Stepping through the dark doorway, the light was slightly dim, with a soft glow emanating from fire orbs embedded in the walls, casting the spacious hall in a deep, serene stillness. As he entered the hall, several broad corridors came into view, each featuring massive characters painted at the front, representing various attributes. Xiang Yan scanned the corridors before settling his gaze on the one on the left—marked with the character for "Fire." He touched his nose, slightly tilted his head, and there, he saw Xun, her cheeks slightly flushed with modesty. She was momentarily startled, eyes widening in surprise, and asked, "Xun, what's wrong?"
"Ah!" startled by Xiang Yan's voice, Xun's blush deepened further. After a moment, it gradually subsided. She furrowed her delicate nose, sighed softly, and said, "Nothing. Just go find the technique."
Confused, Xiang Yan pointed at the fire corridor and smiled, "Let's go."
Xun nodded indifferently, her delicate face still carrying a faint blush that only enhanced her charm. Glancing sideways at Xun's beautiful features, Xiao Yan's heart suddenly fluttered, and he quickly turned his gaze forward, leading the way.
There were already many members of the clan gathered along the path, vigorously striking the red light screens in front of various wooden doors, their faces flushed with effort. Occasional cracks of the screens accompanied cheers that echoed through the path, and whenever this happened, the clan members still fighting with determination would look on with envy. Xiao Yan and Xun'er walked slowly along the path, observing the enthusiastic scenes on either side with genuine interest. After turning the corner, Xiao Yan glanced at the number on the wooden door beside him: thirty-seven. Smiling slightly, he walked a few paces and then stopped at the door marked forty-three, chuckling lightly, "This must be it." At that moment, there were still over a dozen clan members on the path. When they saw Xiao Yan pause at the forty-three room, they all paused in surprise—this room was protected by the most solid light shield along the path. Several capable clan members had previously attempted to break through, but had all been defeated here.
Ignoring the astonished glances from around him, Xiao Yan slowly reached out and touched the luminous shield with his palm. "Xiao Yan, does Uncle Xiao really consider this a case of favoritism—using his position for personal gain?" Upon seeing Xiao Yan's actions, Xun'er playfully blinked her beautiful eyes, speaking in a light, teasing tone. After assessing the thickness of the shield, Xiao Yan turned back and feigned a stern expression, saying, "Little lady, I hope you'll pretend you didn't see it, didn't hear it—otherwise..." Laughter tugged at Xun'er's lips as she was charmed by Xiao Yan's demeanor; her delicate features furrowed slightly in youthful pout, and the gentle, coquettish grace of her expression caused the other clan members, who were currently attacking the shield, to momentarily go stiff with admiration. With a light, mocking smile, Xiao Yan stepped back two paces, slightly spreading his feet, then gently closed his palms, eyes half-closed, as a subtle flow of combat energy began to circulate swiftly through specific meridians within his body.
Xun leaned lazily against the wall, her graceful curves perfectly enclosed by her fitted attire, exceptionally alluring. Her bright, liquid eyes fixed intently on Xiao Yan as he gathered his strength, a delicate golden flame dancing playfully within them.
By the side, seeing the shattered red energy shield, Xun lightly clapped her hands and nodded gently, her rosy lips curled into a smile. "A quite impressive technique—strong offensive power!" She twisted her neck slightly, stretched her arms, and offered a soft smile. "It's just acceptable, I suppose." Hearing this, the dozen or so clan members in the small room felt a bit short of breath. Such an extraordinary technique, yet only acceptable? Wasn't that a bit beneath the standard for adults? "Well, then, let's go in and take a look," Xion said, raising her chin at the slightly flushed room. He stepped in first.
"Indeed, quite excellent—this is one of the very top fire-based cultivation techniques in our family. He must have truly put in a lot of effort for his brother, Xiao Yan," came the cheerful voice of Xun'er from behind.
Xun gently caressed the scroll, speaking softly, "Brother Xiao Yan, don't worry about face—there's no need to feel uncomfortable. I know you're not the kind of person who's overly rigid. These advanced techniques will be of great benefit to you in the future, so..." Seeing Xun holding two scrolls at once, Xiao Yan chuckled bitterly, shook his head in resignation, and then reached out to gently stroke her hair before retrieving the yellow-stage advanced technique from Xun's slightly wounded, luminous eyes. "Brother Xiao Yan..." Xun pouted, her eyes glistening with moisture, looking especially endearing. "Hehe, thank you, Xun. I'm not refusing your gifts because of any sense of face." Xiao Yan smiled warmly and softly whispered to her delicate ear.