Battle Through the Heavens: Starting with Cao Ying as an apprentice

He decided to sneak into the main house to investigate. However, just as he was about to step out, a calm voice rang out behind him without warning:

"This guest has come uninvited; isn't that rather impolite?"

Ling Ying felt a chill run down her spine!

He didn't sense any energy fluctuations, nor heard any footsteps; the opponent seemed to have appeared out of thin air! Almost instinctively, his battle qi erupted, black battle qi surging out like a tidal wave, and he was about to rush forward—

A hand gently pressed on the back of his neck.

The movement was slow, even casual, yet Ling Ying found that no matter how he dodged or blocked, he couldn't dodge the press. The palm seemed to contain some kind of profound rule, sealing off all his possible responses.

"Oh!"

With a muffled thud, Ling Ying's vision went black, and her consciousness rapidly sank into darkness. Her last thought before losing consciousness was: How could this be… a Dou Zong? Or… even higher?

The one who made the move was a man who bore a striking resemblance to Su Baichen, with a slightly stiff face but exceptionally bright and lively eyes.

This is the puppet avatar left behind by Su Baichen before he left—possessing the cultivation of a Dou Zong, with a wisp of his soul residing at its core.

"Oh ho ho, he's actually a high-level Dou Huang, and a rare one at that, with dark attributes." The puppet avatar looked at Ling Ying, who was lying on the ground, with great interest, and reached out to touch him.

Several jade bottles, a scroll of fighting techniques, an ancient clan token, some gold coins and magic cores... The puppet avatar ruthlessly looted all the valuable items, then pointed its fingers at Ling Ying several times, sealing all the vital acupoints on his body.

"Fortunately, the original body had the foresight to leave me to guard the house." The puppet avatar picked up the unconscious Ling Ying and carried her towards the woodshed like a sack of potatoes.

"Otherwise, if we let this guy sneak in, Cai Die and the others might really get into trouble."

He threw Ling Ying into a corner of the woodshed and set up a simple barrier around her to ensure that she could not escape even after she woke up. Then he clapped his hands, his figure gradually fading away and disappearing back into the shadows of the courtyard.

The whole process was completely silent, as if nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, inside the Xiao family residence.

Through the small hole, Xiao Yan could vaguely see a small figure lying on its side, breathing steadily and deeply, as if it were already fast asleep.

"Asleep?" Xiao Yan was delighted. He carefully pushed the window open a crack—without making a sound. He had already "scouted" the location during the day and knew that the window's hinges had just been oiled and were very smooth.

The gap gradually widened, enough for him to squeeze in sideways. Xiao Yan braced himself against the windowsill with one hand, nimbly flipping himself up, his movements so skillful they were nothing like a child's.

But just as he had half his body inside the room, about to land—

"Kid, you've got some nerve."

A mocking voice sounded from behind, very close.

Xiao Yan froze, countless thoughts flashing through his mind: Who was it? A guard? A night patrolman? Or... this girl's bodyguard?

He immediately adjusted his expression, preparing to deliver the line, "I came to check on the new girl because I was afraid she'd be scared," while slowly turning his head to see who it was.

However, the other party did not give him a chance to speak.

A perfectly timed force struck the back of his neck, not heavy, yet precisely severing the connection to his consciousness. Xiao Yan's vision went black, and his body slumped limply to the ground.

In his last moments before losing consciousness, Xiao Yan was on the verge of tears: "How could they hit a child so hard... They're inhuman!"

Su Baichen reached out and supported Xiao Yan's limp body, shaking his head helplessly: "Little guy, don't do things like breaking into a young lady's boudoir at night again."

Then Su Baichen's gaze fell on the inconspicuous black ring on Xiao Yan's left hand. The ring was simple and unadorned, with even some scratches on its surface; anyone who saw it would only think it was a child's toy.

"My dear Yao Chen, I'm late." Su Baichen chuckled as he took off the ring, played with it in his hand for a moment, but made no further move, simply slipping it into his pocket.

Then, he turned to the room, his tone clearly mocking: "Little girl, stop pretending now that you're awake. Your acting skills might fool this silly boy, but they won't fool me."

