With a gentle tap of her toes against the rocky outcrop, Xiao Xun'er moved like a purple butterfly, her graceful form drawing elegant arcs through the air, light and fluid, as she leapt onto the summit. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze drifting toward the young man by the cliff's edge. "Xiao Xun smiled gently, her tone earnest and resolute, as if conducting a formal trial. Xiao Yan offered a calm smile, casually adjusted his robe, and walked toward the girl. As he drew nearer, gazing at the now nearly equal height of Xiao Xun, and then at her youthful, delicate face, Xiao Yan felt a sudden sense of dizziness. The little girl who once trailed behind, nose running and bare-bottomed, had grown into such a fresh and vibrant presence—how time had flown! With a soft smile, the young man's gaze warm and sincere, he gently pressed his palm against the girl's surprised face, chuckling, "Xun'er has grown so much! Though, thankfully, she hasn't forgotten how Xiao Yan used to stumble around, bruised and sore, just to pluck fruits for you." Stunned by his affectionate gesture, Xiao Xun stared into his clear, unclouded black eyes, a quiet smile forming within her heart. When he was young, he used to fondly press his plump little face between his palms. But since the incident three years ago, he had seemed to have erected a mental wall within himself, blocking everyone out—no matter how hard he tried to get closer, he would always find himself quietly withdrawn, his neutral demeanor gently pushing him away. "He's really back... though it seems he still sees me as that little follower from childhood. Such a stiff one I am." Gently pouting, Xun'er then slightly scolded herself for being overly eager. "Xun'er, don't blame Xiao Yan brother over the past three years. During that time, I myself felt utterly listless and disconnected. Fortunately, you've been by my side all along." Xiao Yan awkwardly shifted his head, offering an apologetic tone. Xun'er smiled warmly, and all the little grievances she had carried over the past three years dissolved instantly in the boy's somewhat hesitant apology. "Hmm, by the way, Xun'er—how much money do you still have in your hands?" Releasing the delicate face in his palms, Xiao Yan suddenly asked, dryly smiling. Among the family, besides his father, only Xun'er had a particularly good relationship with him. Today, having embarrassed his father so greatly, he simply couldn't face him again to borrow money—so he'd have to turn his attention to Xun'er instead. "Money?" Xun'er blinked her bright, sparkling eyes, surprised. "Does Brother Xiao need money?" "Cough... I need to buy a few things, but still fall short a bit," Xiao Yin blushed slightly. For the first time in his life, he was actually asking a girl for a loan. For the first time, seeing his usually composed brother so flustered, Xun'er found it utterly refreshing,掩着小嘴, smiled gracefully. "I still have over a thousand gold coins. Will that be enough? If not..." As she spoke, the slender hand resting behind her gently flexed, and suddenly, a purple-gold card appeared between her slender fingers, glowing with five distinct color waves. The Five-Stroke Purple Golden Card is a credential that requires at least the strength of a Spirit Ling on the Spirit Continent, qualifying one to hold such an identity-representing golden card. Naturally, some preeminent factions also hold this qualification. "Enough, enough..." nodding with delight, Xiao Yan couldn't help but reach out to gently pinch Xun'er's lovely face, though he ultimately restrained himself. "Rest assured—I'll repay you every cent once I have the chance." He patted his chest, assuring her. "Who would care about your repayment?" Xun'er slightly pouted, quickly folding up the purple golden card tucked behind her back. "Come on, it's getting late. Tomorrow, I'll take you around Wutan City." Xiao Yan waved at the girl and then leapt excitedly down the mountain path. Standing still, Xun'er smiled softly, gazing at the boy who had once been so full of vigor and grace three years ago. A gentle smile played on her lips as she murmured softly, "Nalan Yanran—should I hate you, or should I thank you?" "...The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the young boy who was meditating in lotus position on the bed, warm and gentle..." "Hmm..." After sitting in stillness for a while, Xiao Yan took a deep, slow breath, and a visibly pale, flowing stream of energy entered his body through his mouth and nostrils, nourishing his bones. With his eyes suddenly opening, a shimmer of white light passing through them, Xiao Yan slowly stretched, his face filled with admiration and delight. "This feeling—this sense of strength—has returned after three years. Finally, it's back again." He got up slowly from the bed, moved his limbs gently, and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Outside, Xun'er's soft, melodious voice came through: "Brother Xiao Yan, haven't you woken up yet?" "Such an early arrival, this girl." Shaking his head in resignation, Xiao Yan turned and sifted through the cabinets for a while, finally pulling out a small chest. With careful hands, he opened it, and a brilliant glow of gold immediately spilled out, causing Xiao Yan to slightly close his eyes. "This is all I have left," he said, smiling wistfully as he held the chest. Stepping out the door and gazing at the youthful girl at the entrance, Xiao Yan couldn't help but softly whistle. Today, Xun had changed into a neat, light green outfit, the delicate hue adding a touch of purity to her. Her long, slender legs were elegantly wrapped in a tight, flowing pants, accentuating the smooth curves of her figure. Her long legs, rounded hips, and slightly developed bust gave her a striking resemblance to a vibrant young woman from Earth—full of energy and youthful charm. Of course, there was something uniquely refined about her—a grace that Xiao Yan had never seen in any other girl. "Here you go, the things you need." As Xiao Yan stepped out, Xun smiled warmly and handed him a black card—a standard gold storage card with a maximum value of no more than five thousand coins. Receiving it casually, Xiao Yan teased, "Such a lovely dress—what does she want now? Does she have an appointment with someone else?" "Yes, yes! This is the first time in three years that Xiao Yan has invited me out, and Xun is absolutely flattered—she certainly wants to look her best!" Xiao Yan's affectionate teasing made Xun's eyes curve into gentle crescents, and she responded with a bright, playful smile. Shaking her head with a mixture of resignation and delight, Xiao Yan smiled back warmly, and the two continued their cheerful conversation as they headed toward the outside of the clan. Along the way, they encountered several clan members who, upon seeing the close and pleasant interaction between Xiao Yan and Xun, could not help but express a sense of wonder. Xun is now the most brilliant among the younger generation of her family—both in beauty and talent. Though she appears gentle and amiable on the surface, there's a subtle coldness beneath her quiet smile. It's easy to say hello to her, but to have a deep conversation with her is quite difficult. Unperturbed by the expressions of the family members, Xiao Yan led Xun straight out of the estate and then slowed down, strolling leisurely through the bustling streets filled with people. After Xiong had played until she grew tired, Xiao Yan finally took her to nearby herb shops, spending over nine hundred gold coins to purchase three batches of purple leaf grass aged twenty years and two batches of bone-cleansing flowers aged five years—both of these were basic materials that could be easily acquired at the shops with a modest investment. Of course, if he needed more advanced materials, he would have to seek them out himself or visit markets, fairs, or auctions. Staring at his rapidly dwindling funds, Xiao Yan shook his head with a wry smile. Now, he finally understood just how crucial money was on the Continent of Qi. The herbs were secured—only one thing remained: a first-tier wooden magic core!