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

When Xiao Ling stepped out of the cultivation room, the courtyard was bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun.

The bluestone path winds through waist-high bamboo groves, where dewdrops hanging from the bamboo tips shatter into silver threads in the wind, dripping onto the wisteria blossoms that cover the corridor pillars.

The moss-covered stone bench under the flower stand was damp, and a few early-withered magnolia petals floated in the water in the stone bowl, creating pale blue ripples with the waves.

When he looked up, the glazed pavilion in the center of the courtyard was shrouded in a thin layer of tea smoke.

Two figures sat facing each other across a stone table. Amber-colored tea was overflowing from a celadon teapot on the table. The rich aroma of the tea, mixed with the morning dew, wafted through the rising steam and wafted straight to one's nose.

The aroma of the tea carries a hint of wild mountain freshness, and also reveals the mellow charm of aged Pu'er tea. With just a gentle sniff, one can tell that it must have an extraordinary origin.

The old man sitting on the left side of the stone table had white hair at his temples and wrinkles on his forehead like the rings of an ancient pine tree; he was none other than Mang Tianchi.

The woman opposite him wore a dark purple dress, her long hair loosely tied in a bun, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks. She was none other than Zi Yan, who had recently succeeded to the throne of the Dragon Emperor.

Her slender fingertips were gently caressing the rim of the teacup, not with the majestic air of a dragon emperor, but with the languid grace of an ordinary young girl.

It was quite a coincidence that Zi Yan, after finishing her cultivation, was concerned about Xiao Ling's progress and came to Sunset Gorge specifically to see what was going on with him.

As for Mang Tianchi, he had just received the message from the Lei Clan and was planning to leave the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. Before leaving, he wanted to say goodbye to his "good student", which is why he came here.

Unexpectedly, the two of them chose this time to come and bumped into each other.

Despite their casual demeanor and the established teacher-student relationship, Zi Yan didn't put on any airs of a dragon emperor when facing the dean of Canaan Academy, and her words were naturally polite.

After all, this was practically their first real meeting.

In this rare encounter, upon learning that Xiao Ling was still cultivating, Zi Yan and Mang Tianchi sat facing each other in the courtyard, sipping tea and chatting casually.

The conversation naturally revolved around Canaan Academy and Xiao Ling's recent situation, occasionally mentioning the matter of Ancient Dragon Island, but only briefly and briefly.

Amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, the conversation between the two surprisingly possessed a unique sense of harmony.

The faint gust of air stirred up by Xiao Ling's emergence from seclusion disturbed the tea smoke in the courtyard. The two stopped their conversation almost simultaneously, their gazes turning in unison to the figure that had just stepped out of the cultivation room.

As the aroma of tea wafted through the air, the figure slowly walked towards them along the cobblestone path.

Xiao Ling noticed their gaze, but did not stop walking. He simply nodded slightly as a greeting.

Upon reaching the pavilion, he said softly, "Ziyan, Dean Mang, what a coincidence that you're both here today?"

Stepping into the pavilion, Xiao Ling sat down on an empty stone bench, then turned his gaze to Mang Tianchi, his tone tinged with curiosity: "Dean, is there something you wish to instruct me on?"

In Xiao Ling's view, it was not surprising that Zi Yan had come looking for him, after all, the two had a close relationship. However, Mang Tianchi's personal arrival must have something to say, which was why he took the opportunity to inquire.

"What are you saying, kid? Can't I come to your Sunset Mountain to enjoy the scenery and have some tea if I have nothing to do with you?" Mang Tianchi raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but tease Xiao Ling when he asked him.

Then, he shook his head and changed the subject, saying...
"However, you guessed correctly. I did come here to tell you something. I've come to inform you that I must leave Ancient Dragon Island and return to the Thunder Clan afterward."

"I was originally planning to just say hello to you and leave. But I happened to run into Ziyan and we chatted for a bit. It just so happens that you finished your cultivation too. It seems that your arrival was quite coincidental."

Seeing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Xiao Ling's face. He hadn't expected that Mang Tianchi had already decided to leave and was about to return to the Lei Clan. A thought stirred within him, and he quickly asked:
"Dean, are you returning to the Thunder Clan already? Why not linger on Ancient Dragon Island for a few more days? Soon, the four Dragon Islands will converge, and a great battle is imminent. Are you sure you want to miss this spectacular show?"

