Battle Through the Heavens

Chapter 952: Hong Clan

It was just as Han Chong had said. The journey after the Ten Thousand Snake Gorge was extremely smooth. During the remaining couple of days, they did met with some small trouble, but it did not cause the convoy's speed to be reduced. Tian Bei City was also coming closer during these couple of days of traveling.

After some recuperation during these couple of days, Xiao Yan's strength had recovered by about seventy to eighty percent. The injuries that he had suffered within his body had also swiftly recovered under the double effect of Dou Qi and medicinal pills. Looking at this progress, it was likely that he would recover faster than he had expected.

Of course, despite the gradual recovery of his strength, Xiao Yan did not reveal any of it. He liked these forthright men of the convoy, and he did not wish to cause them to feel respectful toward him because of the revelation of his strength. He didn't want them to end up becoming distant from him after adding a little something else onto the friendship they had made during these few days.

With Xiao Yan's current strength, it was likely that even Han Xue within the convoy would have difficulty discovering it if he chose to hide his aura. Moreover, due to the little Spatial Strength within his body, even some experts at the peak of the Dou Huang class or even elite Dou Zongs would have difficulty identifying his true strength if he wanted to hide it. There was no need to even discuss about Han Xue's ability to do so.

Although Xiao Yan thought that he had hidden it perfectly, he realized that Han Xue's attitude toward him during these couple of days' journey appeared to be changed. After she had instructed Han Chong, no one asked Xiao Yan to do any manual work in the convoy. Xiao Yan laughed bitterly in his heart in the face of such special treatment. Were the instincts of a woman really this frightening? He had absolute confidence that he did not expose any traces, but Han Xue seemed to have vaguely sensed something. Occasionally a faint doubt and deep thoughts would flash in her eyes while she watched Xiao Yan.

Moreover, Han Xue would frequently appear in front of Xiao Yan when she was free and randomly chat with him. However, the content of the chat was secretly inquiring about Xiao Yan's identity and background. Of course, with the experience Xiao Yan had gained over the years, he would naturally not give himself away in front of a girl like her. The serious and vague replies caused Han Xue to return empty-handed each time. After continuing to put in effort in this direction, she felt quite furious about the feeling of having struck a pile of cotton.

Xiao Yan felt helpless in his heart in the face of this scene. He could only try his best to increase the gap between Han Xue and him to avoid really causing this sensative woman to discover something.

Han Xue was probing and uncertain during the journey. When they set up camp on the fifth day, a messenger bird with the emblem of the Han clan flew from the distant direction of Tian Bei City.

Han Xue received the messenger bird's message from a guard's hand and slowly opened it. Her pretty eyes moved while her beautiful face slowly turned ice-cold. A fury even flashed across her eyes.

The camp, which was laughing unceasingly, became much quieter upon seeing the change in Han Xue's expression. Everyone stood up. Their gazes were focused on Han Xue at the middle.

"Xiao-jie (young lady), what has happened?" Han Chong asked with a deep voice.

"It is the letter that has been transmitted from within the clan. The letter mentioned that the Hong clan is planning to attack the Han clan soon and they asked me to be careful." Han Xue clenched her hand slightly while she spoke with an icy-cold voice.

"Hong clan? Dammit, it's these bastards again." Waves of curses sounded from all around when they heard the words 'Hong clan.'

"What are they planning to do this time around?" Han Chong frowned and asked.

Han Xue eyelashes blinked slightly. She immediately spoke in a faint voice, "That old fellow, who will not die from the Hong clan, is thinking of getting older sister and I to marry Hong Chen together. However, his ultimate motive is to swallow our Han clan and become the true overlord of Tian Bei City."

The expressions of quite a number of people in the convoy darkened upon hearing this. Clearly, the condition that the Hong clan had issued caused they to be extremely furious.

"Dammit. Does this Hong clan really think that our Han clan can be manipulated by others as they pleased? They actually dare to make such a bastard's request." Han Chong furiously said.

