After a thorough discussion, Xiao Fan and Gongsun Yarou reached an agreement. She needed him to find a way to send a message to the Demon Clan, informing them of the Dragon Clan's plan. At an opportune moment, when the Dragon Clan was least expecting it, they would open the secret realm's entrance, allowing the Demon Clan army to invade.
A war between the Dragon and Demon Clans would inevitably endanger the humans within the secret realm. The Demon Clan, indifferent to the fate of these humans, aimed solely to thwart the Dragon Clan's plan and annihilate them.
Xiao Fan, however, couldn't disregard the humans in the secret realm. He demanded assurances from Gongsun Yarou that the Demon Clan would not harm the humans. Reluctantly but promptly, she agreed, promising that the Demon Clan would not attack the humans upon entering the secret realm.
A crucial part of their plan involved using Long Xiaoxiao to distract the Dragon Clan's leaders. When the Dragon Clan prepared to use Long Xiaoxiao's blood and dragon core to activate the Dragon Transformation Pool, their leaders' attention would be fully on her, leaving them vulnerable.
This posed great danger to Long Xiaoxiao. Although Xiao Fan was reluctant to use her as bait, it was the only feasible strategy. Gongsun Yarou reassured him repeatedly that she would ensure Long Xiaoxiao's safety, and Xiao Fan reluctantly agreed.
With their plan set, they needed to figure out how to leave the Dragon Clan's secret realm without arousing suspicion to convey the message to the Demon Clan. Xiao Fan had to think carefully about this.
"Master, Master…" came Long Xiaoxiao's anxious voice from inside the house, having awakened and not finding Xiao Fan by her side.
"Xiaoxiao, don't worry. I'm in the courtyard," Xiao Fan called back instinctively.
Long Xiaoxiao was very insecure and became highly anxious whenever she couldn't see him.
The door creaked open.
Gongsun Yarou was still sitting on Xiao Fan's lap, her arms wrapped around his neck. Seeing this, Long Xiaoxiao froze for a moment before rushing over, yanking Gongsun Yarou off and onto the ground.
"Ow!" Gongsun Yarou exaggerated her fall, though it was clear that Long Xiaoxiao had considerable strength for a young girl.
After pulling Gongsun Yarou away, Long Xiaoxiao climbed into Xiao Fan's lap, snuggling her head into his chest, clearly asserting her territory.
Xiao Fan sighed and gently patted Long Xiaoxiao's head, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation at her possessiveness.
Gongsun Yarou, though irritated, didn't bother to argue with this seemingly simple-minded girl. However, when she glanced at Long Xiaoxiao, she noticed a sharp, murderous gleam in the girl's eyes despite her outwardly innocent demeanor.
Oh! The little dragon cub had two faces.
Gongsun Yarou was intrigued. Long Xiaoxiao was not just an innocent, dependent girl. She had a fierce possessiveness toward Xiao Fan.
And Gongsun Yarou loved nothing more than taking what others cherished.
Seeing Long Xiaoxiao's hostility only fueled her competitive spirit. She glared back, unyielding.
Xiao Fan, oblivious to their silent battle, introduced Gongsun Yarou as a new maid to serve Long Xiaoxiao. Naturally, he didn't reveal her true identity. In his eyes, Long Xiaoxiao was still too innocent to be burdened with their plan's details.
"She will be your maid from now on. You two should get along well," Xiao Fan said.
"I don't want her! Send her away!" Long Xiaoxiao protested, not just because of her earlier jealousy but also because she sensed Gongsun Yarou's ambiguous glances at Xiao Fan.
She couldn't tolerate someone trying to take her master away.
However, to her surprise, her usually doting master was stern this time.
"No, Xiaoxiao. Don't be so willful," Xiao Fan said seriously.
Long Xiaoxiao's eyes welled up. Her master had never scolded her before.
Seeing her pitiful expression, Xiao Fan softened, patting her head gently. "Xiaoxiao, be good. I shouldn't have scolded you, but this time, please listen to your master."
With Xiao Fan's gentle reassurance, Long Xiaoxiao's mood improved slightly. She wouldn't anger her master, letting Gongsun Yarou exploit the situation.
Glancing at Gongsun Yarou, Long Xiaoxiao snuggled closer to Xiao Fan. "Alright, Master. I'll listen to you."
"Good girl," Xiao Fan said, relieved, stroking her head.
Watching this affectionate scene, Gongsun Yarou smiled knowingly. She had discerned something interesting.
It was clear that Xiao Fan saw Long Xiaoxiao only as a disciple, but Long Xiaoxiao's feelings for Xiao Fan were far from simple.
Long Xiaoxiao's innocent facade was likely a strategy to gain Xiao Fan's affection, allowing her to act spoiled and maintain close contact under the guise of being a child.
Realizing this, Gongsun Yarou found the situation far more entertaining. Competing with a 'child' for Xiao Fan's affection would have been boring, but this new development promised to be much more interesting.