Xiao Yan was also startled by the sudden approach, subconsciously taking half a step back. His Dou Qi silently circulated within him as he warily watched the black-robed woman who had suddenly appeared less than two meters away from him.
The Soul Beads around her also fell to the ground, making muffled thuds and sinking deep into the earth.
The woman, however, completely disregarded his wariness. Her eyes, full of demonic Qi, were fixed on Xiao Yan. Her originally charming voice, now tinged with an urgent tremor due to excitement, said:
"You… are you using the Moonlight Soul Refining Art and Soul Shattering Palm? Who taught you?"
She took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm her turbulent emotions, but with little effect. She continued to press, "Are you Xiao Yan of Boundless Heaven Hall?"
Xiao Yan frowned slightly, his thoughts racing. The other party seemed to recognize his Soul Dou Technique, but her reaction was too strong—very unusual.
"Young Miss Cao Ying, these are personal privacy matters; I refuse to answer!"
The black-robed woman in front of Xiao Yan was indeed Cao Ying, known as the 'Demoness.' She was also the contemporary leader of the Pill Tower, a disciple of Xuan Kongzi, and one of the candidates for a future Pill Tower giant.
Seeing Cao Ying in this state, everyone around—except for a few who probably knew the inside story—was extremely surprised.
This was the first time they had seen Cao Ying, who was always known for her demonic talent, cold arrogance, and disinterest in many things, display such an emotional reaction.
Upon receiving a definite answer, the excitement in Cao Ying's eyes grew even stronger. She even subconsciously clutched her hand. Her eyes, usually filled with lazy charm and allure, now held a mix of anticipation, nervousness, and even a touch of vulnerability.
She sat up straight, her black-blue dress outlining a breathtaking curve with her movement.
"Then you… Are you Xiao Jietian's younger brother? Xiao Jietian… has he, has he also come to Holy Pill City? Where is he now?"
At this moment, Cao Ying had completely lost her usual composure, resembling more a girl eagerly searching for news of someone important.
The people around cast astonished glances at her words, but she had no time to pay attention to them. Now, all she wanted was to get Xiao Jietian's whereabouts from Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan, looking at Cao Ying's current state, was also momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected the cultivation technique and Soul Skill taught by Tian Ge could make this 'Demoness' of the Pill Tower lose her composure so much.
To be able to recognize this cultivation technique, she must have seen it before. He secretly thought, Could this be a romantic debt left by my Tian Ge in Holy Pill City?
Truly a model for our generation—he's almost reeled in the Pill Tower's Demoness.
Xiao Yan composed himself and, facing Cao Ying's anxious questioning, slowly shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of apology.
"Young Miss Cao Ying, to be honest, I came to Holy Pill City alone this time and did not travel with Tian Ge. Tian Ge's whereabouts have always been elusive, and as for whether he has come to Holy Pill City, I truly do not know."
Cao Ying's charming eyes were fixed on Xiao Yan, trying to find the slightest flaw on his face.
As the Demoness of the Pill Tower, her soul power was immensely strong, and her perception of certain things was even more acute. Naturally, she wouldn't give up easily just because of his words.
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Cao Ying took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging emotions in her heart.
The excitement on her face receded like a tide, and she regained her captivating 'Demoness' demeanor, though a hint of imperceptible disappointment flickered deep in her eyes.
She narrowed her eyes slightly. At this moment, her eyes no longer held much emotion, only scrutiny and suspicion. She continued to press:
"You truly don't know? Since you are his younger brother, if he came, why wouldn't he contact you?"
Her voice, though carrying a barely noticeable tremor, was sharp.
Xiao Yan's expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, "Tian Ge has always acted according to his own rules. He usually doesn't specifically tell me where he's going."
This was half-truth, half-false. Xiao Jietian's whereabouts were indeed elusive, because Xiao Jietian always took Yun Yun and the others out to travel and enjoy the scenery, strengthening their relationship.
Cao Ying's red lips parted slightly, her tone regaining some of its usual languidness, but her gaze became much more serious. "Is he doing well?"
Xiao Yan nodded, his tone firm, "Tian Ge is doing very well, no problems at all."
Hearing this, Cao Ying nodded slightly and gave Xiao Yan a deep look. "Alright, focus on the current assessment first. Don't disgrace your elder brother."
She had seen in the information given by her teacher that Xiao Jietian had already passed the Grade 8 Alchemist assessment a long time ago.
She sighed softly and turned to walk towards the Cao Family's seating area.
Just as she turned and took a step, as if suddenly remembering something, she abruptly turned back and blurted out, "Is he… with Junior Martial Uncle Xuan Yi?"
This question was too sudden and directly named Xuan Yi, completely catching Xiao Yan off guard. His heart tightened, and almost instinctively, he blurted out, "You—"
The rest of the words were still unsaid when Xiao Yan suddenly realized his slip of the tongue, his expression changing slightly. He shook his head, "Who is this Junior Martial Uncle of yours? I don't know her."
When she asked that question, Xiao Yan's expression changed very quickly, but she, who had been observing Xiao Yan, still noticed it.
A look of extreme surprise and "I knew it" bloomed on her slender yet delicate face, and her eyes shone astonishingly bright. The previous disappointment transformed into a cunning smile, like a successful fairy.
"Hehe…" Cao Ying chuckled, her voice returning to its usual lazy charm, but with an added sense of relief and triumph. "Xiao Yan, thank you."
With that, she no longer lingered. Her figure turned, transforming into a black streak of light, and left the hall, heading straight towards the direction where the Pill Tower's high-ranking members were located.
Xiao Yan, standing stunned in place, also showed a hint of annoyance. Watching Cao Ying's rapidly receding back, he helplessly shook his head, sighing inwardly, "Tian Ge, you can't blame me for this. This woman… she's too clever."
He now fully understood a saying Xiao Jietian had once told him: 'The prettier the woman, the more she lies.'
Xiao Yan quickly pulled out his message stone and sent a message to Xiao Jietian. In the end, he could only silently pray for Xiao Jietian, hoping he could handle this sudden "romantic debt."
The people around were confused, but dared not ask too much. After all, the Cao Family was currently the strongest among the five great families, and Cao Ying held the highest status. No one dared to openly discuss her casually.
"Alright, there was a small incident just now. The assessment continues!" Elder Sheng looked at everyone discussing in secret and shouted loudly.
Meanwhile, as Cao Ying headed to the Pill Tower, Xiao Jietian also felt the vibration of his message stone, an urgent message.
Xiao Jietian glanced at Xuan Yi, who was helping him clean up, and gently stroked her head with a soft expression. He took out the message stone to read the message inside.
"Hmm?" Xiao Jietian instantly sat upright.