Han Xue's pretty face was still ice-cold in the face of Han Chong's furious voice. Her head shifted slightly and suddenly paused on the young man seated by the side of a flame. However, he appeared to have not heard the words from this side. He merely lowered his head and toyed with the pile of fire. Seeing this, Han Xue's eyebrows were clustered together. She turned her gaze aside and coldly said, "We will be entering Tian Bei City's area tomorrow. Everyone should be extra careful."

"Understood!"

Everyone cried out in union.

Han Xue nodded her head. She snorted softly at some unknown person and walked into her own tent.

The people in the camp finally returned to the side of the fire after Han Xue's pretty figure disappeared. Their faces alternated between being bright and dark under the fire light. That so-called Hong clan seemed to be an even greater threat than the demon snake Xia Mang.

"Big brother Han, is that Hong clan very strong?"

The quiet atmosphere continued for a long time before Xiao Yan, who had been focused on maintaining the fire, stood up, stretched his lazy waist, and asked a question.

"If we really talk about it, the Hong clan is the strongest clan within the Tian Bei city. Even our Han clan is a little inferior to it. The most important reason is that the Hong clan has a little relationship with the Wind Lightning Pavilion. The most outstanding person of this generation, Hong Chen, is someone from the Wind Lightning Pavilion and is highly regarded within it." Han Chong sighed before speaking with a bitter smile, "The Hong clan has relied on this big tree to greatly expand its reputation and influence within these short few years. After all, the Wind Lightning Pavilion can be considered a top tier faction within the entire northern region of the Central Plains. Our Han clan is far too inferior when compared with it."

"Wind Lightning Pavilion?" Surprise flashed across Xiao Yan's eyes when he heard this familiar name again. The matter of this world was really filled with coincidences.

"So what if it is the Wind Lightning Pavilion? Dammit, if that Hong clan really dares to act, the old me will kill a couple of them before I die even if I cannot defeat them." A somewhat young guard beside the fire spoke with a face filled with fury.

Han Chong did not take the angry words of these young people to heart. He patted Xiao Yan's shoulders and said, "Brother Xiao Yan, looks like the Han clan is about to face some unrest. I will ask xiao-jie (young miss) to give you some money after reaching Tian Bei City. You should leave by yourself and avoid getting involved."

Xiao Yan smiled, but remained non-committal.

"Alright, everyone should rest early. Increase the number of guards tonight. Everyone better keep their eyes open tomorrow. We should be safe once we return to the clan." Han Chong sighed, stood up, and waved his hand. After which, he turned around and left, leaving everyone else to curse at the fire with furious hearts.

Xiao Yan flicked his finger gently as he stared at the somewhat tired back. A wooden stick in his hand flew into the fire. After which, it became like an arrow that shot deep underground…

Xiao Yan patted his hands and stood up. He greeted everyone before slowly returning to his tent. After entering it, he once again sighed softly and muttered to himself.

"Ugh… something like a favor really weighs on you…"

…

The sun hung high in the sky where the clouds were absent for thousands of kilometers. Numerous light rays carried a high temperature as they repeatedly scattered down. Under this hot weather, even the trees on the sides of the road began to bend in a sickly manner.

A convoy was galloping over the spacious road, raising dust that soared to the sky along the way.

"Everyone, be more focused. We will be entering the territory of Tian Bei City soon!"

A stern cry was suddenly emitted from within the convoy. Everyone's hearts tightened. They raised their heads and looked at the stone signboard at the end of the road. All of their hands involuntarily touched the weapons on their backs. The hands, which they used to hold the reins, also emitted some perspiration.

The convoy galloped forward like an infuriated wild bull and flew down the road with a rumbling noise. Within a short couple of minutes, they approached the stone tablet that was used as a road sign.

Xiu! Xiu! Xiu!

The convoy had just passed the stone tablet when the sharp sound of rushing wind suddenly reverberated over the place. Immediately, an innumerable number of arrows shot out of the trees on both sides of the roads, covering the entire convoy as they did so.

The sudden arrival of the arrows surprised quite a number of people. However, it was fortunate that they were already prepared. Numerous Dou Qis erupted and blocked all of the arrows.

