After a moment, it gradually faded away, returning to its usual clarity and calmness.

She carefully sensed herself; although her Qi had not advanced.

It was more condensed and pure than before, and her meridians had widened slightly; she was truly just one step away from becoming a four-star Dou Grandmaster.

Just as she finished her Cultivation, she keenly sensed that familiar and steady presence outside the window.

She was slightly stunned, then the corners of her mouth curled up, outlining a very faint but truly existing soft arc.

She stood up, walked to the window, and gently pushed it open.

Under the moonlight, Xiao Qing was standing there, as if admiring the night view.

"Brother Xiao Qing, it's so late, haven't you rested yet?"

Gu Xun'er's voice came, seeming to carry a hint of indescribable gentleness compared to usual.

Xiao Qing turned around upon hearing her, a gentle smile on his face, as if he really was just stopping there by chance:

"Mm, I gained a little in my Cultivation, and couldn't settle my mind, so I came out for some fresh air."

His gaze naturally fell on Xun'er's face, his tone filled with concern.

"As for you, while Cultivation is important, don't work too hard; you must balance work and rest."

He did not mention the golden flame at all, nor did he ask why she was practicing hard late at night.

Gu Xun'er was such a brilliant person; she immediately understood that Xiao Qing must have sensed something and specifically stayed there to act as her Protector.

His unobtrusive thoughtfulness and respect for her secrets caused a warm current to quietly surge in her heart.

She looked at Xiao Qing and said softly: "Thank you for your concern, Brother Xiao Qing."

Gu Xun'er paused, then chose to explain indirectly, "I just feel... Little Fairy Doctor's progress is so rapid, and Qing Lin's talent is so unique."

"As an older sister, if I fall too far behind, it's ultimately... not very good."

In her words, she admitted the reason for her Cultivation and also revealed that unspoken desire to compete.

Xiao Qing smiled, his tone peaceful and tolerant: "Everyone's encounters and paths are different, and one cannot force it."

"The path of Cultivation is long; the key lies in finding your own rhythm and taking solid steps, one by one."

"Your future is far from being limited by this Jia Ma Empire, or even the Northwest Continent; there is no need to rush."

There was not the slightest intention of comparison in his words, only encouragement and affirmation.

Upon hearing this, the last trace of subtle emotion in Gu Xun'er's heart, caused by comparison, gradually dissipated.

She looked at Xiao Qing's distinct features under the moonlight and nodded gently: "Xun'er understands."

The two smiled at each other; many unspoken words flowed quietly in that smile, understood without words.

The next morning, sunlight shone on the small courtyard as usual.

Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin came out of their respective rooms, full of energy after a night's rest.

The excitement between Little Fairy Doctor's brows had diminished slightly, but her control over her own power was clearly more skillful than yesterday, and her aura was more steady.

Before long, Gu Xun'er's door was also pushed open with a "creak".

She stepped out, looking in excellent spirits today; her skin was lustrous, and her eyes were as clear as water.

Her aura seemed more restrained and calm compared to yesterday.

But if one observed carefully, one could discover that deep within her eyes, there was a bit more of an indescribable, lively spirit than usual; as she looked around, brilliance faintly appeared.

"Xun'er, good morning!"

Little Fairy Doctor greeted happily.

Gu Xun'er wore a gentle smile, her gaze sweeping over Little Fairy Doctor with sincere approval: "Good morning, Xian'er."

"Seeing your aura is much more steady than yesterday, it seems you have completely adapted to this newfound power."

Her attitude was as gentle and kind as always.

But Xiao Qing, standing to the side, could keenly sense that beneath that unchanging gentleness, there seemed to be something more firm and clear.

It was a restrained sharpness, a kind of unquestionable self-confidence belonging to the Goddess of the Ancient Clan, quietly awakening.

After last night's unknown Cultivation, the slight sense of urgency in Gu Xun'er's heart caused by her companions' rapid progress did not completely disappear, but transformed into a deeper and more lasting internal drive.

