though mine might be extreme, it could one day help the Flood Dragon evolve.
"Well then, I do have something to ask of you and the royal family."
Xiao Yuan cupped his hands.
"Oh?" Jia Xingtian raised a brow.
"I'll be traveling for a few years. The only thing I can't let go of is my family. I hope you'll look after the Xiao Clan in my absence. Aside from my brother Xiao Yan and me, we don't have anyone above Dou Wang."
Xiao Yuan spoke solemnly.
"That's all? Even if you hadn't asked, we'd have supported the Xiao Clan. With your talent, you're practically the guardian deity of the Jia Ma Empire. Of course we'll protect your family!"
Jia Xingtian promised firmly.
Still, Xiao Yuan didn't want the Xiao Clan to become arrogant.
"If any of my clan behaves poorly, please speak with my father. We don't tolerate parasites. My brother and I train hard to build a solid foundation, not to shelter fools."
Though the Xiao Clan had strict rules, now that Xiao Yuan was the strongest member, his words carried more weight than even Clan Leader Xiao Zhan.
After all, in this world, strength was everything.
"That's reassuring to hear. With that attitude, rest assured the Xiao Clan will be treated as our most trusted ally. You go explore, and leave the Empire to me."
Jia Xingtian grinned. This straightforward honesty made him like Xiao Yuan even more.
But… it was a shame.
Xiao Yuan hadn't shown much interest in Yao Ye—not even a second glance. So much for marrying her off.
Such a waste…
"Since everything's settled, I should take my leave. I've been away from home for too long—they must be worried."
Xiao Yuan clasped his hands.
"Won't you stay for dinner? I've already ordered a banquet."
"I appreciate it, but I'll head home first. I'll bring people with me tonight—hope you don't mind a few extra plates."
Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Haha, of course not. Yao Ye, escort Mister Xiao Yuan. I'll chat with Fa Ma."
"Yes, Great-Grandfather." Yao Ye smiled and gestured gracefully. "Mister Xiao Yuan, please allow me to guide you."
Tsk. Old man's not giving up, huh?
Can't fly with Dou Qi, but wants her to walk me out? Clearly hoping for more face time.
Xiao Yuan raised a brow but smiled.
"Thank you, Princess Yao Ye."
And with that, they walked away together.
Watching them go, Jia Xingtian sighed in regret.
How did the Mittel Clan beat us to this talent?
"Tsk. You were really willing to give her away, huh? Isn't Yao Ye supposed to be the future empress?"
Fa Ma chuckled slyly.
"It's tough. Ya Fei and Xiao Yu already have deep bonds with him. Yun Yun too, likely has a history with him. All of them are strong enough to keep up with him. Compared to them, Yao Ye doesn't stand much of a chance."
"Xiao Yuan may be a bit of a flirt, but he's not reckless. Yao Ye… he probably doesn't see her that way."
"Sometimes, I wish he'd be more lustful. If he liked her, I'd happily surrender. At least she has feelings for him, and it'd benefit the Empire."
Jia Xingtian's gaze was complicated—but mostly filled with regret.
After meeting someone like Xiao Yuan, no one else will ever meet her standards again.
"Bah. Good thing I don't have a granddaughter to worry about."
Fa Ma laughed proudly.
Jia Xingtian could only shake his head with a wry smile.
Why was I even telling this old pill-obsessed man anything in the first place?
(END CHAPTER)
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