"Ke ke, looks like they are already prepared, but unfortunately…"

Laughter was slowly emitted from the woods. Immediately a large number of black figures swiftly swarmed out and completely blocked the road that led to Tian Bei City. The two old men at the front of the group of black figures were the ones that Han Chong and the others were most concerned about.

The two people were wearing pale-red robes. There was a similar red-colored badge on the chest area of their clothes.

"People from the Hong clan."

Han Chong's group shrank their eyes as they looked at the red-colored badge.

"Ke ke, Miss Han Xue, please come out. Us two old fellows have come because of you…" The two old men ignored Han Chong and the other guards. Instead, their eyes stared at the carriage where Han Xue was located as they faintly laughed.

"Creak…"

The door of the carriage was slowly opened and a pretty, cold-faced Han Xue slowly descended from it. Her frosty gaze stared at these two old men as she coldly laughed, "It is unexpected that the two Elders Hong Mu and Hong Lie have come just to catch a little girl like me. I am really honored."

Although she spoke in this manner, Han Xue's heart gradually sank. These two Elders of the Hong clan had a strength around that of a four star Dou Huang. They were even stronger than that Xia Mang. Now that these two had acted together… it was likely that she would have a difficult time escaping from the calamity today.

"There is no need to say this nonsense. The old me is only following orders. You should leave with us!" The expressionless Hong Lie glanced at Han Xue as he spoke.

"Dream on!"

A cold glint flashed across Han Xue's eyes. She tightened her hand and a longsword flashed and appeared in it.

"Stubborn fool."

Hong Lie shook his head when he saw Han Xue resisting. An impatience flashed across his eyes. He stepped forward and appeared in front of her. With a wave of his hand, a hot, powerful wind that carried a pressurizing aura blocked all of Han Xue's paths of retreat.

A paleness surfaced on Han Xue's face as she looked at Hong Lie, who had used all his strength from the start. She immediately clenched her silver teeth and threw a palm forward.

"Bang!"

Both palms made contact and the wind that permeated out immediately shocked the surrounding people until they hurriedly stepped back. Han Xue's lovely body was like a kite whose string had broken as she hurriedly took over a dozen unsteady steps back before stabilizing her body.

"You can be considered to have some ability to receive one palm from the old me. No wonder you have caught the young master's eye." Hong Lie's body did not move. He glanced at Han Xue who had moved back. He indifferently spoke. Immediately, he stepped forward once again and appeared in front of Han Xue. The wind on his palm whistled as he continued to attack.

A tragic despondent look surfaced on Han Xue's face as she sensed Hong Lie's even fiercer attack. She basically did not have much capital to contend against an elite Dou Huang…

The palm wind suddenly arrived. However, just before it landed on Han Xue's body, an invisible force suddenly appeared. With a bang, it easily resolved Hong Lie's palm wind. The remaining strength also shook him until he took a couple of repeated steps back.

The sudden unexpected change caused everyone to feel stunned. Han Xue suddenly turned her head after being startled. Her pretty eyes locked onto the carriage where Xiao Yan was located.

"Ugh, bullying someone younger just because you are old, yet you actually act so righteously. You have really trained until you have thick skin at your age…"

A helpless voice also slowly sounded while everyone was stunned. However, this time around, the voice was clear and strong. It was no longer that elderly tone from the last time…

Chapter 953: Intervene

The sudden unexpected turn of events caused the situation to immediately change a little. The eyes of the Hong Mu and Hong Lie cautiously swept around them. They immediately spoke in a deep voice, "Friend, this is a matter between the Hong clan and the Han clan. Please give our Hong clan this face!"

Han Chong's group was also hurriedly looking in all directions while Hong Lie's group's gazes were sweeping all around. At this moment, they had sensed that something was not quite right. If they met with a helper the first time something happened, they could attribute it to their good lucky. However, they were actually able to meet with a helper at a critical juncture the second time. This… was a little illogical.

Han Xue acted differently from the surprise of Han Chong's group. Her pretty eyes stared at that carriage. Being female, she was exceptionally meticulous over some small matters. She was certain that the voice from earlier was quite similar to Xiao Yan's voice.

"Creak…"

While the people from both parties were muttering in their hearts, a soft creaking sound slowly sounded. Everyone's gazes randomly looked over, only to see a linen-clothed, young man slowly descending from a carriage.

