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

Xiao Ling's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. Although he didn't explicitly state it, Zi Yan keenly sensed the heavy solemnity in his tone.

She paused slightly, then looked up. Her clear eyes reflected the faint tea smoke in the glass pavilion. Although she couldn't guess what Xiao Ling was planning, she clearly felt his concern and warning.

She nodded slightly, her tone immediately becoming extremely serious, carrying a sense of solemnity as if she were being valued: "Don't worry, Xiao Ling. This matter concerns the future of the Ancient Dragon Clan and is of great importance. How could I take it lightly, much less treat it with disrespect?"

Before she finished speaking, she slightly raised her chin, and a few strands of hair falling down her cheeks swayed gently with the movement, highlighting that her features were both charming and lively like a young girl, and also revealed a seriousness that could not be underestimated.

A sly, slightly smug smile played on her lips as she retorted, "Do you really think of me, Ziyan, as someone who's absent-minded and careless when faced with important matters? Don't underestimate me. This time, I've come prepared with everything I'm capable of."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling quickly waved his hand, a relaxed smile spreading across his face, carrying a reassuring tone: "I didn't mean that, Zi Yan. You're overthinking it."

As he spoke, he reached out, his fingertips carrying a subtle tenderness, and gently brushed against the soft back of her hand, his gaze softening as he did so.
"However, seeing how much you care about this makes me feel much more at ease and relieved. This matter is too important to be taken lightly; we must be extremely vigilant and put all our effort into dealing with it."

But before his words had completely faded, the relaxed smile on his face vanished as quickly as the tide receded, and the leisurely aura around him disappeared, replaced by a solemn and serious expression.

He took her hand in his, and his palm enveloped her slightly cool, delicate hand, which was as smooth as fine jade, conveying a reassuring warmth.

His gaze was fixed on the shimmering, amethyst-like light deep within her eyes, focused and earnest, each word spoken in a soft voice, yet carrying an undeniable firmness:

"Moreover, Ziyan, no matter how the situation changes or how far it goes, I will stay by your side and never leave you. Even if a huge disaster comes down, no matter how dangerous the situation is, I will do everything in my power to protect you and never let you suffer any harm."

Staring at her with such intense gaze, as if he could see through the most subtle thoughts in her heart, Zi Yan clearly felt the unreserved, pure sincerity in his words.

In the instant their eyes met, some long-forgotten fragments of memory, carrying a touch of enchanting warmth, unexpectedly swept through her mind.

That girlish sentiment, as if suddenly exposed to the strongest midday sun, instantly became scorching hot, quietly creeping up her fair cheeks and spreading a faint blush that was almost invisible.

She didn't say anything more, but with a hint of shyness and dependence, she gently pulled her hand away from his.

Then, she turned around gently, naturally wrapped her arms around Xiao Ling's waist, and buried her face in his warm embrace.

Zi Yan's lips parted slightly, her voice muffled, as if filtered through Xiao Ling's clothes, yet it carried a heavy, unwavering certainty: "I know, I've always known."

"No matter when, no matter what happens, you will always be my support."

She added softly, pressing her ear close to his chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, as if she had found the most secure anchor point that could put her at ease.

Leaning against this incredibly familiar, masculine embrace, an unprecedented sense of peace, which even surprised her, slowly washed over her body like warm water, dispelling all the tension and unease that came with the responsibilities of the Dragon Emperor's throne.

Zi Yan herself also felt it was a bit strange. Now she was already a high-ranking five-star Dou Sheng, while Xiao Ling seemed to have just stepped into the threshold of a half-saint. In terms of strength, she had already far surpassed him.

But whenever she was by Xiao Ling's side, a strange feeling would arise, as if as long as he was there, no matter how treacherous the road ahead, or even if the sky were to collapse, there would always be a pair of hands that would steadily hold her up first.

This feeling puzzled Zi Yan, but she also wanted to stay by Xiao Ling's side forever.

After a moment, Zi Yan slowly raised her head, her gaze involuntarily meeting Xiao Ling's smiling eyes, as if she were lost in them.

Looking at Xiao Ling, a fleeting, almost imperceptible cunning flashed in Zi Yan's eyes, and the blush that had not yet completely faded from her cheeks added to her charming innocence.

