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

As soon as the two finished their casual conversation, several streaks of light shot out like arrows to the front of the spaceship. When the light faded, several figures were revealed, the leader of whom was none other than Xiao Zhan, the current patriarch of the Xiao family.

His gaze, like a magnet, locked onto Xiao Yan by the railing at the bow of the ship. His eyes instantly welled up with tears, and the longing and yearning that had been building up for years burst forth at this moment. His voice trembled uncontrollably as he said, "Yan'er!"

Xiao Yan had already turned around and looked back at that familiar yet somewhat weathered face. This young man, who had experienced many storms and was decisive in battle in Zhongzhou, felt a surge of intense emotion welling up in his heart. His throat tightened and his voice trembled slightly: "Father!"

Before he finished speaking, he took a light step and his figure flew out of the spaceship like a wild goose, landing steadily in front of Xiao Zhan.

The father and son looked into each other's eyes, a thousand words unspoken, which finally culminated in a slightly clumsy but incredibly sincere embrace.

Xiao Zhan pressed his palm tightly against Xiao Yan's back, with such force that it almost seemed to knead him into his bones. Xiao Yan also nodded slightly, pressing his cheek against his father's shoulder, feeling this long-lost warmth.

Upon seeing this, Hai Bodong, Jia Xingtian, and the others around them slowed down and wisely stopped a few feet away, without making a sound to disturb them.

Even the fighting spirit flowing in the air seemed to soften, with only the sound of the wind gently passing by in the high sky, adding a touch of tranquil warmth to this reunion.

Xiao Ling leaned against the railing, watching the embracing figures, a slight smile unconsciously appearing on his lips. This heartwarming scene of fatherly love and filial piety was a thousand times better than the ending in the original timeline where Xiao Zhan was kidnapped by the Soul Palace and suffered endless torment.

His gaze swept over Xiao Zhan's body. Although the Dou Huang-level Dou Qi surrounding him was insignificant in his current eyes, it was still enough to attract attention.

With Xiao Zhan's talent for cultivation, he was able to break through to the Douhuang realm within a few years. It was clear that Xiao Yan had asked many people to send rare resources from Zhongzhou back to the Xiao family over the years. This filial piety had not faded in the slightest due to distance and achievements.

The father and son embraced for a moment before slowly separating.

Xiao Zhan raised his hand and patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, his gaze tracing his son's figure, now even taller than his own. The slightly frail boy of the past had grown into a capable young man. The fine lines at the corners of his eyes were filled with pride and emotion. He sighed deeply.

"Yan'er, good, good... It's been years since I last saw you, and you've become even more composed and upright."

His fingertips gently caressed Xiao Yan's robes, his tone tinged with cautious concern, and his eyes almost overflowing with tenderness.
"In a place like Zhongzhou, where there are so many powerful people, you must have suffered a lot, right? Has anyone dared to bully you? Is your cultivation path going smoothly? Your father is far away in Jiama and has not been able to help you. I always keep you in my heart."

Xiao Yan was a little embarrassed by his father's direct and fervent concern. He raised his hand to scratch his head, his ear tips turning slightly red. The decisiveness he usually displayed when facing powerful enemies was nowhere to be seen, replaced only by a touch of youthful shyness.
"Father, rest assured, I am doing well in Zhongzhou and have not suffered any major losses."

He turned to look at Xiao Ling on the spaceship, a relieved smile appearing on his lips, his voice becoming even lighter.
"Moreover, I have my cousin looking after me. His cultivation is much stronger than mine, and he's a figure who can hold his own in Zhongzhou. With him protecting me, no one dares to provoke me easily. But you, Father, your cultivation has actually broken through to the Dou Huang level, which is much more powerful than before!"

Xiao Zhan didn't exchange many pleasantries; his gaze quickly shifted to Xiao Ling, who was still leaning against the railing at the bow of the boat, gazing at him with a smile.

His expression turned serious, and he solemnly raised his hands, clasped them together, and bowed deeply to Xiao Ling. His tone was full of sincere gratitude, "Xiao Ling! Over the years, the Xiao family has benefited greatly from your care, and Yan'er has been able to thrive in Zhongzhou thanks to your protection. As a father and the head of the Xiao family, my abilities are limited, and I have not been able to share your burdens even slightly. I feel truly guilty, and I can only express my gratitude to you here!"

Seeing this, Xiao Ling chuckled softly. With a slight flick of his fingertips, a gentle yet irresistible aura of battle qi quietly surged forth, steadily supporting Xiao Zhan as he rose to his feet. He remained leaning comfortably against the railing, his gaze gentle, his voice clear and resonant.

"Chief, there's no need for such formalities. I appreciate your kind gesture."

"I am a member of the Xiao family, and Xiao Yan is my cousin. Taking care of him is simply my duty. Why should I express my gratitude?"

