With the tips of her toes gently pressing against the rocky mountain, Xiao Xun'er resembled a purple butterfly, her graceful figure tracing an enticing arc as she lightly leaped to the mountain top, tilting her head slightly to glance at the boy at the edge of the cliff. The novel continues at
Looking at the boy, Xun'er was slightly taken aback. Although they hadn't seen each other for just half a day, she felt that the current Xiao Yan seemed to have gained something…
When their gazes met amidst the swaying mountain breeze, Xun'er finally realized what the boy had gained, and that was… confidence!
After three years, the brightest halo that once surrounded the young boy seemed to have finally returned.
Somewhat enchanted by the faint smile at the corner of the boy's mouth, Xiao Xun'er's pretty face revealed an adorable dimple as she smiled lightly and said, "Looking at Xiao Yan gege now, it seems like he doesn't need Xun'er to comfort him anymore?"
"When a person experiences setbacks, they have to grow, right?" Xiao Yan shrugged and said with a smile.
"She will definitely regret it."
Xun'er pouted her small mouth and chuckled, her earnest expression resembling that of a judge.
Xiao Yan smiled faintly, casually adjusted his clothes, and walked toward the girl.
As he got closer and looked at Xiao Xun'er, who was already about as tall as he was, his gaze swept over that slightly immature yet beautiful little face, and Xiao Yan suddenly felt a bit dazed. That little thing, who used to run around behind him with a runny nose and no pants, had now grown into such a charming and vibrant girl…
With a gentle smile, the young man」s gaze was warm, and without hesitation, he pinched the delicate little face in front of the girl」s astonished eyes, laughing, "Xun'er has grown up too. But thankfully, you haven't forgotten how Xiao Yan-gege used to fall all over himself to pick fruits for you and ended up covered in bruises."
Stunned for quite a while by Xiao Yan's affectionate gesture, Xun'er gazed into those pure black eyes, and a gentle smile bloomed in her heart.
When he was a child, he loved to pinch his chubby little face, but ever since that incident three years ago, he has like built a wall in his heart, keeping everyone outside. No matter how hard I try to get close, I always end up being pricked by his indifferent attitude and leaving in disappointment…
"He really came back... But it seems he still sees me as the little follower from back then, what a blockhead..." With a slight pout, Xun'er then felt a bit guilty for her own greed.
"Xun'er, don」t blame Brother Xiao Yan for these past three years. During that time, I was just as lost as you were, but thankfully, you were there to keep me company." Xiao Yan said, a bit awkwardly ruffling his hair, apologetically.
Xun'er smiled sweetly, and all the grievances she had suffered over the past three years instantly vanished in the youth」s clumsy apology.
"Ahem, right, Xun'er... how much money do you have left?" Releasing the delicate little face in his hands, Xiao Yan suddenly chuckled awkwardly.
In the family, aside from his father, only Xun'er had a good relationship with him. After embarrassing his father so much today, he had no face to ask for money from him again, so he could only target Xun'er instead.
"Money?" Blinking her bright, sparkling eyes, Xun'er asked in surprise: "Does Brother Xiao Yan need money?"
"Ahem... I need to buy something, and I'm a bit short on cash." Xiao Yan's little face turned slightly red; in both this life and the last, this was the first time he was borrowing money from a girl.
It was the first time Xun'er saw her usually calm brother Xiao Yan looking this flustered, and she couldn't help but feel like her eyes were opened wide, covering her small mouth as she giggled and said, "I still have over a thousand gold coins, is that enough? If it」s not enough..." As she spoke, one of her delicate hands that was behind her back flicked her fingers lightly, and a purple-gold card suddenly appeared between her slender fingers, shimmering with five different colored ripples.
The Five-Pattern Purple Gold Card; in the Dou Qi Continent, one must at least have the strength of a Dou Ling to be eligible for this kind of gold card that represents identity. Of course, some transcendent forces also possess this qualification.
"That's enough, that's enough..." Nodding happily, Xiao Yan couldn't help but want to pinch Xun'er's beautiful face again, but thankfully he managed to stop himself at the last moment.
"Don't worry, I'll pay you back all the money later," Xiao Yan promised, patting his chest.