She cleared her throat, her voice thin and intermittent, yet she tried her best to maintain an extremely serious expression: "Right... um..." She paused slightly, as if organizing her thoughts, or perhaps trying to bolster her courage.

“I always feel that there are still some aspects of my recent cultivation that haven’t reached perfection, like I’m stuck at a bottleneck that I can’t seem to break through. You’ve just come out of seclusion, and your condition is just right…”

She bit her lower lip slightly, a gesture tinged with the shyness and trepidation typical of a young girl, as if she had finally mustered all her courage, and continued:
"How about... you take a look at me? And we can practice some more? Actually, that's what I came here for. We've been chatting for so long that I almost forgot about the important matter, really..."

As she said this, her fingers, hanging at her sides, subtly curled, revealing a hint of nervousness beneath her feigned composure.

The dragon emperor's dignified demeanor that he tried so hard to maintain now had a lively and youthful energy that made people want to laugh.

Looking at Zi Yan in his arms, who was trying to cover up her guilt, and recalling her slightly deliberate and roundabout words just now, Xiao Ling could easily guess her little thoughts. She was clearly embarrassed to say what was in her heart and wanted to find the excuse of "cultivation" to cover it up.

He chuckled softly, amused by the girl's adorable antics. He shook his head helplessly and sighed inwardly, finding it amusing: It seems this girl, deep down, can't resist the allure of tranquility.

He had just finished his cultivation and was in peak mental condition, full of vitality. Seeing that Zi Yan had such intentions, he naturally had no reason to refuse.

He immediately replied with a smile, "Alright, I just came out of seclusion and have nothing to do right now. It's perfect for me to accompany my Dragon Emperor for a good 'cultivation' session."

Before he could even finish speaking, and before Zi Yan could say anything, Xiao Ling, with a sly smile, reached out and swiftly swept his arm across her knees, lifting the still somewhat bewildered Zi Yan into his arms.

The sudden "princess carry" made Zi Yan stiffen slightly, as if she hadn't expected Xiao Ling to do this. But then, she naturally adjusted herself, softly reaching out to wrap her arms around Xiao Ling's neck, her cheek warmly pressed against his broad shoulders, while she muttered in a slightly coquettish tone, "Hmph, you're getting more and more shameless..."

Feeling the gentle dependence of the person in his arms and her insincere reproach, Xiao Ling laughed loudly, his laughter full of joy and indulgence. He turned around steadily with her in his arms and walked towards the bedroom in the main hall of the courtyard.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the gaps in the swaying bamboo, casting dappled and warm shadows on the two figures leaning against each other. The ordinary fragrance of wisteria under the eaves seemed to become exceptionally tender and poignant in this warm atmosphere.

……

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, like sand slipping through one's fingers. During these three days, Donglong Island was completely shrouded in an invisible atmosphere of tension.

Every figure on the island, whether a patrolling warrior or a powerful expert in seclusion, had an unyielding vigilance between their brows.

High in the sky, the ancient dragon warriors, clad in armor, moved with the agility of monkeys, their figures appearing and disappearing as they swept across the sky. Their sharp eyes, like those of eagles surveying their prey, precisely and coldly scanned every corner of the void outside the island, not missing even the slightest possible energy fluctuation.

The entire island, like a fully drawn bowstring or a giant net stretched to its limit, is filled with power in every thread, quietly awaiting the day when the four dragon islands will meet.

Once any disturbance is detected, the alert signal will travel at faster than the speed of light, like electricity, to the core of Ancient Dragon Island, ensuring that any unusual activity can be captured and controlled immediately.

A chilling atmosphere hung in the air, as if a fierce battle could erupt at any moment.

Meanwhile, inside the Dragon Emperor's Palace at the center of Ancient Dragon Island, figures were numerous, and the atmosphere was so solemn it was almost palpable.

Seated on the throne at the very top of the main hall was the newly appointed Dragon Emperor, Zi Yan.

Her tall figure was now completely covered by a set of dark gold body armor. The armor was made of high-quality material and was not bulky. Instead, it clung tightly to her exquisite body, outlining a beautiful and powerful curve, making her figure even more upright.

Beneath that dark golden luster, beneath a subtle allure, lies a cold and sharp edge that keeps people at a distance.

