Stung by a single sentence from Xiao Yan, Xiao Yu instantly turned crimson, her jade hands reaching out and immediately grasping the hilt of her long sword at her waist. Gazing at the blushing Xiao Yu with a quiet, faintly scornful smile, Xiao Yan leaned back slightly, lounging lazily. "Willing to fight?" "What can you possibly do?" Xiao Yu held her sword tightly, suppressing the urge to draw it and strike, her voice laced with cold mockery. "Even if your innate talent has returned today, what then? Three years ago, I could send you scrambling across the hills. Three years from now, I can still do the same." Xiao Yan gently lifted one eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the full chest beneath Xiao Yu's pale purple school uniform—there, three golden stars were embroidered, symbolizing her current strength as a Three-Star Battle Mage. It seemed that during her year-long training at the academy, this once-impetuous woman had indeed made significant progress. "Where are you looking?" Xiao Yu's already stern face grew even colder upon seeing Xiao Yan's gaze. "You look this way, aren't you just trying to impress the men?" Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, his seemingly casual words always driving Xiao Yu to rage. "You little brat!" With her silver teeth clenched tightly, Xiao Yu finally let out a sharp "huff," drawing her long sword from her side and pointing it directly at Xiao Yan, "Do you think I'll cut out your tongue if you don't back down?" Staring steadily at the gleaming, finely forged steel sword before him, Xiao Yan blinked only once, speaking softly, "Try it?" As he spoke, he slightly curled his right palm, building a strong suction that gradually took shape within his palm. With three divine-tier combat techniques, he wasn't particularly afraid of a fierce fight against a three-star combatant. Watching the two of them standing face to face, Xun gently shook her head, sighed, and with a glance toward the distance, smiled and added, "Uncle Xiao and the others are approaching." "Heard Xun'er's reminder, Xiao Yu's brows furrowed slightly, and turned her head to see Xiao Zhan indeed approaching hurriedly, his complexion having changed. "Hmph. That's lucky for you," she coldly remarked, drawing back her long sword, then stepping gracefully with her full, rounded legs to turn and walk away. As she passed Xun'er, her steps suddenly halted. "Xun'er, your appearance and cultivation potential are truly excellent—keep a distance from certain people, or you'll end up picking up undesirable habits from them, and regret it later." Hearing Xiao Yu's advice, Xun'er smiled gently. "Thank you, Xiao Yu, for the tip. But I personally think Brother Xiao Yan is wonderful." Hearing Xun'er's subtly meaningful words, Xiao Yu's delicate features slightly changed, and her gaze swept over Xun'er's calm, serene smile before she said with a hint of depth, "Once you step out of the family, you'll realize just how vast the world beyond is. There are countless men more outstanding than that one. Should you ever meet a man who truly stirs your heart, then—well..." "Heard that, Xun'er smiled gently,掩嘴 and chuckled lightly, "I'm actually quite curious as to why she always seems to be at odds with Brother Xiao Yan. Though you accidentally wandered into her bathing area back then, that shouldn't have caused her to remain so opposed to you all these years, should it?" "I have no idea," Xiao Yan said innocently, spreading his hands, then turning his gaze toward Xiao Zhan and the others who were approaching briskly. "Yan, are you alright? Just now, that girl, Xiao Yu?" As Xiao Zhan approached and saw Xiao Yan unharmed, he exhaled in relief, frowning slightly and asking. "Fine," Xiao Yan shrugged lightly, "She just went completely berserk for a moment." "Try to keep your distance from her, will you? This girl has a rather stubborn temper. Now that she's a Three-Star Battle User, if things escalate, you might find yourself in serious trouble. And besides, she's the granddaughter of the Senior Elder—should a fight break out, even I wouldn't be able to reprimand her." Xiao Zhan said, with a sigh. Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, smiled slightly, "Come, Yan, let me introduce you to Ms. Yafei, the head auctioneer of Temeir Auction House—the foundational elixir we discussed last time was sold under her auction." Xiao Zhan stepped aside, allowing the graceful woman in a crimson dress to step forward, and smiled warmly as he introduced her. Xiao Xin turned his gaze to the woman, whose every movement exuded a mature allure, and offered a modest smile befitting her age: "Good afternoon, Ms. Yafei." Her captivating eyes lingered on him, and a gentle smile bloomed on her beautiful face at his greeting. With her lips parting slightly, she said with a warm expression, "I've heard that Master Xiao Xin has advanced four stages of combat energy within just one year—this news is now spreading like wildfire throughout Wutan City. I'm just wondering if it's truly accurate." Xiao Xin nodded slightly, his tone a little reserved: "All thanks to the foundational elixirs purchased by my father." Hearing Xiao Yan's implied admission, even with Lady Ya's composed demeanor, she couldn't help taking a quiet breath, her eyes flashing with astonishment and seriousness. Reaching four stages of cultivation in just one year—what a remarkable pace! As for the second-rank foundation elixir, Lady Ya naturally omitted it—she was well aware of its benefits in enhancing cultivation speed, which was indeed true; yet, relying solely on it to achieve four stages within a year was utterly impossible. Once the two had begun to get acquainted, Xiao Zhan looked up at the sky, then gently patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, smiling warmly, "Well, the coming adult ceremony is about to begin. I need to go prepare a few things. Don't let me down, now, okay?" Xiao Yan nodded with a smile. Following Xiao Zhan, Lady Ya fixed her gaze upon the young man at the very moment she turned. Years of experience in auctioning had sharpened her eyes to a keen, critical sharpness. As she carefully observed him, Lady Ya suddenly felt a growing sense of apprehension. Though the young man appeared reserved and humble, there was a stillness in the depth of his dark eyes—calm, unchanging, like a deep, quiet pool of water that seemed bottomless. "Such a young man, yet able to so effortlessly manage his emotions. There's something special about him..." murmuring to herself, she felt a sense of gravity settle in her heart.