Chapter 140: Love Brain?
A light, ethereal, captivating voice echoed by everyone's ears. On Yun Lan Mountain, all gazes converged upon the girl, a flash of stunning admiration surfacing in their eyes.
The girl wore a light-green dress. Three thousand strands of black hair were casually draped loose, cascading past her slender, graspable waist.
As she flew toward Xiao Yan, a light breeze blew, her dark tresses dancing. Transcendent, free from worldly dust...
And that beautiful countenance—even this stretch of heaven and earth itself seemed to dim before it. A pair of captivating, bright eyes, brimming with an ethereal, otherworldly intent—like the deepest, most profound starry sky—once one's gaze fell upon them, it became nearly impossible to look away.
A single glance captivates a city. A second glance captivates a kingdom.
Looking at Gu Xun Er, the person with the most complicated gaze at this moment was Nalan Yanran.
She had naturally seen Gu Xun Er before. Back then at the Xiao Clan, the girl had left an extremely deep impression on her.
She simply had never imagined Gu Xun Er's background would be this immense. Dou Zuns as servants. Compared to that, her own Nalan clan and Yun Lan Sect backgrounds seemed so paltry and insignificant.
Most importantly, the two of them, back then in dealing with Xiao Yan, had shown completely opposite attitudes. Contrasted like this, it made her, Nalan Yanran, look like a complete fool.
What's more, the other had just saved her life, her sect, her family. She could hardly bring herself to even look directly at Gu Xun Er right now.
Gazing at Gu Xun Er, Jiang Yun had to admit—this title of the Dou Qi Continent's number one female lead was truly well-deserved!
Unlike Medusa and Zi Yan, Gu Xun Er was like a perfect goddess, high and aloof, yet toward Xiao Yan, this fallen genius, she remained steadfast from beginning to end.
Now this—this was a top-tier love brain!
"Is she very pretty?" Suddenly, an icy-cold voice came from beside his ear.
Jiang Yun turned his head and saw Zi Yan, her face cold and stiff, staring unblinkingly at Gu Xun Er, a hostile, unfriendly look in her eyes.
"Pretty," Jiang Yun frankly nodded. Sure enough, Zi Yan's willow brows immediately shot up. Staring at Jiang Yun with displeasure, she then felt Jiang Yun gently squeeze the slender palm in his—the palm capable of splitting mountains and shattering stone. His voice soft, he said, "But not as pretty as Zi Yan."
"Hmph!" Sure enough, hearing Jiang Yun's words, a flash of delight streaked across Zi Yan's pretty face. The fierce scowl from just moments ago instantly vanished as if it had never existed.
But—abruptly recalling that she was being far too easy to placate, she let out a tsundere cold snort. Her long purple hair behind her flicked, brushing across Jiang Yun's cheek.
Ticklish!
Seeing this, Jiang Yun smiled gently. Gu Xun Er might be wonderful, but she wasn't his. And this girl before him—she had been by his side since his childhood. One could say she was the most irreplaceable part of his life.
"Sister Xiao Yi Xian, isn't Sister Zi Yan far too easy to 'deal with'?" Nearby, Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian had witnessed the interaction between Jiang Yun and Zi Yan. Qing Lin quietly sidled up to Xiao Yi Xian and whispered.
"Zi Yan's mind is simple. How could she be a match for Jiang Yun, that guy full of crafty tricks?" As if recalling something, a shy, bashful glint flickered deep in Xiao Yi Xian's eyes. She chatted quietly with Qing Lin.
"Then, with Sister Zi Yan like this, she won't be able to keep Brother Jiang Yun in check!" Hearing this, Qing Lin spoke with some 'concern.'
"Mm. I think Medusa isn't bad. How about... letting her take a shot at it?" Xiao Yi Xian pondered for a moment, then said somewhat hesitantly.
"Medusa!" Thinking of that domineering, forceful woman, hesitation flashed through Qing Lin's eyes. This... wouldn't backfire, would it?
