Chapter 106: Departure

Exiting the auction house, Xiao Yan stood at the bustling crossroads, gazing at the city where he had spent over a decade. After a long while, he sighed with a hint of desolation, then clenched his fists tightly, as if to boost his own morale, and whispered, “The outside world will surely be more exciting…” With that, he smiled, shook off some of his melancholy, and stepped into the crowd, disappearing quickly. After preparing all the necessary supplies, Xiao Yan stopped being busy for the remaining two days, and enjoyed this extremely brief period of peaceful life. As if understanding his mood, Pharmacist Elder did not disturb him, allowing him to manage his time as he pleased. These two days of silence also caught Xuner’s attention. Whenever she was free, the little girl would follow him, her clear eyes filled with a deep sense of reluctance and attachment. Faced with this tagalong, Xiao Yan felt somewhat helpless, and could only comfort her gently when they were alone, which slightly lifted Xuner’s spirits.

Walking along the family’s small paths, Xiao Yan stretched his back. Today was the day to leave. He had already met with his father and told him about his plans. Although Xiao Zhan was extremely reluctant to hear that Xiao Yan was leaving today, he understood that Xiao Yan’s vision would not be confined to the small Ussan City. With his talent, only the boundless skies of the outside world could allow him to freely display himself. The young eagle has grown, ready to dance in the sky!

“Yan, if you have the chance, go and visit Stone Desert City on the border of the Jia Ma Empire. Your elder and second brothers are developing there. I heard that in recent years, they established a mercenary group called ‘Desert Iron,’ which is quite a formidable force locally.”

Recalling his father’s words in the study, Xiao Yan smiled. After the adult ceremony, his two brothers went out to train, and at that time, their father was not yet the head of the clan. In recent years, perhaps due to the long distance or the busyness of the mercenary group, they rarely returned to Ussan City. However, the brotherly affection from their youth still made Xiao Yan feel a bit of emotion for them.

“Xiao Yan.”

Turning the corner, the gentle voice of a woman made Xiao Yan stop. He looked up, and seeing the beautiful woman by the roadside, he couldn’t help but smile, “Instructor Rulan, why aren’t you enrolling students?”

“I came back to pick up something; Xuner is filling in for me now.” Smiling, Instructor Rulan walked over, her gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan, and she asked softly, “Are you planning to leave?”

“Yes.” Rubbing his nose, Xiao Yan nodded.

“Aren’t you going to say goodbye to Yuer and Xuner?”

“No need. It’s better to avoid any sad farewells. It’s good to leave quietly.”

Shrugging, Xiao Yan smiled.

“You’re so carefree, but you make others sad.” Glaring at Xiao Yan, Instructor Rulan fell silent for a moment before speaking softly, “I hope in a year, I can hear news of someone storming the Yunlan Sect.”

Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, then nodded with a smile. After staying in the family for a few days, some people with big mouths would eventually talk about what happened between him and Nalan Yanran, so he didn’t ask how she found out.

“In fact, I really want to know what expression she would have if she knew your current strength.” Instructor Rulan suddenly said with a playful smile.

Spreading his hands, Xiao Yan chatted and laughed with Instructor Rulan for a while longer, then slowly disappeared at the end of the path under her watchful gaze.

Following the path to his room, Xiao Yan retrieved three storage rings from under his pillow, putting the dark red one on his finger and carefully pocketing the other two. Though these storage rings were low-level, they were still valuable, and it was wise not to show off one’s wealth. This principle, Xiao Yan understood very well.

Xiao Yan’s belongings were simple, and the three low-level storage rings contained everything. Standing at the doorway, he looked at the now somewhat empty room, smiled faintly, and as the door creaked shut, the last ray of sunlight gradually disappeared…

Xiao Yan left without disturbing anyone. Dressed in ordinary clothes, he walked out of the main gate, then slowly disappeared at the end of the street under the respectful gazes of the family guards. Perhaps these guards did not know that this departure might last for years before he returned home.

Xuner was feeling a bit restless today. Her slightly furrowed brows carried a hint of sadness, and her unfocused eyes made it clear that her mind was elsewhere.

“Xuner, drink some water,” a gentle male voice suddenly sounded beside her. A handsome young man was smiling as he held a cup of water.

Interrupted from her thoughts, Xuner raised her head and looked at the handsome young man. This young man was the strongest male student in the recruitment team, even stronger than Robu. Moreover, unlike Robu, his smile was genuine. Xuner had noticed that many of the girls in the team seemed to have a fondness for this strong and kind senior.

