In a fairyland-like valley, on the sloping grass ground, lush green grass spreads to the end of the sight like a green blanket. Not far below the grass, a spacious mountain stream is bottomless, with light clouds and mist lingering in it.
Xiao Ling and Xiao Xun'er stand side by side, and the breeze blows, lifting their hair.
After Xiao Ling broke through to the peak of Douhuang, he has been by Xiao Xun'er's side, and the already deep relationship between the two has become even closer.
"Brother Xiao Ling, the day when the clan will send someone to pick me up to attend the coming-of-age ceremony is coming soon." Xiao Xun'er opened her red lips slightly, with a hint of reluctance in her beautiful eyes.
Xiao Ling smiled slightly, held Xiao Xun'er's hand, and said, "Xun'er, I knew this day would come. Although I am reluctant to leave, I am happy for you. I believe you will be dazzling at the coming-of-age ceremony." "Xun'er, I have been mentally prepared."
"Even if we are about to separate, our hearts will never be far apart. Don't worry about attending the coming-of-age ceremony. I will miss you silently."
After hearing what Xiao Ling said, Xiao Xun'er's mouth corners slightly raised, and a hint of playfulness flashed in her beautiful eyes. She said coquettishly, "Brother Xiao Ling, then tell me, how much will you miss Xun'er after I am gone? Will you think about me day and night?"
Xiao Ling looked at Xiao Xun'er's smart appearance, his heart full of love. He gently hugged her in his arms and whispered in her ear:
"Xun'er, not even after we left, even now, you've already been etched in my heart. I miss you every minute and every second."
Xiao Xun'er's cheeks flushed like blooming peach blossoms. She chided, "Brother Xiao Ling, you only say sweet nothings to cheer me up."
Xiao Ling gazed at her tenderly, saying affectionately,
"Xun'er, I mean what I say. Nothing in this world means as much to me as your smile and frown."
Xiao Xun'er whimpered, burying her head in Xiao Ling's chest, and whispered,
"Brother Xiao Ling, Xun'er believes in you. Even though we're far away from our clan, Xun'er's heart will always be with you."
A gentle breeze blew past, and the two embraced, a scene of harmony and beauty amidst the beautiful scenery.
Amidst the tranquility of Xun'er's place, the clouds on the horizon suddenly began to churn, as if disturbed by some powerful force.
Xiao Ling's gaze was involuntarily drawn to this strange sight. He narrowed his eyes and gazed towards the northern horizon.
There, a dozen tiny black specks, like a flock of predatory birds, streaked across the sky, bearing an undeniable momentum as they charged towards the forest.
The sound of wind piercing the air, like a sharp blade slicing through the air, gradually grew clearer as it approached.
The specks rapidly magnified against the backdrop of the sky, and Xiao Ling's vision gradually crystallized into massive magical beasts.
The sunlight illuminated their forms, their massive forms appearing even more imposing. Their skin resembled the deep night sky, while the silver horns atop their heads gleamed dazzlingly in the sunlight.
The patterns on the horn, like ancient runes, seemed to silently speak of their power. Their wings spread wide, and each flap stirred up a gust of wind, causing the treetops to bow in respect before their might.
Xiao Ling stood atop the treetops, observing these creatures, both familiar and unfamiliar, with a calm gaze.
This species of magical beast, one Xiao Ling had already heard of from Xun'er—the Silver-Horned Storm Beast.
It was one of the magical beasts raised by the Ancient Clan, formidable among its peers and the exclusive mount of the Ancient Clan's Black Oblivion Army.
As the Silver-Horned Storm Beasts approached, Xiao Ling's gaze shifted to the figures on their backs.
They wore purple-black robes that rustled in the wind. Their faces were stern, their eyes revealing the calm and ruthlessness of years of battle.
Xiao Ling nodded slightly. Each of these Ancient Clan warriors was an elite, rigorously selected and trained. Their auras were as deep as the ocean, and even Xiao Ling could sense their extraordinary aura.
Xiao Ling took a deep breath, composing himself. He knew that the arrival of these Ancient Clan members meant that Xiao Xun'er would soon be leaving him.
Having spent so many years with Xiao Xun'er, their deep affection was self-evident. Xiao Ling had thought they would be able to face their separation with equanimity, but when the moment finally arrived, he felt a wave of melancholy and discomfort.