As soon as Xiao Ling finished speaking, his gaze swept over to Zi Yan beside him.

His words were naturally referring to the upcoming meeting of the four Dragon Islands, where Zi Yan would represent the East Dragon Island to launch a counterattack against the other three islands, thereby achieving the goal of reunifying the ancient dragon race.

Noticing Xiao Ling's gaze, Zi Yan glared at him irritably, then turned her curious and expectant gaze toward Mang Tianchi.

Faced with Xiao Ling's attempt to persuade him to stay, Mang Tianchi could only shrug regretfully and say apologetically:

"Alas, it's not that I don't want to stay a few more days, it's just that the clan is urging me to go. I've been away for quite a while this time, and I've traveled the continent more than once or twice. If I don't go back soon, those old guys will definitely complain about me. There's also a group of young people waiting for me to 'take care' of them."

After speaking, he paused slightly, a complex expression appearing on his face. He shook his head helplessly and continued:
"Moreover, I've heard a bit about that good show you mentioned. I suppose it's about Ziyan leading Donglong Island to meet those three great dragon islands? Alas, it's a pity that I'm only at the half-saint level now. In a battle of this level, I really can't play a decisive role. Otherwise, I would have stayed no matter what to do to help Ziyan."

"However, with Ziyan's current strength, she should be able to handle those three dragon kings with ease, so I can go back with peace of mind."

Seeing that Mang Tianchi had said so, Xiao Ling understood that it would be futile to try to persuade him to stay, so he said nothing more.

As for whether Mang Tianchi chose to leave because he was worried that the upcoming battle on Gulong Island would affect him, Xiao Ling did not think too deeply about such a thought.

After all, given his status as an elder of the Mangtian Chilei Clan and his cultivation level as a half-saint, no matter how intense the battle was, it would not endanger him.

Furthermore, Xiao Ling didn't think that Mang Tianchi would be such a timid and hesitant person.

As for the reason why Mang Tianchi was summoned back to the Lei Clan, coupled with his previous mention of "taking care" of the young people of the Lei Clan, Xiao Ling understood after a moment's thought. It seemed that this was most likely to discuss the opening of the "Ancient Clan Sky Curtain".

After all, in the original timeline, Mang Tianchi was the representative sent by the Lei Clan to participate in the ancient clan's Sky Curtain Ceremony, and he also brought two young members of the Lei Clan with him.

Now that he has been summoned back, it is highly likely that it is related to this matter.

On the other side, Zi Yan, after hearing Mang Tianchi's words, smiled confidently and nodded, saying:

"Don't worry, Dean Mang. With my current strength, dealing with those three 'traitors' is effortless, a piece of cake. Moreover, I recently comprehended a secret fighting technique of my Ancient Dragon Clan's royal lineage, making it even easier to deal with these clowns. These traitors are nothing but chickens and dogs, not worth mentioning!"

Seeing Zi Yan's confident demeanor, Mang Tianchi couldn't help but burst into laughter, his hearty laughter echoing in the courtyard: "Haha, good! As expected of a disciple from my Canaan Academy, I love to hear that! With your words, I can feel even more at ease."

He smiled, his gaze shifting between Xiao Ling and Zi Yan. Looking at the two spirited young people in front of him, Mang Tianchi couldn't help but shake his head again.

Although he was nominally the dean, and the two people in front of him were still his students, he should have been their elder. However, he knew perfectly well that these two young people were no longer someone he could easily teach; their strength and knowledge far surpassed his.

This stirred up a wave of emotions in him, leaving him feeling quite emotional.

He stroked his beard and said with emotion, "It's truly a great fortune for Canaan Academy to accept two prodigies like you as disciples! Being able to teach such outstanding students makes all my hard work in running this academy worthwhile. When you two make a name for yourselves in the Dou Qi Continent in the future, it will be a source of pride for me, bringing me great honor, haha!"

After his remark, Mang Tianchi slowly stood up and drank the remaining tea in his cup in one gulp. He put down the cup and said loudly, "Alright, I have delivered my message. I will not stay here any longer."

After saying that, he turned his gaze to Xiao Ling, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity that was barely perceptible: "Xiao Ling, after this parting, I don't know when we will meet again. However, I believe that we will definitely meet again soon."