"Xiao Yan?'

Han Chong's group was stunned when they saw Xiao Yan reveal himself. They immediately came to some sudden understanding. Shock and disbelief swiftly surged into their eyes.

Xiao Yan spread his hands toward everyone before sighing helplessly. He slowly stepped forward and stopped beside Han Xue. He looked at her searing, pretty eyes before involuntarily revealing a bitter smile as he asked, "Are you alright?"

"It really is you!"

Han Xue's pretty eyes did not blink as they stared at Xiao Yan. A moment later, a slyness suddenly surfaced on her beautiful face as she spoke each word softly with a pause between them.

"The instincts of a woman are really frightening…" Xiao Yan helplessly replied.

"Being able to come back alive and kicking within a short couple of days after suffering such a serious injury is not something that an ordinary person can do." Han Xue softly laughed.

"Xiao… brother Xiao… you… you are that mysterious strong person?'

Han Chong by the side gradually widened his eyes when he heard the conversation between Xiao Yan and Han Xue. Finally, he asked with a stutter. He had never expected that the mysterious expert, whom they had been frequently talking about during these few days, was actually by their side.

Xiao Yan could only nod his head as he looked at the shock in everyone's eyes. He immediately waved his hand and said, "We'll talk about it after settling the trouble here."

Everyone nodded when they heard his words. After which, their gazes turned to Hong Lie's group. At this moment, however, there was no longer the kind of expression earlier that was unafraid of death. Instead, they gradually had a little boldness. After Xiao Yan had intervened the last time, they already had some rough understanding of Xiao Yan's strength.

"Who are you? You seem to appear quite unfamiliar. I think that it should be your first time arriving in Tian Bei City, right?" Hong Mu halted Hong Lie, whose face was already covered with a fierce aura. His eyes focused on Xiao Yan as he spoke in a deep voice.

"Bring your men away. I will temporarily protect the people here." Xiao Yan's gaze swept over Hong Mu. His voice was still calm and rippleless.

"Do you really wish to offend my Hong clan?" Hong Mu's face twitched slightly upon hearing this. His voice had an additional thread of coldness to it.

"At the very least, the two of you don't have the qualification to capture a person in front of me." Xiao Yan smiled as he replied. His tone had some pride that was difficult to extinguish. This pride came from the confidence he had in his strength.

"What an arrogant brat. If you did not have the advantage of a sneak attack, how would you have been able to force back the old me? Moreover, there are two of us here!" Xiao Yan's attitude caused the fury in Hong Lie's heart to immediately rise. He ended up laughing in his extreme anger.

"Leave with me…"

Xiao Yan shook his head. He ignored these two noisy fellows, turned his head, and softly said to Han Xue.

Han Xue was startled when she heard this. While she was still shocked, Xiao Yan in front of her had stepped forward, walking slowly away.

Han Xue suddenly felt an unknown boldness and safe feeling surfacing from her heart as she stared at the skinny back of the person wearing ordinary linen clothes. She immediately clenched her silver teeth, waved her hand, and softly cried, "Follow!"

The convoy slowly moved. After which, it steadily followed behind Xiao Yan under a kind of strange atmosphere. The people around the convoy and Han Xue felt some perspiration faintly appearing on their palms. Currently, the only one who could be relied upon was that skinny back in front of them…

Hong Mu's face was gloomy as he watched Xiao Yan and the convoy behind him slowly walk over. His heart had a faint killing intent churning within it. He had some difficulty clearly seeing Xiao Yan's exact strength. However, from the way he forced back Hong Lie earlier, it was likely that the he was an expert Dou Huang. Moreover, this person's level was not weaker than theirs

Compared to the gloomy Hong Mu, the somewhat irritable Hong Lie had an unusually ugly expression. Xiao Yan's actions basically completely looked down on them. It was really the first time that they had meet such an arrogant young person in so many years.

Hong Lie's fist was slowly tightened. Creaking sounds were repeatedly emitted from it. A moment later, a ferociousness finally flashed across his eyes as he cried out, "Kill!"

