Inside the carriage, a delicate fragrance lingered, with several soft pink decorations hung around, transforming the space into a temporary little闺room. It was hard to imagine that the seemingly reserved Han Xue harbored a touch of youthful, feminine sentiment within. "Call me Han Xue, actually—I can't quite bear that title of 'lady'." Han Xue settled herself slowly, glanced at Xiao Yan, and spoke softly, "I never expected that someone I randomly found barely alive in the Great Desert would turn out to be such a deeply concealed powerhouse. Nevertheless, no matter what, these two times you've saved me, I'm truly grateful." "It's nothing at all. If it weren't for your timely help, I might have ended up being devoured by some wolf or another. Helping you is simply what I should do. As for you, Han Xiao—there's no need to worry about all this. I'm not expecting anything in return." Xiao Yan waved his hand, smiling. Han Xue smiled gently, her usually reserved expression now glowing with a lovely warmth. After a brief pause, she said softly, "Once we reach Tianbei City, will you be leaving?" "Unless something unexpected happens, I believe that should be the case." Xiao Yan paused slightly, then nodded. Hearing this, Han Xue's eyes flashed with a touch of disappointment. With her jade hands gently rubbing the teapot, after a moment, she finally gathered her courage and said, "Mr. Xiao Yan, would you be so kind as to help me with something?" "Regarding the matters between the Han family and the Hong family?" Xiao Yan lightly set down the teacup in his hand, speaking in a calm tone. Han Xue gently nodded, her delicate teeth lightly biting her full red lips. "You're quite generous in your expectations," Xiao Yan said slowly. "The Hong family has dominated Tianbei City for so many years—naturally, their strength must be formidable. With just my personal efforts, what could I possibly do?" He spoke with a sense of measured confidence. Having only recently arrived in Zhongzhou, he didn't wish to create immediate friction, especially with the Hong family, which also has ties to the Fenglei Pavilion. As Xiao Yan had been particularly introduced to this power by Xinlan, he knew it must be exceptionally strong. With his current level of strength, he felt it would be difficult to stand a chance against them. "Mr. Xiao Yan, wouldn't you say you're also a pharmaceutical "Han Xue said with urgency, "Moreover, I'm certain the status won't be low. A senior alchemy master is someone even the Hong family wouldn't easily offend. So, if you're willing to lend a hand, the Han family will certainly find it much easier." Xiao Yan slightly lifted his eyes, gazing at Han Xue's earnest and eager expression, and couldn't help but chuckle—this indeed was a real headache. "Mr. Xiao Yan, as long as you're willing to assist the Han family through this difficulty, we will surely offer you a generous compensation. If, however, you still feel it's beyond your capacity, then I am willing to become your concubine—please, just give us your support once!" Han Xue's face suddenly flushed, her teeth clenched as she spoke. "Ahem..." Her words nearly caused Xiao Yan to spew out his tea. He quickly rose, waving his hands, saying, "Please, I've always been used to being alone. Having people around me feels rather uncomfortable. I'll consider this matter, and for now, let's just agree to that. I'll step out." "Having said that, Xiao Yan hurriedly turned around, pulled open the door, and dashed out. He hadn't expected at all that the seemingly cold and composed Han Xue would be so bold—so bold, in fact, that it was almost unbearable. Watching Xiao Yan scramble out of the carriage in such a disheveled manner, Han Xue was momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, a gentle smile played on her lips. Since the first time she had seen him, she had never witnessed this deeply composed young man—like a still pond—reveal such a display of emotion. Now, under just one of her remarks, he reacted so dramatically—it was truly delightful. "He's actually quite good... I can tell he's someone who dislikes unnecessary complications. Ah, and with the Hong family's considerable influence pulling him in, perhaps that's also a source of trouble for him. I must have been rather impetuous..." With a soft laugh, Han Xue gradually regained her composure, sighed gently, and spoke in a measured tone. … After Xiao Yan displayed his strength, as he had anticipated, the people in the convoy began to show a subtle sense of reverence toward him. The carefree, unbridled jokes they had previously exchanged with him no longer occurred. Though Xiao Yan had expected this development, he still couldn't help but offer a quiet, wry smile—his strength, in the eyes of Han Chong and the others, truly seemed unattainable. This shift made Xiao Yan feel somewhat uneasy. Fortunately, the remaining journey was not long. By late