As he gazed at the young man standing before him, who exuded a vast aura even in his casual stance, Ling Quan’s expression turned extremely ugly at this moment. “A four-star Battle Sect?!” Ling Quan stared at Xiao Yan with a dark gaze, filled with disbelief. He recalled when he first saw Xiao Yan in the Inner Academy, the latter was only at the Dou Ling level. Back then, Xiao Yan did not even deserve to be looked at directly by him. If Elder Su Qian had not been present back then, he would have certainly given Xiao Yan an unforgettable memory. Yet, what Ling Quan could not have imagined in his wildest dreams was that after just a few short years, when they met again, this former waste of the Xiao family had actually reached the Battle Sect realm! Moreover, compared to him, he was only one star weaker. This kind of change, as if from heaven to earth, how could it not shock Ling Quan? As Ling Quan’s expression darkened, Xiao Yan’s gaze slowly swept over the former, and then, his lips curled into a chilling smile. Back then, this fellow had wanted to attack him when he came to take Xuner away. If it hadn’t been for Elder Su Qian, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Even though they did not fight that time, Xiao Yan had already remembered this Ling Quan thoroughly, and the ridicule he once gave stayed firmly etched in Xiao Yan’s mind. From beginning to end, Xiao Yan was never someone magnanimous. Back then, Ling Quan, taking advantage of his weak power, had humiliated him in every way, even attempting to kill him in the end. This alone was enough for Xiao Yan to keep a bitter memory of this incident…
“Ha ha, I didn’t expect the Xiao family, which had fallen into such a state, to still produce another Battle Sect. This is truly unexpected…” Ling Quan glared darkly at Xiao Yan, and after a moment, he finally sneered coldly.
“It’s no trouble for you, Commander Ling Quan. Who can say? When you saw me, I was only a Dou Ling, but after a few years, who can tell who’s stronger….” Xiao Yan smiled slightly and replied.
Hearing the mockery in Xiao Yan’s voice, Ling Quan shook his head and laughed coldly, “A small person getting ahead, just because you’re a four-star Battle Sect, do you dare to be arrogant in front of me? In my eyes, there isn’t much difference between now and then…”
Although Xiao Yan was only one star weaker than him, Ling Quan was confident that if they fought, he could utterly crush him. This confidence was not without reason. After all, in the Ancient Clan, the training and cultivation methods he received and cultivated were all top-notch. He truly did not believe that after the elite training of the Ancient Clan, he would be weaker than a self-taught trash like Xiao Yan!
“But in my eyes, you are nothing now…” Xiao Yan smiled. For Ling Quan, he also felt extreme disgust, and this disgust may have accumulated from that time. Therefore, seeing this guy now, even with Xiao Yan’s self-control, it was very difficult for him to give him a good face.
Facing Xiao Yan’s blunt words, a sinister look gradually appeared on Ling Quan’s handsome face, and his dark gaze fixed on the former, murder intent flashing through his eyes.
Confronted with Ling Quan’s icy stare, Xiao Yan’s expression did not change in the slightest. He stared straight back, and the same chill surged in his black pupils…
The two stood facing each other, and their immense auras slowly began to spread out, subtly emanating a murderous aura. Clearly, their meeting was far from friendly.
“Ling Quan!” Xuner’s beautiful face turned slightly cold, and she shouted harshly, sensing the subtle killing intent in Ling Quan’s eyes.
Being scolded so sternly by Xuner, even Ling Quan did not dare to be careless and quickly retracted his gaze, bowing to Xuner. However, as he slightly lowered his head, the killing intent in his eyes became even more intense. For Xuner to scold him like this for Xiao Yan, it made him extremely furious. Of course, this anger he did not dare to direct at Xuner, so Xiao Yan beside him became a good target for his anger.
“Miss, the elders instructed us to bring you back to the Ancient Realm as soon as possible, without any delay. If anyone obstructs, they will be killed on sight!” Ling Quan bowed respectfully and said, but as he spoke, his sinister gaze drifted towards Xiao Yan.
“Xuner, are you leaving?” Hearing this, Xiao Yan was startled and, ignoring Ling Quan’s sinister gaze, he looked at Xuner, frowning slightly.
Xuner hesitated for a moment and nodded slightly. Her bloodline was in the awakening stage, and the people in her clan were definitely not at ease with her being outside. If she did not return this time, the next person the clan sent might be a real powerhouse. If they met Xiao Yan, there might be unforeseen changes, which was the last thing she wanted to happen.