Upon hearing the cry from Hong Lie, the numerous black figures from behind furiously shouted. They tightened their grip on their weapons as they carried a dense killing aura that could not be dispersed. They charged toward the convoy.

The expressions of Han Chong's group changed slightly upon seeing the opponent launch an attack. They tightened their grip on their weapons. When they were prepared to charge forward and meet the other party, Xiao Yan in front halted his footsteps. He extended his hand and gently clenched it!

An invisible ripple swiftly spread out as he clenched his hand. Immediately, the numerous black figures, that were charging over with killing intent all over their bodies, suddenly paused. Their bodies turned fiery-red almost instantly. A moment later, they spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and strangely fell down like wheat being cut…

The fresh blood that they spat out emitted a 'chi chi' sound upon landing on the ground. They swiftly transformed into a green vapor that completely dispersed…

Shock was faintly revealed in the eyes of Han Chong's group when they saw this scene. They recalled the countless numbers of poisonous snakes that had suddenly turned into ashes in the gorge back then. From the looks of it, Xiao Yan had held back. Otherwise, it was likely that these fellows would have shared the same fate as those poisonous snakes…

"Attack!"

Hong Mu eyes also shrank. He remembered the instructions from the clan head to capture Han Xue alive at all cost. He immediately inhaled a deep breath and suddenly let out a stern cry!

The cry had just left his mouth when Hong Mu moved together with him. They transformed into two red figures. Powerful Dou Qi surged from their bodies without holding back. Wherever they passed, the wild and violent Dou Qi would leave behind two deep gullies on the ground.

Two Dou Huang's aura came pressing down like a storm, causing Han Xue and the others to feel an illusion that their breathing had come to a stop. However, that linen-clothed, young man's footsteps did not stop in front of them.

"Mysterious Fire Move!"

"Wood Aura Rise!"

Two cries erupted from Hong Lie and Hong Mu's mouth. Immediately, a hot-red glow swept out like a flame. Behind it was a green-colored Dou Qi, which swiftly chased after it and merged into the flame. Immediately, the fiery-red Dou Qi's momentum soared. The hot temperature caused the withered yellow leaves on the sides of the road to emit a 'chi' sound as ignited by themselves.

"Not a bad Dou Qi merger. However, fire is useless against me…"

Xiao Yan's footsteps finally paused as he looked at the furious dragon like hot flame that came toward him. He reached out with his hand and a jade-green flame suddenly shot out like a fire python.

"Chi!"

The two attacks collided with a 'bang.' However, that enormous hot flame seemed to have met a thunderstorm. Its speed became sluggish while the jade-green flame, that was not even as thick as an arm, completely swallowed it in one gulp after twining a couple of times…

Xiao Yan waved his sleeves after swallowing the combined attacks of Hong Mu and Hong Lie in an extremely relaxed manner. That jade-green flame transformed into lightning that shot out. Immediately, the tail of the flame was swung, forming numerous afterimages as it struck the chests of the two, who could not dodge in time.

"Bang! Bang!" A low, deep sound was emitted as the two figures flew backwards.

Hong Chong's group emitted an exclamation as they looked at Hong Lie and Hong Mu who were swiftly moving backwards with their feet rubbing over the ground. An unusual color also flashed over Han Xue's beautiful eyes. In the Han clan, her talent was only a little weaker than her elder sister. However, if she were to be compared with Xiao Yan in front of her, there was far too large of a gap. His age seemed to be similar to hers but even Hong Lie and Hong Mu, two Elders of the Hong clan who possessed quite a strong reputation within the Tian Bei City were actually so miserably defeated… such a talent and achievement would likely not lose to even Hong Chen from the Hong clan…

"This person is too strong, retreat!"

Hong Lie and Hong Mu, whose feet were deeply rooted in the ground, managed to stabilize their bodies with much difficulty. A paleness surfaced on their faces. The young man in front of them appeared quite young, but his strength far exceeded them. It was completely pointless to continue remaining in this place. At that moment, Hong Mu decisively let out a low cry.

An unwillingness flashed across Hong Lie's face when he heard Hong Mu's cry. All he could do was nod his head. Dou Qi wings appeared on their backs and they immediately turned into two vague figures that flew away in an attempt to flee for their lives.

