People in Doupo: The beginning of the game intercepts the rich woman Xun'er

Upon hearing Mang Tianchi's words, Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow slightly.

Judging from this situation, it seems that the Dean has already had a detailed discussion with Elder Zhuli and the others, and probably has a certain understanding of the current situation of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan.

Back when Mang Tianchi first arrived at Gulong Island with Hei Qing, he was curious but also felt a certain restraint.

After all, in his impression, the Ancient Dragon Clan of the Void was mysterious and unpredictable. Judging from the widely circulated rumors, at its peak, it was certainly no less powerful than their Thunder Clan.

Although he had cultivated to the level of a half-saint and had some reputation in the outside world, he still seemed insignificant in front of such a top-level power.

However, upon actually setting foot on Ancient Dragon Island, Mang Tianchi discovered that the scene before him was far less magnificent and prosperous than he had imagined. Later, after a brief conversation with several of the island's leaders, he learned that the Ancient Dragon Clan was already internally divided, and the situation was far from optimistic.

This realization filled Mang Tianchi with emotion. The once mighty Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, which once dominated the Dou Qi Continent, had now fallen into such a state of decline due to internal strife.

It truly proves the old saying, "When a group of dragons is without a leader, chaos is bound to ensue." Once a leader is absent, internal discord and disunity arise, and even the most powerful force will likely inevitably fall apart.

"Although the Ancient Dragon Clan is currently fragmented due to internal strife, causing Dragon Island to fall apart and appear to be a disorganized mess," Xiao Ling said, taking a sip of tea, a hint of a smile in his eyes, but his tone was quite confident.
"But I believe that before long, all of this will change. My friend will reunite this fragmented ancient dragon race."

His mind involuntarily conjured up Zi Yan's charming and lovely face, and he couldn't help but chuckle softly as he continued:
"By then, the gradually dormant Ancient Dragon Island will regain its strength through their efforts. As long as subsequent development is appropriate, it is not impossible for it to return to its former peak, or even surpass that level."

Hearing Xiao Ling's confident words, Mang Tianchi raised an eyebrow in surprise, his hand holding the teacup pausing slightly: "You seem to have complete confidence in that girl named Zi Yan?"

His gaze swept across the scenery of Dragon Island outside the window, his tone carrying a hint of caution:

"Given the current situation on Gulong Island, reunification is already extremely difficult, let alone returning to its former glory or even surpassing it. To be honest, this matter... is probably as difficult as climbing to heaven."

As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed to suddenly remember something, raised his hand to scratch his temple, and added a touch of teasing to his tone:
"Speaking of which, I've been staying on Dragon Island for some time now, and that girl Ziyan you mentioned hasn't even shown her face once. What's going on? I, as the dean, have already paid her a visit, but she hasn't even shown her shadow. What important matter is she busy with?"

"You will see for yourself how things will develop in the future, Dean."

Xiao Ling didn't take Mang Tianchi's doubts to heart, but just chuckled and replied calmly.

He immediately changed the subject and explained, "As for Ziyan, she is currently in seclusion for a very important cultivation project and is unable to leave for the time being. If this girl knew that you, Dean, were visiting Gulong Island, she would definitely come out to greet you and give you a proper welcome."

“Hehe,” Mang Tianchi chuckled softly, with a hint of helplessness, “You and Elder Zhuli said the same thing, both of you like to use ‘that girl is cultivating’ to fool me. I don’t know what kind of mystery she’s up to, it’s so mysterious.”

He waved his hand, a knowing glint in his weathered eyes, but his tone returned to its usual casualness: "Alright, alright, this is just a small matter, I won't concern myself with it any further."

After saying that, he picked up the teacup in front of him, drank the remaining tea in one gulp, and let out a satisfied sigh.

Then, the tone abruptly changed, becoming serious:

"By the way, I'm planning to return to my clan in a few days. If you encounter any bottlenecks in your cultivation while you're on the island, or if there's anything you don't understand about the Xiao clan bloodline within you, feel free to come and find me. With my status, I know quite a bit about these matters, and I might be able to offer some guidance and resolve your doubts."

With their current level of cultivation and understanding, the two naturally have a clear understanding of the existence of the eight ancient clans.

Although they never exchanged a single word, they already knew each other's background and origins in their hearts, and understood each other without needing to say anything more.