On the bed, Xiao Xun'er sat up. Her hair was a little messy, with a few strands hanging down her cheeks, but her eyes were clear and showed no sign of sleepiness.

When she saw the white-clad figure outside the window, a clear look of surprise flashed across her eyes.

The moonlight, like water, poured down on Su Baichen, giving him a silvery edge.

He was in his early twenties, with an almost unreal handsome face, and a half-smile playing on his lips as he looked at her with great interest.

It wasn't the secret guard sent by the ancient clan as expected, nor was it any senior figure arranged by my father. This was a complete stranger, and... he was really good-looking.

The thought flashed through Xiao Xun'er's mind, and she immediately cursed herself inwardly: What time is it, and she's still thinking about these things?

She calmly straightened her clothes, got out of bed barefoot, and walked to the window. Even in the face of such an abrupt situation, her steps remained steady, and her demeanor was impeccable.

"Big brother, thank you for your help." Xiao Xun'er bowed slightly, her voice clear and melodious.

"Xun'er thanks you."

He remained calm and composed, showing no fear or panic, and even managed to express his gratitude with ease. This composure, far beyond his years, made Su Baichen raise an eyebrow.

"You're not afraid of me, are you?" Su Baichen said, arms crossed, a half-smile on his face.

Xiao Xun'er raised her head, the moonlight shining into her clear eyes: "Big brother just saved me, how could he harm me now?"

These words sound naive, but the light shining in those eyes clearly revealed a keen insight into the ways of the world.

Chapter 95 Unexpected Incident

Hearing the little girl's flawed explanation, Su Baichen didn't even raise an eyebrow.

How could the ancient clan's young lady, who has lived for countless years, not have several backup plans to protect her life if she were kept outside?

At this moment, she appeared flustered, but deep in her eyes lay a subtle calmness, clearly indicating that she had absolute confidence in her trump card.

Just as Su Baichen was pondering and weighing the options, he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder.

He glanced to the side and saw that the small, golden beast had somehow slipped out of the system space and was lazily perched on his shoulder.

As for the fact that this little thing can freely enter and exit the system space, it was actually with Su Baichen's tacit approval—after all, he couldn't possibly expend his power to conceal its aura all the time.

This little guy was originally from the system, and after receiving its approval, he gained this privilege.

"Woo~"

The little beast let out a soft hum, its fluffy head nuzzling against Su Baichen's cheek. Its appearance immediately attracted another gaze in the room.

"Wow--!"

Xiao Xun'er, who had been calm and composed, suddenly brightened up, as if she had seen two stars fall into her eyes. She opened her mouth slightly, her gaze fixed on the small golden figure. Her previous feigned maturity vanished instantly, leaving only the most genuine joy of a girl her age.

"What an adorable little animal!"

Its golden down, round, sparkling eyes, and the lively expression it inadvertently revealed had an irresistible attraction for the young girl.

"You little rascal, how did you manage to run out by yourself?" Su Baichen reached out and gently tapped Xiao Jin's forehead with his fingertip, his tone tinged with helplessness, but he still advised affectionately, "Go back quickly."

"Humph!"

Xiao Jin raised his head and made a dissatisfied grumbling sound in his throat. His posture was very proud, as if to say, "What else can you do to me besides hitting my head and spanking my butt?"

Sensing its almost "provocative" thoughts, Su Baichen was somewhat amused and exasperated. They were bound by a contract, and he could vaguely sense many of the little guy's thoughts.

"Big brother..." At this moment, Xiao Xun'er unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes with both hands, blinked her big eyes which were filled with longing, and pleaded in a soft voice, "Can I...can I hug it? Just for a moment, okay?"

Such a demeanor would likely melt the heart of any ordinary person, making it difficult to refuse. Unfortunately, she was facing Su Baichen.

Su Baichen had already witnessed this level of "cuteness offensive" far too many times from another little girl, Cao Ying.

Moreover, when it comes to acting skills and the ability to grasp the nuances, Cao Ying, that quirky and clever girl, is far superior to the inexperienced young lady from the ancient clan in front of her.

(Cao Ying, hands on hips, angrily exclaims: "Master! I'm suing you for defamation! He's slandering me!...")