"Since you have already attacked, it is only natural that you cannot be allowed to leave so easily…"

Xiao Yan shook his head as he watched the two people quickly retreat. A cluster of invisible flames suddenly appeared in front of him, and a ripple swiftly spread.

"Grug!"

The invisible ripple caught up to the two fleeing people in a lightning-like manner. Immediately, the bodies of the two suddenly paused. A mouthful of hot fresh blood was spat out from each of them. Before they had the time to flee, a figure had appeared behind them in a ghost-like manner. With a flick of the figure's finger, a wind shot out and the sight of the two suddenly turned black.

This change had occurred in a split second. Han Xue and the others only sensed that the scene in front of their eyes as a blur. By the time they had recovered an instant later, two figures were being thrown down. They landed under their feet like corpses. A faint voice immediately sounded.

"I will let you deal with them…"

Han Xue lowered her head and looked at the pale-faced Hong Mu and Hong Lie. She did not know whether they were dead or alive. As she looked, she involuntarily inhaled a deep breath of air despite her cold and indifferent character…

Directly capturing two four star Dou Huangs within less than ten short exchanges. Even in her Han clan, it would be difficult to find many people with such strength…

Chapter 954: Tian Bei City

A serene fragrance was lingering within the carriage. Some hand-picked decorations decorated it, giving this carriage a female's touch. It was difficult to imagine that Han Xue, who appeared cold and indifferent on the outside, would actually possess the mentality of a little woman in her heart…

Xiao Yan was a little uneasy as he sat on a chair in the carriage. On the opposite side was Han Xue, who was retrieving a teacup and personally filling it with tea. After which, she gently pushed it in front of Xiao Yan in a somewhat unsmooth manner. From the looks of this, this young lady of the Han clan had seldom done the work of waiting on others.

However, it was also because of this that Xiao Yan felt uneasy. Having already gotten used to the cold indifference of Han Xue, he could not really adapt to her suddenly becoming so warm within such a short period of time.

Xiao Yan held the teacup and sensed the faint warmth and remnant fragrance. He raised his eyes slightly and coincidentally collided with her pretty eyes. At that moment, he involuntarily let out a bitter laugh and said, "Young Lady Han, please say what you wish to say."

"Call me Han Xue. I am really unworthy of this 'young lady'." Han Xue also slowly sat down. She glanced at Xiao Yan and softly said, "It is unexpected that the person who was on the brink of death, that we had randomly picked up in the desert, would actually be an expert who hides extremely well. Regardless of the case, Han Yue shall thank you here for rescuing us twice on this journey."

"It's nothing, if not for your help, it is likely that I might have been food to some wolf. Lending a hand and rescuing all of you is something that I ought to do. Young la… there is no need to worry about these matters. I am not after some reward from you." Xiao Yan waved his hand and laughed.

Han Xue curled her mouth into a smile. Her usual cold face also bloomed into a warm moving smile. After some hesitation, she slowly asked, "Are you leaving once we arrive in Tian Bei City?"

"That should be the case if no accident occurs." Xiao Yan paused for a moment before nodding and replying.

Disappointment flashed across Han Xue's pretty eyes when she heard this. Her hand touched the teapot. A moment later, she summoned her courage and said, "Mister Xiao Yan, can I ask you to help me with something?"

"The matter between the Han clan and the Hong clan?" Xiao Yan placed the teacup in his hand down and inquired with a calm voice.

Han Xue bit her lower red lip with the back of her teeth and nodded gently.

"You really overestimate me. For the Hong clan to be able to dominate the Tian Bei City for so many years, its strength is definitely not weak. What help can I give with my strength alone?" Xiao Yan slowly said. Having just arrived at the Central Plains, he really did not wish to offend someone the moment he stuck his foot in this place. This was especially the case when this Hong clan had some connection with the whatever Wind Lightning Pavilion. Xiao Yan knew that this faction that had specially been introduced by Xin Lan was likely extremely strong. With his current strength, it was likely difficult for him to contend with them.