Seeing this, who would have thought that the innocent little girl from back then has now grown into such a beautiful young woman, exuding an aura of dignified authority?

Her delicate face now had a touch of coldness due to her slightly raised eyebrows. Although she was still young, the unique temperament of a person in a high position could already be vaguely seen between her slender eyebrows.

As the Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Dragon of the Void, when she truly matures, her regal demeanor will likely be a truly awe-inspiring presence.

Beneath the throne, on either side sat the elders of Ancient Dragon Island, each exuding profound aura.

At this moment, they all held their breath, as if even their breathing had become soft, and their eyes would occasionally look toward the head of the table with reverence.

On one side of the elders' seats, Xiao Ling was also prominently featured.

He was dressed in a blue robe, which made him appear exceptionally serene in the magnificent hall. He sat there calmly, blending in with the solemn atmosphere around him without seeming out of place.

Following custom, the elders reported to Ziyan on the recent defenses and clan affairs of Gulong Island.

Zi Yan listened attentively, occasionally nodding in response. She issued instructions in a deep voice at key points, her words clear and logical, showing no trace of the naivety of her former youth, but rather the decisiveness of a Dragon Emperor.

After the last elder finished his report, Zi Yan raised her hand and said, "That's all for today. Everyone, do your job and don't slack off."

Everyone responded in unison and was about to get up and leave their seats when the originally closed hall doors were suddenly pushed open with a "bang," and a burly figure as tall as an iron tower rushed in with a gust of wind—it was Commander Hei Qing.

Before anyone could ask any questions, Hei Qing knelt down on one knee and reported to Zi Yan above him in a deep voice, his tone filled with barely concealed urgency: "Reporting to Your Majesty the Dragon Emperor! The guards outside the island have sent word that the surrounding void has suddenly experienced violent fluctuations, and the energy reaction is unusually strong. I'm afraid... I'm afraid there is some unusual activity on the other three Dragon Islands!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the hall fell silent for a moment. All the elders turned their gazes toward Zi Yan, their expressions instantly becoming more solemn.

"Don't panic." Zi Yan's voice was calm and composed, without a trace of panic. "Come with me and see what's going on."

Having said that, she took the lead and walked out of the main hall with firm steps, displaying the composure of the Dragon Emperor. Although the elders behind her were shaken, they quickly followed. Xiao Ling's gaze narrowed slightly, and after nodding to Hei Qing, he also got up and followed closely behind. The group filed out and arrived outside the main hall.

But just as everyone stepped out of the main hall, a strange change occurred!

"Boom boom boom!"

Three booming sounds erupted in succession, like thunderbolts striking everyone's hearts. Accompanied by a rapid, whistling turbulence, the sound caused those who heard it to tense up instantly.

Countless gazes turned towards the barrier separating the islands, where three enormous islands appeared out of thin air, eerie like a mirage, yet possessing a devastating realism. A dense swarm of elite troops, one powerful figure after another, surged forth from the three islands like a tidal wave, unleashing extremely violent energy storms that swept across the sky, turning the once tranquil void into a scene of utter chaos.

Boom!Boom!Boom!
The deafening alarm bell, like a whisper of death, suddenly rang out over Donglong Island! The sound pierced through the clouds, making everyone's heart skip a beat.

Everyone on the island, no matter where they were, understood instantly upon hearing that familiar yet chilling drumbeat that the final battle, which had been hanging in the balance, was finally about to begin, without the need for words or commands.

The atmosphere was so tense that it almost solidified, as if the air itself had frozen.

Around the main hall, the densely packed Dragon Armor Army soldiers, who were already on high alert, now gripped their gleaming weapons even tighter, the clash of steel producing a soft, metallic sound.

They suddenly raised their heads, their eyes blazing, and looked in unison at the group of people who had just come out of the main hall.

All eyes were focused on the figure at the very front of the crowd, to be precise, their new Dragon Emperor, Zi Yan.

Zi Yan's gaze was fixed on the direction of the three islands that had appeared out of nowhere.

She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling slightly, then suddenly raised her head and let out a loud shout that exploded like thunder, making the surrounding air tremble:
"Soldiers of Ancient Dragon Island, follow me on my expedition!"

(End of this chapter)