"Who cares about you..." With a slight pout, Xun'er quickly put away the purple gold card behind her.
"Let's go, it's getting late. Tomorrow I'll take you to explore Wu Tan City." Xiao Yan waved at the girl and excitedly jumped down the mountain first.
Standing still, Xun'er smiled as she gazed at the boy who had returned to his carefree self from three years ago. With a gentle smile, she murmured softly, "Nalan Yanran, should I hate you or thank you?"
The morning sunlight streamed in through the window, warming the boy sitting cross-legged on the bed, cozy and warm...
"Hah..."
After sitting quietly for a while, Xiao Yan took a long breath, and a visible faint white stream of air flowed into his body through his mouth and nose, nourishing his bones.
His eyes suddenly opened, a flash of white light passing through them, Xiao Yan slowly stretched, a look of infatuation and intoxication on his face: "This feeling, it's been three years, huh? The feeling of getting stronger has finally returned again."
He crawled out of bed slowly, stretched his limbs a bit, then changed into a fresh set of clothes. Outside the door came Xun'er's melodious and light voice: "Xiao Yan gege, are you still not up?"
"This girl comes so early," he shook his head helplessly, turning around to rummage through the cabinet for a while, and finally pulled out a small box, carefully opening it. Instantly, a burst of golden light shot out, causing Xiao Yan to squint his eyes slightly...
"This is all my possessions now," he said, holding the small box, Xiao Yan bitterly smiled and shook his head.
Stepping out the door, looking at the youthful girl at the entrance, Xiao Yan couldn't help but let out a playful whistle.
Today, Xun'er has changed into a proper light green outfit, and theonly adds to the girl's purity. A pair of tight-fitting long pants hugs her slender and long beautiful legs, highlighting their curves perfectly.
Long legs, perky butt, and a slightly developed little chest—Xun'er now undeniably resembles a young girl on Earth, brimming with vitality and an alluring youthful aura. Of course, I have to say, that unique is something Xiao Yan has never seen in any other girl…
"Here, this is what you need." Seeing Xiao Yan come out, Xun'er cheerfully handed over a black card; it was an ordinary gold deposit card, with a maximum limit of five thousand gold coins.
Casually taking the black card, Xiao Yan joked, "What」s with you dressing up so nicely? Are you going out with someone?"
"Yeah, yeah, this is the first time in three years that big brother Xiao Yan invited me out, so I'm really flattered, of course I need to dress up a bit prettier." Xiao Yan's teasing made Xun'er」s eyes curve into a gentle crescent moon as she playfully giggled.
Shaking his head helplessly, Xiao Yan, who was in a great mood, also replied with a few chuckles. The two chatted and laughed as they headed outside the clan, and halfway, they encountered some clan members. Seeing the way he and Xun'er were playfully joking around, they couldn」t help but show a look of surprise.
Now, Xun'er, whether in beauty or talent, is the most dazzling pearl among the younger generation of the clan. Though she appears gentle and friendly in the clan, beneath that faint smile lies a subtle coldness. It's easy to greet her, but having a deep conversation is quite difficult.
Ignoring the expressions of the clan members, Xiao Yan led Xun Er out of the family, then slowed down and casually wandered through the bustling streets...
Utan City is indeed one of the large cities of the Jiamar Empire, bustling with activity; even though it's a scorching hot day, the streets are still packed with people, and you can even occasionally spot some strange races.
Perhaps because of Xiao Yan's company, Xun Er became much more lively after leaving the family, dragging the reluctant Xiao Yan around as she dashed from stall to stall, her light and cheerful laughter adding a touch of coolness to the sun-baked street.
After Xun'er got tired of playing, Xiao Yan took her to a nearby herbal shop, spending over nine hundred gold coins to buy three twenty-year-old Purple Leaf Orchid and two five-year-old Bone Washing Flowers. These are all low-level materials, and as long as you spend some money, you can easily buy them at the herbal shop. Of course, if you want higher-level materials, you'll have to go look for them yourself or head to the market, auction houses, and such.
Looking at his rapidly shrinking fortune, Xiao Yan shook his head with a bitter smile. Now, he finally understood how important money is in the Douqi Continent...
The herbs are in hand, and the only thing missing is a first-level Wood Element Magic Core!