Upon seeing him, Xun'er blinked in surprise. Though only half a day had passed, she sensed something different about Xiao Yan—something that hadn't been there before...
When their eyes met amidst the mountain breeze, she finally realized what had changed.
Confidence.
After three long years, the radiant aura that once defined him seemed to have returned at last.
Enchanted by the faint smile playing at his lips, Xun'er's delicate cheeks dimpled as she teased, "Judging by Brother Xiao Yan's demeanor, it seems my comfort isn't needed anymore?"
"People grow after setbacks, don't they?" Xiao Yan shrugged, grinning.
"She will regret it."
Xun'er's soft voice carried absolute conviction, as though pronouncing an immutable verdict.
Xiao Yan chuckled, casually straightening his robes as he approached her.
Up close, he realized she had grown nearly as tall as him. Studying her youthful yet exquisite face, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The little girl who once trailed after him, nose running and bare-bottomed, had blossomed into such a stunning beauty...
With a warm smile, he reached out without hesitation and pinched her soft cheek—just as he used to when they were children.
"You've grown up, Xun'er. But at least you haven't forgotten how I used to scramble up trees for your favorite fruits, only to tumble down covered in bruises."
Stunned by the sudden intimacy, Xun'er stared into his clear, unguarded eyes—and felt her heart bloom.
As a child, he'd often pinched her chubby cheeks like this. But after that incident three years ago, he'd walled himself off from everyone, his aloofness repelling even her most persistent efforts to reach him.
He's truly back... Though he still sees me as that little follower. What a blockhead...
A small pout formed, but she quickly chided herself for being greedy.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
"Xun'er, forgive me for these past three years. I was lost in my own darkness. Thank you... for staying by my side." Xiao Yan scratched his head awkwardly.
Her sweet smile erased every lingering trace of past grievances.
"Ahem, by the way... how much money do you have right now?" Releasing her cheek, he suddenly asked with an embarrassed cough.
Aside from his father, Xun'er was his closest confidante. After today's humiliation, he couldn't bear to ask his father for funds—leaving Xun'er as his only option.
"Money?" Her luminous eyes widened. "Do you need some?"
"Just... buying something. A bit short." His face flushed crimson—this was his first time borrowing from a girl in two lifetimes.
Seeing her usually composed brother so flustered delighted Xun'er. Covering her giggles, she said, "I have over a thousand gold coins. Enough? If not..."
Her hidden hand flicked subtly, producing a five-wave amethyst gold card—a symbol of status requiring at least Dou Spirit strength to obtain (or membership in an elite faction).
"Plenty!" Xiao Yan nearly pinched her again in his excitement before stopping himself.
"I'll repay every coin!" He thumped his chest earnestly.
"Who wants repayment?" She hid the card with a playful pout.
"Come on, it's late. Tomorrow I'll take you around Wutan City." Waving, he bounded down the mountain with renewed vigor.
Watching his retreating figure—once again radiating the spirited confidence of three years past—Xun'er murmured softly,
"Nalan Yanran... should I hate you? Or thank you?"
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the cross-legged youth in warmth.
After prolonged meditation, Xiao Yan inhaled deeply—visible white energy swirling into his body to nourish his bones.
His eyes snapped open, a white gleam flashing briefly before he stretched luxuriously.
"This feeling... Three years. Finally, the sensation of growing stronger has returned."
Dressing leisurely, he was interrupted by Xun'er's melodious voice outside:
"Brother Xiao Yan, still asleep?"
"So early..." Shaking his head, he retrieved a small chest from his cabinet. Opening it carefully, golden light spilled forth—his entire savings.
Stepping outside, he couldn't help whistling at the sight before him.
Dressed in fresh green attire that accentuated her budding figure—slender legs, rounded hips, and the gentle swell of her chest—Xun'er radiated youthful vitality. Yet her innate elegance remained uniquely her own.
"Here's what you needed." She handed him a standard black gold card (maximum 5,000 gold capacity).
Accepting it, he teased, "Dressed so finely—got a date?"
"With you! After three years of neglect, of course I must look my best." Her crescent-moon eyes sparkled with mischief.
Their playful banter drew curious stares from passing clansmen. The usually aloof Xun'er—family jewel in both beauty and talent—rarely showed such unreserved warmth.
Ignoring the onlookers, they strolled through Wutan City's bustling streets. Despite the scorching sun, the avenues teemed with diverse crowds—even occasional non-human races.
With Xiao Yan beside her, Xun'er became positively lively, dragging him between market stalls with infectious laughter that seemed to cool the sweltering air.
Only after her energy waned did Xiao Yan guide her to an apothecary. There, he spent over 900 gold coins on:
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Three Purple Spirit Grass (20-year maturity)
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Two Bone Cleansing Flowers (5-year maturity)
Watching his funds dwindle painfully, Xiao Yan sighed.
Now I understand money's true value in this world...
Only one item remained: A Wood-attribute Rank 1 Magic Core.
Key Terms:
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Five-wave Amethyst Gold Card (五纹紫金卡): High-status financial instrument indicating elite power or affiliation.
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Dou Spirit (斗灵): Advanced cultivation stage where one can manifest Dou Qi externally.
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Purple Spirit Grass (紫叶兰草): Vital herb for meridian nourishment in early cultivation.
Cultural Nuance:
The cheek-pinching gesture reflects deeply ingrained East Asian affectionate teasing between close childhood friends/siblings. Xun'er's emotional response underscores how physical touch conveys intimacy absent in their three-year estrangement.
Style Note:
The prose balances Xiao Yan's nostalgic warmth with subtle romantic tension, preserving Xun'er's enigmatic allure. Market scenes mirror the original's vibrant worldbuilding while condensing descriptions for pacing. The financial struggle grounds the fantastical premise in relatable stakes.