If she remembered correctly, Medusa and Sister Zi Yan didn't get along well. Let's not have the two of them start fighting first!
Ahead, Jiang Yun heard the two women behind him 'whispering' about how to keep him in check. The corner of his eye twitched.
Was he, Jiang Yun, that kind of person?! And they were actually planning to guard against him strictly!
"Brother Xiao Yan."
Looking at the familiar girl before him, Xiao Yan felt a dreamlike, illusory sense of unreality.
Gu Xun Er gazed at Xiao Yan. Extending a fair, jade-like, translucent hand, she gently pressed down on top of Xiao Yan's head, as if measuring his height.
Those usually calm, unruffled bright eyes of hers—at this moment, they finally rippled with stirring, captivating waves.
"Brother Xiao Yan..."
Xiao Yan bared his teeth in a grin. Looking at the young woman's bright eyes, like autumn waters, still carrying the familiar warmth that comforted his heart—
his heart trembled faintly. A surge of impulse swept over him. He wanted to, like in the old days, reach out and ruffle the young woman's hair. But suddenly, a chill rose from his back. The life-and-death trials he'd endured told him—his very next move would determine the level of danger he'd be facing next.
Not far away, the Black Annihilation Army was staring in this direction with unfriendly, hostile gazes, watching Xiao Yan's every single move.
Just now, Gu Xun Er treating Xiao Yan with such starkly different treatment had already made many of them nearly grind their back teeth to dust. If Xiao Yan dared to make any discourteous move—even at the cost of punishment, they'd make sure to leave him a deep, unforgettable lesson.
"Xun Er... you've become so strong," Xiao Yan ultimately held himself back. Looking at the girl before him, he said gently.
A trace of disappointment flickered through her autumn-water-like bright eyes. But she quickly hid it. Looking at Xiao Yan, she said, "Brother Xiao Yan has become stronger too."
"Cough, cough, cough..." Right then, the sound of coughing rang out. Yao Chen's figure had grown much more illusory. Forcibly exerting soul power this time had dealt him a fatal injury.
"Teacher!" Xiao Yan looked at Yao Chen and immediately rushed forward in alarm. "Teacher, how are you?!"
"Cough, cough... this old man is fine." Yao Chen smiled weakly, looking gently at Xiao Yan.
"Sir Yao Chen has overdrawn his soul power. We only need to find pills or medicinal ingredients that nourish the origin of the soul!" Gu Xun Er, also looking at Yao Chen at this moment, spoke softly.
"Then, Teacher—this disciple will go find them for you right away!" Xiao Yan, at this moment, was at a complete loss. Just as he turned, he became somewhat lost and confused. He didn't know where to find such medicinal ingredients.
Medicines targeting the soul were inherently rare—let alone the even more precious ingredients that replenished the very origin of the soul.
Abruptly, he cast his gaze toward Jiang Yun—that mysterious eighth-tier alchemist.
Gu Xun Er was paying constant attention to Xiao Yan's every move. Noticing his action, she followed his gaze. Her brows furrowed slightly.
Toward this mysterious Jiang Yun, Gu Xun Er still harbored wariness. What's more, he was also entangled with the mysterious Taixu Ancient Dragon. She felt deeply puzzled as to why they had come to the Jia Ma Empire.
What could a small, insignificant place like the Jia Ma Empire have that attracted them?
Thinking of this, she grew even more guarded toward the group. Turning back to Xiao Yan, a radiant smile blossomed on her face. "Brother Xiao Yan, Xun Er has such medicinal ingredients here!"
"Truly?!" Hearing Gu Xun Er's words, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up as he looked at her, his heart stirred.
"As long as Brother Xiao Yan wants it—whatever Xun Er has, she can give to Brother Xiao Yan!" Gu Xun Er smiled radiantly. From her storage ring, she retrieved a jade box.
