"It's surprising that Yunlan Sect still has Yunshan alive—truly beyond my expectations." Her expression shifted with each quiet word from Xiao Yan, and after a long while, Xun'er furrowed her delicate brows, a coldness passing through her autumn-like gaze. She spoke softly, "Indeed, it's quite troublesome." Xiao Yan also sighed lightly. Without Yunshan's presence, Yunlan Sect simply wouldn't have been able to pursue him all the way out of the Jima Empire. Glancing at the dark corner of the wall behind him, where the faint footsteps of someone gradually fading away could be heard, Xiao Yan turned to gaze steadily at Xun'er, his face serious. "Xun'er, there's something I need you to tell me honestly—this is very important!" "Ah?" Xun'er was momentarily startled, seeing Xiao Yan's earnest expression. She nodded slightly. "If I know what Xiao Yan wants to know, I won't hesitate to share it." "After our first successful departure from Yunlan Sect, I was deeply concerned that Yunlan Sect would direct its wrath toward the Xiao family—and indeed, that is exactly what happened. When I returned to Wutan City, the Xiao family had already suffered a private retaliation from Yunlan Sect's senior elder." Xiao Yan's voice was slightly cold now. Upon hearing this, Xun'er's face instantly changed, her brows furrowed with anger, her eyes filled with indignation. "Doesn't Yunlan Sect dare go too far? Has the family suffered serious damage?" "There have been some losses, though not severe. Still, Father was pursued out of Wutan City by three elders of Yunlan Sect and has since gone missing." While Xiao Yan's voice remained calm, the subtle tremor in the hands that still rested in Xun'er's was a clear indication of his inner fury. "Missing? How?" "First, she was stunned, and then for the first time, her cheeks grew dark with seriousness. She fully understood the position Xiao Zhan held in Xiao Yan's heart, and thus, it finally clicked—why, after Xiao Yan had smoothly left Yunlan Sect, would he have taken such a risk to return and venture back into Yunlan Sect again. 'I think, Uncle Xiao Zhan might have fallen into the hands of Yunlan Sect,' Xun'er mused. 'No,' said Xiao Yan, his gaze steady and direct on Xun'er, as he shook his head gently. 'The senior elder of Yunlan Sect who was pursuing my father—has already been defeated by me. Before he died, he mentioned that while chasing my father, my father suddenly vanished in a most mysterious way...' 'Vanished?' 'Exactly. He vanished right under the watchful eyes of the senior elder of Yunlan Sect...' Xiao Yan fixed his eyes on Xun'er's face, speaking slowly. 'Based on my judgment, my father probably didn't vanish on his own. Rather, he was... abducted by some mysterious master!' 'A mysterious master?' "Heard this, Xun'er's brows furrowed deeper, lifting her gaze to Xiao Yan and asking, 'Xiao Yan brother, what would you like to know from me?' The weight of this stipulation is far more substantial than you might imagine. Even if someone among them wished to act this way, they would surely face fierce resistance. Moreover... since the person who managed to seize Uncle Xiao Jian without a single trace of notice was at least a Duke-level powerhouse, I haven't received a single update or report about this individual during this entire period. "Indeed? Aside from me, no one from the Xiao family has ever interacted with a Duke-level powerhouse. How could the sudden abduction of my father by someone of such strength make any sense? Only your underlying faction has connections with the Xiao family that I'm unaware of—and they are precisely the ones who possess such capabilities!" As these assumptions crumbled, Xiao Yan gripped Xun'er's hand tightly, pressing down with renewed force, his voice now tinged with urgency and anger. "Xiao Yan brother, Xun'er truly didn't deceive you—my family indeed has ties with the Xiao family, though the specific details remain unclear at this moment. If I reveal them now, it might actually harm you. As for the matter concerning Uncle Xiao Yan, however, I can assure you without reservation—it wasn't their doing!" Seeing Xiao Yan's slightly irritated expression, Xun'er's composed demeanor instantly broke down, and she couldn't help but voice a touch of reluctance. Gazing at Xun'er's face, now softened with a hint of sorrow, Xiao Yan gradually regained his composure. He firmly gripped the sides of his head, exhaled deeply, and murmured, "It seems there are some secrets within the Xiao family that I haven't yet uncovered. Very well—since you're unwilling to share, I won't press you. If, indeed, as you say, it wasn't caused by your backing forces, then perhaps Yunlan