Xiao Ling naturally understood the hidden meaning in Mang Tianchi's words. The phrase "when will we meet again" clearly referred to the upcoming Ancient Clan Sky Curtain event. He picked up the teacup in front of him, drank it all in one gulp, then solemnly cupped his hands towards Mang Tianchi and said loudly, "Dean, have a safe journey and take care. Until we meet again!"

Zi Yan, standing beside him, followed his example, picked up her teacup and drank it all in one gulp, saying earnestly, "Dean Mang, take care!"

After saying goodbye, Mang Tianchi clearly had no intention of delaying.

His figure swayed slightly, and in an instant he transformed into a dazzling bolt of lightning. Almost in the blink of an eye, under the watchful eyes of Xiao Ling and Zi Yan, he rushed towards the sky above Ancient Dragon Island at an astonishing speed, and then, like a fish entering water, he broke through the spatial barrier and disappeared outside the barrier.

With Zi Yan's intervention, the entire process proceeded without causing any unusual noises or disturbances.

In the blink of an eye, the lightning bolt completely disappeared from their sight.

……

Only after the lightning bolt completely disappeared from their sight did Xiao Ling and Zi Yan slowly withdraw their gaze.

Xiao Ling naturally took Zi Yan's hand, then smiled at her and asked softly, "After I left, how has your cultivation gone? How are you doing now?"

If it were the old Zi Yan, she might have blushed a little when Xiao Ling took her hand.

But now she and Xiao Ling are completely honest with each other, so there's no shyness left for them.

She nodded slightly in response, then straightened her now fully developed chest and said with a hint of pride:
"Don't worry! Thanks to your help before, my cultivation has been flawless since then, and I'm in great shape! I'm a five-star Dou Sheng now, my cultivation is quite strong, okay? From now on, I'll protect you!"

Looking at Zi Yan, Xiao Ling noticed that although she looked like a complete adult, she still unconsciously revealed some of the adorable and innocent side of her childhood in front of him.

He couldn't help but smile and nodded in agreement. He didn't refute her words, but instead teased her by saying, "Yes, yes, then I'll have Miss Ziyan protecting me from now on!"

From now on, I'll definitely stick close to Miss Ziyan and make sure you treat me to the best of everything!

Xiao Ling's well-timed praise made Zi Yan even more smug, her smile practically overflowing, unable to hide her joy and pride.

She hummed twice, then said with absolute confidence, "Of course! Don't worry, you'll have a good time from now on!"

After some playful banter, Xiao Ling stopped smiling and turned to Zi Yan with a serious expression, asking, "Alright, how are our preparations going for facing the three Dragon Islands? What are your plans for dealing with those traitors?"

Seeing Xiao Ling bring up serious matters, Zi Yan's playful expression instantly vanished, replaced by a serious demeanor.

She cleared her throat and earnestly explained to Xiao Ling, "On Ancient Dragon Island, everyone is on high alert, just waiting for the day when the four Dragon Islands meet. Moreover, my bloodline has already transformed into the Supreme Dragon Phoenix, and my cultivation has steadily reached the Five-Star Dou Sheng realm. I have also fully mastered the secret fighting techniques of the Dragon Emperor lineage. With my current strength, dealing with those three Dragon Kings should not be a problem."

The tone shifted abruptly, a cold killing intent flashing in Zi Yan's eyes, her tone becoming incredibly firm: "As for how to deal with those traitors... let's leave aside the ordinary members of the ancient dragon clan for now. As for those three dragon kings, since they dared to launch a rebellion while my father was away, attempting to split Dragon Island, I, Zi Yan, will never let them go! They will surely be made to atone with their deaths, and even their corpses will not be allowed to be buried in the Dragon Tomb!"

Seeing Zi Yan's confident and in control demeanor, Xiao Ling breathed a sigh of relief.

Moreover, it seems that Zi Yan has gained far more benefits in this regard from absorbing the Dragon Emperor's Origin Fruit than she did in the original timeline.

My risky trip to the Heavenly Phoenix Clan back then was definitely worth it.

However, thinking of the treacherous and cunning methods used by Beilong Island in the original timeline, Xiao Ling couldn't help but gently pat Zi Yan's shoulder, his tone serious as he solemnly reminded her:
"Zi Yan, your current cultivation and methods are indeed sufficient, and we seem to have the advantage. However, those people from the three Dragon Islands are definitely not to be underestimated. They are always cunning and treacherous, so we must not let our guard down and must deal with them carefully." (End of Chapter)