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Xiao Yan frowned slightly and let out a soft sigh. Looking at Han Yue, his voice carried a faint weariness. "It's you again, Miss Han Yue. What is it that you want to talk about this time?"
Gratitude sparkled in Han Yue's eyes, and her voice held a trace of admiration. "I truly admire you, Brother Wuya. If it weren't for you saving me earlier, I might not even be alive now."
Her words were laced with flattery, hoping to win his favor.
Xiao Yan waved a hand and smiled faintly, unaffected by her praise. "It was nothing worth mentioning. There's no need for such courtesy. If you have something to say, speak plainly."
Han Yue nodded, her expression full of expectation. "Although you refused my request before, I'd like to bring it up again. I wish to borrow your Heavenly Flame to assist with my cultivation."
Hearing her words, Xiao Yan's gaze flickered slightly before he responded calmly. "Miss Han Yue, borrowing a Heavenly Flame isn't a trivial matter."
Han Yue blushed slightly at his words but remained resolute. "Brother Xiao, I'm only asking to use the flame temporarily, just to aid me in my cultivation for a short time."
Xiao Yan pondered for a moment, then sighed and shook his head. "Miss Han, I truly cannot agree to this request. My Heavenly Flame isn't something I can simply lend out."
Disappointment flashed in Han Yue's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. Gazing at Xiao Yan with determination, she said firmly, "Brother Xiao, I understand your concerns. But I promise, if you lend me the flame, I will return it as soon as I've finished. I am even willing to agree to any condition you set."
Despite her sincerity, Xiao Yan shook his head again. "I'm sorry, but my answer is still no."
Han Yue furrowed her brows tightly, unwilling to give up. "Brother Xiao, surely you can understand my situation. I truly need the Heavenly Flame to enhance my cultivation. It's just borrowing—it's not as though I won't return it. Why must you be so stubborn?"
However, Xiao Yan's expression remained unyielding, with a trace of indifference in his tone. "No. You should understand—this is simply not possible."
Han Yue pursed her lips, attempting a coquettish approach. "Brother Xiao, I'm begging you, please help me. If you lend me the flame, I will be eternally grateful."
Xiao Yan frowned. "Miss Han, my refusal is not because I am unwilling to help you, but because the Heavenly Flame is far too important to me."
Seeing his resolute stance, Han Yue felt a pang of frustration but still refused to back down. "Brother Xiao, I know you're a good person. You must understand how critical this is for me. I'm willing to pay any price if you agree."
But Xiao Yan's expression remained firm. "Miss Han, please understand—this is simply impossible."
After firmly rejecting her, Xiao Yan furrowed his brows, his eyes showing a hint of helplessness. He thought to himself, The Heavenly Flame was gifted to me by my master, Venerable Hai Dong. It has fused with my body—it's an invaluable treasure. How could I possibly lend it to someone else?
Han Yue, seeing his unwavering stance, shifted tactics. She stepped closer to him, her eyes glimmering with allure as she said in a soft, enticing voice, "Xiao Yan, I'm willing to do anything for you, as long as you lend me the Heavenly Flame."
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his tone colder than before. "Miss Han, abandon this thought. I will not change my decision."
Unwilling to continue the conversation, Xiao Yan turned to leave. However, just as he was about to take his first step, Han Yue's anxious voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Stop right there!"
Her voice was filled with urgency and unease, afraid that Xiao Yan might leave for good.
Xiao Yan halted, turning back slowly to face her. His sharp gaze locked onto her, a hint of surprise in his heart. He hadn't expected such a sudden change in her demeanor—from seductive pleading to an outburst of frustration.
"What else do you want?" Xiao Yan's tone was cold, but deep inside, he was curious about her swift change in attitude.
Han Yue took a moment to steady her emotions, coughing lightly before replying, her expression somewhat embarrassed. "Wait. If I'm not mistaken, you're from Zhongzhou as well, aren't you? Surely you've heard of the Han Clan from Tianbei City in Zhongzhou?"
Xiao Yan was slightly startled upon hearing this and responded calmly, shaking his head faintly.
"Sorry, I'm not from Zhongzhou."
Han Yue, hearing his reply, lowered her head in disappointment.
She had hoped to use this as an opportunity to build rapport, but Xiao Yan's denial of being from Zhongzhou left her at a loss.
Still unwilling to give up so easily, Han Yue fixed her gaze on Xiao Yan, her eyes reflecting unwavering determination.
"Xiao Yan, as long as you help me, my family will repay you generously."
She continued confidently, "My family holds significant influence in Tianbei City of Zhongzhou. We are far from an ordinary noble household."
Her tone was proud and assertive, clearly relying on her family's reputation to sway Xiao Yan.
"Oh? Your family?" Xiao Yan's brow raised slightly, his expression tinged with curiosity.
Her claims of her family's influence in Zhongzhou piqued Xiao Yan's interest. For a moment, he pondered whether it was worth reconsidering her request.
Quietly, Xiao Yan transmitted his thoughts to Yao Lao in the soul space.
"Do you think this Han Clan could be a major power?" Xiao Yan asked, feeling a twinge of concern. If the Han Clan truly held significant power, he needed to tread carefully to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Yao Lao's response came with an air of reassurance. "Never heard of them. Besides, Tianbei City is just a small city. It doesn't have much clout, nor have I ever heard of any Dou Zun-level experts there."
The lighthearted tone in Yao Lao's voice eased Xiao Yan's worries.
Relieved, Xiao Yan turned to Han Yue with a faint smile. "Heh, the so-called Han Clan? There's no need to use that to try to pressure me."
"I, Xiao Wuya, am not the kind of man to cower in the face of such things."
His tone carried a hint of disdain, showing little regard for the Han Clan's supposed stature.
With those words, Xiao Yan walked away confidently, leaving Han Yue standing there, frustration and disappointment written all over her face. She watched his retreating figure with a mix of anger and disbelief.
"Goodness, pretending with a fake name and still managing to pull off such boldness. Now that's confidence."
Watching from within the soul space, Yao Lao chuckled to himself at Xiao Yan's audacity.
Xiao Yan's figure slowly disappeared under the sunlight, leaving Han Yue standing alone. A sense of helplessness welled up inside her. Her brow furrowed, and her fists clenched tightly as she stood rooted to the spot.
Her original plan had failed again, leaving her both anxious and furious.
A gentle breeze swept past, brushing against her long hair and cooling her heated thoughts.
In that moment, a flicker of hesitation and doubt crossed her eyes.
She began to replay the scene in her mind, analyzing Xiao Yan's imposing demeanor.
His commanding attitude had stirred an unexpected sense of respect within her, and she couldn't help but wonder about his background.
"Who is this Xiao Wuya, really? To dismiss my family as if it were nothing?"
Suspicion began to take root in Han Yue's mind.
After a brief moment of hesitation, she made up her mind. She resolved that no matter what, she would uncover Xiao Wuya's true identity—and find a way to borrow that Heavenly Flame.
(End of Chapter)