Xiao Yan, close to the box, caught a faint, delicate fragrance wafting from within. He felt his entire body jolt. His mind became crystal clear—a comfort he had never experienced before.
"This is actually a Soul-Nurturing Branch! This is far too precious!" Yao Chen knew his treasures. He recognized the medicinal ingredient Gu Xun Er had taken out at a single glance. Hesitation surfaced on his face.
"Elder Yao is Brother Xiao Yan's teacher. Xun Er still must thank Elder Yao for his guidance of Brother Xiao Yan. This item is only a bit precious outside. To Xun Er, it is not precious at all!" Gu Xun Er looked at Xiao Yan with unwavering determination.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan glanced at Yao Chen's state, and in the end, still accepted the Soul-Nurturing Branch.
Witnessing this, a captivating, heart-stirring smile immediately blossomed on Gu Xun Er's face.
Watching the foolish, naive Xiao Yan, then glancing at Gu Xun Er, for the first time, a sense of envy rose in Yao Chen's heart. Not precious? That only fools someone as inexperienced as Xiao Yan.
This item—even with Gu Xun Er's status, it was an exceedingly rare, priceless treasure. And she had just given it to Xiao Yan so casually. He truly didn't know whether this deep affection would be a blessing or a curse for Xiao Yan!
Did Xiao Yan truly have the ability to gain the Gu clan's recognition?
"Teacher, quickly, take it and recover!" Looking at the Soul-Nurturing Branch Xiao Yan handed over, and the unconcealed concern in his eyes, Yao Chen's heart warmed.
A resolute determination flashed through his eyes!
He definitely could. With the Burning Art, Xiao Yan already held the key to reaching the continent's summit. Human effort could achieve anything. He believed in this disciple of his—he possessed the power to turn decay into miracles.
"Good. You're also injured. Don't push yourself further." Yao Chen nodded, stored the Soul-Nurturing Branch, gave a word of advice, then returned to the ring to recuperate.
"Brother Xiao Yan, you're hurt..."
At the same time, on Jiang Yun's side, he too had been approached by two people.
"Gu clan, Gu Qingyang."
"Gu clan, Gu Zhen..."
Looking at Gu Qingyang and Gu Zhen before him, Jiang Yun nodded and replied softly, "Jiang Yun."
Zi Yan and the other two women also politely gave their names!
"Master Jiang."
"I've heard Master Jiang is a distinguished disciple of Senior Shen Nong?" Gu Qingyang looked at Jiang Yun and spoke softly. His gaze swept over the four, a flash of admiration in his eyes. "As expected—an outstanding teacher produces outstanding students. Compared to Master Jiang, this Qingyang, a descendant of an ancient clan, seems rather ordinary."
Jiang Yun cast a faint, knowing, half-smile at Gu Qingyang and chuckled lightly. "My teacher is not Senior Shen Nong. Although I am not a member of the ancient clans, I still know of the bloodline baptism. That is when you imperial descendants truly exert your strength!"
Seeing Jiang Yun see through him, Gu Qingyang wasn't embarrassed. With sincere admiration, he said, "Then still, none can compare to Master Jiang's heaven-bestowed talent. We are merely sheltered by the lingering glory of our ancestors!"
"Perhaps," Jiang Yun said ambiguously. The biggest beneficiary of nepotism on this Dou Qi Continent—was none other than he himself, Jiang Yun.
Had he not been born into the Xie Ling Clan, had a Heavenly Sovereign grandfather, carried the bloodline of a Heavenly Sovereign—he might never have been born with the Nine Divine Veins. Strictly speaking, he too was someone coasting on his ancestors' coattails!
"Friends of the Gu clan—if you have questions, why not speak frankly?" Looking at Gu Qingyang and Gu Zhen, Jiang Yun said bluntly. Keeping the two of them company here, dawdling—when would it end?!
