Invincible Soul Emperor

"Ah, you have a point. It’s the only antidote for your young master, so of course you’d go all out for it. However, we might not be able to help you right now."

Qi Tian’s face was filled with gratitude. Xiao Xiao said nothing, simply watching them with curiosity.

"I thought I heard you two were looking for something. Do you want to come in?" Xiao Xiao hadn’t misheard; the two men were as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

Hearing this, Qi Tian quickly nodded. "Yes, we are looking for something, but it’s a living creature. A while ago, our master picked up a small pet from who-knows-where. It’s a bit ugly, but our master is very fond of it. Now, it’s disappeared. We’ve searched the entire Xue Family estate without finding it, and that little guy has us worried sick!"

Hearing that it was Xue Zhao’s pet, Xiao Xiao couldn’t help but glance around her courtyard.

"That’s unfortunate. I really haven’t seen anything in my courtyard. But you two seem so anxious... Where is Xue Zhao? Why hasn’t she come to find me? I thought she loved that little pet the most."

When Xiao Xiao asked about their master, Qi Tian hurriedly spoke up again. "Ah, Little Girl Xiaoxiao, our master entered closed-door cultivation recently and hasn’t come out in a long time. Otherwise, she would have come out to greet you long ago. We wouldn’t have lost the pet if our master hadn’t entered closed-door cultivation and left it in our care."

As Qi Tian babbled on, Xiao Xiao rubbed her temples, a headache forming.

"I see. So Xue Zhao is in closed-door cultivation? That’s quite rare. Has she had a recent breakthrough in her strength?"

Xiao Xiao’s question immediately energized Qi Tian. "Little Girl Xiaoxiao, you have no idea! Our master has been putting in a tremendous amount of effort to compete for the position of Saintess. Her power has increased by leaps and bounds!"

Qi Tian puffed out his chest with pride as he said this, and Qi Sheng, standing beside him, nodded vigorously.

Realization dawned on Xiao Xiao, and she nodded. "No wonder. So she’s competing for the position of Saintess. Of course, something that important would require a great deal of effort."

Xiao Xiao said as much, but inwardly she felt a pang of regret. Within the Xuezhao Clan, their relationship with Xue Zhao was the strongest. They needed the Xue Family’s help right now, but she had chosen this very moment to enter closed-door cultivation. Still, it wasn’t a total loss. Xue Feng might be able to help them, but there was no telling if he’d be willing.

Seeing Xiao Xiao standing there in a daze, Qi Tian couldn’t help but wave a hand in front of her face. "Little Girl Xiaoxiao, I have a rather bold request," he said with a sheepish grin.

Xiao Xiao looked up, a little bewildered. "You need my help with something?"

"Little Girl Xiaoxiao, as I just mentioned, our master’s pet is missing, and we’re both terribly worried. The thing is, we can’t let anyone else know. If word of this gets back to our master, we’re sure to get a beating. So, Little Girl Xiaoxiao, could you please help us find it?" Qi Tian asked with an embarrassed smile. "Of course, we won’t ask you to help for nothing! Weren’t you trying to get information on the Buddha’s Relic? If you can help us find the pet, we’ll help you get that information."

This was a fair exchange, and Xiao Xiao agreed immediately without a second thought.

"It’s just finding a pet, right? The Xue Family estate is so heavily guarded; a small animal couldn’t have gone far. If we search carefully, we’re bound to find it. By the way, what does this pet of yours look like?"

Qi Tian quickly gestured with his hands. "Our master’s pet is about the size of two palms, completely black, with shimmering golden-yellow eyes. Oh, and one ear is white and the other is black. Its appearance is very distinctive. You’ll recognize it the moment you see it!"

Qi Tian’s description was very detailed, and Xiao Xiao committed it to memory. "I see. In that case, let’s split up."

...

「Elsewhere.」

After dealing with the Zheng Family’s affairs, Xue Feng quickly summoned several elders to the Council Hall.

An elder with a kind face looked at Xue Feng and asked, "Xue Feng, how did things go in the outer city? I hear you’ve already captured the instigator."

Xue Feng nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. The reason the Monster Beasts suddenly breached the barrier is that someone used Demonic Qi to control the most powerful Demon Beast King inside, thereby causing the riot. The Zheng Family, who were responsible for security in the outer city, happened to possess this same Demonic Qi, so the matter is now resolved."

Xue Feng recounted the entire incident from start to finish for the elders before him. Listening to his report, they all nodded in approval.

"Xue Feng, you did well! Your ability to resolve this matter so quickly is plain for all of us to see!"

"Indeed, Xue Feng. Your strength is among the best of the younger generation, and you handle matters so competently. If not for your background, we would have certainly voted for you in the competition for the Saint Heir position!"

"With a descendant like you, the Xue Family can rest easy!"

The elders did not hold back their praise.

Xue Feng gave a modest smile. "Elders, you flatter me. I was simply doing my duty. Besides, I have no interest in that position. I think it’s enough to simply handle the tasks assigned to me."

His humble words earned him even more favor with the elders.

"Haha, that’s our Xue Feng! So calm and composed!"

"Indeed. Rest assured, Xue Feng, you handled this matter beautifully. We will certainly request a reward on your behalf. After all, you’ve worked very hard."

Hearing this, Xue Feng asked directly, "Elders, I do have one request. I was hoping you could report it up for me?"

"Of course, no problem at all!"

Hearing Xue Feng make a request, the elders agreed at once. After all, they were more than willing to help such a capable descendant of the Xue Family. More importantly, Xue Feng had never asked them for anything before.