Xun'er first frowned slightly, her crescent-shaped brows furrowed. Then she crossed her arms, her jade-like fingers gently clasping her arms. Her eyes closed, lost in thought.
After a long moment, she finally opened them again, her rosy lips parting softly: "Brother Xiao Ling, if that's the case, then I trust you." She lowered her arms, took a gentle step forward, and approached Xiao Ling, her head tilted upward, her gaze filled with trust and tenderness.
Xiao Ling, gazing into Xiao Xun'er's gentle, trusting gaze, could no longer contain his emotions. He slowly lowered his head and gently kissed Xiao Xun'er on the lips.
Xiao Xun'er shuddered slightly, but didn't shy away. Her arms unconsciously wrapped around Xiao Ling's waist. In this warm atmosphere, the two embraced, kissing passionately, as if time had stopped for them.
After a long moment, their pressed faces slowly separated, a faint thread of silver still connecting their lips.
Seeing this, Xiao Xun'er's face flushed with a touching blush, her eyes filled with shyness and happiness.
Xiao Ling gently stroked Xiao Xun'er's face and said softly, "Xun'er, in this world, you are the most important person in my heart."
Xiao Xun'er nodded gently and rested her head on Xiao Ling's chest. The two of them snuggled together quietly, enjoying this sweet and beautiful moment.
The two hugged each other tightly for a while before slowly separating. Xiao Ling's eyes were filled with thought. He looked at Xiao Xun'er seriously and attentively, and slowly said, "Xun'er, I want to ask you, do you always have a guard by your side, protecting you in secret?"
Xiao Xun'er was slightly startled by Xiao Ling's question, but soon regained her composure.
Xiao Xun'er nodded gently, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. She said, "Brother Xiao Ling is truly remarkable, having been able to detect Ling Ying's presence. After all, Elder Ling is only at the Dou Huang level, while you, Brother Xiao Ling, are already a sixth-rank alchemist with formidable spiritual perception. It's not surprising that you'd detect Elder Ling's presence."
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, then said, "Xun'er, call him out. I need to clarify something with him face to face."
Xiao Xun'er looked at Xiao Ling tenderly and, without the slightest hesitation, nodded in response, "Okay, I understand."
Then, Xiao Xun'er gently closed her eyes, her lips moving slightly, as if conveying a message. The air around them seemed to linger for a moment. Soon, a dark figure slowly emerged from the void, its form becoming clearer. It was Ling Ying, the one who had been guarding Xiao Xun'er.
As soon as Ling Ying appeared, she knelt on one knee and saluted Xiao Xun'er, saying respectfully, "Miss."
Then she bowed to Xiao Ling. Xiao Ling nodded slightly, and Ling Ying said, "Master Xiao Ling."
"Young Master Xiao Ling, I never thought that this dark-attribute skill of mine, which I thought was secret and powerful, could be discovered by you. I believe you must have noticed it when I was inquiring about information for the young lady in the Jiama Empire. Young Master Xiao Ling is indeed extraordinary, and he is worthy of being the one that the young lady has fallen in love with."
Xiao Ling nodded slightly at first, and then said: "When I was in the Jiama Empire, I could feel a familiar breath from time to time. After arriving at the South Academy, this feeling became clearer. After a little thought and speculation, I guessed that you were Xun'er's bodyguard."
Xiao Ling bowed to Ling Ying and
said: "Mr. Ling, I am very grateful for your hard work in taking care of Xun'er over the years." Ling Ying hurriedly waved his hands and responded: "Young Master Xiao Ling, don't say that. Protecting the young lady is my job."
Xun'er hurriedly said: "Mr. Ling, don't think so. In my heart, you have never been a servant, but an elder who is trustworthy and reliable like a relative."
Ling Ying did not respond after hearing what Xiao Xun'er said, but his eyes revealed a touch of emotion and warmth that was difficult to conceal.
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Ling Ying mused to herself, "I've watched Xiao Xun'er grow from a tender little girl into the graceful young woman she is today, and I've watched her protect and accompany her for years. Now, hearing these heartwarming words, all the hardships of the past are worth it. "
At this moment, a flash of white light appeared in Xiao Ling's hand, and he pulled a porcelain bottle from his storage ring and handed it to Ling Ying.
Seeing this, Ling Ying looked at Xiao Ling with some confusion, asking, "Master Xiao Ling, what does this mean?"
Xiao Ling smiled faintly, pressed the jade bottle into Ling Ying's hand, and explained, "Master Ling, this jade bottle contains a Sect Breaking Pill I personally refined. I believe that with your years of profound experience, and the power of this Sect Breaking Pill, breaking through to the Dou Zong level should be a piece of cake. My alchemy skills still have some shortcomings, so please forgive me if there are any errors."
This Sect Breaking Pill was refined by Xiao Ling after he achieved the rank of Seventh-Rank Alchemist, and its quality is considered the best among the Sect Breaking Pills.
Upon hearing this, Ling Ying quickly waved his hand and said, "Young Master Xiao Ling, you're so polite! I'm unworthy of such a generous gift."
Xiao Ling waved his hand and said, "Master Ling, you've protected Xun'er for so many years. This is what you deserve."
Xiao Xun'er smiled and said, "Master Ling, please accept it."
Hearing Xiao Xun'er speak, Ling Ying nodded solemnly and carefully put the jade bottle away.
After putting it away, Ling Ying said, "In that case, thank you very much, Young Master Xiao Ling."
Xiao Ling straightened his expression slightly and said, "Master Ling, I have something to discuss with Xun'er alone. I beg you to step aside for a moment."
Ling Ying glanced at Xiao Xun'er, questioning her.
Xiao Xun'er nodded without hesitation and said, "Master Ling, please take the Sect Breaking Pill first. I'll be fine with Brother Xiao Ling here for the time being."
Ling Ying bowed and replied, "Yes, young lady."
With that, he disappeared in a flash.
Xiao Ling looked in the direction Ling Ying had left, seeing that her figure had vanished. He turned to look at Xiao Xun'er, his gaze grave.
Casting a soul barrier, Xiao Ling slowly spoke, "Xun'er, what I'm about to say is extremely crucial. You must not hide it from me."
Hearing Xiao Ling's profoundly serious words, Xiao Xun'er's previously relaxed demeanor became focused. She nodded vigorously and said, "Brother Xiao Ling, go ahead. I'll tell you everything I can without reservation."
Xiao Ling looked at Xiao Xun'er and asked solemnly, "Xun'er, I've actually been thinking that you're not from the Xiao family, but from the ancient clan, right? And within that clan, your status must be quite high."
Xiao Xun'er was momentarily taken aback by Xiao Ling's question. After a brief pause, she nodded gently and slowly admitted, "Brother Xiao Ling, your guess is absolutely correct. I'm indeed not from the Xiao family, but from that ancient clan you mentioned. My real name isn't Xiao Xun'er, but Gu Xun'er."
(End of Chapter)