BTTH: Purple Heaven Thunder Emperor

The next day, early morning.

Xiao Bai opened his eyes as he woke up from bed. He hadn't cultivated last night but had instead enjoyed a good night's sleep.

After all, once he left, things wouldn't be as convenient as when he was at home, so it was important to rest and recharge.

He got up, washed up, dressed, and opened the door.

Outside the courtyard stood a solitary, graceful figure. Xiao Bai wasn't sure how long she had been waiting.

"Brother Xiao Bai, you're awake!"

Although her eyes were filled with reluctance and longing, when she saw him, she still managed a smile and spoke softly.

Seeing her like this, Xiao Bai felt a twinge of heartache. She must have come so early because she was afraid he might leave without saying goodbye.

He sighed internally, walked over to her, gently pulled her slender form into his embrace, and softly stroked her hair. He didn't say a word.

In his arms, Xun Er greedily inhaled the familiar scent, tightening her hold on him as if trying to merge herself with his body, to leave with him.

Unlike when Xiao Bai was refining pills on the back mountain last time, when she knew he was nearby and could still see him whenever she wanted, this time, once he left, she wouldn't be able to see him at all.

The thought of being separated from Xiao Bai for such a long time made her feel an immense sense of reluctance.

"Let's go! How about sending off to your Brother Xiao Bai?" After a moment, Xiao Bai looked down and softly said to the girl in his arms.

Upon hearing this, Xun Er nodded her small head sadly in his embrace.

"Mm!"

The two of them made their way to the gate of the Xiao family. There, a young man in black stood lazily by the stone lion at the entrance.

When he saw them, he immediately perked up, waved his hand, and grinned, saying, "Brother Bai, you're finally out!"

Hearing this, Xiao Bai felt a little frustrated. Why did everyone else seem to arrive earlier than him? He glanced up at the sky—it was still not fully bright!

Shaking off the frustration, he smiled and nodded to Xiao Yan. "Let's go!" He then took Xun Er's hand and led the way toward the city gate.

At the city gate of Wutan City, many people were coming and going. Some were entering the city to sell goods, while others were heading out on their journeys.

The three of them were standing in a quiet spot not far from the gate.

"Brother Bai, be careful out there. I hope your trip goes smoothly. Remember to come back next year for my coming-of-age ceremony. Don't miss it," Xiao Yan said jokingly, though there was a hint of envy in his eyes. He also wanted to go out and explore!

But he couldn't. His strength was too low, and he would just slow them down if he went.

Xiao Bai looked at the smiling young man in front of him, his feelings somewhat complicated. This time, things would be different once he left.

Some things were still his, but others were no longer his.

But there was nothing to be done. Xiao Bai had already made clear plans for his future. For things he needed, he wouldn't hesitate to take them, even if they would belong to Xiao Yan in the future.

To get stronger, there were things he couldn't afford to miss. As for waiting for Xiao Yan to become a Dou Di, sorry, but Xiao Bai couldn't do that right now.

Since he had come to this world, he didn't seek life grand or magnificent, but at the very least, he wanted to fight for his own path. He couldn't rely on others for everything.

Moreover, this world wasn't safe. Who knew if he could survive long enough to see that day? What if, one day, he went out and some powerful figure took a dislike to him and casually ended his life?

So, others' strength was their own business. In a world where strength was revered, being strong oneself was the only way to feel secure.

So, this was the path of cultivators!

As for the "Millennium Plan" from Hun Tiandi, Xiao Bai had a vague countermeasure in mind. For now, he planned to prevent Hun Tiandi from gathering all the pieces of the Ancient Jade, buying himself more time.

He would think about the rest later. There was still plenty of time, no need to rush!

"Brother Bai, why are you looking at me like that? You'll miss your little brother, huh?" Xiao Yan noticed Xiao Bai staring at him strangely for a while, then grinned playfully and teased.

Xiao Bai smiled, patted his shoulder, and said, "Train well. Senior Yao Lao and I will be back before your coming-of-age ceremony. I hope by then, you'll be able to pass the family test!"

"Brother Bai, who do you think you're looking down on! By then, I'll definitely be a Dou Practitioner, alright?" Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, feeling a bit indignant.

"Good! You've got ambition!" Xiao Bai nodded, smiling warmly. He then turned his gaze toward Xun Er, who had been silent ever since they arrived here.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan quietly walked away, afraid of being fed a mouthful of dog food.

Once Xiao Yan was far enough away, Xun Er moved her steps slightly and walked up to Xiao Bai. Her eyes were filled with reluctance, and she reached out her delicate hand to adjust Xiao Bai's collar, while gently reminding him.

"Brother Xiao Bai, be careful when you're out there. If you run into an enemy, fight if you can, run if you can't. Don't be reckless. Your life is a thousand times more precious than theirs. Always remember, Xun Er will be waiting for you at home!"

Then Xiao Bai felt his collar tighten as Xun Er, in a slightly playful tone, added, "Also, don't go messing around with other girls out there. Otherwise... humph!"

"I'm innocent, Xun Er! You know how well-behaved I am in the family. Have I ever messed with girls like Xiao Yu or Xiao Qing?" Xiao Bai protested, raising his hands in defense.

"Hmph! You may not have gone after them, but every time you see Xiao Yu, your eyes practically fall on her legs. Don't think Xun Er doesn't know. I've just been covering for you because I didn't want to embarrass you," Xun Er said, casting a playful glare at him, followed by a soft snort.

Xiao Bai felt a bit awkward, rubbing his nose. He thought everything had been discreet, that Xun Er hadn't noticed, but it turned out she knew everything.

Seeing his awkward expression, Xun Er decided not to continue the topic.

She gently stroked Xiao Bai's chiseled face, her beautiful eyes full of reluctance and affection, her voice soft.

"Brother Xiao Bai, remember to come back soon. Xun Er will miss you!"

Unable to hold back any longer, she suddenly threw herself into Xiao Bai's arms and hugged him tightly.

Feeling the soft fragrance in his arms and sensing her sadness, Xiao Bai wasn't particularly fond of the atmosphere. It felt as though they were parting for life and death.

Thinking quickly, he leaned down and whispered something in her delicate ear.

Immediately, Xun Er's face turned crimson. She quickly pulled away from Xiao Bai's embrace, reaching up to cover his mouth, her eyes full of shyness as she exclaimed loudly:

"Don't say it!"

Xun Er immediately recalled the scene from yesterday when Xiao Bai changed his clothes. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and her long legs felt weak at the thought.

"Hehe~ Alright, alright, I won't say it!"

Seeing that she no longer looked as sad, Xiao Bai smiled and nodded repeatedly.

"Hmph!"

Once he agreed, Xun Er gave him a playful glare and snorted lightly.

After her face regained some of its usual color, Xiao Bai waved at Xiao Yan, who had been waiting in the distance.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan knew that their farewell was over and quickly ran over. He took off a ring and handed it to Xiao Bai.

Xiao Bai took the ring, but it trembled slightly when it landed in his hand, though he couldn't tell if it was just a trick of his mind.

He nodded at Xiao Yan and said, "Take care, Xiao Yan!"

He then turned to the young girl, his voice soft, "Take care!"