Chapter 10 — Borrowing

Money
With a light tap of her toes on the rocky cliff, Xiao Xun’er leapt like a purple butterfly.
Her graceful figure traced an alluring arc as she landed lightly on the mountaintop.
Tilting her head slightly, her gaze swept toward the boy standing at the edge of the
cliff.

Seeing him, Xun’er paused for a moment. Although they had only been apart for half
a day, she felt that something about Xiao Yan… had changed.

When their eyes met in the wind, she finally realized what was different—
confidence.

After three years, the brightest halo that once surrounded the young Xiao Yan
seemed to have returned.

Somewhat entranced by the faint smile at the corner of the boy’s lips, Xiao Xun’er’s
pretty face blossomed with a cute dimple. She smiled gently.
“Judging by Brother Xiao Yan’s appearance now, it seems Xun’er doesn’t need to
comfort you anymore?”

“People always grow after setbacks, right?” Xiao Yan shrugged, smiling.

“She will definitely regret it.”

Xun’er pouted slightly, then giggled—a tone full of certainty, almost like delivering a
verdict.

Xiao Yan chuckled lightly. Straightening his clothes, he walked toward her.

Up close, seeing that Xun’er was now nearly as tall as he was, and glancing again at
her still slightly childish but lovely face, Xiao Yan suddenly felt a little dazed. The little
girl who used to run around behind him with a runny nose… had grown into such a
lively beauty.

With a soft laugh, his eyes warm, Xiao Yan raised his hand and casually pinched her
tender cheek, causing Xun’er to freeze in surprise.
“Xun’er has grown up. But it’s good—you haven’t forgotten the time your Brother
Xiao Yan fell and bruised himself all over just to pick fruit for you.”

Stunned by his affectionate gesture, Xun’er blinked her sparkling eyes, staring into
his clear, pitch-black pupils. A soft smile formed in her heart.
When they were children, he loved squeezing her chubby cheeks. But after “that
incident” three years ago, it was as if he’d built a wall in his heart, shutting everyone
out. No matter how hard she tried to get close, his cold indifference pushed her
away.

“He’s really back… But he still treats me like the little kid who used to follow him…
what a blockhead.”
She pouted, then blamed herself for being greedy.

“Xun’er, don’t blame Brother Xiao Yan for the past three years. Back then I was living
in a haze… Luckily, you stayed by my side.” Xiao Yan scratched his head awkwardly,
apologizing.

Xun’er smiled sweetly. Whatever grievances she’d held over the years melted
instantly with his clumsy apology.

“Ahem… right, Xun’er… how much money do you have on hand?”

Letting go of her cheek, Xiao Yan suddenly asked with an embarrassed laugh.

Other than his father, she was the only one in the clan close to him. After humiliating
himself earlier today, he couldn’t possibly ask his father for money. So… his only
option was Xun’er.

“Money?” Xun’er blinked. “Does Brother Xiao Yan need money?”

“Um… I need to buy something. I’m short a bit.” His cheeks reddened—this was his
first time borrowing money from a girl, in this life or the last.

Seeing the always-calm Xiao Yan flustered like this, Xun’er felt amused. Covering her
mouth, she giggled.
“I still have over a thousand gold coins. Is that enough? If not…”

As she spoke, she flicked her finger. A purple-gold card appeared between her
slender fingers, glowing with five multicolored waves.

A Five-Pattern Purple-Gold Card — the kind only someone of at least Dou Ling
strength or a person of extraordinary status could possess.

“It’s enough, it’s enough…” Xiao Yan said quickly, delighted. He almost reached out
to pinch her cheek again, but managed to stop himself.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back in full someday.” He patted his chest, promising
earnestly.
“Who wants you to pay it back…” she muttered, quickly hiding the purple-gold card
behind her.

“Come on, it’s getting late. Tomorrow I’ll take you around Wu Tan City.” Xiao Yan
waved, then happily bounded down the mountain.

Standing in place, Xun’er watched the boy who had regained his carefree spirit from
three years ago. Smiling softly, she whispered,
“Na Lan Yanran… should I hate you, or thank you?”

Morning sunlight streamed through the window, falling on the cross-legged boy on
the bed, bathing him in warmth.

“Huu…”

After sitting quietly for a long time, Xiao Yan inhaled deeply. A faint white mist
drifted into his nose and mouth, nourishing his bones.

His eyes snapped open, a white gleam flashing by. Stretching lazily, he smiled with
bliss.
“That feeling… after three years, the feeling of getting stronger has finally returned.”

Climbing out of bed, he stretched and then changed clothes. Outside, Xun’er’s crisp
voice rang out.
“Brother Xiao Yan, aren’t you awake yet?”

“She’s early as always…” Xiao Yan sighed helplessly. Opening a cabinet, he

rummaged around before taking out a small box. Carefully opening it, a golden glow
burst out, causing him to squint.

“This is everything I own…” He shook his head, hugging the box bitterly.

Opening the door, he saw the beautiful young girl outside. Unable to help himself, he
whistled.

Xun’er wore a neat light-green outfit today. The fresh color made her look even
purer. Tight trousers outlined her slender, shapely legs perfectly.

Long legs, a perky figure, a gently developing chest—she looked just like a vibrant
teenage beauty from Earth. But that unique, elegant temperament was something
Xiao Yan had never seen in any other girl.
“Here, what you needed.”
Xun’er handed over a black card with a sweet smile — a standard gold storage card
with a limit of 5,000 gold coins.

Taking it, Xiao Yan teased,

“Little girl, why dress so nicely today? Got a date with someone?”

“Yes, yes~ Today is the first time Brother Xiao Yan has invited me out in three years!
Of course Xun’er has to dress up!”
She giggled playfully, her eyes curved like crescent moons.

Rolling his eyes helplessly, Xiao Yan chatted and laughed with her. As they walked
out of the clan compound, several clan members gave them strange looks.

After all, Xun’er was the brightest star among the younger generation—both in
beauty and talent. She appeared gentle, but beneath that faint smile lay a subtle
aloofness. Greeting her was easy; getting close was impossible.

Ignoring the clan’s reactions, Xiao Yan took Xun’er into the lively streets of Wu Tan
City.

Wu Tan City truly lived up to its reputation—crowded and bustling despite the
scorching sun. People flowed through the streets like tides, and occasionally, strange
non-human races could be spotted.

Perhaps due to Xiao Yan’s company, Xun’er grew much more lively once they left the
clan grounds. She pulled the helpless boy from stall to stall, her bright laughter
lightening even the blazing heat around them.

Once Xun’er had her fill of fun, Xiao Yan took her to a nearby medicinal shop.
Spending over 900 gold coins, he bought:

Three stalks of 20-year Purple Leaf Orchid




Two stalks of 5-year Bone-Washing Flower

These were low-level medicinal ingredients—expensive but purchasable. Higher-

level ingredients could only be found in the wild or at auctions and trade markets.
Watching his fortune shrink rapidly, Xiao Yan could only smile bitterly. Now he truly
understood how important money was on the Dou Qi Continent…

With the herbs in hand, the only thing missing was—

a tier-one Wood-type magic core!