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"What?!"
Xiao Xun'er was taken aback by the news, her surprise evident on her face.
However, her heart swelled with happiness for Xiao Yan, as she had not expected him to achieve so much.
But she soon found herself puzzled: how had Xiao Yan's strength grown so rapidly? And why would a powerhouse like the Ice Emperor be willing to act as his bodyguard?
"Should I continue to investigate?" Ling Ying asked respectfully.
Xiao Xun'er shook her head. "No, there's no need to pry into Brother Xiao Yan's affairs. Everyone has their own secrets."
She spoke softly, not wanting to cause her brother any undue stress.
After leaving Xiao Xun'er, Hai Bodong approached Xiao Yan, his tone serious. "Just now, I noticed that your cousin has been followed by a Dou Huang at all times. We both sensed each other's presence."
Xiao Yan smiled calmly. "It's nothing to worry about; I've known all along. Just stay composed."
Hai Bodong was taken aback; he had not expected that such a small family as the Xiaos would have a Dou Huang among them. This was indeed a mystery.
"No wonder the master accepted Xiao Yan as his disciple. Could there be more to this than meets the eye?"
Hai Bodong pondered, feeling confused by this unexpected revelation.
Xiao Yan was about to head to his room to begin his training when he crossed paths with a handsome young man—Xiao Ning, the one who had previously mocked him.
Upon seeing Xiao Yan, Xiao Ning immediately wore a mocking smile. He had intended to continue his taunts, but suddenly recalled that his grandfather had mentioned Xiao Yan's strange illness seemed to have miraculously healed. He reconsidered and restrained some of his emotions, directing his sarcasm at Xiao Yan. "Xiao Yan, I heard you've made a recovery. I don't know if it's true, but I hope it is. After all, the family assessment is just around the corner, and everyone will be watching you. If you embarrass yourself, I'd feel ashamed for you."
Xiao Yan met Xiao Ning's ridicule with a calm gaze. He smiled slightly and replied, "Thank you for your concern; I will do my best."
Xiao Ning was taken aback by Xiao Yan's reaction. He hadn't anticipated that Xiao Yan would be so composed, which made him feel a bit uneasy.
As night gradually enveloped the entire estate, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged in his quiet room, eyes closed in meditation.
As he delved deeper into his training, he became increasingly immersed in it, a faint aura emanating from him, as if he had merged with everything around him.
Yao Lao stood quietly nearby, watching Xiao Yan train. A glimmer of admiration flickered in his eyes as he softly remarked, "Xiao Yan is truly a gifted talent."
Shui Wuya beside him nodded in agreement.
He understood Xiao Yan's dedication and talent, and he knew what kind of person he was.
Though Xiao Yan had some luck in his journey to becoming a formidable figure, it was his hard work that truly made the difference.
Unable to help himself, Yao Lao gently spoke up, "Xiao Yan, the path of cultivation is not easy, but as long as you remain persistent, you will achieve greatness."
Xiao Yan was momentarily taken aback before looking up, his eyes filled with respect and gratitude.
"Yao Lao, you flatter me."
Yao Lao smiled slightly and said, "On the path of cultivation, always keep striving. Remember, stay humble and grounded to make further progress."
At that moment, Shui Wuya suddenly extended his finger and gently tapped Xiao Yan's forehead.
The tap felt like a stream of clear water, instantly enlightening Xiao Yan, as if he could see a vast, clear sky.
"Comprehension is not achieved overnight; it requires continuous insight and accumulation." Shui Wuya's voice was like a gentle spring breeze, caressing Xiao Yan's heart. "You have already done very well; just keep going, and you will surely become a master in your own right."
"Thank you for your guidance, Master!"
Xiao Yan felt a surge of inexplicable strength from Shui Wuya's encouragement and advice, closing his eyes and immersing himself in that warmth and power.
Under his master's instruction, his state of mind and comprehension seemed to reach a new level, as if he were touching upon a higher realm of cultivation.
Yao Lao observed the complementary auras between the master and disciple, a unique atmosphere enveloping the room.
A sense of self-doubt welled up within him.
"Senior Shui Wuya is truly extraordinary."
Yao Lao silently lamented, realizing that the gap between himself and Shui Wuya was far greater than he had imagined.
Although he was also Xiao Yan's master, he recognized that he still had much to learn compared to Shui Wuya in terms of cultivation and insight.
Shui Wuya's level of cultivation and understanding far exceeded his own, making his guidance to Xiao Yan more profound and effective.
"I should strive harder as well."
He looked at Xiao Yan and Shui Wuya in the room, feeling a renewed sense of motivation and determination rise within him.
His heart was filled with respect and admiration for Shui Wuya, while also harboring anticipation for his own future path.
At that moment, Shui Wuya's voice cut through the atmosphere like a chilling breeze.
"What we should be concerned about next is the Spirit Hall. I have calculated that they will soon discover Xiao Yan's true identity."
These words sent a jolt of shock through both Yao Lao and Xiao Yan.
Yao Lao's expression grew serious as his brows knitted together.
Though Shui Wuya's words were cryptic, they all understood that he possessed great wisdom and could not be speaking lightly.
Moreover, Yao Lao was well aware of the Spirit Hall's nature and knew that it was indeed a source of great caution.
Yao Lao's frown deepened. "Those vile people from the Spirit Hall have hearts as venomous as snakes. Once they discover Xiao Yan's identity, they will undoubtedly strike hard."
Shui Wuya sighed deeply, a glimmer of anxiety in his eyes. "Yes, our current strength is still insufficient. If we were to confront the Spirit Hall head-on, we would likely find ourselves at a disadvantage."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan felt uneasy. He had previously listened to Yao Lao and Shui Wuya discuss the terrifying aspects of the Spirit Hall.
"What should I do? If the Spirit Hall discovers my identity, then the Xiao family will also face their wrath, right?"
Xiao Yan spoke urgently.
Shui Wuya pondered for a moment, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. "At present, our only option is to relocate the entire Xiao family away from the Spirit Hall's covetous gaze."
"Relocate as a group?"
Both Yao Lao and Xiao Yan were taken aback.
Indeed, if they moved, wouldn't the Spirit Hall be unable to find them?
Soon, both were filled with delight at Shui Wuya's brilliant plan, their respect for him growing even deeper.
Xiao Yan resolved, "Master is right. Tomorrow, I will suggest to my father that we move the entire clan to avoid the Spirit Hall's intrusion."
With this decision, the pressure on the three eased somewhat, but worries for the future still lingered.
They knew that the threat from the Spirit Hall would not disappear, and they could not hide this secret forever; they needed to cultivate stronger powers to face it.
For now, however, they could only take things one step at a time.
(End of Chapter)