On the surface, she was still the gentle and moving Xun'er accompanying Xiao Qing.

But the true sharpness and Foundation belonging to the thousand-year Goddess of the Ancient Clan had already begun to show.

This Wutan City, tucked away in a corner, and this small Xiao Family courtyard, because of the existence of these few young people, were beneath the calm and peaceful appearance.

Hidden within was astonishing potential and undercurrents capable of shaking the entire continent one day in the future.

Chapter 141, The Future Development of the Xiao Family, Guiding Xiao Yan

Xiao Qing was standing in the courtyard, watching the wisp of purple Netherworld Poison Flame in Little Fairy Doctor's palm, which was constantly changing into various forms.

"You can try to let it slow down a little more."

Xiao Qing shook his head and continued to instruct.

"Feel the trajectory of the Qi flowing inside the Exotic Fire; control it, instead of being led by the nose by it."

Little Fairy Doctor was fully focused at this moment, beads of sweat even beginning to seep from her forehead.

However, that purple flame indeed became easier to control under her exquisite manipulation.

Gu Xun'er sat at the stone table nearby, brewing tea with her jade hands, her movements elegant and skillful; she only occasionally raised her eyes to look at the two in the courtyard, her gaze gentle.

Qing Lin sat by the flower bed, her emerald eyes full of focus, her fingertips gently stroking a small emerald-green snake wrapped around her wrist.

Just then, footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate.

Clan Head Xiao Zhan led a boy of about eleven years old inside.

The boy was wearing clean cyan clothes, his eyes bright, revealing a cleverness and steadiness far beyond his peers.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, his gaze immediately locked onto Xiao Qing, who was instructing Little Fairy Doctor, his eyes filled with undisguised curiosity and a trace of admiration.

"Qing'er."

Xiao Zhan greeted, his tone carrying the gentleness of an Elder, but upon closer listening, it carried a bit more solemnity than usual.

Xiao Qing turned his head upon hearing this, seeing Xiao Zhan and the boy beside him, a smile appeared on his face as he walked up: "Uncle, why do you have time to come over?"

"Is this... Cousin Xiao Yan? It's been two years, you've grown quite a bit."

His gaze fell on Xiao Yan, filled with a friendly assessment.

Xiao Yan appeared a bit nervous, but immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands in a proper salute, his voice clear: "Xiao Yan greets Cousin Xiao Qing!"

While saluting, he couldn't help but steal a glance at the three young girls nearby, each with different temperaments but all extremely outstanding.

Especially the wisp of dark flame jumping in Little Fairy Doctor's palm, which made him admire this legendary cousin even more.

Xiao Zhan's thick palm patted Xiao Yan's slightly thin shoulder, and he said to Xiao Qing: "The three Elders know you are back and are thinking of you."

"They specifically convened a clan meeting early this morning, and everyone wants to hear your views on the future development of the Clan."

"Your Cultivation is now profound, and you have traveled far and wide; your knowledge is far beyond those of us trapped in Wutan City. I must trouble you to go over and put everyone's mind at ease."

Xiao Qing nodded, his expression normal: "Uncle, you are too serious; contributing to the Clan is my duty."

"I will tidy up a bit and go with you right away."

...

Inside the Xiao Family Council Chamber, the atmosphere was much more serious than usual.

The three white-haired Elders and several core clansmen of the Xiao Family who managed various affairs were already waiting there.

When Xiao Qing walked in with Xiao Zhan, everyone's gaze instantly focused on him.

They all straightened their backs unconsciously, their eyes filled with eagerness and anticipation.

The Grand Elder spoke first, his aged voice carrying obvious respect: "Xiao Qing, it's good that you are back."

"We old guys have a vision limited to this Wutan City."

"How the Clan should move forward in the future so as not to fail the Foundation you laid and the opportunities you brought, we hope you can provide much guidance."

Xiao Qing walked to the center of the hall, without too much pleasantry, his gaze calmly sweeping over the people present, and he spoke directly: "Elders, Clan Head, and uncles."

