Two weeks had passed since Xiao Hua entered seclusion to advance to the Dou Zong class.
"It seems Brother Xiao Hua has gone into retreat…"
A soft sigh escaped Xun Er's delicate lips as she sensed his presence fading into a deep, prolonged retreat.
"What's this? Is our little sister already missing her precious 'Brother Xiao Hua'? Feeling bored without his attention, are we?"
"Leave her be. To her, everyone is just an extra in her life—everyone except her beloved 'Brother Xiao Hua,' and that includes us."
Two playful voices, one belonging to a young man and the other to a young woman, rang out from behind Xun Er, their tones brimming with mischief.
Xun Er flinched slightly before turning around, her gaze landing on Wei Jie and Mei Ling, who wore mischievous smiles as they approached her.
"Please don't tease me, Brother Wei Jie, Sister Mei Ling!" she protested, her face flushing red with embarrassment. Her glare, though directed at them, carried no real malice.
"Honestly, you didn't even notice us coming, despite your sharp perception…" Mei Ling sighed softly, shaking her head in mock exasperation.
"It's pretty obvious who's been occupying your thoughts, little girl." Wei Jie grinned wickedly, his tone light and teasing. "Why not go to him right now? Who knows, maybe if you told him you were lonely without him, he'd cut his retreat short just for you!"
"Brother Wei Jie," Xun Er's voice turned cold, though her cheeks remained flushed, "if you keep teasing me, I'll make sure Sister Li Mei and Sister Xin Yu hear all about this!" Her narrowed eyes and the icy determination in her tone made Wei Jie freeze.
"All right, all right, I'll stop teasing you, little sister," Wei Jie said quickly, raising his hands in mock surrender, though his grin lingered.
Despite his casual tone, a bead of sweat trickled down his temple. While Xun Er herself wasn't strong enough to be a real threat, Li Mei and Xin Yu were an entirely different story. He still remembered the punishment he'd endured at the hands of Li Mei and Xin Yu for teasing Xun Er a little too much. That was not an experience he wanted to repeat.
Wei Jie sighed softly, brushing aside the haunting memories of his past punishments, before shifting his attention back to the present. "But I am curious, Xun Er—what are your plans for the future?"
"My future plans…" Xun Er murmured, her brows furrowing deeply as she began to think seriously about her next course of action.
"Indeed," Mei Ling chimed in, her expression thoughtful. "As the daughter of the Clan Head of the Gu Clan, it's inevitable that the elders of your clan won't want you to remain outside indefinitely. They're likely already deliberating over your future, weighing your potential and talent, and deciding how best to secure your worth to the clan."
"That's exactly what we're wondering about," Wei Jie added with a casual shrug. "Frankly, it might be easier to destroy the Hall of Souls and erase them from the Central Plains than to convince those stubborn old men to abandon their rigid traditions and accept your relationship."
Xun Er fell silent, adopting a contemplative pose as she weighed her options. Wei Jie and Mei Ling exchanged glances but said nothing, waiting patiently as she deliberated.
"I'll return to the clan for now," Xun Er finally declared, her voice resolute after her moment of deep thought.
Mei Ling and Wei Jie's eyes widened slightly in surprise. They hadn't expected Xun Er to consider returning to her clan. Both had assumed she would continue deflecting the questions from the elders while keeping her relationship with Xiao Hua hidden.
"Are you sure about this?" Mei Ling asked cautiously.
"Yes," Xun Er replied with a resolute nod. "I need to prove my worth to the elders if I am to gain even a sliver of freedom. Otherwise, they will always see me as a pushover—someone they can dismiss, regardless of my resistance."
Her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Xun Er understood well why she had been allowed to show defiance without facing punishment. It wasn't because of her strength or capability, but because of her privileged status as the Young Lady of the Gu Clan.
She knew she was spoiled—by her clan, by her sworn siblings. But deep within, she longed to stand on her own, not as a tool to secure the Gu Clan's future through marriage and inheritance, nor as a mere pawn for others to fight over.
Even though she was Gu Yan's daughter—the child of the Clan Head and one of the most powerful figures in the world—her voice carried little weight among the elders. None of them truly cared about her opinions or ambitions.
What Xun Er desired was to carve out her own voice within the Gu Clan, and she knew there was only one way to achieve that: by gaining strength so immense that it left them no choice but to recognize her. She needed to earn their respect, not demand it.