Sect is playing some hidden game. This sect doesn't seem to be as straightforward as I originally thought." "Alright, go rest now. There's still the selection match tomorrow. For now, let's set aside the matter concerning your father. Though we don't fully know his current condition, at least he's not in immediate danger. Honestly, I must strengthen myself quickly—otherwise, even if I eventually find out his whereabouts, I might not have the strength to reclaim him." Xiao Yan turned to Xun'er, smiled at her, and gently patted her head, offering reassurance. "I'll have people investigate this matter and inform you immediately should any leads emerge." Xun'er nodded, her delicate hands suddenly intertwining, her bright eyes fixed on Xiao Yan with a touch of nervousness. "Xiao Yan, won't you mind that I haven't told you about my actual backing and the connection between my family and the Xiao family?" "Will you harm me?" Xiao Yan smiled, gently stroked her hair, and asked in return. Xun'er paused slightly, a warm smile blooming on her face, shook her head lightly, and said softly, "No, I won't." "So I believe you. It's not too late—go rest now." Reaching out, Xiang'er gently cradled the delicate form of the young woman in his arms for a moment before releasing her. He waved at her and then turned, walking toward his room. "Hmm." Watching Xiang'er fade into the shadow of the doorway, Xiang'er nodded slightly, paused thoughtfully, and then turned, hurrying back to her own room. She closed the door behind her and lightly tapped her fingers, sending a beam of golden light that struck a corner of the room. Instantly, a dark silhouette twisted and solidified into a figure, kneeling single-kneed in the center of the room. "Have Ling come to the back of the academy tomorrow. Also, send someone to investigate whether there have been any traces of a mysterious powerful figure within the last few weeks in the Gama Empire. And, I need all the information from Yunlan Sect!" Gazing at the figure, Xiang'er maintained a composed expression, her voice clear and cool as she issued her commands. "Yes, Miss." Upon hearing Xun'er's command, the shadow made no protest. With a soft female voice, it swayed slightly and once again melted into the darkness, finally vanishing entirely. Standing where the shadow had disappeared, Xun'er slowly exhaled, her murmured words echoing softly within the room: "Damn it. Who could have done this? They even struck Master Xiao Zhan on the head." The internal selection tournament over these two days has become one of the most prestigious events at Cana College, held once a year. Every participant is a standout among their respective classes, creating intense and highly compelling competition. This year, the tournament also features Xiao Xun'er, Bai Shan, and the red-clad girl—another prominent figure in the college—adding to the spotlight. Together, these three have drawn nearly half of the attention. Of course, beyond these three, the vast Cana College boasts numerous other top-tier competitors. Among them, Xiao Xin, a newcomer who has made a stunning impact with his decisive victories, stands out as the most anticipated. Furthermore, the close, affectionate relationship between Xiao and Xun'er—whom countless male students regard as their ideal "heavenly girl"—has sparked widespread anticipation, with many eager to see him stumble. After a simple rinse in the pavilion, Xiao Yan joined his mentor Ruolin, Xun'er, and Xiao Yu and stepped out together, making their way toward the plaza. As a figure now at the center of attention in the academy, the steady stream of glances pouring in from the sidelines—each carrying a variety of emotions—left Xiao Yan with a tingling sensation on his scalp. Observing his expression of quiet resignation, Xun'er could not help but smile gently, her serene, lotus-like warmth prompting several passersby to quietly swallow their breath. Under the relentless gaze of the crowd, the group proceeded through the already bustling plaza, eventually reaching their designated seats. With Xun'er and Xiao Yan—two such captivating figures—walking beside them, the attention of the entire audience instantly shifted to their path. Xiao Yan's brow lifted slightly as he sat in his assigned seat, his gaze lifting with a sudden sense of awareness and sweeping toward the opposite stand. There, in an exceptionally favorable spot, Bai Shan, dressed in white, stood with his hands behind his back. As Xiao Yan's eyes met his, Bai Shan's lips curled into a faint, subtle sneer. With his palm resting on the railing before him, his fingers subtly gestured toward Xiao Yan—clearly and deliberately challenging.