An indescribable feeling welled up in Xiao Ling's heart. It felt like he'd lost something precious, yet also like he was bound by invisible ropes, making it difficult to breathe.
Looking at Xun'er's face, Xiao Ling's eyes, usually filled with determination and confidence, now revealed a barely concealed tenderness and reluctance.
Xiao Xun'er seemed to sense Xiao Ling's inner turmoil. She gently withdrew from his embrace, raised her hand, and gently stroked Xiao Ling's cheek.
Her eyes were filled with comfort and determination. "Brother Xiao Ling, don't be like this. We have each other in our hearts. How can distance separate our feelings?"
Xiao Ling smiled faintly, trying to mask his emotions, but he knew Xun'er couldn't see through him.
Gently holding Xun'er's hand, feeling the familiar yet parting warmth, Xiao Ling whispered, "Xun'er, go. When you return to the Ancient Clan, don't forget me."
Xiao Xun'er nodded softly, tears glistening in her eyes, but she fought to hold them back.
She took a deep breath, trying to appear strong.
Xiao Xun'er's reluctance to part with Xiao Ling was no less than his own.
At that moment, the massive figure of the Silver-Horned Storm Beast traced a graceful arc across the sky, slowly landing on the soft grass, stirring up a cloud of dust.
A middle-aged man leaped steadily from the leading demon beast. His steps were calm, and the aura of a peak Dou Zong master was evident.
He walked up to Xiao Xun'er, bowing slightly, his gesture filled with respect. His voice was gentle yet powerful: "Miss, I am Gu Yan. By order of the clan elders, I have come to respectfully welcome you back to the clan."
Gu Yan's gaze remained humble, not daring to look Xiao Xun'er in the eye. His demeanor was humble, yet he retained the dignity of a peak Dou Zong master.
His respect for Xiao Xun'er stemmed not only from the established rules of the Ancient Clan, but also from a deep, inner respect for the young lady who would inherit the clan's unparalleled glory.
As the bearer of the most perfect divine bloodline in the ancient clan's millennia-long history, Xiao Xun'er's charisma and potential are undeniable, naturally earning her countless followers and supporters within the clan.
With Xiao Xun'er's astonishing potential, reaching the pinnacle of Nine-Star Dou Sheng will be a breeze, provided nothing unexpected happens in her future cultivation.
Such strength will ensure the ancient clan's continued stability on the Dou Qi Continent for another millennium.
Given further opportunities, Xiao Xun'er might even be able to break through to the Dou Di realm, a realm unattainable for millennia.
As members of the ancient clan, one of the Eight Ancient Clans, they are well aware of the profound significance of the Dou Di realm.
If Xiao Xun'er could truly break through to the Dou Di realm, then those of their clan would undoubtedly benefit immensely, activating their Dou Di bloodlines and significantly increasing their strength.
From his tone, one could sense both his respect for Xiao Xun'er's noble status and his eager anticipation for this outstanding figure of the younger generation.
Xiao Xun'er nodded gently, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze caressing the strings of a zither: "Commander Gu Yan, thank you for your hard work along the way."
Gu Yan leaned slightly, steadily extending his arm and making a respectful gesture of invitation, his tone revealing his respect for Xiao Xun'er:
"Miss, please board the Silver-Horned Storm Beast. We will depart immediately and return to the Ancient Clan. I'm sure Clan Leader Gu Yuan will be delighted to see you again."
Xiao Xun'er slowly turned, her beautiful eyes, as clear as autumn water, fixed on Xiao Ling, who stood not far away. They were filled with deep longing and an unbreakable emotion. The corners
of her beautiful lips trembled slightly, as if she was trying to suppress the turmoil in her heart.
Xiao Ling secretly clenched his fists, his hands unconsciously trembling slightly within his sleeves. His eyes were filled with deep longing and reluctance.
But he still managed a forced smile, his voice laced with suppressed emotion as he spoke slowly,
"Xun'er, go. The road ahead is long. You must bravely continue. I will always remember you in my heart."
Xiao Xun'er bit her lip lightly, as if to strengthen her resolve.
Finally, she took that step, stepping onto the broad back of the Silver-Horned Storm Beast.
Seeing this, Gu Yan nodded slightly and loudly gave the order to depart.
He turned and, with an indescribable sense of meaning, gave Xiao Ling a deep look, his mind swirling with thoughts.
"It's truly astonishing that this remote northwestern continent could produce such a man, praised even by the clan leader."
