???
Han Yue blinked her large, confused eyes as she observed the scene before her.
Xun'er, where's your cold and aloof goddess demeanor?
Although Xiao Xun'er had only recently joined the Inner Academy, her stunning beauty and exceptional cultivation talent had already garnered her a large group of admirers.
However, when facing her admirers, Xiao Xun'er was always icy and indifferent, the epitome of an untouchable ice queen.
Yet, in front of Xiao Feng, she turned into a clingy little sister-next-door, as affectionate as if she were his precious baby sister.
After holding Xiao Xun'er in his arms for a while, Xiao Feng finally turned his gaze to Han Yue and greeted her with a smile. "Han Yue, we meet again."
"Greetings, Elder Xiao," Han Yue replied promptly, standing up and bowing respectfully.
Xiao Feng waved his hand dismissively and said, "No need for such formalities. Since you're friends with Xun'er, you're my friend too. Just call me Xiao Feng from now on."
"Alright, Xiao… Xiao Feng."
As the words "Xiao Feng" escaped her lips, Han Yue felt an inexplicable sense of closeness, as if the gap between them wasn't as insurmountable as she had thought.
"Yue'er, there's no need to be so nervous. Brother Feng is very easy to get along with."
Seeing Han Yue's slightly nervous expression, Xiao Xun'er comforted her before tilting her head curiously. "Brother Feng, where have you been these past few days?"
Initially, Xiao Xun'er thought that after joining the Inner Academy, she'd be able to see Xiao Feng. However, she later learned from the Great Elder that he had left months ago to travel.
Under the curious gazes of Xiao Xun'er and Han Yue, Xiao Feng didn't hide anything and recounted his feats: defeating Old Ground Demon Ghost, subjugating the Demon Flame Valley, establishing the Supreme Alliance, and unifying the factions of the Black-Corner Region.
When they heard that Xiao Feng had established a dominant force capable of ruling the Black-Corner Region within just a few months, the two women's eyes sparkled with admiration.
Han Yue, in particular, who hailed from the Han Family of Tian Bei City, couldn't conceal her awe and reverence for Xiao Feng.
Although her family had a Dou Ancestor expert, her family patriarch was merely a Five-Star Dou Ancestor, far from being a match for Old Ground demon Ghost.
If Xiao Feng could kill Old Ground Demon Ghost, defeating the Han Family patriarch would be a trivial task.
If she hadn't witnessed it herself, Han Yue would never have believed that someone as young as Xiao Feng could possess the power to obliterate her entire family.
Moreover, Han Yue had heard from Xiao Xun'er that Xiao Feng's clan was merely a small family in the Jia Ma Empire!
Before Xiao Feng's meteoric rise, the strongest member of the Xiao Clan was only a Five-Star Dou Grandmaster.
This meant that all of Xiao Feng's achievements were the result of his own efforts. His story was nothing short of inspirational!
If only Xiao Feng were a member of the Han Family, Father wouldn't have to worry about the Hong Family anymore.
Wait! Maybe it's not impossible. Xiao Feng might not be part of the Han Family, but he could become our son-in-law!
Xue'er is around the same age as Xiao Feng. If we could pair them together, that would be ideal.
Han Yue's mind wandered until she shook her head involuntarily. No, that's not right. Compared to Xun'er, Xue'er falls short. Besides, they're childhood sweethearts.
Unless I share him with Xue'er… With the 'sisterly charm' bonus, maybe… Oh my, what am I even thinking?
As Han Yue snapped back to reality, her face was flushed with embarrassment.
Noticing her sudden redness, Xiao Xun'er couldn't help but ask worriedly, "Yue'er, are you alright?"
"I… I'm fine."
Facing Xiao Xun'er's concern, Han Yue felt both guilty and ashamed. Xiao Xun'er was so understanding, yet she had entertained thoughts of stealing her man. It was unforgivable.
Xiao Feng, having overheard Han Yue's internal musings, suppressed a chuckle as his lips twitched slightly.
Realizing that Han Yue harbored feelings for him, Xiao Feng wasn't angry.
After all, Xiao Feng was confident in his charm. It wasn't just schoolgirls like Han Yue who admired him—even experienced women like Su Mei, who had long ruled the Black-Corner Region, were infatuated with him.
Compared to Han Yue, who still felt remorse, Su Mei's candid and suggestive thoughts were far more brazen.
"By the way, Xun'er, I have a gift for you."
As Xiao Feng spoke, he retrieved a white jade bottle from his spatial ring and handed it to Xiao Xun'er.
Curious, Xiao Xun'er opened the bottle. A faint emerald mist emerged, swirling at the opening and lingering for a long time.
"Brother Feng, what is this?" Xiao Xun'er asked, puzzled.
"This is Earth Core Body Refining Milk, a substance formed deep within the earth from the purest earthly energies compressed over centuries."
Xiao Feng explained calmly, "Earthly energies compressed for a hundred years form a mist, known as Earth Core Mist, with remarkable solidifying effects.
"Over a thousand years, it condenses into a liquid—Earth Core Body Refining Milk—which possesses extraordinary properties for cleansing and strengthening the body.
"When using it, you can dilute it in bathwater for absorption. With its help, you can quickly break through to the Dou Spirit level and lay a solid foundation for advancing to Dou King in the future."
"Thank you, Brother Feng."
Xiao Xun'er smiled and graciously accepted the bottle.
Han Yue's eyes flashed with envy, and she couldn't help but ask, "But as far as I know, isn't Earth Core Body Refining Milk supposed to be milky white?"
"Are you referring to this kind?" Xiao Feng asked, retrieving another white jade bottle from his spatial ring and opening it in front of them.
This time, a white mist emerged, swirling like the previous one.
"Brother Feng, why do these two types of Earth Core Body Refining Milk look so different?" Xiao Xun'er asked, voicing Han Yue's curiosity.
"Earth Core Body Refining Milk typically forms where earthly energies converge, often in areas with large stalactites," Xiao Feng explained with a smile.
"The true Earth Core Body Refining Milk is found at the base of these stalactites and has a green color.
"The milky-white version most people know is merely the diluted essence that seeps out from the stalactites."
(End of Chapter)
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