"Who is he?" Yun Yun asked, glancing at Xiao Yan, who was still lying unconscious on the ground after being carried through the air.
"My good brother, Yan Xiao. I met him on the way and we entered the cave together to search for treasures. Here's the Purple Spirit Crystal you wanted." Xiao Tian casually used Xiao Yan's favorite alias, then took out the Purple Spirit Crystal and handed it over.
Yun Yun reached out to accept it. Xiao Tian seized the chance to gently caress her soft, smooth hand. Yun Yun shot him a "fierce" glare, thinking inwardly, What a scoundrel, always taking advantage whenever he gets the chance.
"I have the item now, so I must leave. If you ever come to Jia Ma Holy City, you can visit the Cloud Mist Sect. Also, Tian Xiao, this is for you." Yun Yun's jade-like hand flickered, and a set of light blue inner armor appeared. It was the Heart of the Sea Armor she had worn before. "It's made from a strange metal found inside the belly of a Rank 6 sea magical beast, the Three-tailed Blue Whale. Its defensive power depends on the wearer's strength."
"Since you're giving it to me and it's close-fitting inner armor, I'll gladly accept it." Xiao Tian took the Heart of the Sea Armor with a smile.
"Then I'll give you something in return. I found this in some ruins, but it's wind-attribute so I can't use it. It's yours now." A cyan scroll appeared in Xiao Tian's hand — the Storm Art rewarded by the system. "This is a Profound-rank High-grade wind-attribute cultivation technique called the Storm Art. It also comes with a matching Dou Technique, Wind Blade Dance. Take it."
"A cultivation technique with a matching Dou Technique, and it's Profound-rank High-grade… It's too precious. I can't accept it." Yun Yun waved her hand, refusing without hesitation.
"No matter how precious it is, it's not as precious as you. This technique will be very useful to you. Cultivating it will help you increase your strength faster and better protect yourself. I never take back what I've given away. If you don't want it, just throw it away." Xiao Tian directly stuffed the scroll into her hand.
The words "No matter how precious it is, it's not as precious as you" struck deep into Yun Yun's heart.
"Yun Zhi." Seeing her in a daze, Xiao Tian stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her lips.
Yun Yun came back to her senses and struggled symbolically for a moment before letting him do as he pleased.
After a long kiss, Xiao Tian finally released her. "Consider that the interest on the cultivation technique."
"You scoundrel… I'm leaving." Yun Yun quickly summoned her Dou Qi wings and flew away somewhat unsteadily.
Watching her figure disappear into the distance, Xiao Tian shouted after her, "Although your injuries are healed, they left scars. Remember to find some scar-removing medicine when you get back. It would be a pity to have scars on such beautiful skin."
"Go away~ None of your business!" Yun Yun's delicate shout drifted back from afar.
"Hahaha~~~"
"Tian Ge, everyone's gone now. Help me up… I'm still dizzy." Xiao Yan, who had been lying nearby, suddenly spoke up.
"Xiao Yan Zi, you're too weak. You still haven't recovered?"
"You were carried while flying. I was dragged by the collar. Is that the same? Speaking of which, you're really something. You dared to pursue a Dou Huang… and you actually succeeded."
"Oh, just average. I'm pretty good at being a kept man." Xiao Tian chuckled smugly.
"Does Xun'er know?" Xiao Yan asked with a mischievous smile.
Smack!
Xiao Tian slapped the back of Xiao Yan's head, letting him feel his brother's "affection." "You know too much, Xiao Yan Zi~"
"Tian Ge, do you have any other Profound-rank High-grade cultivation techniques or Dou Techniques? Even Profound-rank Low-grade ones are fine. Just give me a few and I'll keep your secret," Xiao Yan said, rubbing his hands eagerly.
Just as Xiao Tian was about to reply, Xiao Yan suddenly curled up in pain. His whole body turned black, and hot air spewed from his mouth.
Xiao Tian reached out and touched him. "Such overbearing power… it must be the energy from the Purple Crystal Source he swallowed earlier."
Looking at the fallen Xiao Yan, he knew his own strength wasn't enough to help regulate it. "Venerable Yao, if you don't act now, your disciple might not make it."
Hearing Xiao Tian's voice, Yao Lao appeared, looking at him in astonishment. A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. "How do you know about me?"
"Let's put that aside for now. First, deal with the energy in Xiao Yan's body."
"Mmm."
Xiao Tian stepped back a few paces to give Yao Lao space.
Yao Lao used his soul power to help Xiao Yan regulate the wildly surging Dou Qi. After a while, Xiao Yan's aura gradually stabilized, and his cultivation broke through to Nine-star Dou Practitioner.
Looking at the still-unconscious Xiao Yan, Yao Lao walked over to Xiao Tian. "Now, let's talk."
"What instructions does Venerable Yao have?" Xiao Tian asked with a faint smile.
"You know my identity? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?" Yao Lao said threateningly.
"Yao Lao, there's no need for that. I still trust the character of the esteemed Venerable Yao. Besides, we share the same enemies. I believe you also know the general background of our Xiao Clan. We'll have many opportunities to cooperate in the future. I'll leave Xiao Yan Zi in your good care, Senior Yao Lao." Xiao Tian directly gave him a dose of reassurance.
"I'll trust you for now. My intuition tells me that acting against you would be very dangerous. I hope you can bring surprises. Your talent is excellent — don't waste it." Yao Lao gave Xiao Tian a deep look, left those words, and returned to the storage ring.
Xiao Tian didn't feel much about this early meeting with Yao Lao. They were bound to meet sooner or later anyway. Moreover, judging by Yao Lao's conduct, he wasn't a truly evil person, so clearing things up early was better for everyone.
Seeing that Xiao Yan still hadn't woken up, Xiao Tian sat down nearby and continued cultivating while waiting.
At dusk, Xiao Yan finally awoke from his coma. He stood up, shook his head, and felt a surge of powerful energy throughout his body.
"Since you're awake, I'm leaving. Also, here's something for you. Remember, you owe me again. If you get anything good in the future, remember to share some with me. Hahaha." Xiao Tian threw a black scroll toward Xiao Yan, then summoned his Thunder Peng Wings, soared into the sky, and rapidly flew away.
Xiao Yan caught the scroll. The words on it read: Profound-rank High-grade Flying Dou Technique — Eagle Wings.
He sighed. "I owe Tian Ge more and more… I might not be able to repay it all in this lifetime. I always feel like something isn't quite right… nine-tenths of it feels wrong."
"Yan'er, this is an extremely precious item. Even many Profound-rank High-grade Dou Techniques can't compare. Your strength has also benefited from the Purple Crystal Source — turning misfortune into a blessing," Yao Lao appeared and said.
After leaving Xiao Yan, Xiao Tian landed near Qingshan Town and retracted his wings.
Walking through the bustling town once again, he suddenly overheard a conversation between two people and paused.
"Have you heard? They say the Little Fairy Doctor discovered a cave treasure containing a Profound-rank High-grade cultivation technique, and she took everything."
"I also heard that when the treasure was discovered, the Wolf Head Mercenary Group's Young Leader Mu Li was there too, but he was killed by the Little Fairy Doctor. None of those who went out with her returned."