The girl was dressed in a light blue gown, her three thousand strands of black hair cascading down, extending past her slender waist. As she flew towards Xiao Yan, a gentle breeze blew, making her hair flutter, giving her an otherworldly aura. Her beautiful face was so radiant that it dimmed the surrounding world. Her mesmerizing eyes radiated a mystical essence, like the deepest night sky, capturing all gazes and making it hard to look away.
A single glance could topple a city, another glance could ruin a nation.
Looking at Gu Xuner, the one with the most complex emotions at this moment was Nalan Yanran. She had met Gu Xuner before, during her time at the Xiao family, and had been deeply impressed by her back then. However, she hadn't expected Gu Xuner to have such a formidable background, having Dou Zun as her servant. In comparison, the Nalan family and the Yun Lan Sect's influence seemed trivial and negligible. Most notably, their attitudes towards Xiao Yan back then were completely opposite. This comparison made Nalan Yanran feel like a clown.
Moreover, Gu Xuner had just saved her, her master, and her family. Now, she couldn't even bear to look directly at Gu Xuner.
Jiang Yun had to admit that Gu Xuner truly deserved the title of the number one female protagonist of the Dou Qi Continent. Unlike Medusa and Zi Yan, Gu Xuner seemed like a perfect goddess, but she remained steadfastly loyal to the once-fallen genius Xiao Yan.
She was probably the ultimate love-struck person!
"Is she beautiful?" Suddenly, a cold voice whispered in his ear.
Jiang Yun turned around to see Zi Yan staring coldly at Gu Xuner, her eyes revealing a hostile expression. "Yes!" Jiang Yun nodded frankly. Zi Yan immediately frowned, displeased as she watched Jiang Yun. Then Jiang Yun gently rubbed her slender hands, capable of splitting mountains, and said softly, "But not as beautiful as you, Zi Yan."
"Humph!" Upon hearing Jiang Yun's words, a hint of joy flashed across Zi Yan's face, her earlier anger disappearing. However, realizing she might have been too easily appeased, she snorted arrogantly, her purple hair swaying across Jiang Yun's cheek, tickling him.
Seeing this, Jiang Yun smiled gently. No matter how wonderful Gu Xuner was, she wasn't his. The girl before him, who had been by his side since their childhood, was an irreplaceable part of his life.
"Sister Xiao Yi Xian, isn't Sister Zi Yan too easy to 'handle'?" Qing Lin quietly whispered to Xiao Yi Xian after witnessing Jiang Yun and Zi Yan's interaction.
"Zi Yan has a simple mind. How could she compete with cunning Jiang Yun?" Xiao Yi Xian's eyes flashed with a hint of shyness as she whispered back.
"In that case, Sister Zi Yan can't keep Brother Jiang Yun in check!" Qing Lin said with some 'concern.'
"Hmm, I think the Medusa Queen would be better. How about... we invite her?" Xiao Yi Xian hesitated for a moment before suggesting.
"The Medusa Queen!" Qing Lin hesitated, remembering the strained relationship between Medusa and Zi Yan. Wouldn't bringing her in backfire?
In front, Jiang Yun's eye twitched, hearing the two girls behind him whispering about how to control him.
Am I that kind of person, needing such strict measures?
"Brother Xiao Yan."
Looking at the familiar girl before him, Xiao Yan felt like he was in a dream. Gu Xuner looked at Xiao Yan, stretching out her white, jade-like hand to gently press on his head, as if measuring his height. Her usually calm eyes now rippled with emotion.
"Brother Xiao Yan..."
Xiao Yan smiled awkwardly, looking into her autumn-water like eyes that held a familiar warmth. His heart trembled slightly, a wave of emotion surged, wanting to pat her head as he used to. However, an instinctive chill rose from his back, his survival instincts warning him against such a move.
He glanced around to see the members of the Black Corps glaring at him, ready to pounce if he made any disrespectful move.
"Xuner, you've become so strong!" Xiao Yan finally held back, speaking softly to the girl before him.
A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes but was quickly hidden. She smiled at Xiao Yan, "Brother Xiao Yan has also become stronger!"
"Cough, cough..." Suddenly, a coughing sound interrupted them. Yao Chen looked more ethereal than before, his recent use of soul energy causing severe damage.
"Teacher!" Xiao Yan rushed forward in concern, "How are you?"
"Old me is fine," Yao Chen weakly smiled, kindly looking at Xiao Yan. "Mr. Yao Chen exhausted his soul power. He can recover with soul nourishing pills and herbs," Gu Xuner said softly, glancing at Yao Chen.
"Teacher, I'll find them for you!" Xiao Yan, looking lost, turned to leave but seemed uncertain of where to go.
Soul-nourishing herbs are rare, and finding even more precious soul-restoring herbs seemed impossible. He then turned his gaze to the mysterious eighth-grade alchemist, Jiang Yun.
Gu Xuner noticed Xiao Yan's actions and, following his gaze, her brows furrowed slightly. She was wary of the mysterious Jiang Yun and his mysterious ties with the Taixu Ancient Dragon. Why had they come to the Jia Ma Empire?
"Brother Xiao Yan, I have such herbs!" Gu Xuner smiled at him, taking out a jade box from her ring. Xiao Yan, approaching, smelled the faint fragrance emanating from the box, feeling refreshed and clear-headed.
"This is a Soul Nourishing Branch. It's extremely rare!" Yao Chen recognized the herb instantly, though he hesitated.
"Mr. Yao, you've taught Brother Xiao Yan so much, it's the least I can do!" Gu Xuner's face was firm as she locked eyes with Xiao Yan.
Seeing Yao Chen's condition, Xiao Yan finally accepted the Soul Nourishing Branch. Gu Xuner smiled warmly.
Watching the naïve Xiao Yan and the smiling Gu Xuner, Yao Chen felt a pang of envy. The Soul Nourishing Branch wasn't just rare; even with Gu Xuner's status, it was a precious item. Yet, she gave it away so easily.
Would this friendship bring fortune or disaster for Xiao Yan? Could he gain the approval of the Gu family?
"Teacher, please use it to recover!" Xiao Yan handed the branch to Yao Chen, his eyes filled with undisguised concern.
Yao Chen's eyes flashed with determination. With the Flame Mantra, Xiao Yan already had the key to dominate the continent. He believed in his disciple's ability to create miracles.
"Alright, rest and recover yourself!" Yao Chen took the Soul Nourishing Branch and returned to the ring to recuperate.
Xiao Yan turned his gaze to the sealed letter laid on a nearby stone table, recognizing the figure seated beside it as Gu Zhen from the Black Corps. "Sit and talk," Gu Zhen invited, gesturing at the opposite seat.
Though wary, Xiao Yan took the seat, eyes cold. "Shouldn't you guys from the Gu family hate me?"
Gu Zhen chuckled, "Who Miss Xuner likes isn't up to us. Those few hot-headed guys were wrong. I apologize on their behalf."
Gu Zhen sincerely raised his cup to Xiao Yan, who looked at him suspiciously before accepting the gesture.