"Mister Xiao Yan should also be an alchemist too, right?" Han Xue spoke somewhat anxiously. "Moreover, your tier would likely be quite high. Even the Hong clan would likely not easily offend a high tier alchemist. Hence, if you are willing to lend a hand, the Han clan would definitely be much more relaxed."

Xiao Yan raised his eyes slightly. He looked at the pleading look and anxiety on Han Xue's face and involuntarily let out a bitter laugh. This trouble really gave him a headache.

"Mister Xiao Yan, as long as you are willing to help the Han clan through this difficulty, the Han clan will definitely give you a satisfactory reward. If… if you really think that won't do, I am willing to be your concubine. Please lend a hand!" A bright-redness suddenly surged up Han Xue's pretty face as she clenched her silver teeth and spoke.

"*Cough*…" These words of hers nearly caused Xiao Yan to spit out the tea in his mouth. He hurriedly stood up, waved his hand, and said, "Don't. I am used to being alone and will really not be used to it if someone follows beside me. I will give this matter some thought. Let's leave it as it is for now. Goodbye."

Xiao Yan hurriedly turned around, pulled open the door of the carriage, and fled after saying these words. He did not expect that this ice-cold Han Xue would actually be so bold in such matters. She was even bold to the point where he was unable to endure.

Han Xue was startled as she watched Xiao Yan flee from the carriage in a miserable manner. A moment later, she let out a smile. Ever since she had met him, she had never seen this old-well-like unfathomable young man act this way. It was unexpected that he actually had such a reaction because of her words. It was really extremely interesting.

"This person is not bad… but I can tell that he is the type who doesn't like trouble. Ugh, moreover, the strength of the Hong clan is so great. Pulling him in might be a kind of trouble for him. I was a little rash…"

Han Xie laughed softly before gradually calming down. She sighed and spoke with a distant voice.

After Xiao Yan had exposed his strength, the people in the convoy gave him additional respect as he had expected. Something like the unrestrained joking from a couple of days earlier no longer occurred. Although Xiao Yan had long since expected this, he still involuntarily laughed in his heart. His strength was really so great that it was unreachable in the eyes of these people…

This kind of change caused Xiao Yan to feel a little uneasy. However, it was fortunate that there was only a short journey left. The outline of an enormous city vaguely appeared in their sight when evening approached.

Han Chong also sighed in relief when he saw the city, appearing to have released a heavy burden. Seeing their reaction, Xiao Yan also understood that this was the so-called Tian Bei City…

Xiao Yan's gaze swept randomly before taking two steps back. Coincidentally he stopped beside Han Chong, who hurriedly cupped his hands together when he saw Xiao Yan approach only to feel a gentle force blocking him. A helpless voice was immediately transmitted into his ears, "Big brother Han, there is no need to be so courteous. My life was rescued by you. Don't call me whatever mister. Just call me as you did in the past."

"Miste… Brother Xiao Yan, you're too courteous. With your current strength, it is likely that you would have been fine even without our rescue." Han Chong hesitated a little before he spoke with a smile. However, his voice still contained an awe that was difficult to hide.

Xiao Yan felt helpless. He flicked his finger and a medicinal pill landed in Han Chong's hand without leaving a trace. He softly said in a random voice, "Keep the medicinal pill properly. It can aid you in increasing your chances of success of breaking through to the Dou Wang class."

Han Chong's body suddenly trembled upon hearing this. Excitement appeared in his eyes. He had remained at the peak of the Dou Ling class for many years, but had yet to show any signs of breaking through. He knew that some high tier medicinal pills had the unique properties of aiding one in breaking through. However, the price of that kind of medicinal pill was incomparably high. How could he afford one with his wealth?

"Brother… brother Xiao Yan, this gift is too valuable…" Han Chong spoke in a trembling voice. His eyes had become somewhat red because of his excitement.

"Is it more valuable than my life?" Xiao Yan smiled and teased.

"Brother Xiao Yan, you… are you planning to leave?" Han Chong carefully stored the medicinal pill away before suddenly asking.

Xiao Yan was quiet for a moment, feeling somewhat unsure of how he should reply.

