Xiao Jietian strode into the hall, finding Xun'er and Xiao Yu deeply engrossed in discussion within the main conference chamber.
"Well, well, if it isn't our illustrious Gate Master Xiao. To what do we owe the pleasure of your leisure today?"
Hu Jia's eyes lit up at his arrival, though her tone was laced with playful sarcasm as she ground her little tiger teeth.
"Brother Xiao Jietian, you've emerged from seclusion."
Xun'er's voice was soft, a gentle smile gracing her lips. She was, of course, aware that his "seclusion" had been a trip to the Eternal Heaven World, a venture he'd mentioned to establish the Boundless Heaven Tower and manage affairs for the Boundless Heaven Hall, including alchemy.
"I've finished refining the pills. See to their sale and convert them into Fire Energy."
With a casual wave of his hand, nearly two hundred jade bottles materialized on the massive conference table. These were the promised pills for trade, all Three-Phased Pills. Though not of the highest grade, their practicality made them invaluable to most within the Inner Academy.
Xiao Yan had also been busy, producing a steady stream of Qi-Returning Pills and other concoctions from the three recipes Xiao Jietian had provided. Among them, Xiao Jietian's Azure Spirit Pill was already proving far superior to the Ice Spirit Pills Yao Lao had taught Xiao Yan.
"With these from you and Xiao Yan's contribution, our stock will last for a considerable time."
Hu Jia's eyes sparkled as she gazed upon the jade bottles, each one a glittering promise of Fire Energy – and lots of it.
Following this, Xiao Yu and the others briefed Xiao Jietian on Pan Gate's recent affairs. He listened with the rapt attention of a student in a dull lecture, his eyelids growing heavy. Xun'er and the others could only roll their eyes at his languid demeanor, resigned to their lot. It was a headache to have such an indolent Gate Master, but fortunately, his strength was undeniable, and his protection absolute.
Now, under the shadow of Xiao Jietian's fearsome reputation, Pan Gate had fallen into a smooth rhythm, its rules, regulations, and systems of reward and punishment already well-established.
"And where are Xiao Yan and Wu Hao?"
"Xiao Yan took the herbs our teams gathered from the forest and went to refine pills," Xiao Yu reported, as knowledgeable as a seasoned steward. "Wu Hao is either leading his squad into the forest to gather more, or he's at the Fighting Arena or the Blazing Sky Qi-Refining Pagoda." Xiao Jietian acknowledged this with a nod.
"Brother Xiao Jietian, you've ascended to thirty-fourth place on the Strong Ranking! By defeating Bai Cheng, you've claimed his spot. I heard you can now cultivate in his former training room."
Xun'er's smile was radiant with pride. Her beloved's excellence was her greatest joy.
"Exactly! Pan Gate's very own 'Demon King'! The entire Inner Academy is abuzz with talk of you. Even after several days, you remain the hottest topic," Xiao Yu chimed in.
"Demon King?" Xiao Jietian looked at her, confused.
"That's the title the Inner Academy disciples have bestowed upon you. They say every time you make a move, you knock your opponents out cold for ages, like a great demon."
"I was pulling my punches. They're just… fragile."
Xiao Jietian had no real objection to the title. At least it wasn't something absurd like "King of Immense Strength."
Zi Yan (from a distance): I feel personally attacked.
"Oh, and Brother Xiao Jietian, Pan Gate's emblem is ready."
Xun'er produced a light red emblem. At its heart, a golden-red long halberd was emblazoned – his Phoenix Gold Halberd, the very weapon Xun'er had seen him wield during his spars with the Little Fairy Doctor in the Eternal Heaven World.
"This emblem was finished a while ago, but Xun'er insisted it needed your final approval," Hu Jia added, a slight pout on her lips. "Xun'er said the red background should reflect your strange flame, but bright red didn't look right for an emblem, so we settled on this light red. The halberd inside is your weapon."
