When Xiao Yan awoke from his sleep, the sky had already lightened, and warm sunlight streamed through the window cracks, casting delicate spots of light on the floor and brightening the room considerably. Sitting up, Xiao Yan stared blankly at the bed, his eyes still heavy with drowsiness, before finally pushing away the remnants of sleep. He gently shook his head to clear the fog of sleepiness, then lazily got out of bed and casually brushed his teeth. As he finished washing, a soft knock came from the door, accompanied by a gentle, youthful voice: "Xiao Yan brother, haven't you woken up yet?" Hearing the voice, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, quickly wiped the water from his face, and made his way to the door. With a soft "creak," he slowly opened it. The bright sunlight suddenly poured in, making Xiao Yan close his eyes momentarily before gradually opening them again, and then his gaze settled on the graceful young girl dressed in green standing at the doorway.
Xun was still dressed in simple, light blue robes today, her well-chosen attire complementing her ethereal, refined grace—like a lotus in quiet bloom—so that the young man in the room couldn’t help but silently praise her in his heart. His gaze swept over her slender, graceful figure, finally settling on her slightly pale, delicate face, where his brows furrowed slightly. "What's happened?"
Xun’s bright, water-like eyes fixed intently on Xiao Yan’s expression, only seeing concern, not any other emotion. At that, she smiled warmly. "I’m feeling a bit unwell, but nothing serious."
"Unwell?" Xiao Yan arched an eyebrow. He stepped out of the room, closed the door, then gently took Xun’s hand. A soft, gentle aura of combat energy, controlled through his soul perception, slowly circulated through her body.
A moment later, Xiao Yan calmly withdrew his qi, his expression unchanged. Yet, within his heart, he softly sighed—clearly, the secret technique Xu'er had used the night before had been extremely draining. Now, within her, only a few thin strands of qi were circulating, evidently a lingering effect of the technique. In the early morning, many members of the clan were already beginning their morning exercises. As they watched Xu'er and Xiao Yan standing by the door, hands intertwined in a close, affectionate manner, they couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration.
"Xiao Yan brother," Xu'er blushed slightly, tugging her hand gently and softly scolding.
"I have no idea what you've been doing—how you've ended up so weak like this." Setting her hand down, Xiao Yan straightened his face and quietly reprimanded her.
His bright eyes scanned over Xiao Yan's serious expression, but found nothing out of the ordinary. Xu'er quietly exhaled in relief and smiled, "I pushed myself to practice several combat techniques at a higher level yesterday, which is why I'm like this now. Just a few days of rest should be enough. Don't worry, Xiao Yan brother."
Sighing, Xiao Yan could only shake his head in resignation, accompanying Xun'er for breakfast at the family estate before quietly making an excuse and slipping out. After strolling around Wutan City and gathering some information about the Jiale family, he learned that Li Xi's disappearance would certainly cause a stir within the Jiale family. Yet to Xiao Yan's surprise, he found no signs of any unusual activity—markets were open as usual, medicines were being sold just as before, and everything remained nearly unchanged. "Hmph, truly, Jiale Bi is no ordinary family head—he's managed to keep this news quiet. But how long can you hold it? You can keep it for a day, but can you really keep it for a month? Once your remaining healing medicines are all sold out, I'll see what then!" With a sharp laugh, Xiao Yan paused thoughtfully before heading toward the Mitel Auction House at the city center.
At a quiet corner outside the auction hall, Xiao Yan still donned his large black cloak as he had done before, completely concealing his figure, before stepping into the bustling auction hall. As soon as he entered, a graceful attendant respectfully guided him to a waiting lounge, where he sat at ease for a while. Then, the elegant Ya Fei appeared before him with a warm, smiling demeanor.
"Ah, what a distinguished guest! How is it that Xiao Yan, brother, has found time to come to the auction hall today?" Holding the teapot, she bent down to serve him a full cup of tea with a charming smile.
Unintentionally or by design, as Ya Fei, dressed in a qipao, bent to pour the tea, the inviting expanse of snow-white fabric across her chest would occasionally emerge, creating an effect that made it difficult to look away.
“Hm…” His gaze, too, had nearly been drawn deep into that magnificent chasm. Yet Xiāo Yīn, with his steady composure, cleared his throat and deliberately shifted his focus, fixing his eyes on the slightly green tea in front of him. From his sleeve, he produced a dark-red storage ring, then removed five small jade vials, speaking calmly, “Here you go. I’ve come to fulfill our promise today.” Since Yǎ Fēi already knew his identity, Xiāo Yīn no longer needed the old herbalist to speak on his behalf, and instead responded in his clear, youthful voice.
Inhaling deeply the fragrant aroma that filled the air, Ya Fei narrowed her eyes slightly, her full chest rising to form a particularly alluring silhouette, and only after a moment did she carefully return the pill to her, offering Xiao Yan a graceful, enchanting smile: "It seems Xiao Yan has plans to take action against the Jiale family, doesn't it? Otherwise, why would he come to fulfill their agreement so early?" Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan merely shrugged indifferently, then withdrew a scroll from his sleeve, on which were listed several herbs known for their qi-nourishing properties—clearly intended for Xun'er, whose pale, weak complexion he found deeply touching. Upon receiving the scroll, Ya Fei, now well-versed in such matters, immediately grasped Xiao Yan's intent, with no further words, summoned a maid, and instructed her to prepare swiftly.
Sitting quietly in the tranquil waiting lounge, Xiao Yan remained somewhat silent before suddenly softly inquired, "It seems the Jiale family has found medicinal sources in other cities?"
Shaking her head slightly, Ya Fei remained quiet for a while, then rose to enter the antechamber. After a moment, she stepped out, holding a scroll in her hands, and handed it to Xiao Yan, speaking softly, "I've received intelligence from the auction hall in Trelan City. Two days ago, the Jiale family purchased another batch of medicinal herbs worth forty thousand gold coins. This batch should arrive in Wutan City this afternoon.
He lifted his head, greeted the attendant who was carrying the herbs with a graceful bow of thanks, took the herbs from her, and then strode out of the hall without turning back.