Moving gracefully, Xuner stopped in front of Xiao Yan, gently smoothing out the wrinkles in his clothing with her tender hands. She whispered, “This time, I really can’t stay too long. Otherwise, it would cause trouble for Brother Xiao Yan. After Brother Xiao Yan finishes his business, he should be able to visit the Ancient Realm. Xuner will wait for you…”
Xiao Yan stared at the girl before him, whose lovely face showed a hint of attachment. After a moment of silence, he slowly nodded. He was not unreasonable. Xuner always thought of him, and if he insisted, it would indeed be too much.
“Wait for me…” Ignoring the people around, Xiao Yan grasped Xuner’s wrist, as delicate as jade, and spoke softly.
A faint blush appeared on Xuner’s elegant face, and she lightly nodded her chin, snow-white against her skin.
“Release the lady!” Seeing Xuner’s intimate behavior with Xiao Yan, Ling Quan’s jealousy almost overwhelmed his rationality. For Xuner, he had always regarded her as a goddess, unwilling to let others touch her. But today, his goddess had abandoned her usual cold demeanor in the Ancient Clan and displayed such captivating warmth toward Xiao Yan, making Ling Quan’s rage surge like a wild beast.
“Ling Quan, remember your place! The miss’s affairs are none of your concern!” The black-robed elder nearby shouted angrily.
“Ling Quan admits his crime!” Hearing the elder’s scolding, Ling Quan’s face twitched, and he took a deep breath, the redness in his eyes gradually fading. But his gaze toward Xiao Yan became even colder.
“Let’s go.” Xuner seemed to ignore Ling Quan’s words, giving Xiao Yan a deep look, then stepping back and turning to leave. As she passed by Ling Quan, her calm, cold expression returned, and her quiet voice made Ling Quan clench his fists.
With Xuner’s words, her brows suddenly furrowed, and she gazed at the motionless Ling Quan, her face turning cold. “Commander Ling Quan?”
Hearing her stern voice, Ling Quan took a deep breath, glaring hatefully at Xiao Yan, and slowly shook his head, saying, “Please go first, Miss. Ling Quan still has a mission to fulfill.”
Upon hearing this, Xuner’s face changed, and she turned sharply, her cool gaze fixed on Ling Quan, speaking each word clearly: “I said, leave now!”
Ling Quan, gritting his teeth, shook his head again.
“Ling Quan, your audacity grows,” the black-robed elder exclaimed, his face turning dark. Both of them stepped forward, their terrifying auras enveloping Ling Quan!
The dozen men who followed Ling Quan looked at each other but did not dare to say a word. Ling Quan was their superior, and Xuner’s status was even more prestigious. At this moment, feigning ignorance was the best choice.
Under the terrifying pressure of the two elders, Ling Quan’s knees nearly buckled, but he forced himself to endure, his gaze fixed malevolently on Xiao Yan, sending chills down everyone’s spines. Because of Xiao Yan, Xuner’s increasingly strict tone only fueled his jealousy, making his senses clouded.
Seeing this, Little Healer Immortal and the others frowned, but they remained silent, recognizing this as an internal matter of the Ancient Clan. Yet, they could see that this Ling Quan harbored deep resentment toward Xiao Yan. Little Healer Immortal resolved that if Ling Quan did not retreat, he would suffer the consequences, no matter how formidable the Ancient Clan was. At least, Ling Quan did not have the right to act arrogantly in front of Xiao Yan!
“Elder Lin, seize him!” Xuner’s face grew cold, and she waved her sleeve, commanding frostily.
“Yes!” At this, the two black-robed elders stepped forward, about to act, but Ling Quan took a quick step back, his hand glowing to reveal a palm-sized crimson jade plaque with the character ‘Ancient’ intricately carved on it!
“The Ancient Jade Token?” Seeing the crimson jade plaque, the two elders immediately halted, their expressions tightening.
“Miss, it’s not that Ling Quan disobeys your order, but I have been given specific instructions!” Ling Quan gripped the crimson jade plaque, his gaze chillingly on Xiao Yan, a sinister smile on his lips.
“The elders have strictly ordered that if we encounter a member of the Xiao family, we must invite them to the Ancient Clan. If they refuse, I am authorized to use force. So, Xiao Yan, you’d better come with me!” Ling Quan’s cold voice echoed in the courtyard, making the air frigid.
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