Xiao Ling's clan, the Xiao clan, was once one of the eight ancient clans, but it has long since declined. Although he still retains some Xiao clan blood, it is no longer pure.

Even so, Mang Tianchi could still vaguely sense a trace, thus discerning Xiao Ling's identity as a descendant of the Xiao clan.

In Mang Tianchi's view, although Xiao Ling has reached the half-saint realm and has amazing talent, he is still too young and probably doesn't have a deep understanding of the origins and heritage of the eight ancient clans.

As he was born into the Thunder Clan, he already knew more about such secrets, which is why he took the initiative to suggest that Xiao Ling could ask him any questions.

Xiao Ling naturally wouldn't completely refuse Mang Tianchi's goodwill.

However, he felt that he was not lacking in knowledge in this regard, and he was aware of some important matters concerning himself, so he didn't have anything he was eager to ask.

He nodded slightly and replied with a smile, "Since the dean has said so, I will naturally come to you for guidance if I have any questions in the future. However, for now, I need to go and check on Ziyan's condition, so I will not chat with the dean any longer."

“Young people are always so energetic and decisive.” Mang Tianchi smiled kindly and waved his hand gently, indicating that there was no need for formalities. “You have your own things to do, so go ahead. This old man is happy to steal half a day of leisure in this quiet place.”

His words contained no hint of trying to keep him there; on the contrary, they revealed a degree of appreciation for the boy's sharp spirit.

Xiao Ling nodded slightly to him, as if to say goodbye. Before he finished speaking, his battle aura was already subtly circulating around him, like a ball of lava about to erupt.

The next instant, his figure transformed into a streak of crimson light, as fast as lightning, heading straight towards the main hall where Zi Yan was in seclusion.

It moved so fast that it seemed to scorch the air itself, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye and merging into the dappled light and shadow among the distant mountains, leaving only a faint, crimson afterimage.

The attic fell silent instantly, leaving only Mang Tianchi alone. He picked up the cup of tea, which had long since cooled, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the icy rim, his gaze lazily drifting towards the distant mountains shrouded in mist outside the window. The amber tea swayed gently in the cup, reflecting the almost imperceptible thoughts and emotions deep within his eyes.

"Soon, the ancient clan's celestial tomb will open..." he murmured softly, his voice low and slow, carrying a hint of worldly wisdom and vicissitude.

A meaningful smile subtly appeared at the corner of his lips, a smile that seemed to conceal many untold stories. "If I'm not mistaken, this lad will also be attending, won't he?"

His fingertips gently tapped the stone table, producing a soft "tap-tap" sound that seemed exceptionally clear in the desolate valley, as if striking a chord in his heart.

"But I wonder, given the current turbulent situation," he frowned slightly, a hint of worry in his voice, "that his departure, exposing him to those people like this, will ultimately be a blessing or a curse?"

However, after a moment of contemplation, he shook his head as if mocking himself and drank the remaining tea in his cup in one gulp.

A low chuckle escaped his throat, a chuckle tinged with worry, but even more so with an almost certain expectation:

"However, it makes sense. With this kid's personality and his current cultivation level, he's bound to cause quite a stir when he gets to that kind of place. It's really something to look forward to. What kind of scene will it be?"

A mountain breeze swept through the corridor, carrying the crisp scent of grass and trees. It swirled a few withered yellow leaves in the air, then silently drifted down to the ground.

The steam from the tea on the stone table rose in wisps, weaving a hazy picture in the morning light before gradually dissipating.

Only the faint aroma of tea remained, lingering in the room, accompanying the complex and unspoken expectation and inquiry in the old man's eyes, flowing quietly in the silent attic...

……

After bidding farewell to Mang Tianchi's somewhat quiet pavilion, Xiao Ling did not stop. With his worries still unresolved, he went straight to another place to visit Elder Zhuli.

After exchanging pleasantries with Zhu Li, the two soon walked side by side to the front of the magnificent palace.

This hall is where Zi Yan is in seclusion.

However, thanks to the layers of isolation arrays that Xiao Ling had meticulously set up, this magnificent palace, which should have been extraordinary, now appeared unusually ordinary, almost blending into the surrounding mountains, rocks, and vegetation.