Beyond that, she had to claim the Gu Clan's inheritance. Only by obtaining it could she solidify her authority within the clan. To truly stand at the pinnacle, she would need to prove she embodied the Gu Clan's legacy—its fate, pride, and strength carried on her shoulders.
'Slight freedom, huh…' Mei Ling murmured inwardly, her thoughts tinged with both pity and resolve. 'It seems the elders will cling to their traditions until Hua'er proves otherwise…'
"As long as you're certain about this, none of us have the right to object," she said aloud, her voice calm but supportive.
Wei Jie studied his little sister's resolute expression and let out a soft sigh. What had begun as a simple acquaintance had grown into a genuine sibling bond. Xun Er wasn't just a sister in name—she was family.
'It seems that building a formidable force is the only way to make those stubborn elders in the Gu Clan accept Third Brother and Xun Er's relationship without stirring chaos…' Wei Jie thought, his gaze darkening with contemplation.
A flicker of determination crossed his eyes as his thoughts turned to the future. He and the others had already begun planning to establish their own powerful force. The foundation of this plan would be laid the moment they reached the Central Plains, where they would make their mark and build their reputation.
With that fame, they would create a force strong enough to stand among the powerhouses of the Central Plains. By the time Xiao Hua arrived, their influence would already be undeniable.
Mei Ling and Wei Jie's gazes met, a silent understanding passing between them. A resolute determination burned within their eyes. They were committed to building a force so strong that even the mighty Eight Ancient Clans would be forced to recognize their strength—and think twice before underestimating them.
"So, when are you leaving?" Mei Ling asked, turning her gaze toward Xun Er.
"Next month, Sister Mei Ling," Xun Er replied calmly. "Old Ling has already informed my clan, and they will send someone to escort me back." She paused briefly before adding, "It will likely be some time before I can return to Jia Nan Academy."
"But don't worry," she continued, "Old Ling hasn't mentioned Brother Xiao Hua, so we can be assured the elders won't trouble him for now."
A relieved smile spread across Mei Ling and Wei Jie's faces as they nodded in unison. For the moment, they could set aside their concerns about the Gu Clan elders interfering with Xiao Hua. Still, deep down, they both knew it was only a matter of time before his presence came to light.
"By the way, I haven't seen Sister Xin Yu since Brother Xiao Hua entered his retreat," Xun Er said, sensing the somber atmosphere and attempting to steer the conversation in a lighter direction. Tilting her head slightly, she wondered aloud about the whereabouts of one of her elder sisters.
"If you're wondering about her," Wei Jie replied, immediately understanding her intent to change the subject, "Lady Xue Yue has taken Sister Xin Yu under her wing to teach her about array formations."
"Lady Xue Yue is guiding her in array formations?" Xun Er asked, her eyes widening as she raised a hand to cover her parted lips in surprise.
"To be precise, she's teaching her about Spiritual Arrays from the Great Thousand World," Mei Ling explained with a gentle smile. "Once Sister Xin Yu grasps the essence of those arrays, Lady Xue Yue plans to have her adapt the knowledge to create formations that can function here in the Dou Qi Continent."
"It sounds like Sister Xin Yu has a challenging road ahead of her…" Xun Er murmured, a flicker of pity crossing her face. Yet, deep down, she felt confident in Xin Yu's abilities. Despite the difficulty of the path set before her, Xun Er was certain her sister would rise to the challenge and succeed.
"What about Brother Ming Cheng and Sister Li Mei?" Xun Er asked curiously.
"They've entered a retreat as well," Wei Jie replied with a shrug. "Just like Third Brother, they won't be coming out until he does. As for us, we'll also be entering a retreat soon to break through to the Soul State, but we need to make a few preparations first."
"It seems everyone has their plans in place." Xun Er closed her eyes briefly before nodding. Rising to her feet, she smiled warmly at her brother and sister. "Then let us all reunite and celebrate once Brother Xiao Hua finishes his seclusion."
"Of course we will!" Wei Jie laughed, his carefree tone masking his own anticipation. "After all, knowing Xiao Hua, he won't be coming out anytime soon."
"That's right," Mei Ling agreed with a soft giggle, standing beside Wei Jie. She turned her gaze toward Xun Er, her eyes warm and her smile gentle. "But that includes you, Xun Er. Be sure to gain permission from your elders and return to Jia Nan Academy safely."