A faint smile played at the corners of his lips, his tone sincere and earnest.
"Besides, Xiao Yan didn't just rely on my protection in Zhongzhou. He has exceptional talent and a strong will, and he actually helped me a lot. We brothers are just helping each other out, there's really no need to be so formal."

Seeing Xiao Ling's humble tone and lack of self-aggrandizement, Xiao Zhan's gratitude grew even stronger.

He knew that Xiao Ling's words were meant to prevent him from worrying too much, but this kindness was of paramount importance to the Xiao family and to him. If it weren't for Xiao Ling taking care of Xiao Yan in Zhongzhou, and if it weren't for the continuous support of those resources, how could the Xiao family have achieved its current status, and how could he have broken through to the Dou Huang realm?
Despite his immense gratitude, with his current strength, he was utterly powerless to offer any relief to Xiao Ling, a sense of helplessness that inevitably brought a touch of melancholy to his heart.

If Xiao Ling could understand his thoughts, he probably wouldn't care too much. His help to the Xiao family and his care for Xiao Yan came from the bottom of his heart; it was both the affection of blood relatives and his recognition of Xiao Yan's talent and character.

Moreover, Xiao Yan has not been without achievements in Zhongzhou over the years. The crucial information about the Strange Flame was an unexpected bonus for him.

Furthermore, Xiao Yan is a man of upright character and values ​​loyalty and righteousness, making him far more reliable than that "Buddha Tang". It is only natural to take care of such a trustworthy cousin. To him, it is more like cultivating a capable ally than simply taking care of him.

“Now that we have arrived at the Holy City of Gama, we will not need this spaceship for the time being.” Xiao Ling’s gaze swept over the rows of buildings below, his fingertips lightly tapping the railing, his tone indifferent, “Such a behemoth hanging above the Holy City is too conspicuous.”

After saying that, he turned his head to look at the women standing quietly behind him, a gentle smile appearing on his lips: "Ladies and gentlemen, please move aside for a moment."

Upon hearing this, the women all nodded in agreement, their figures as light as butterflies, and they all soared into the void outside the spaceship.

Once everyone had retreated to a safe distance, Xiao Ling raised his hand and waved it. In an instant, a powerful and refined battle aura surged from his body, transforming into an invisible force that enveloped the entire silver spaceship.

Under the pull of battle qi, the giant ship, which was tens of feet long, rapidly shrank in size. With flashes of light, the magnificent hull continued to shrink, and the intricate spatial patterns also converged, eventually transforming into a delicate model the size of a palm, which floated above his palm.

Immediately, Xiao Ling flipped his finger and put the mini spaceship into his storage ring.

Just then, Hai Bodong, Jia Xingtian, and their group gathered around, their eyes filled with awe and enthusiasm, and they all bowed to Xiao Ling in greeting.

Although Ya Fei, a direct descendant of the Mittel family, stood among the group, Hai Bodong still took the lead in stepping forward and initiating a friendly gesture towards Xiao Ling.

Faced with the endless stream of well-wishes from the crowd, Xiao Ling simply nodded slightly and gave a few perfunctory replies, his tone calm yet carrying an air of aloofness.

He was already used to such scenes in Zhongzhou; the social interactions and sycophantic pleasantries among top powers were ingrained in his daily life. Even Hai Bodong, an old acquaintance with whom he had crossed paths before, couldn't hide his restraint at this moment, unconsciously lowering his posture in conversation.

Xiao Ling understood; this was the invisible barrier brought about by the disparity in their status.

He is now a top expert who intimidates the Central Plains, and the people of the Jia Ma Empire, even those at the Dou Huang or Dou Zong level, are worlds apart from him.

This sense of distance, stemming from strength and status, is ultimately unavoidable.

During the conversation, the group from the Gama Empire couldn't help but glance at the women beside Xiao Ling, their eyes filled with curiosity and amazement.

As for Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin, everyone naturally knew some things about them. Back when Xiao Ling rose to power in the Jia Ma Empire, these two had always followed him. Now that they met again, the two women had shed their naivety and entered maturity. Although their auras could not be detected, it was easy to guess that they had definitely reached an unfathomable level.

Meanwhile, the three women, Ya Fei, Yun Yun, and Nalan Yanran, have even deeper connections with the powerful and influential figures of the Jia Ma Empire.

However, after only a few years, the changes in the three were so great that they made everyone secretly startled.

Ya Fei wore a well-tailored purple dress, her figure still slender. Although her cultivation level was only at the initial stage of Dou Huang, most of the people present were no weaker than her. However, everyone knew that her cultivation talent was mediocre in the past. Now, she was able to break through to Dou Huang in just a few years. The resources and guidance she received from Zhongzhou must be unimaginably abundant.

What's even more impressive is the relationship between Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran, the master and apprentice.