"At only sixteen, his cultivation has already reached the pinnacle of the Dou Huang realm, and his soul power is so formidable. His alchemy skills must also be quite extraordinary. If the young lady hadn't awakened her Dou Emperor bloodline, she wouldn't have been able to match this young man's talent for cultivation."
"The long-declined Xiao clan may truly be able to rise again with the help of this young man, regaining their former glory."
After a moment, Gu Yan shook his head gently, muttering to himself, "But the road to success will surely be fraught with obstacles. I wonder if this young man can withstand the numerous tests."
The Silver-Horned Storm Beast leaped at the sound, its massive wings flapping violently, instantly stirring up a powerful storm.
Amidst the howling wind, the Silver-Horned Storm Beast, carrying Xiao Xun'er and Elder Gu Yan, slowly ascended into the air, transforming into a streak of silver light across the sky before disappearing into the clouds.
Xiao Ling watched the receding silver light, feeling an indescribable sense of emptiness well up in his heart. He knew this separation might be one for a long time.
The breeze still rustled gently, and the green grass seemed to speak of the passage of time.
Xiao Ling took a deep breath, trying to suppress the reluctance he felt. He understood that Xun'er's departure was not the end, but a new beginning for their future together.
"Xun'er, you must be well," he prayed silently in his heart, his gaze fixed firmly into the distance.
Xiao Ling turned and slowly walked towards the other end of the valley.
He knew he couldn't dwell on the sadness of parting. The road ahead was long, and he had to become stronger so that he could one day stand proudly beside Xun'er.
The clouds gradually dissipated, and the sun once again filled the earth. Xiao Ling's figure grew more resolute in the sunlight, his steps becoming more steady.
In this fairy-like valley, Xiao Ling's figure gradually disappeared at the end of the lush green meadow.
The road ahead might be thorny, but for the faith in his heart, Xiao Ling would fearlessly forge ahead.
"I wonder what we'll be like next time we meet."
...
Leaving the valley, Xiao Ling's mood was like the mist in the valley. Although it had gradually dissipated, a hint of melancholy remained.
He patted his cheeks firmly, trying to put the loss behind him.
Walking slowly, Xiao Ling finally returned to his courtyard.
Pushing open the door, he was greeted by a tranquil atmosphere. The flowers and plants in the courtyard swayed gently in the breeze, but Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian were nowhere to be seen.
Xiao Ling slowly walked towards the alchemy room that Yao Chen often used. He then released a subtle sense of perception, trying to detect any movement within.
Like water, his perception seeped through the crack of the door, silently spreading to every corner of the alchemy room.
However, all he received was dead silence. The familiar aroma of medicinal herbs and the crackling of flames as they refined the medicine had vanished. Clearly, the alchemy room was deserted, Yao Chen absent.
Xiao Ling frowned slightly, a suspicion forming in his mind. Perhaps the two were searching for the sixth-tier snake monster to enhance their strength, hence their absence from the courtyard.
Yao Chen, as Qing Lin's master, naturally stayed by their side, just in case of any emergencies.
Xiao Ling didn't dwell on this, but simply walked into the room and gathered his belongings.
He then went to Zi Yan's room, his usual daily check on her progress.
A dreamlike purple light permeated the room, casting a shadow against the vast cocoon, a mysterious and majestic presence.
Xiao Ling gazed at the cocoon, sensing the immense energy within, and was struck by its awe.
Observing the cocoon closely, Xiao Ling noticed that cracks were growing in number, as if a prelude to life was about to blossom.
The light cocoon trembled slightly, as if responding to changes in the outside world, and a weak energy fluctuation emanated from it, which made people feel awe.
Xiao Ling touched his chin, and a trace of thought flashed in his eyes: "Zi Yan's progress in cultivation is faster than I expected. It seems that she has gained a lot from this retreat."
Extending his white palm, Xiao Ling gently touched the light cocoon, as if he could feel Zi Yan's efforts and persistence inside, and a warmth surged in his heart.
"Zi Yan, you must succeed in breaking through. Be careful not to make any mistakes." Xiao Ling said softly, with some expectation in his eyes.
"If you can't come out before I retreat to the Dou Zong realm, we may not be able to see each other for a while."
After that, Xiao Ling gently let go of his hand and walked out of the training room.
There will be another chapter later. Readers who have monthly tickets and recommendation tickets can vote for it. Thank you on your knees.
(End of this chapter)