"I will, Sister Mei Ling," Xun Er replied, nodding confidently. She believed the elders would allow her to return, though not out of goodwill. The Xiao Clan's possession of one of the fragments of the Tuo She Ancient God Jade gave her leverage.
The Gu Clan elders coveted that jade fragment, believing the Xiao Clan had lost the strength to safeguard it and, therefore, the right to possess it. They saw an opportunity to gain an edge over the other Eight Ancient Clans by holding two fragments of the jade.
'With Brother Xiao Hua's astonishing growth, the Xiao Clan will undoubtedly rise again to its former glory. No, it will surpass even that—becoming the next Dou Di of the Dou Qi Continent and elevating the Xiao Clan to unparalleled heights,' Xun Er thought, her heart racing with excitement at the prospect.
She could barely contain her anticipation for the day when Xiao Hua would stand at the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent, his name echoing throughout the realms. Even now, the thought sent a thrill through her, quickening her heartbeat.
Yet, a shadow of worry crept into her thoughts as her mind turned to the Great Thousand World—the higher plane that loomed beyond their current understanding. There was something about it, something Lady Azure and Xue Yue had carefully withheld.
Xun Er was certain it wasn't out of malice or distrust; rather, she felt that the truth of the Great Thousand World was simply beyond their current comprehension.
'Only when we reach a sufficient level of strength will Lady Azure and Xue Yue reveal everything to us without reservation,' she mused, her resolve hardening.
Reflecting on her past, she realized how naive she had been. In the Gu Clan, she never doubted her strength. If she lacked power, she believed the clan's abundant resources and guidance would help her ascend gradually.
But these past two years had been a humbling revelation. Watching her brothers and sisters clash against the formidable elders of Demon Flame Valley, and witnessing Xiao Hua's ferocious battle against Protector Fu, she had come to understand just how far behind she truly was.
Her strength was woefully inadequate. If she wanted to stand beside Xiao Hua and face the challenges of the higher planes, she couldn't rely solely on the Gu Clan's nurturing. She had to forge her own path to power.
If Xiao Hua and the others could hear her thoughts, they would likely smile helplessly. Her frustration over her lack of strength stemmed from her youth. In truth, both Xiao Hua and Xun Er were anomalies—achieving the Dou Wang class at just seven years old was a feat that would leave even the most talented cultivators of the Dou Qi Continent in awe.
What truly vexed her during the attack on Demon Flame Valley was her inability to contribute. Forced to stand on the sidelines, she could only watch as her brothers and sisters risked their lives in battle. The memory of that helplessness burned deeply within her.
Xun Er clenched her fists, determination flickering in her golden eyes. She wasn't content to merely stand behind Xiao Hua in times of crisis. No, she wanted to stand beside him as an equal when calamity inevitably struck.
'Speaking of the clan… Cousin Xiao Yang and Cousin Xiao Tao should have returned by now,' she mused, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. 'I wonder how the clan—or rather, the entire Jia Ma Empire—will react to the news about Brother Xiao Hua.'
The thought of those major factions within the Jia Ma Empire hearing the earth-shattering news Xiao Yang and Xiao Tao were bringing made her chuckle inwardly. Their shock and disbelief would undoubtedly be entertaining to witness.
The Misty Cloud Faction was one of the preeminent forces—if not the strongest—in the Jia Ma Empire. This ancient sect, passed down through countless generations, had solidified its place at the peak of power within the empire.
Its headquarters was perched atop a majestic mountain located just five kilometers from the capital of the Jia Ma Empire. Over time, this mountain had come to be known as Misty Cloud Mountain, named after the faction that claimed it.
Misty Cloud Mountain was not a solitary peak but part of a sprawling range. However, it stood far above its neighbors, towering over the surrounding mountains like a sword thrusting into the heavens. The other peaks, bending skyward, seemed to bow in deference to its grandeur.
At its summit, the mountain was often cloaked in clouds and mist, giving it an ethereal appearance that resembled a celestial paradise.
The terrain of Misty Cloud Mountain was naturally formidable. Three of its sides were sheer cliffs, leaving only one treacherous path leading to the summit. This natural barrier made it an ideal stronghold—easy to defend and nearly impossible to besiege. The mountain itself was like a fortress, further fortified by the presence of Misty Cloud Faction disciples who patrolled it diligently, ensuring the sect's security at all times.