The two women possessed unfathomable auras, their fighting spirit condensed yet not unleashed, exuding a sense of oppression. Fortunately, they had not yet broken through to the Dou Zun level and were still at the high-level Dou Zong level, so the crowd could barely sense their true nature.

However, this vague feeling caused a huge uproar in the hearts of Jia Xingtian, Hai Bodong and others. Even Nalan Yanran, whose cultivation was slightly inferior, had a more refined aura and sharper edge than the two strongest people in the Jia Ma Empire.

Considering Nalan Yanran's age, everyone couldn't help but secretly exclaim "a prodigy!" Their envy could only linger in their hearts.

Only Nalan Jie looked at his granddaughter with undisguised joy and pride on his face. The regret he had felt over the years for missing out on the opportunity to attach himself to the Xiao family due to the annulment of the engagement had long since vanished.

In his view, Nalan Yanran's achievements at such a young age have far exceeded his expectations. What right do they, as elders, have to continue to make demands?

"Elder Hai, it's been a long time. You seem to be getting healthier and healthier." Ya Fei gracefully approached Hai Bodong, her skirt fluttering as she landed on the ground. A gentle smile spread across her face as she gave a slight bow, her voice clear and melodious.

"Haha, Ya Fei, it's been years since I last saw you, and you've already reached the Dou Huang realm!" Hai Bodong laughed heartily, his eyes full of satisfaction. He stroked his short beard and said, "It seems that agreeing to let you go to Zhongzhou with my friend Xiao Ling for training was indeed a wise move."

After saying that, he turned to look at Xiao Ling, his expression became serious, and he solemnly clasped his hands in a salute: "I must thank Master Xiao Ling for taking care of Ya Fei. If it weren't for your support, with this girl's past talent for cultivation, she would probably have wasted her life in the Jia Ma Empire and would not have achieved what she has today."

"Mr. Hai, you're too kind." Xiao Ling smiled and shook his head, his tone sincere and without a trace of greed. "I didn't help Ya Fei much. Her achievements today are entirely due to her own hard work and ability."

His gaze swept over Ya Fei, a hint of approval in his eyes.

“Ya Fei is meticulous and efficient. She has already established herself in Zhongzhou with her own abilities and has even won the respect of many people in the Starfall Pavilion. This achievement is well-deserved.”

Afterwards, Xiao Ling exchanged a few casual pleasantries with a few old acquaintances from the Gama Empire, but then lost interest in chatting any further.

His gaze swept lightly over the crowd, his tone calm yet measured.
"Gentlemen, we have traveled a long way across the region and are feeling a bit tired, so we will not keep up with the pleasantries. It is getting late, so we will head back to the Xiao residence to rest. The Xiao family will be hosting a grand banquet later to welcome us back. If you are interested, please feel free to come and join us."

Seeing that Xiao Ling was determined to leave, none of the crowd dared to be so tactless as to try and persuade him to stay. They all bowed in agreement, their faces beaming with warm and respectful smiles, repeatedly agreeing with him.
"Master Xiao Ling, you're too kind! You must be tired from your long journey, you should rest well!"

"The Xiao family is hosting a banquet, and we will certainly attend on time. Our gifts have already been prepared, and we would never dare to be negligent!"

"It is our honor to host a welcome dinner for Master Xiao Ling, and we will definitely be there on time!"

How could they possibly miss such a golden opportunity to get closer to the Xiao family?

The group, being quite sensible, bowed and took their leave without lingering. They all shared the same plan: to hurry back and prepare a generous gift.

After briefly saying goodbye to Xiao Ling and his group, Ya Fei turned around and followed Shanghai Bodong away.

"Xiao Ling, I will take Yanran back to Yunlan Sect first. After we are settled, I will bring everyone to the Xiao family for the banquet." Yun Yun's figure lightly swept to Xiao Ling's side, her melodious voice flowing like a clear spring in the forest, soothing the heart.

Xiao Ling nodded in understanding. Yun Yun had been away from Yunlan Sect for several years, and she must miss it. Naturally, he would not stop her.

A faint smile flickered in his eyes, his tone tinged with amusement: "In that case, you should return to your sect as soon as possible. I imagine the entire Yunlan Sect will be overjoyed to hear of your return. Just don't forget to prepare a congratulatory gift when you attend the banquet."

Xiao Ling's teasing made Yun Yun's fair cheeks instantly blush slightly, as shy as if they were tinged with the morning glow.

She lowered her eyes subconsciously, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, concealing the shyness in her eyes, but the corners of her mouth involuntarily curved into a soft arc, and she responded in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz: "Um... I will, I will prepare carefully."

Only after she finished speaking did she dare to raise her eyes. She quickly pulled Nalan Yanran beside her and nodded goodbye to Xiao Ling and his group. Then, their fighting spirits subtly surged, transforming into two graceful streaks of light as they hurriedly flew towards the Yunlan Sect. (End of Chapter)