Watching Xiao Yan’s face, filled with shock and astonishment, Ling Ying nodded with a smile, bowing slightly to Xuner. “Miss.” Gradually coming out of his daze, Xiao Yan, upon hearing Ling Ying’s address to Xuner, turned his gaze towards the latter, confusion evident in his eyes. With a slight frown, he asked, “You…?”
“Hehe, Master Xiao Yan, not long after you left Wu Tan City, I was dispatched by Miss to come to the Jia Ma Empire and search for your tracks. Then, I secretly protected you all along,” Ling Ying explained with a smile. “Don’t blame Miss for interfering; at that time, you were alone, entering the Jia Ma Empire, which was quite dangerous. After you arrived at the Gan Nan Academy, Miss, still worried about you, sent me to protect you secretly.”
“Originally, I was the last line of defense arranged by the clan leader for Miss. The days I was not by her side might have been the time when she was the least guarded. Now, you may vaguely know how vast the power behind Miss is, so there are many people with designs on her. Fortunately, the Gan Nan Academy, known as an ancient academy across the continent, did not let any mishap happen to Miss. Otherwise, I would have faced severe reprimands from the clan leader,” Ling Ying said with a smile, subtly emphasizing the risk Xuner had taken for Xiao Yan’s safety, hoping it would dispel any ill feelings Xiao Yan might harbor towards her.
Xiao Yan understood Ling Ying’s underlying meaning, and sighed, patting Xuner’s head. “You, this girl… What could possibly happen to me? You think too little of me, don’t you?” Seeing no trace of blame on Xiao Yan’s face, Xuner breathed a quiet sigh of relief, smiling gently without arguing further.
“Ling Elder, our last parting was rushed. Thank you once again for your assistance,” Xiao Yan straightened up, bowing slightly to Ling Ying with a serious tone.
“Hehe, Master Xiao Yan, there’s no need for such formality. I was just following orders,” Ling Ying responded, waving his hand.
“Xiao Yan, I arranged this meeting with Ling Elder mainly because I had him investigate the movements of the clan’s experts. We found no evidence of a Battle Emperor being in the Jia Ma Empire months ago…” Xuner said softly.
Xiao Yan paused, realizing his suspicions about his father’s disappearance and Xuner’s clan were unfounded. Yet, he hadn’t expected Xuner to go to such lengths to dispatch someone to investigate.
“Master Xiao Yan, your father’s disappearance has nothing to do with us. The Xiao Family, or rather, the Xiao Family from long ago, has deep ties with us, but those ties are laced with grievances. There were indeed suggestions to take the entire Xiao Family away, but due to significant disputes, the idea was abandoned,” Ling Ying said slowly. “In recent years, this matter has rarely been brought up. Thus, your father’s disappearance is likely the work of someone else.”
Frowning, Xiao Yan sighed, his voice low. “But my family is now just a second-rate household in the empire. How could it attract the attention of a Battle Emperor? In that case, the biggest suspect might be the Yun Gang Sect. That damned Elder…”
Xiao Zhan had disappeared during the chase by the Great Elder of the Yun Gang Sect. With no one else present, it was unclear if he was kidnapped or simply missing. But now, with the Elder dead, Xiao Zhan’s whereabouts became even more enigmatic. Regardless, the Yun Gang Sect was undeniably involved.
Shaking his head, Xiao Yan sighed, acknowledging the lingering suspicion. However, currently, he lacked the strength to confront the Yun Gang Sect. For now, he could only focus on cultivating and obtaining the Fallen Heart Flame. Without it, he knew he wouldn’t gain the strength needed to avenge his family against the Yun Gang Sect.
“The Yun Gang Sect…” Ling Ying muttered, his eyes briefly flickering with an odd expression before returning to normal.
“The Yun Gang Sect… They are involved again. I was chased out of the Jia Ma Empire by them. I said I would return, and I will uncover the truth,” Xiao Yan clenched his fist, his voice tinged with anger and killing intent.
Xuner nodded, saying softly, “I’ll keep an eye on the Yun Gang Sect. Brother Xiao Yan, don’t worry too much. Focus on your cultivation.”
Xiao Yan’s face darkened, and he nodded, rubbing his forehead. After a brief conversation with Ling Ying, he left Xuner’s room with a furrowed brow.
As Xiao Yan left, Xuner waved her hand, closing the door with a gust of wind. She then added an extra layer of protection with a golden light. “Ling Elder, you seem to know something about the Yun Gang Sect?” Xuner asked after ensuring the room was soundproofed.
Ling Ying hesitated, then nodded, lowering his voice. “I investigated the Yun Gang Sect and found some previously unknown information.”
“Speak,” Xuner ordered, her eyes glowing with a faint, chilling golden light.
“This force, which has long been confined within the Jia Ma Empire, seems to have some very secretive dealings with ‘those guys.'”
“Those guys?” Xuner was taken aback, her face changing. “You mean them?”
Ling Ying nodded. “It’s unclear, but it seems their interactions weren’t too extensive. Perhaps it was just with the previous Sect Leader, Yun Shan, who is now a Battle Sect. Very few in the sect might know about it. Even the current Sect Leader, Yun Yun, may be unaware of these dealings.”
Xuner nodded, her voice colder. “If they are indeed involved, then Xiao Zhan’s disappearance might be related. They know the Xiao Family holds part of ‘that key,’ but despite knowing our relationship with the Xiao Family, they dare to act so recklessly. They are becoming more and more arrogant.”
Ling Ying agreed, adding, “Miss, you’ve been with the Xiao Family for over a decade. Your clan originally wanted you to obtain the key, but now, after so many years, there’s no news. Some in the clan are dissatisfied. If not for the blood oath between the Xiao ancestors and the clan, some might have resorted to force.”
“Don’t worry about them,” Xuner said, her eyes flickering with golden flames.
Ling Ying nodded, replying, “I won’t tell Xiao Yan about the Yun Gang Sect’s involvement until he is strong enough. Telling him now might not be good.”
“Yes, Miss. I’ll stay in the deep mountains. If you need anything, use the clan’s special signal.”
Ling Ying’s figure twisted into a shadow, melting into the darkness. After he vanished, Xuner sighed, her eyes’ golden flames fading. She rubbed her cheeks, softening her expression, and left the room.
Outside, she looked around, finally stopping at the top of the tower. Under the dim moonlight, Xiao Yan sat in the corner, playing with an ancient jade that pulsed with a strange glow. His eyes were fixed on the moving light within, representing his father’s life force.
“Xiao Yan,” a clear voice interrupted. Xiao Yan looked up, seeing Xuner walking towards him with a smile.
Xuner approached, but her steps halted when she saw the jade in Xiao Yan’s hand. Her face filled with shock. “This… This is the Emperor Tuo She Ancient Jade?”
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