Chapter 87: Xiao Tiance's Mischief
In Wu Tan City, at the Xiao Clan…
Inside Xiao Xun'er's room, Ling Ying respectfully knelt before her, understanding clearly that his young lady had developed deep feelings for Xiao Yan.
After some contemplation, Ling Ying spoke respectfully:
"Understood, Miss. Rest assured, I will keep this matter confidential. However, should I investigate further into the person secretly monitoring the Xiao Clan?"
Xiao Xun'er shook her head lightly and replied softly:
"No need. Since they are at least of Dou Zong strength, even if you locate them, you are not their match. It might even cost you your life.
"I don't think they harbor any intent to harm us. For now, just pretend we are unaware of their presence."
Ling Ying nodded. "As you wish, Miss."
With that, he transformed into a wisp of black smoke and disappeared.
Once Ling Ying was gone, Xiao Xun'er opened her window, gazing at the bright moon above. She murmured to herself:
"If the Xiao Clan truly hasn't been destroyed and has been lying dormant for a thousand years, their strength must be terrifying by now.
"Can we really succeed in retrieving the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Jade and bringing it back?"
For the first time, doubt crept into her heart.
Meanwhile, in the Tagore Desert…
Under the blazing midday sun, Xiao Tiance and Huai'en trudged through the endless sands. The oppressive heat bore down on them, making it feel as if the sun itself were descending from the sky.
Huai'en, drenched in sweat, had his clothes soaked and then dried repeatedly by the scorching heat, leaving white salt stains behind.
"Sir, how much farther do we have to go?" Huai'en asked breathlessly. He couldn't help but notice that Xiao Tiance, completely unaffected by the heat, seemed to exude a cool aura, with not a single drop of sweat on his body.
Xiao Tiance chuckled and replied, "Probably two more days before we reach Moya City. Why? Feeling the strain already?"
Tossing a water pouch to Huai'en, he watched as the young man eagerly grabbed it and gulped down the water.
"Ah, I feel alive again!" Huai'en sighed with relief, smiling cheekily. "It's not that I can't handle it, Sir it's just really uncomfortable!"
With a soft laugh, Xiao Tiance replied, "That's to be expected. Your cultivation is still low, which makes it harder to endure such environments."
Looking at Huai'en's sweat soaked clothes, he added with a smile, "You're lucky this desert is ideal for cultivating fire type Dou Qi and strengthening your physique. Without that, we'd already have reached Moya City if it were just me."
"I wish I had your kind of strength, Sir," Huai'en said, his tone filled with admiration.
Amused, Xiao Tiance remarked, "Ambition is good, but remember, no strong person becomes powerful overnight.
"Here, take this. It's a body strengthening tonic I made. Apply it to your body it'll speed up your cultivation and help improve your physique."
Tossing a white jade bottle to Huai'en, Xiao Tiance smirked as Huai'en eagerly opened it and began applying the liquid to his skin.
"Ah, this feels so refreshing!" Huai'en exclaimed. But just as the cool sensation brought relief, his skin soon turned red and inflamed.
"Sir… why is my skin starting to hurt?" he asked nervously.
"Oh, that's just the tonic activating," Xiao Tiance said nonchalantly. "Oh, by the way, it'll last until sunset."
Hearing this, Huai'en felt a wave of dread. As the heat surged through his skin, he quickly sat down cross legged and began circulating his Dou Qi to mitigate the pain.
Watching him, Xiao Tiance's lips curled into an amused grin. "The little guy figured it out fast. Looks like this tonic won't go to waste."
As Huai'en grumbled internally, Xiao Tiance relaxed under a canopy created by his spiritual energy, eating watermelon and enjoying the desert breeze with the utmost leisure.
When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the effects of the tonic dissipated, leaving Huai'en looking like a thoroughly roasted tomato.
"Sir," he said with an exaggerated sigh of relief, "could you warn me next time before something like this happens?"
Xiao Tiance laughed heartily and teased, "Sure, sure. Next time, I'll give you a heads up. But don't look so pitiful consider this good training!
"Now that the sun's down, let's move on. And don't forget you'll be applying that tonic every day until we reach Moya City!"
Despite his protests, Huai'en had no choice but to comply.
Two days later, as the sun rose, the silhouette of Moya City came into view.
Huai'en, exhausted and red as a beet, trudged along. Xiao Tiance placed a hand on the young man's shoulder, sending a wave of Dou Qi through his body to neutralize the redness.
When the effects vanished, Huai'en stared at his restored skin in astonishment and exclaimed, "Sir, if you could do this all along, why didn't you help me earlier?"
With a chuckle, Xiao Tiance replied, "Didn't I tell you? You looked cute like that. Besides, there wasn't anyone around to notice, so what's the harm?"
Huai'en muttered under his breath, "I think Sir just enjoys watching me suffer…"
"Bingo!" Xiao Tiance ruffled his hair, grinning mischievously. "Now, let's get into the city. We've got work to do."
The two entered Moya City and soon found themselves at a bustling tavern. Over a hearty meal, Xiao Tiance used his spiritual energy to sweep the city, his attention settling on a small map shop.
Inside the shop, Hai Bodong, the Ice Emperor, sat lounging on a chair. Startled by the faint spiritual energy brushing over him, he abruptly opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings.
"Was that my imagination?" Hai Bodong murmured, frowning as he resumed his rest.
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