A white, grandiose building stood proudly atop the steep, mist-shrouded mountain. Inside, several figures stood in a spacious chamber, their gazes fixed on an elderly man clad in pristine white robes, who stood on the raised platform's steps.
This man was Yun Leng, the First Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect—a pivotal figure whose actions would later lead to the downfall of the Xiao Clan.
These figures were the sect's upper echelons, summoned by Yun Leng to convene in the meeting hall. He had called them to discuss a critical report he had recently received.
Had it been an ordinary matter, there would have been no need to gather the sect's leadership. However, as Yun Leng shared the contents of the report, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy, and disbelief expressions darkened the faces of all present.
"First Elder, are you certain this information is accurate?" one elder asked, breaking the tense silence.
"There is no mistake," Yun Leng replied firmly. "The information has been verified by one of our elders who ventured to the Black-Corner Region. Furthermore, a recent battle between Jia Nan Academy and Demon Flame Valley drew the attention of the top factions in the region. All of them have confirmed the news."
Upon Yun Leng's confirmation, the expressions of the Misty Cloud Sect elders shifted to one of disbelief and shock. A heavy silence fell over the room as they struggled to process the information they had just received.
"A seventh-tier alchemist and an elite Dou Wang, capable of defeating two Dou Zong experts... And now, he's entered seclusion, intending to emerge only after advancing to the Dou Zong class?" one elder muttered, his voice laced with incredulity.
"What's even more inconceivable is that this astounding feat has been achieved by a mere boy—only seven years old," another elder added, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Even knowing it's true, it's almost impossible for our hearts and minds to accept such unbelievable achievements…"
Low murmurs of astonishment rippled through the room. Despite their shock, they all knew one thing for certain—Yun Leng would never jest about such a matter.
"This Xiao Hua child… Is he the one from the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City?" one of the elders asked, his tone carrying a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
"It is indeed the same Xiao Clan," Yun Leng confirmed with a nod. "We've heard whispers about the boy's supposed talent, but we never took them seriously, dismissing them as exaggerated rumors."
A heavy sigh escaped his lips as his face clouded with regret and frustration. "Who would have thought that the rumors were not exaggerated in the slightest…"
As Yun Leng spoke, the room grew somber. Indeed, the Misty Cloud Sect had heard rumors about Xiao Hua's talent, but they had always dismissed them. After all, the claim that a child could reach Dou Zhe at the mere age of five seemed too outlandish to be true, a tale fit for embellishment rather than fact.
Yet, in just two short years, this same boy had advanced to the Dou Wang class and displayed the ability to defeat not one but two elite Dou Zong experts…
It wasn't entirely the Misty Cloud Sect's fault for overlooking him. Xiao Hua's talent had been exposed for only a brief period, and he had little to no contact with other major forces before leaving the Jia Ma Empire. Furthermore, his time with the Xiao Clan had been fleeting, save for a single visit after his talent had come to light.
"What is your opinion on this matter, Ms. Yun?"
Yun Leng turned his gaze toward the highest point of the platform. The attention of everyone in the room instinctively followed, their eyes landing on the majestic throne that commanded the room. It stood several steps higher than where Yun Leng was positioned, a symbol of absolute authority.
Seated atop the throne was a slender, graceful figure.
The woman wore a form-fitting, pale-green dress with intricate silver embroidery, its design accentuating her exquisite silhouette. A green-blue belt cinched her waist, completing her regal appearance. Her black hair, tinged with a subtle shade of purple, was styled elegantly, held in place by an ornate phoenix-shaped hairpiece.
Her stunningly beautiful face remained calm, untouched by emotion, despite the countless gazes fixed upon her. The tranquility she exuded gave her an air of unshakable authority.
She was Yun Yun, the Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect.
"It's no use regretting the past," Yun Yun said, shaking her head. She recalled how she had once secretly traveled to Wu Tan City to verify the rumors, only to find it was already too late—Xiao Hua had entered Jia Nan Academy by then.
"What we must focus on is the present. With him backing the Xiao Clan, there's no doubt they will rise swiftly, drawing the attention of other major forces."
The elders nodded in agreement with her words, their expressions serious. However, another voice suddenly chimed in, bringing up a critical point that everyone seemed to have overlooked.
"While it's astounding that Xiao Hua, as a mere Dou Wang, can defeat Dou Zong experts, I believe everyone is forgetting something far more significant—he's also a tier-seven alchemist. Such a prodigy has never before appeared in the history of the Jia Ma Empire."