The morning light filtered through the patterned windows, casting a mottled and blooming light on the floor, like a blossoming flower, warm and brilliant. In the room, Xiao Yan, sitting cross-legged on Qing Lin, slowly opened his eyes, a faint green radiance flashing through his dark pupils before swiftly dissipating. Slightly twisting his body, Xiao Yan took a breath of the cool morning air, a sense of comfort spreading from his lungs to every part of his body. After a night’s rest, the fatigue on Xiao Yan’s face had completely vanished. He nimbly leaped off Qing Lin, and with a wave of his hand, Qing Lin transformed into a beam of green light, retreating back into Nalan Yanran’s ring.
Adjusting his robes, Xiao Yan opened the door and entered the living room, his gaze sweeping around. He found that Haimo Dong was already awake, standing by the window with his hands behind his back, quietly gazing at the bustling street outside. Sensing Xiao Yan’s presence, Haimo Dong slowly turned, smiling at him, “From your appearance, it seems you’ve adjusted well?”
Xiao Yan nodded, flicking his wide black sleeves, “Let’s go. Today, while the Mo Clan is busy, we’ll first find Qing Lin and then properly celebrate the old man’s birthday…”
“Your face looks murderous. It seems this happy occasion for the Mo Clan might turn into a funeral,” Haimo Dong raised an eyebrow, joking, noticing the cold flash in Xiao Yan’s eyes.
“If he could order the complete annihilation of the Desert Iron Mercenary Corps, he should be prepared for some retribution. Although I can’t massacre an entire clan yet, there’s no hesitation in killing the old man. Moreover, without Mo Cheng’s support, the Mo Clan’s status will rapidly decline. The other three great families in the eastern province won’t miss the chance to devour their territory.”
“Aren’t you afraid that Yunlan Sect will seek revenge for him?”
“Do you think Yunlan Sect would come after two Battle Emperors just for an outer sect elder?” Xiao Yan smiled.
“Two Battle Emperors?” Haimo Dong blinked, rolling his eyes after a moment, “I said don’t drag me into this. This is between you and them, not me.”
“Are you afraid of Yunlan Sect?” Xiao Yan asked, smiling.
“Stop with the low-level taunts. I may be wary of Yunlan Sect, but I’m far from scared. I just don’t want to be used as a tool by you. Once I repay my debt, I’ll be free to do as I please,” Haimo Dong said, shaking his head.
Xiao Yan played with a delicate wooden cup on the table, pondering for a moment before looking at Haimo Dong, “Haimo Dong, how many stars are you as a Battle Emperor?”
“Two stars. Why do you ask?”
When asked, Haimo Dong’s face stiffened, “Five stars before I was sealed.”
“So, even though your seal has been lifted, you haven’t fully recovered to your peak state,” Xiao Yan said, somewhat regretfully.
Haimo Dong’s mouth twitched, “I’ve been sealed for decades; it’s impossible to fully recover instantly. It will take about four or five years to regain my peak.”
“Those words probably even you don’t believe. It’s known that once power drops, it takes longer to recover than to advance initially,” Xiao Yan shook his head, smiling.
“Xiao Yan, what exactly do you want?” Haimo Dong frowned, asking, noticing Xiao Yan’s strange smile.
“I can help you fully recover your strength within a year, with no major side effects,” Xiao Yan tapped the wooden cup, smiling lowly.
Haimo Dong’s face changed slightly, a hint of surprise in his eyes, but quickly returned to normal, cautiously staring at Xiao Yan, “What method?”
“Have you heard of the Soul Restoration Purple Pill?” Xiao Yan’s long fingers lightly tapped, seeing Haimo Dong’s puzzled look, he explained, “It’s a fifth-grade pill, not very high rank, but its ingredients are quite rare. It can fully restore strength lost due to seals or internal injuries. It seems perfect for you.”
“Soul Restoration Purple Pill?” Haimo Dong repeated, eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, licking his lips, “Tell me, what do you want in return?”
Xiao Yan chuckled, “Due to the difficulty in gathering the ingredients, it will take a lot of time. I’ll gather them, but until I refine the pill, you’ll have to stay by my side.”
“…You’re looking for a permanent bodyguard, right?” Haimo Dong caught Xiao Yan’s intention, his eye twitching.
Xiao Yan smiled, not denying it. Looking at Xiao Yan’s grin, Haimo Dong frowned, unhappy, “I am a Battle Emperor. I won’t feel honored to be your bodyguard.”
“Haimo Dong, you know that without some special luck, it would take ten years to recover. If you guard me for a year, you’ll save those ten years. Isn’t that a good deal? Think of all the things you could do in those ten years.”
Haimo Dong’s old face was grim, but his heart was struggling. Xiao Yan didn’t interrupt, waiting quietly for his answer.
After a long silence, Haimo Dong sighed, looking at Xiao Yan, “I don’t care how rare the ingredients are. Give me a year. I’ll protect you, but you must gather the ingredients and refine the Soul Restoration Purple Pill. Otherwise, if it takes years, I’ll have to follow you for years, too.”
“Sure, no problem!” Xiao Yan nodded, smiling. A Battle Emperor bodyguard was rare and would be a great asset if he offended Yunlan Sect.
Although Xiao Yan and the Elder Pharmacist had secretly set up a trap in Haimo Dong, Xiao Yan didn’t dare mention it. Haimo Dong’s dignity as a Battle Emperor couldn’t tolerate such threats.
Seeing Haimo Dong’s slightly helpless face, Xiao Yan stroked the giant black ruler under his cloak, smiling smugly. Haimo Dong sighed, pulling out a map from his ring, “This is the layout of the Mo Clan. With this, finding Qing Lin should be easier.”
Xiao Yan’s face lit up, grabbing the map, “It was a wise decision to hire you as a bodyguard.”
Ignoring Xiao Yan’s praise, Haimo Dong put away the map. Standing up, Xiao Yan pulled down his large black cloak, covering himself in shadows. “Let’s go to the Mo Clan.”
Wrapping himself tightly, Xiao Yan smiled at Haimo Dong, heading towards the door. Haimo Dong, with a sigh, followed, pulling on his black robe.
Outside the room, Xiao Yan closed the door and walked down the corridor. At the entrance, a noble woman in a moon-colored dress stood, her figure alluring and charming. She was smiling and talking to Linglin, while others in the hall cast furtive, admiring glances at her.
Xiao Yan walked down the last steps, glancing at the door. When he saw the moon-robed woman, his step paused, his body rigid as if struck by lightning!
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