From Xiao Yan's perspective as he flew ahead, Venerable Skyfire's voice came through. "Xiao Yan, is that your biological older brother?"
"Yes, he's my biological older brother, born of the same mother. Why do you ask?" Xiao Yan answered, slightly startled by the question.
"Your older brother is terrifying, and he is not simple." Venerable Skyfire's voice carried a hint of apprehension. He felt certain he had been discovered. Although his cultivation was not what it once had been, his judgment remained sharp. Even though Xiao Tian was a Dou Zong, Venerable Skyfire sensed something terrifying about him. It was as if Xiao Tian had deliberately or inadvertently glanced at the storage ring where Venerable Skyfire hid, as if some great terror had singled him out.
That sensation was actually a kind of spiritual pressure, formed by Xiao Tian quietly mobilizing his cultivation technique and physique. Xiao Yan only smiled and did not reveal anything about Xiao Tian.
They flew out of the cave entrance and landed. Xiao Yan inhaled the outside air deeply and exclaimed, "I have never tasted air so sweet."
Xiao Tian appeared shortly after. Su Qian and Xiao Tian watched Xiao Yan's antics as if watching a monkey. Xiao Yan coughed to cover his embarrassment and cupped his hands to Su Qian. "Great Elder."
Su Qian patted his shoulder. "Good, it is good that you are fine."
"Thank you for your concern, Great Elder." Xiao Yan scratched his head. "Fortunately, I did not fail my mission. Everything is settled."
He was about to take out the Fire Gathering Pot when Xiao Tian interrupted. "Great Elder, I know you are in a hurry, but do not rush. First, reseal this place so no one can enter."
Xiao Tian's warning was sensible. The cave concerned Tuoshe Ancient God's dwelling and had to be treated seriously. Although the Flame Lizardmen inside served as guardians, who could be sure they would never come out? They were not like some unlucky souls meant to be trapped forever.
Su Qian understood and quickly formed hand seals. The sealed barrier at the cave entrance reappeared. "You two can discuss the rest. I will not participate." Xiao Tian left the sealed area and sent a voice transmission to Xiao Yan as he departed. Su Qian suppressed his excitement and flew with Xiao Yan toward his study.
In the study they conversed while Xiao Yan took out the Fire Gathering Pot containing the nascent Fallen Heart Heavenly Flame. Su Qian examined the pot with an excited expression, watching the Heavenly Flame pulse inside.
Xiao Tian went to the Boundless Gate. The Boundless Gate was growing stronger and had become a leading force in Jia Nan Academy. Entering it was now an honor. Xiao Tian observed in secret. The entire gate used his former pavilion as its base. The pavilion had been greatly expanded and enclosed. Many people came and went wearing the Boundless Gate emblem and carrying proud expressions.
In one room Hu Jia was diligently handling affairs, though Xiao Yu and Wu Hao were absent. Xiao Tian appeared in the study, sat, and released a wisp of his aura. Hu Jia sensed another presence and called out. Xiao Tian isolated the sound so no one would rush in.
When Hu Jia saw him she was stunned, then recovered and teased him. "How does a busy person like you have time to come here?"
Hu Jia was glad to see Xiao Tian. He had always been the one she chased and the reason she rose in the Inner Academy. She had once been called Little Witch in the Outer Academy, and she owed much of her current status to him. Thinking of how Xiao Tian treated her like a workhorse, her smile faded.
"Tiger Girl, in the academy you should address me by my title, understand?" Xiao Tian retorted.
"Elder Xiao, Elder Xiao, Elder Xiao." Hu Jia reluctantly complied, rolling her eyes. "Satisfied now? Also, do not call me Tiger Girl. My name is Hu Jia."
"All right, Tiger Girl."
"I know, Tiger Girl."
"I cannot take it anymore. Watch me bite you to death." Hu Jia could not hold back. She unleashed a movement technique and pounced, baring her small tiger teeth.
Her speed was slow compared to Xiao Tian. He froze her and pinched her chin. "Do not get your saliva on me. Also, why is your temper so hot? That is not good."
Hu Jia tried to retort but could only make muffled noises. Xiao Tian flicked a pill into her mouth. It melted instantly and he released her. "What did you give me to eat?" she asked, rubbing her sore face.
"Aphrodisiac," Xiao Tian said to scare her.
"Then am I supposed to be blushing and burning with desire right now?" Hu Jia raised an eyebrow, not easily fooled but feeling a faint panic.
"It is not time yet. Wait a little longer." Xiao Tian leaned back and teased.
"Then your medicine is really bad. It even needs time." Hu Jia rolled her eyes, but then felt a warmth spreading through her body and grew flustered.
"Of course not. This is a Marrow Cleansing Pill. It can improve your cultivation aptitude." Xiao Tian revealed. The pill was the recently refined seventh-grade Marrow Cleansing Pill. Yun Yun and the others had taken it. For those with special physiques, the effect was modest, but for others it was immense. Hu Jia and the others had worked tirelessly to manage Boundless Gate, so this was a reward.
"Ah. I am at odds with you. Watch me bite you to death." Realizing she had been tricked, Hu Jia shrieked in anger. Xiao Tian flashed away and, with a wave of his hand, returned her to her seat. "Give these two to Wu Hao and Xiao Yu."
He left with a parting tease. "Also, little tiger teeth are not just for biting people, you know."
Hu Jia was full of questions and fury. She understood why Xiao Tian had tricked her and could not help but grit her teeth. She turned and ran to her room, feeling sticky and uncomfortable.
What Xiao Tian did not know was that the aphrodisiac boomerang would hit him in the future, and not just once.