"Nothing, really. We merely wished to meet the prodigies of the outside world!" Gu Qingyang shook his head and said candidly.
"In that case, Jiang Yun will take his leave first. If fate allows, we shall meet again in the Central Plains!" Jiang Yun nodded and cupped his fists. Then, without any hesitation, he led the three women toward Hai Bo Dong.
"Elder Brother, do you think what he said was true?" Watching the four depart, Gu Zhen asked Gu Qingyang beside him.
"I don't know either. But if he's merely a rogue cultivator with no background whatsoever, how could he have formed ties with the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan? And to cultivate to this degree at his age—that in itself is a miracle."
"A trip outside truly yields no small harvest. Only today do I know there are always people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens!" Gu Zhen nodded upon hearing this. Then, recalling something, he sighed. "First there's the Soul Hall's Yun Yi, then Jiang Yun. If they mature, they may well become figures like the two Pill Tower Ancestors or the Burning Heaven Ancestor!"
Gu Qingyang nodded noncommittally, then turned his head to look at the distant peak of Yun Lan Mountain, where a young man and woman were chatting cheerfully and joyfully. "Of course, we've also witnessed the young miss Xun Er in this... state."
Gu Zhen followed his gaze. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly!
He truly couldn't see what was so outstanding about Xiao Yan—to actually attract a heavenly favored daughter like the young miss Xun Er.
Appearance? Plain and ordinary. Not comparable to Elder Brother Qingyang. Cultivation? Gu Qingyang—Dou Zong. Xiao Yan—Da Dou Shi. A gap of a hundred thousand li. Talent? Also mediocre. This left Gu Zhen utterly baffled.
Yet no matter how much discontent toward Xiao Yan filled their hearts—before Gu Xun Er, the Black Annihilation Army dared not make the slightest move!
Thus, the sun set and the moon rose. Night soon fell. The Jia Ma Empire, having endured a day of heart-pounding terror, finally recovered its tranquility.
Xiao Yan and the Gu clan were resettled by the imperial family in a separate courtyard residence. Never mind the debt of gratitude the imperial family owed Xiao Yan and Yao Chen—just based on the spectacle during the day alone, what right did Jia Xingtian have to refuse?!
In fact, toward the Gu clan's presence, he was practically overjoyed. The day's events had utterly overturned their worldview. Who didn't now know that Xiao Yan was a thick, sturdy thigh to cling to? With the imperial family having the chance to be the first to build a good relationship—if he, Jia Xingtian, didn't hurry to do so, wouldn't he have lived all these years in vain?
In the courtyard, Xiao Yan quietly watched the bright moon in the sky. With the Black Annihilation Army present, it was naturally impossible to allow Gu Xun Er to still be alone with Xiao Yan at this hour.
If word of that spread back to the clan, even Gu Qingyang wouldn't escape punishment!
Recalling the day's experiences—the Soul Hall's might, the forces behind Xun Er—all of it, everything, was like a great mountain pressing down on his shoulders.
Sighing, he withdrew his gaze. Just as Xiao Yan was about to turn and leave, his gaze suddenly froze on a stone table beside the courtyard. There, a long-haired man in martial attire was seated. On the table before him were two cups, filled to the brim with green tea.
"Gu Zhen!"
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, watching this familiar figure—Gu Zhen of the Gu clan, the Grand Commander of the Black Annihilation Army!
"Sit. Let's chat." Gu Zhen looked at Xiao Yan, raising his head and smiling lightly!
Unsure what the other was up to, Xiao Yan walked over with a calm expression. Lifting his eyes, he said flatly, "Shouldn't you Gu clan people be finding me quite an eyesore?"
"Heh heh, who the young miss Xun Er likes is not something we can control. Those few boys below are hot-tempered and lack composure. Where there were some improprieties, Gu Zhen apologizes to you on their behalf!"
Gu Zhen smiled sincerely, raising the teacup in his hand as he looked at Xiao Yan.