However, though the young man’s smile was warm and non-threatening, it did not draw much attention from Xuner. She glanced casually and shook her head, “No, thank you.”

Xuner’s cold attitude did not change the young man’s expression. Shrugging, he put away the cup and smiled, “If not for Xuner’s help today, we would have been very busy. Thanks a lot.”

“Instructor Rulan asked me to help,” Xuner replied, turning her head slightly and looking at the young man who was about to speak again. “Senior, can I be alone for a moment?”

“Sorry, I tend to talk too much. I won’t disturb you,” the young man’s smile froze for a moment, then he nodded and turned to walk towards the tent.

“Hey, Lin Nan, what’s the matter? Are you smitten with her?” As he approached the tent, a laughing voice suddenly emerged.

Stopping, Lin Nan glanced at the grinning Robu, leaned against the tent pole, and took a sip of water. His half-closed eyes gazed at the slender figure of the girl under the setting sun, his eyes flashing with intensity. “Rare to see such a top-tier girl. There aren’t many girls in the academy who can compare to her.”

“But it seems she’s not interested in you,” Robu teased.

“Interest needs to be cultivated. There’s plenty of time in the future. What’s the rush?” Lin Nan smiled.

“She…seems to have a good relationship with that guy named Xiao Yan,” Robu said casually, glancing at the girl not far away.

The water in the cup paused for a moment, and Lin Nan frowned. “Did that guy really hold his own for twenty rounds against Instructor Rulan?”

“It’s true. You guys were testing outside that day, so you didn’t see it, but we saw it. Instructor Rulan used ‘Water Mandala’ at the end, but that guy still held his ground.” Recalling that day’s fight, Robu’s face couldn’t help but show a hint of shock.

Tightening his grip, Lin Nan finished the water in the cup and said, “Even if it’s true, I won’t give up on her because of that. That guy’s cultivation talent is indeed strong, but when it comes to pleasing women, he’s far behind. And he’s going to be away from Xuner for a year. During this year, I’ll have plenty of time to make Xuner’s feelings for him fade…”

Saying this, Lin Nan felt a bit proud. As an experienced player in the game of love, he was confident he could capture the heart of a young girl.

“Xuner.”

Outside the square, Instructor Rulan suddenly rushed in, stopping in front of the girl and catching her breath, she said softly, “He’s gone.”

Xuner’s hand trembled slightly, and after a moment of silence, she nodded slightly.

“Xuner, don’t be sad. It’s just a temporary separation,” Instructor Rulan sighed, seeing Xuner’s quiet demeanor and tried to comfort her.

Xuner nodded lightly and suddenly stood up, walking towards Lin Nan and Robu in the tent, under the confused gaze of Instructor Rulan.

As the girl approached, she finally stopped in front of the two, her delicate face showing no trace of joy or anger. Her lively eyes fixed on Lin Nan, and she said softly, “Senior, can you spar with Xuner?”

“Uh…” Startled by Xuner’s request, Lin Nan paused for a moment before smiling, “Since Xuner asks, I won’t refuse. When we spar, I’ll suppress my strength to match yours.”

Xuner blinked her long lashes and did not speak, her face indifferent as she entered the tent directly.

“Hey, be careful, she’s a six-star fighter,” Robu said with a laugh, watching the girl enter the tent.

“I’ve already reached the seventh star two months ago,” Lin Nan smiled, looking at the tent. “It seems like a good start. Girls are usually most vulnerable at times like this.”

Smiling, Lin Nan straightened his clothes and, under Robu’s envious gaze, entered the tent.

Standing outside the tent, Robu waited for a few minutes before the tent flap opened, and Xuner, with a cool expression, slowly stepped out.

“Uh…” Seeing Xuner come out first, Robu was startled, but seeing the girl’s expression, he did not dare to ask.

Xuner stood outside the tent, lifting her delicate face to look at the setting sun. At this moment, Xiao Yan might have already left the city. Running her fingers through her hair, Xuner turned her head and, looking at Robu, said softly, “If I hear anyone talking ill of Brother Xiao Yan again, I’ll kill them…”

Stared at by those captivating eyes, Robu’s face could not manage a smile, and a chill spread from his heart.

Withdrawing her gaze, Xuner walked slowly towards the square.

After Xuner left, Instructor Rulan and Robu hurriedly entered the tent, and their bodies suddenly jolted.

Inside the tent, Lin Nan was lying on the ground, his once handsome face now swollen and ugly. On the ground next to him, several bloody teeth were scattered, making the scene extremely shocking…