afternoon, the outline of a vast city began to emerge gradually in their sight. Gazing at the city now clearly visible, Han Chong and the others exhaled in relief. Seeing their reactions, Xiao Yan realized that this city must indeed be the famed Tianbei City. With a casual glance, Xiao Yan stepped back two paces, stopping right beside Han Chong. As Han Chong approached to bow, he felt a soft resistance preventing him from doing so, and soon heard a voice of resignation: "Han brother, don't be so formal. I'm still the one who saved your life—call me by my old name, not 'Mr.' Just as before." "Xiao Yan, you're being too polite," Han Chong replied, hesitating slightly and smiling, though his tone carried an unmistakable sense of reverence. Xiao Yan sighed, lightly tapping his finger, and a pill settled gracefully into Han Chong's hands. He spoke softly and casually: "Keep this pill safe—it will increase your chances of successfully advancing to the Dou Wang rank." "He stiffened at the words, his eyes flashing with excitement. Having remained at the peak of the Battle Spirit stage for years, he had yet to make a breakthrough. He knew that certain high-tier pills could have miraculous effects in aiding such a breakthrough, but those pills were exorbitantly priced—far beyond his financial means. 'Xiao... Xiao Yan, this gift is truly overwhelming,' said Han Chong, his eyes slightly red from emotion, his voice trembling. 'Is my life truly that precious?' Xiao Yan smiled, playfully. 'Xiao Yan, are you leaving?' Han Chong carefully placed the pills aside, then suddenly asked. Xiao Yan paused, unsure of how to respond." "Hehe, Xiao Yan, there's nothing to complain about. You don't have much connection with the Han family, yet you've saved us twice on this journey. Even if you're trying to repay our favors, that would already be more than sufficient. The Hong family is powerful—should you get involved, things might not go smoothly..." Seeing this, Han Chong smiled and said. Xiao Yan remained silent. The sound of hooves quickly stilled ahead of the caravan, then a figure leapt down from the horse. The man appeared to be no more than twenty-three or twenty-four years old, dressed in well-fitted, vigorous attire, looking both spirited and handsome with a refined, upright bearing. Yet upon seeing him, the brows of Han Chong and his companions all furrowed slightly. When Han Xue looked over at Xiao Yan, Xiao Yan had no choice but to stop and helplessly spread his hands toward Han Chong. Han Xue stared intently at Xiao Yan, and after a moment, her expression softened slightly as if she had recalled something. Her gaze dimmed gently, and she spoke softly, "I've been overly demanding. If Mr. Xiao Yan wishes to leave, please do so. Thank you very much for your kind care throughout this journey. I hope we may meet again in the future." Hearing this, Xiao Yan could only chuckle bitterly—once these words were out, turning around and leaving would truly make him seem beneath contempt. "Ah, I'll stay a while, though I must not expect too much from you..." Xiao Yan sighed. "Really?" At his words, the dim, heart-wrenching look in Han Xue's eyes brightened with a touch of warmth and delight. Seeing her face, now subtly charming with joy, Xiao Yan nodded, though inside he could only let out another quiet chuckle—human relationships... they weighed as heavily as mountains. "Xue, who is this person?" It seems rather unfamiliar to you, doesn't it? Also, one of our Han family's guards, isn't it?" The handsome man standing beside, who usually found Han Xue cold and distant, felt a surge of jealousy when he saw her act so tenderly and girl-like before this seemingly ordinary young man. He thus casually smiled and asked, his tone clearly showing his disdain for the mere "guard" status, a servant's position. "Han Lin, treat my guest with more respect. He's not a guard—he's a steward I've personally invited to the Han family. If you continue to speak carelessly, don't be surprised if I lose patience next time!" Han Xue suddenly turned around, her face shifting instantly from warm to cold, and spoke sharply. Faced with such sharp rebuke, Han Lin's face turned first pale, then flushed, and he couldn't help but chuckle coldly, "A steward? Sister Xue, haven't you mistaken something? According to our family's traditions, the first requirement for any steward is to possess the power of a Duke-level cultivator. Though you're the daughter of the family head, I doubt you're willing to overlook our family's established rules just like that." "Heard this, the usually composed face of Han Xue suddenly softened into a charming smile. With a graceful gesture of her jade hands, a guard instantly pressed the two down from the vehicle and laid them at Han Lin's feet. 'He has captured the two senior elders of the Hong family, Hong Mu and Hong Li. Then, do you think he's worthy of such an achievement?"