"Speaking of which, I always assumed you fought with your bare hands. I never knew you used a long halberd. You're quite the secretive one," Hu Jia said, feigning displeasure. It was clear Xun'er's whole heart was devoted to him.
Though, if she were inclined towards men, she might find herself drawn to Xiao Jietian as well. After all, a man with both striking looks and immense talent possessed a powerful allure.
"I would love to display my skills, but alas, I lack a worthy opponent. It is lonely at the top."
Xiao Jietian clasped his hands behind his back, striking the pose of a peerless master, a solitary figure with no equal.
"If I could actually beat you, I'd want to punch you right now. You're insufferable like this," Hu Jia fumed, her little tiger teeth bared in exasperation.
"Haha, Tiger Girl, that's a chance you'll never have."
Hu Jia bristled at the nickname. In the entire Inner Academy, only this guy dared call her that. It was so annoying! She couldn't beat him, and if she cursed back, he'd just flick her on the head. Resentful and intimidated, she could only sit there, sulking.
"Alright, you're going to make Hu Jia really angry. If you upset her, who will help you handle all your little tasks?"
Xun'er came to Xiao Jietian's side, laughing softly as she interrupted their squabbling.
"Xun'er still cares about me!"
Hu Jia instantly perked up, shooting Xiao Jietian a triumphant, provocative look, as if to say Xun'er was on her side.
But upon hearing the second half of Xun'er's sentence, she immediately deflated, looking as if all the joy had been drained from her world.
It was all for nothing in the end.
My heart was set on the bright moon, but the moon shines only into the ditch.
"Here, this is for you. Consider it compensation for your hard work. Give the other one to Wu Hao for me."
Hu Jia took the jade bottle Xiao Jietian offered, her eyes widening in surprise.
"I understand. I wouldn't dream of disturbing your… moment."
Hu Jia, now beaming, clutched the jade bottle as if afraid he'd change his mind and vanished in a flash.
"I'll be going too; I still have many matters to attend to." Xiao Yu also tactfully excused herself from the hall.
What Xiao Jietian had given Hu Jia was indeed a Three-Phased Azure Spirit Pill.
"Xun'er, you've worked tirelessly during my absence. You are truly my capable right hand."
Xiao Jietian pulled Xun'er into his embrace, holding her tight. He rested his chin gently on the top of her head, his voice tender.
"Being able to help Brother Xiao Jietian makes Xun'er incredibly happy."
Xun'er pressed her cheek against his chest, feeling the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat. Her own heart swelled with sweetness. Every time she was held like this, she was enveloped by a profound sense of security.
Xiao Jietian reached out, stroking her soft, silken hair. This girl, as always, quietly gave her all for him.
"Xun'er… it's so good to have you."
Xun'er felt the deep affection and profound love in his words, and a shiver ran through her.
She looked up, her intelligent, limpid eyes gazing at him, his reflection captured within them.
"Brother Xiao Jietian, Xun'er likes you very, very much. I will always be with you."
Xiao Jietian gazed into her loving eyes, and a warm current flowed through his heart.
He gently tilted her chin, raising her face to his. He lowered his head and slowly pressed his lips to hers.
Xun'er sensed his intention and her eyelids fluttered closed, her long lashes trembling slightly, a silent testament to her shyness and anticipation.
As their lips met, soft and warm, Xun'er's body gave a small, involuntary jolt. Their lips brushed against each other, a tentative, delicate exploration.
Slowly, her body relaxed into his embrace. Seizing the moment, Xiao Jietian deepened the kiss, gently parting her lips, his tongue seeking hers in a tender pursuit.
The kiss gradually intensified, their breaths mingling and becoming one.
His hand moved from her chin, his arm snaking around her waist to draw her even closer. Xun'er's own arms slowly rose, wrapping around his lower back, pulling herself tighter against him.
Xiao Jietian gently lifted her, supporting her weight as if she were weightless.
The two of them gradually fell into a state of sweet oblivion, lost in each other.