"With the Xiao Family's current strength, the Foundation is still in Wutan City; it is not advisable to expand blindly in the short term, as a big tree attracts the wind."

His voice was steady and clear: "The urgent priority is to do everything possible to improve the overall strength of the Clan."

"I will leave behind a batch of Cultivation resources later, including thirty bottles of various Medicinal Pills suitable for the Dou Zhe to Dou Grandmaster stages..."

"Ten scrolls of Profound Rank Intermediate cultivation techniques and Dou Techniques, as well as two hundred 3rd-rank and fifty 4th-rank attribute magic cores."

As soon as these words were spoken, a suppressed gasp sounded in the Council Chamber.

This batch of resources was a huge fortune for the current Xiao Family, enough to raise the Clan's strength by a level in a short time.

Xiao Qing continued: "I suggest that the Clan immediately establish a clear contribution system."

"All disciples, whether direct or collateral, shall exchange for these resources based on their contributions to the Clan, to encourage clansmen to work hard at Cultivation and contribute to the Clan."

"At the same time, we can use the relationship I previously established with the Miteer Auction House to further deepen cooperation, firmly hold Wutan City's base, and accumulate wealth."

"As for the longer-term direction and external situation, I have my own considerations and arrangements; when the time is ripe, I will naturally inform the Clan."

His words, peaceful in tone, carried an unquestionable authority, as if it should have been that way.

The three Elders looked at each other, seeing agreement and conviction in each other's eyes, and nodded repeatedly.

The Grand Elder even said directly: "Just do as Xiao Qing said!"

"With these resources and clear regulations, why should my Xiao Family not flourish!"

After the clan meeting, everyone dispersed one after another.

Xiao Yan stood under the corridor outside the Council Chamber, watching Xiao Qing's figure walk out; he took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and quickly chased after him.

"Cousin Xiao Qing!"

Xiao Qing stopped, turned to look at him, with a questioning look on his face, and said: "Oh? Cousin Xiao Yan, anything else?"

Xiao Yan looked up, his eyes burning, carrying the longing and a trace of imperceptible anxiety peculiar to a young man, and said embarrassedly: "Cousin, I heard from my father that you also have fire-attribute Qi."

"I... I have been stuck at a six-star Dou Zhe for some time, and I feel like I've hit a bottleneck... can you..."

"Can you teach me the Cultivation method for fire-attribute Qi?"

"Even just a little trick would be fine!"

Xiao Qing looked at Xiao Yan, whose gaze was focused, and his heart stirred slightly.

He nodded and said in a gentle tone: "Sure."

Immediately after, Xiao Qing extended his right index finger, his mind moved slightly, and a wisp of crimson-gold Qi surged from his fingertip.

In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a flame lotus flower, only the size of a baby's fist, with a stable and exquisite structure.

This flame lotus flower slowly rotated at his fingertip, emitting a soft and pure fire-attribute energy fluctuation.

"Fire is not just about violence and destruction."

Xiao Qing's voice was full of peace, and with a hint of guidance, he continued.

"Use your heart to perceive its internal structure, understand how the Qi flows within it, and how it maintains balance."

"Only when you truly understand it can you command it like an arm in the future, rather than being driven by the power itself."

Xiao Yan watched intently, as if his entire mind had been sucked into that exquisite flame lotus flower.

He subconsciously raised his palm, mobilized the relatively much weaker fire-attribute Qi in his body, and tried to imitate and condense it in his palm.

At first, it was just a restless, irregularly shaped red flame.

But the focus, comprehension, and subtle control of adjusting the Qi output revealed in his eyes made a trace of approval flash in Xiao Qing's eyes.

Seeing that Xiao Yan had initially grasped the way, Xiao Qing flipped his hand and took out a crystal about the size of a pigeon egg, which was crimson and translucent, with what looked like magma-like halos slowly flowing inside.

It was precisely the Fire Spirit Crystal he had collected in his early years.