章 5: Chapter 5: Xiao Yan: Xun'er, What Do You Think?
"Congratulations, Cousin Mo Yu."
Just as Mo Yu was about to leave, a voice called out, causing him to stop in his tracks.
He turned his head and saw a thin, lonely figure slowly approaching. The young man's face was expressionless, clearly in a bad mood, but when he faced Mo Yu, he forced a smile.
"Cousin Mo Yu, I heard you've been in seclusion for a while. I didn't expect you to surprise everyone today."
It was Xiao Yan. Upon hearing the greeting and congratulation, Mo Yu was momentarily stunned but quickly understood.
Though Mo Yu's parents were no longer alive, his mother had been a cousin of Xiao Yan's father, Xiao Zhan. So Xiao Yan calling him "cousin" wasn't wrong. Moreover, Mo Yu suddenly recalled that the original body had a decent relationship with Xiao Yan.
Of course, it wasn't a deep bond, merely that in the past three years, Mo Yu's original self had been one of the few who hadn't mocked or kicked Xiao Yan while he was down, and had even offered him encouragement.
Thus, in the Xiao family, among the peers, their relationship was the best — aside from Xun'er, of course.
"I didn't expect to be Xiao Yan's ' unforgettable first friend' in his heart." Thinking of the original body's actions, Mo Yu couldn't help but find it amusing.
But since they already had a good relationship, and Mo Yu had a favorable impression of Xiao Yan, he didn't mind getting closer to him.
After all, it wouldn't be long before Xiao Yan's meteoric rise began. This guy would soon ascend at an astonishing speed, becoming the renowned "Flame Emperor" who shook the entire Dou Qi Continent.
"Hello, Cousin Mo Yu."
At that moment, a crisp, clear voice, like that of a serene lotus, floated over. Along with the voice, a faint fragrance swept by.
It was Xun'er. Seeing Xiao Yan standing there, she slowly walked over to stand beside him, greeting Mo Yu with a gentle, almost wifely grace.
"Hello, Cousin Xun'er." Observing the delicate girl up close, Mo Yu felt a moment of distraction before quickly composing himself.
There was no denying that Xun'er, at this moment, was like a budding flower, at the prime of her pure and beautiful youth.
But Mo Yu had seen much in his previous life. He had experienced saints removing his shoes for him and celestial maidens washing his clothes. Though Xun'er was undeniably beautiful, she still bore a youthful immaturity that lacked deeper charm.
Moreover, at this time, both Xun'er's heart and soul were tied to Xiao Yan. Compared to her, Mo Yu still preferred the original.
Noticing how Mo Yu remained indifferent and unshaken in her presence, Xun'er, who had never cared much for her beauty, couldn't help but flash a hint of surprise in her bright eyes.
Although she didn't care about her appearance, she knew well how much of a temptation it was to hot-blooded young men.
Yet, the young man before her had only glanced at her once, then looked away as if admiring a beautiful flower on the street. It was clear he wasn't a typical fifteen-year-old boy.
Recalling how the examiner had praised him earlier, Xun'er, a member of the ancient Gu Clan, couldn't help but wonder, "Could the Xiao family produce another true genius besides Brother Xiao Yan?"
With that thought, Xun'er's attitude toward Mo Yu became more respectful.
"Thank you, Cousin Mo Yu, for looking after Brother Xiao Yan all these years. If there's ever a chance, Xun'er will definitely find a way to repay you."
Xun'er had always been observant and thoughtful, so she had noticed and appreciated how Mo Yu had consistently encouraged and supported Xiao Yan over the past three years.
For Xun'er, who valued Xiao Yan above all else, any kindness to him was a kindness to her.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression turned complicated. Xun'er's kindness towards him was too profound.
Ignoring Xiao Yan's inner turmoil, Mo Yu raised an eyebrow at Xun'er's words.
He wasn't like Xiao Yan, the naive kid. He knew very well the power behind this young girl.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that if Xun'er or even the Gu Clan behind her were willing to provide him with resources, he could likely restore a third of the Thunder Soul within his body to its peak state.
Of course, that was merely a thought. The Thunder Soul was his greatest secret, and he wouldn't reveal it until he had enough strength. If the Gu Clan discovered he possessed such a treasure, they would likely imprison him for life, even if they showed mercy on Xun'er's account.
Although he couldn't rely on the resources of the Gu Clan, gaining a favor from Xun'er was more than enough.
"Hehe, I'll remember your offer, Cousin Xun'er. If I ever need your help, I won't hesitate to ask. I hope you won't refuse when the time comes." Mo Yu smiled lightly, nodding in agreement.
Seeing Mo Yu accept so readily surprised Xun'er.
"Could he know my true identity?" she wondered silently.
However, she quickly shook her head. Her mission of infiltrating the Xiao family was a closely guarded secret of the clan. Even the Xiao family patriarch didn't know the full extent of the power behind her. How could Mo Yu, the grandson of a steward, know her identity?
In the end, she chalked it up to Mo Yu being a straightforward person, even though he didn't appear that way at all.
Ignoring Xun'er's musings, Mo Yu turned to the still somewhat dejected young man beside him, recalling a line from his previous life.
Mo Yu reached out, placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, and said seriously, "Cousin Xiao Yan, though you may be facing difficulties, that's no reason to give up. There's a saying: Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west. Don't underestimate the young and poor! You may be down now, but that doesn't mean you'll stay down forever. I believe in you. One day, the entire continent will look up to you in awe."
Upon hearing this, Xun'er was the first to react. She looked at Mo Yu and Xiao Yan, her eyes sparkling like diamonds. A gentle smile graced her lips as she thought to herself, "For the entire continent to admire... It seems Cousin Mo Yu has more faith in Brother Xiao Yan than I do. With such encouragement, Brother Xiao Yan will surely regain his fighting spirit."
Thinking of Mo Yu's deep and unreadable demeanor, his calm, unfathomable eyes, Xun'er smiled playfully.
The Xiao family certainly had another intriguing person, besides Brother Xiao Yan.
"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west..." Xiao Yan mumbled to himself, and before long, a renewed vigor appeared in his eyes.
"Cousin Mo Yu, you're right. I'm still young. I'll definitely find out why my body changed, and I won't let my father, Xun'er, or you down!" Xiao Yan said solemnly.
Seeing the dejection fade from Xiao Yan and a new determination take its place, Mo Yu smiled and nodded, leaving with a wave after offering his words of encouragement.
Watching Mo Yu's retreating figure, Xiao Yan's gaze hardened. He turned to Xun'er and asked, "Xun'er, what do you think of Cousin Mo Yu now?"
Seeing Xiao Yan's lingering gaze, Xun'er felt an odd pang of jealousy but quickly brushed it aside. She followed his gaze to Mo Yu's fading silhouette and replied playfully, "Cousin Mo Yu has changed a lot. In the future, he won't be someone who stays under others. Brother Xiao Yan, you better work hard, or you might not even see his back!"
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