"No." Su Baichen answered decisively, casually scooped the little goldfish from his shoulder into his arms, and turned to walk towards the door.

"I have to go now. Take care of yourself."

He kept his distance from Xiao Xun'er. This girl had too powerful a background; if she had some secret means to instantly contact her family and attract the attention of a Dou Sheng, that would be a huge problem.

Although Su Baichen possessed the cultivation of a three-star Dou Zun, he never believed that this alone would allow him to escape unscathed from under the nose of a Dou Sheng expert.

In addition, he still has his family (Cai Die and others) in Wutan City. Even if he manages to escape, what about his family?

"Ah? Big brother, don't go, please..." Seeing Su Baichen's refusal so decisively, Xiao Xun'er subconsciously took two steps forward, wanting to beg again.

However, a sudden change occurred!

"Um--!"

A painful groan escaped her throat. Suddenly, Xiao Xun'er's delicate body trembled violently, and without warning, wisps of dazzling golden flames erupted from her body!

The flames appeared extremely abruptly and moved at an astonishing speed, as if a volcano that had been suppressed for a long time had finally found an outlet to vent its anger.

In just a breath, the blazing and dazzling golden flames spread out, completely engulfing Xiao Xun'er!

Flames leaped and danced, radiating a chilling heat and an ancient, noble pressure. The air in the room instantly distorted, and even the wooden furniture began to emit a burnt smell.

"Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame?!" Su Baichen stopped in his tracks, his pupils contracted slightly, and he quickly set up a barrier to control the temperature in the room.

How could he not recognize that iconic golden flame? It was none other than the peerless flame ranked fourth on the list of strange flames passed down from the ancient clans—the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame!

But the current situation clearly shows that the strange fire has gone out of control and is turning against its master! In the flames, Xiao Xun'er's face was as pale as paper, her eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and fine beads of sweat seeped from her forehead, which were then instantly evaporated. Her body was convulsing slightly due to extreme pain, and a painful moan escaped her lips, which she tried to suppress but could not control.

To help or not to help?

Su Baichen frowned, his mind racing as he weighed the situation. This was no small matter; the ancient clan's inherited flame had suddenly erupted—was there more to the story?

Those old guys from the ancient clans should also know the potential dangers that the Golden Emperor's Burning Heaven Flame would bring to this girl.

If I rashly intervene, will it cause even greater consequences, or will it attract the attention of the ancient clans?

But if I don't intervene, what if some of the girl's hidden cards are automatically activated due to this unexpected situation?

Just as he hesitated, Little Gold in his arms suddenly became restless. It nuzzled Su Baichen's arm with its fluffy head, its big eyes anxiously watching the figure writhing in pain in the flames, and it made rapid "woofing" sounds in its throat, its meaning all too clear.

It was pleading, begging Su Baichen to make a move.

His gaze lingered between Xiao Jin's anxious eyes and Xiao Xun'er's pained figure, and Su Baichen finally sighed.

He raised his hand and rubbed the little guy's head, feeling a warm and soft touch on his fingertips.

"Sigh... Oh well, I'm really defeated by you, you little thing."

As soon as he finished speaking, he moved swiftly, disappearing back into the room like a ghost, facing the raging golden flames.

The intense heat made Su Baichen a little panicked. This was the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, the fourth-ranked flame on the list of strange flames.

Different flames are great for fighting opponents far above your level. Don't underestimate Xiao Xun'er just because she's weak; it doesn't mean the Golden Emperor's Heavenly Flame is weak.

Although this is just a minor fire, it has been around for many years in the ancient clans. Even a minor fire is not comparable to a normal strange fire, and it also has the characteristics of a primordial fire!

He gazed at the slender figure at the center of the flames, slowly raised his right hand, and a pure and gentle white battle aura quietly emerged from his palm.

This battle aura is not an ordinary attribute; it is obtained through cultivating the "Heavenly Book." Its essence is extraordinary, possessing infinite variations and boundless vitality. It can be transformed into various attributes and all attribute battle techniques at will. Its nature is neutral and gentle, containing nourishing and restorative power that is incomparable to ordinary battle aura.