"Ke ke, brother Xiao Yan. There is nothing hard to say. You do not have much of a relationship with the Han clan. Yet, you have rescued us twice along this journey. Even if you wish to return the favor, you have already done more than enough. The Hong clan is powerful. It would not be good if you are dragged in…" Han Chong smiled and spoke upon seeing his reaction.

Xiao Yan was silent.

Da! Da!

The sound of horse hooves was transmitted from the city's gate in the distance while Xiao Yan was chatting with Han Chong. It immediately galloped in their direction.

Han Chong's group, which had already been frightened before, hurriedly tightened the grip on the weapons in their hands upon seeing this activity. A moment later, however, a sharp-eyed person joyously said, "It's our people."

The sound of horse hooves swiftly stopped in front of the convoy. Immediately, a figure leaped down from the horse. This person looked to be around twenty-three to twenty-four years old. He was wearing some brilliant clothes and looked extremely energetic. His face was also a little handsome. His tall body gave him an imposing appearance. However, Han Chong's group knit their brows slightly together when they saw him.

Han Xue also walked out of her carriage when the sound of horse hooves appeared. Her pretty eyes paused on Xiao Yan first, but he appeared to have not sensed them. He only bothered to chat with Han Chong. Seeing this, she could only unwillingly clench her teeth, turn her head, and look at the man, who had descended from the horse. Her eyebrows were slightly knit together.

"Xue mei, are you alright?" A joy surged into the eyes of the man when he saw Han Xue. He swiftly walked forward and inquired in a concerned manner.
TL: mei – sister, can be use an intimate way of calling a younger female relative.

"I'm fine." Xue Mei randomly replied. The corner of her eyes suddenly glanced at Xiao Yan who was slowly stepping back. She quickly turned around and cried out loud, "Stand where you are!"

Xiao Yan could only stop his body when he saw Han Xue looking over and helplessly spread his hands to Han Chong.

Han Xue's pretty eyes stared at Xiao Yan. A moment later, she appeared to have thought of something. Her eyes dimmed and she softly said, "I have acted wilfully. If mister Xiao Yan really wishes to leave, please do so. Thank you for your care during this journey. Hopefully we will have the affinity to meet again in the future."

Xiao Yan bitterly laughed after she said such words. If he were to turn around and leave after she said those words, it was likely that the others would look at him with disdain.

"Ugh, I will stay behind and take a look, but you should not place too much hope in me…" Xiao Yan sighed as he responded.

"Really?"

Han Xue said. Her dim eyes that caused one to feel one's heart shatter immediately emitted a moving expression after hearing this.

Xiao Yan could only nod his head when he saw this pretty face that appeared enchanting because of her happiness. His heart once again let out a bitter laugh. Something like a favor… was really as heavy as a mountain…

"Xue Mei, who is this? It looks as though he is extremely unfamiliar. Is he also a guard of our Han clan?" The handsome man by the side naturally felt a jealousy surge out of his heart when he saw the usually cold and indifferent Han Xue revealing such ladylike mannerisms in front of this ordinary young man. Immediately, he randomly smiled and inquired. His tone contained exceptional disdain toward the guards, which had a servant like status.

"Han Lin, you better be more courteous to my guest. He is not a guard, but an Honorary Guest whom I have invited on behalf of the Han clan. If you continue to randomly say any nonsense, don't blame me for turning against you!" Han Xue suddenly turned her body. Her pretty face appeared to have completely transformed into a chilly one as she coldly chided.

Han Lin's face alternated between green and white upon being reprimanded by Han Xue in such a manner. He was immediately unable to control himself as he coldly laughed, "Honorary Guest? Xue Mei, I think that you have got things wrong, no? According to the rules of our clan, the first rule of an Honorary Guest is that he must have the strength of a Dou Huang. Although you are the daughter of the clan head, you cannot simply ignore the rules of the clan, can you?"

A moving smile was suddenly revealed on Han Xue's originally cold and indifferent face when she heard this. She waved her hand and some guards escorted two people from a carriage before throwing them in front of Han Lin.

"He was able to capture Hong Mu and Hong Lie, these two Elders of the Hong clan alive. Why don't you tell me if he is qualified?"