Not a single energy fluctuation could be detected, as if there were nothing there. Even the palace itself seemed to be shrouded in shadow, with a silence that was easy to ignore. Unless one deliberately lingered their gaze, it was almost impossible to distinguish it from the other rocks.

As soon as they stood still, the two elders, Qingshan and Qingmu, who were waiting there, seemed to sense the arrival of the newcomers. Their figures appeared silently from both sides of the hall like ghosts, and they nodded slightly to them as a greeting.

Elder Qingshan smiled gently, cupped his hands in greeting to Xiao Ling, and spoke with genuine concern, “Young friend Xiao Ling, I was quite worried when Zhu Li mentioned that you went to the Void Thunder Pool for seclusion. I was afraid that your youthful spirit might cause you some trouble in such a dangerous place. Now that I see you have returned safely and in good health, it turns out that I was worrying too much.”

Elder Qingmu nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with approval: "Indeed, the Void Thunder Pool is such a dangerous place that even I, in my current state, have to be wary of it. Young friend Xiao Ling, you have only just entered the Half-Saint Realm, yet you have the courage to venture deep into it. Your courage and methods are truly remarkable and extraordinary."

Faced with the two elders' earnest greetings, Xiao Ling smiled slightly and returned the greeting with a cupped hand:
"You two elders are too kind. I am not worthy of such high praise. I only managed to get through by chance with the help of some special means. It is nothing to say that I have any courage or lack thereof."

He didn't linger on self-deprecation; instead, he deftly shifted the focus, his gaze immediately turning to the majestic palace, and asked in a deep, clear voice:
"I have come here not to reminisce, but to inquire about Zi Yan's current situation. I wonder how her cultivation is progressing? How many more days will it take for her to fully absorb the energy of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit and end her seclusion? I am concerned about her, hence my inquiry."

“Young friend Xiao Ling’s question is exactly what I was thinking. I have been paying close attention to Her Highness’s progress in absorbing the energy of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit these past few days, and it is truly a pleasant surprise. Not only is it going more smoothly than we had the most optimistic expectations, but there has also been no deviation so far, and everything is on the most ideal track.”

In response to Xiao Ling's question, Elder Qingshan spoke first, his voice filled with a sense of relief and satisfaction.
"Given this trend, it probably won't take too long to completely refine this immense energy. At the shortest, it will be half a month, and at the longest, several months. Your Highness will then be able to emerge from seclusion, and we can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

Elder Aoki, standing to the side, nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with an undisguised anticipation and excitement.
"Exactly! As long as we guard this place well during this final period, ensuring that Her Highness is not disturbed in any way, she can complete this final step without any distractions. The day she emerges from seclusion will be the moment when our Ancient Dragon Island truly revives and regains its vitality!"

Just then, Elder Zhuli, standing beside Xiao Ling, also broke into an undisguised smile, his weathered eyes sparkling with genuine joy.

He opened his broad, thick hands, which seemed capable of supporting mountains, and patted Xiao Ling's shoulder heavily, the force carrying a hint of emotion and satisfaction, his tone exceptionally bold:

"Hahaha! When His Highness emerges from seclusion, our Ancient Dragon Island will be filled with jubilation and celebration! You, young friend Xiao Ling, have made a great contribution to this momentous occasion. Without your toast, the celebration would be incomplete! At that time, I will personally prepare the most sumptuous banquet and drink to my heart's content with you, the great benefactor of Ancient Dragon Island!"

Seeing the undisguised, almost jubilant joy on the faces of the three elders, Xiao Ling's lips also curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile.

However, he didn't say much, especially about the potential risks lurking around the impending convergence of the four Dragon Islands; now was not the time to bring it up. To say such discouraging things at this moment would be truly tactless.

He knew in his heart how much hardship and pressure the three elders had borne on their shoulders and how much unspeakable frustration had accumulated between their brows over the years for the sake of Gulong Island's heavy predicament.

Now that they have finally glimpsed the glimmer of revival, they are eager to release the pent-up frustration that has been weighing on their hearts for so long. Isn't this urgency and excitement the most genuine and touching sense of relief? Isn't it just human nature?

"I hope everything goes smoothly from now on, and that there won't be any unexpected setbacks, even if something unexpected does happen..."

Xiao Ling gazed at the tightly closed grand hall, his eyes growing deeper as he thought to himself,
"Ziyan, I will definitely protect you..."

(End of this chapter)