[Btth],The journey of Immortal Emperor

[Ding!... Host has received 1000 Origin Points from Xiao Yan and Xun'er]

[Ding!... Host has received 400 Constitution Points from Xiao Yan and Xun'er]

A panel materialized in midair, detailing the newly acquired Origin and Constitution points. Xiao Yuan took a deep breath, a glint of excitement flashing in his eyes. "System, open the Mall panel," he commanded inwardly.

[Ding!... Panel 20 unlocked]

[Trade success]

Instantly, the Mall panel transformed before him, displaying a vast selection of items and their costs against a rich, earthy brown background. With a single tap, he navigated to the "Skills" section. His eyes darted over the list, finally resting on the skill he'd been searching for. "System, purchase Meridian Warming," he commanded without hesitation.

[Ding!... Meridian Warming skill acquired]

[Ding!... Mastery of Meridian Warming achieved]

The panel shimmered again, confirming his mastery of the Meridian Warming skill. Xiao Yuan could feel a subtle warmth flowing through his meridians, as if energy itself had been unlocked within him. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the newfound strength and control surging through his body.

Now, with the mastery of Meridian Warming, he was one step closer to his goal. He glanced toward Xun'er, who was standing not far away. She was his greatest inspiration, the reason he strived so hard to grow stronger. Every challenge, every skill he unlocked, it was all to win her heart and protect her.Ultimate leading with more benefits.

Xiao Yuan channeled Dou Qi to his fingertips, focusing the energy precisely as he started massaging Xun'er's meridians. Gradually, his Dou Qi flowed through each of his palms, dispelling the residual Golden Emperor Flame within her body. Her unconscious face softened as the intense pain finally began to fade.

"Cousin should wake up now… Yawn," Xiao Yuan murmured, exhaustion catching up with him. He carefully placed her arm back by her side and rose to his feet, stretching. "I should go to my room and sleep." After about half an hour of meridian warming, he quietly left her room, heading back to his own residence.

Once inside, he settled down, feeling the fatigue of the night's events. But curiosity pulled him toward the Mall panel. "System, tell me everything about the Mall panel," he commanded, his voice low but firm. Instantly, a rush of information flooded his mind, a wave of understanding about how the system worked.

In the Mall panel, items could be purchased using Mall Points, which were earned by selling valuable items. The points received depended on the item's worth. Fortunately, Xiao Yuan discovered that, for his first transaction, he could buy anything in the Mall panel for free. He felt a wave of relief, but it was quickly followed by a pang of regret. Realizing that he had the chance to obtain any item or skill, he lamented choosing a relatively low-level skill like Meridian Warming. With so many more powerful options, he wondered if he had missed an opportunity to gain an edge.

Meanwhile…

A young lady clad in elegant blue and green robes stirred awake, her eyes flashing with a complex mixture of emotions. She sat up suddenly, and with a steely tone, commanded, "Uncle Ling, come out."

In response, a dark figure materialized from the shadows, a faint aura of Dou Qi indicating his considerable strength. His stance was one of utmost respect and obedience. "Yes, Miss. What is your order?" he asked, his voice steady, despite his status as a Dou Huang.

"Report everything that happened here," Xun'er commanded, her voice laced with a cool detachment. She had little time for pleasantries or bonding with her uncle.

Ling Ying bowed respectfully, his voice filled with obedience despite his formidable Dou Huang strength. "Miss, after you lost consciousness, Xiao Yuan carried you to the bed. He then warmed your meridians, alleviating the intense pain caused by the residual energy from the Golden Emperor's Incinerating Flame."

Xun'er's expression softened slightly as she listened, a faint sigh of relief escaping her. "How did Xiao Yan and Cousin Xiao Yuan get in here?" she asked, her voice sharpening.

Ling Ying's face grew troubled. "Apologies, Miss. It was due to my oversight that both Xiao Yan and Xiao Yuan managed to enter," he admitted, his tone steady but filled with respect. He had left briefly to gather herbs, and by the time he returned, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan were already inside. He had arrived just in time to witness their entry, though he hadn't fully understood the extent of their actions.

Xun'er raised an eyebrow. "I see. Uncle Ling, make sure this doesn't happen again," she replied with a quiet authority. "But tell me, exactly how did they get in?"

Ling Ying responded without delay. "Miss, Xiao Yan climbed the walls and entered through the front gate. Meanwhile, Xiao Yuan approached from the back mountains. He was resting on top of the wall just before Xiao Yan arrived," he explained, maintaining his steady tone. Thankfully, Xiao Yuan was tired enough to avoid attracting further trouble that night.

Xun'er's gaze drifted off as she absorbed his words, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"It seems what he said was true," Xun'er murmured thoughtfully, her gaze drifting as if recalling Xiao Yuan's recent actions. She paused for a moment, then turned back to Ling Ying. "Collect information about Brother Xiao Yuan," she ordered, her voice soft and carrying an unusual warmth when she mentioned "Brother Xiao Yuan."

Ling Ying couldn't help but notice the slight change in her tone. It was rare to hear Xun'er speak so gently, especially regarding anyone outside her clan. Understanding the significance, he bowed deeply, hiding any trace of emotion in his own expression. "Yes, Miss. I will gather all the information I can about Young Master Xiao Yuan." His voice held steady as always, though he made a mental note of her tone.

Without another word, Ling Ying melted back into the shadows, disappearing swiftly and silently to fulfill her request, leaving Xun'er alone with her thoughts.