Chapter 413: Vice Leader Xiao Mei, Reunion!
Wu Tian's gaze rested on that familiar face, watching as the girl's expression froze in shock upon seeing him. He couldn't help but smile. In the next instant, his figure flickered, and he appeared right in front of her. Under the astonished gazes of the surrounding people, he reached out and gently ruffled the red dressed girl's hair, chuckling, "It's been a few years, and you've grown taller."
Snapped out of her daze by Wu Tian's affectionate gesture, the girl stared at his familiar, gentle smile. Her watery eyes instantly welled up with mist. Two crystal clear tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. Ever since that time in the Xiao Clan's residence, they had barely interacted, let alone shared any close moments. Now, this sudden sense of warmth overwhelmed her, making her cry. She didn't know what she had done wrong or what had changed, but the distance between her and Brother Wu Tian had only grown over the years. And now, she realized that it wasn't just emotional distance it was the vast gap in their strength. Meeting him had become a near impossible task.
But standing before him now, she saw that Lord Yan Zun was still the same Brother Wu Tian from before. Back then, she had pursued him, but nothing ever came of it. Instead, Xun'er had taken him away, and all she could do was silently nurse her unrequited feelings.
As the mist in the girl's eyes thickened, a group of protective admirers around her immediately felt a surge of sympathy. On any other day, if someone dared to make her cry, their fate would be miserable. But… the one standing before them was the Pavilion Master of Cai Lin Pavilion. Even if they had a million lives, they wouldn't dare glare at him in anger.
"Vice Leader Xiao Mei… she actually knows him?"
Xin Lan frowned slightly as she watched Xiao Mei's tear streaked face. Their relationship was unclear, but it was enough to make her thoughtful.
"Brother Wu Tian… is it really you?" Xiao Mei looked at the face before her and asked timidly.
"Silly girl, who else would it be? Come on, let's go inside and talk." Wu Tian smiled, glancing at Xiao Mei and Xin Lan. As they watched his gentle expression, everyone knew by the end of today, the entire Inner Academy would be in an uproar.
Inside the spacious and brightly lit hall, the atmosphere was both tense and excited. Several pairs of eyes, filled with mixed emotions, were focused on the young man sitting at the head of the hall, casually fanning himself with a folding fan. No one could have imagined that this elegant and refined young man was the ruler of the northwestern region the Pavilion Master of Cai Lin Pavilion.
There weren't many people in the hall, only a select few. Besides Xiao Mei and Xin Lan, there were a few of Wu Tian's old acquaintances, including those who had once helped him deliver messages. Now, they had all become top ranking members of the Sunfire Alliance. Among them, one person in particular was an old familiar face because the current leader of the alliance was none other than that guy who used to be a vice leader alongside Hu Jia. Yes, that one… the guy with barely any presence.
At this moment, he had become the leader of the Sunfire Alliance. His talent was decent, but compared to others, he was slightly lacking. Still, he had remained at the peak of the Dou Ling level for six months, deliberately suppressing his breakthrough to the Dou Wang realm. He was gathering his strength for a greater leap forward, and Wu Tian appreciated that.
This guy genuinely cared for the alliance. Thanks to his presence, the younger generation of the Sunfire Alliance had been advancing rapidly. With so many senior positions opening up, having an elder like him around prevented internal power struggles among the ambitious youth. A man of few words, he was both intelligent and fiercely loyal to Wu Tian. Wu Tian decided he would have to reward him later couldn't let such devotion go unrecognized.
Xiao Mei, despite being the vice leader, showed no airs in front of Wu Tian. Instead, she personally stood up and poured tea for him. Yet, Xiao Mei was naturally seductive. Even though her actions were simple and graceful, she still exuded an irresistible charm. Especially when she bent forward slightly an enticing glimpse of snowy white skin appeared, making it hard to look away.
Wu Tian, however, remained unfazed, keeping his gaze steady. He accepted the cup with a polite smile, then looked around at the people in the hall and said warmly, "Everyone, have a seat. We're all on the same side no need to be so formal."
"Heh heh~ Boss, ever since you came back, those guys outside have been going crazy…" The one who spoke was none other than Atai, the guy who used to bring Wu Tian information. Though he sounded casual, there was still a hint of respectful caution in his demeanor. Despite his rough nature, Atai understood that some boundaries had to be maintained.
Wu Tian smiled at his subordinate and said, "Atai, your strength has improved quite a bit. Looks like you'll be leaving Jia Nan Academy soon."
"Heh heh~ Boss is right! As soon as I break through to Dou Wang, I'll head straight to Sunfire City!" Atai scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Good. And you " Wu Tian turned to the other guy, the one with barely any presence. "Why do you still have such a low sense of presence? You're the leader now; shouldn't you work on changing that?"
The guy sighed with a wry smile. "Boss, you know my nature. I was born to be in the shadows. If I hadn't been holding back my breakthrough, I would've left the alliance long ago."
Wu Tian chuckled. "Your nature is quite similar to Xun'er's bodyguard. But his potential is limited surpassing him is only a matter of time for you."
As the conversation continued, Xiao Mei sat quietly at the side, her eyes filled with warmth as she gazed at Wu Tian. On the other side, Xin Lan observed him with curiosity. This kind and gentle man… was he really the ruthless ruler who unified the northwestern continent? Was he truly the one who had destroyed multiple sects without mercy?
At that moment, Wu Tian's smile faded, and the air in the room grew serious. Everyone understood Lord Yan Zun was about to discuss something important. They immediately stopped chatting and listened attentively. Wu Tian wasn't pressuring anyone with his presence. It was simply a matter of hierarchy the Dou Qi Continent was a world where strength dictated respect.
"I came here not just to catch up with old friends, but also to find you, Xin Lan."
His words sent a wave of surprise through the room. Looking for a woman? Did he not already have enough stunning beauties around him? The ones he had married were all peerless in appearance, so why was he still looking for more? You're a supreme powerhouse why are you competing with us common folk? Can't you at least leave us some scraps?
Xiao Mei's eyes shimmered as she heard Wu Tian's words. So… he had come looking for another woman…
"You're here for me? May I ask what business Lord Yan Zun has with a humble girl like me?" Xin Lan's clear yet slightly tense voice echoed through the hall.
Wu Tian sipped his tea, his eyes calm as he looked at her and smiled. "When your grandfather sent you to Jia Nan Academy, was it just so Elder Su Qian could look after you for a while, or was there another reason?"
The entire hall fell silent. Did Xin Lan have some hidden agenda?
A flicker of tension flashed in Xin Lan's eyes. She bit her lip, her delicate hand trembling slightly. "My grandfather never told me anything specific. He only instructed me to stay here and avoid trouble until matters settled, at which point he would come to take me back."
…
(End of Chapter)
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