Chapter 49: Before the Departure
The next day.
"Ya Fei Jie, I'm preparing to leave Wutan City for a while. I'll be back in time for the Jia Nan Academy enrollment."
Inside the Mittel Auction House, in Ya Fei's office, Xiao Yuan casually handed over a list.
"Oh? Leaving so soon?"
Ya Fei asked curiously.
"You can cultivate in Wutan City, but for now, the Xiao family doesn't need much from me. Cultivating Dou Qi isn't something that can be done behind closed doors forever. Testing what I've learned through real combat is just as important."
Xiao Yuan nodded seriously.
The main reason, though, was that Wutan City's resources were limited. Staying in the clan meant consuming their resources. If he went outside, he could fight for more and speed up the Xiao family's growth—and his own progress.
The Magic Beast Mountain Range was dangerous, but whether herbs or magic cores, it was a land full of opportunities.
Fortune favors the bold.
Seeing the resolve in Xiao Yuan's eyes, Ya Fei nodded slightly.
"I'll be staying in Wutan City until enrollment. After that, I'll return to the capital."
She took the list and responded seriously.
"Alright."
Xiao Yuan smiled.
He had lived in this world for over a decade. Ever since his family moved to Wutan City when he was a child, he had never once stepped outside. Now that he was finally setting out, he felt a bit excited.
"Oh, and congratulations are in order. I heard it was you who took down Jia Lie Bi yesterday?"
Ya Fei blinked playfully and teased.
"Hehe, just lucky. That old dog lost his mind and came after me. Turned out to be a perfect target to test the high-tier Xuan-rank Dou Technique Grand Elder Tengshan gave me."
Xiao Yuan chuckled.
"In any case, you've proven that your combat strength far exceeds others at your level. That does put me at ease a little. But be careful out there—once you leave Wutan City, you'll be relying only on yourself. Don't go improvising like you did yesterday. One mistake and it could be too late. Your sister here is still waiting for you in the capital."
As she spoke, Ya Fei walked to Xiao Yuan's side and stared into his eyes, her tone full of care.
"Don't worry. By then, I'll at least be a Da Dou Shi!"
Xiao Yuan replied softly, smiling.
"Alright, I'll be waiting for you~"
Ya Fei smiled, her face radiating a mature and captivating beauty.
Looking at her curved smile and beautiful, seductive face, Xiao Yuan felt his heart stir.
"Ya Fei Jie…"
He whispered, reaching out to gently wrap an arm around her soft waist and pull her into a tight embrace.
Her soft curves molded perfectly against him, sending a warm shiver through his body.
Caught off guard, Ya Fei's face turned a deep red. Their hearts beat faster, syncing rhythmically.
Wrapped in his warmth, her expression grew ever more enchanting.
A sweet scent drifted into Xiao Yuan's nose, and the softness in his arms filled him with comfort. Slowly, he closed his eyes.
So soothing…
After a long moment, Xiao Yuan reluctantly pulled away. Their bodies, which had fit so perfectly, finally parted.
Their eyes met, both filled with heat.
Xiao Yuan leaned forward, lips parting slightly as he moved toward hers.
But just before contact, Ya Fei reached up and pressed a finger to his lips.
"Xiao Yuan Di Di shouldn't be so greedy. Let's save this kiss for later."
She smiled, her long eyelashes fluttering.
"Mm."
Xiao Yuan pursed his lips and nodded.
"Alright, sit tight. I'll go get everything prepared."
Ya Fei pinched his cheek playfully, smiled again, and quickly left.
Xiao Yuan touched the spot where she had pinched his face and shook his head with a smile.
"You're leaving?"
In the Xiao family hall, Xiao Zhan and the three elders all looked surprised.
"Mm. Originally, I planned to wait until we had slowly devoured the Jia Lie and Aoba families, but now that it's done, there's no reason to stay. I'll go to the Magic Beast Mountain Range for a while and return before Jia Nan Academy's enrollment. Father, Elders, there's no need to worry."
Xiao Yuan responded with ease.
"Will your teacher be going with you?"
Xiao Zhan asked, frowning.
"Hehe, I'm just going to spar with some Fighters and Dou Shi. No need to trouble him. Xiao Yan needs his guidance more than I do. I believe he'll become one of the continent's greatest alchemists."
Xiao Yuan said with a laugh.
Xiao Zhan shook his head helplessly.
He'd been hearing Xiao Yuan praise Xiao Yan's "Dou Di potential" since they were children. Now he was being called the future's greatest alchemist? This kid really knew how to hype.
"If Xiao Yan knew you had such high hopes for him, he'd probably start training in his sleep."
Xiao Zhan sighed.
"Haha, I trust my judgment—and his talent and determination. As his older brother, I have to work harder and set an example."
Xiao Yuan replied confidently.
"Well, be careful out there. I'm not too worried about you, but don't let that confidence turn into recklessness. That can be dangerous."
Xiao Zhan nodded, clearly understanding Xiao Yuan's intent.
Outside the hall, Xiao Yan listened quietly. Head bowed, lips tight, his expression complicated.
"Your third brother… he really cares about you. Even I'm a bit envious."
Yao Lao's voice sounded in his heart.
"Teacher, is there a way I can train faster?"
Xiao Yan asked in a low voice.
"There is—but you'll have to suffer for it."
Yao Lao replied with meaning.
"I don't mind. As long as it doesn't damage my foundation, I'll endure anything. Use whatever method you think best. I can handle it."
Xiao Yan replied with firm resolve.
Yao Lao smiled in approval. "Good. That's the spirit."
"Don't worry, Father. I won't be reckless. This trip to the Magic Beast Mountain Range might even plant the seeds for expanding our clan's power.
"But please stay vigilant here in Wutan City. With so many Da Dou Shi gone, others might take interest in our weakened state. Thankfully, the Mittel Auction House will support us. How to proceed—well, that's up to you and the elders now."
Xiao Yuan added with a final reminder.
Xiao Zhan and the elders nodded thoughtfully.
But truthfully, they weren't worried. They'd managed this long with far less help and fewer resources. Now, with control of an entire city and backing from the Mittel family, there was no reason the Xiao family wouldn't thrive.
(END CHAPTER)
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