XIAO SHUXIANG'S

295 - Sky Pagoda Sect II

Lan Guan Zhi was seen walking with Ling Qing Zhu, Nie Shang, and Mo Huai. Among those-Nie Shang the most talkative.

The long-haired young man in jade green clothes, so seriously discussed the plan he would carry out for the development of his trade in the Middle Continent with Mo Huai.

".. I think I can start in this town." Nie Shang toyed the jade-green fan with the pattern of bamboo leaves in his hand.

He also said he would look for a place to rent, which is what he would use to start his business.

"I don't know anything about business, but I'll help you for another job,"

Mo Huai was so polite talking to Nie Shang. He was just an ordinary young man from Cold Cloud City, he was one of the people who had ventured with Xiao Shuxiang while searching for Duan De first.

In the adventure, Mo Huai was not too flashy, and could be said to be a burden because he never fought.

He included the weak youth and almost made Xiao Shuxiang into a man-eating giant flower meal, especially when in place of the Mayor of Cold Cloud City-Xiao Shuxiang had to be hit by a red net attack owned by Bian Que for helping him.

However, even so. Xiao Shuxiang never refused when Mo Huai wanted to go on an adventure with him, he felt that such an experience was important for Mo Huai's development to be strong.

Jing Mi herself had never considered Mo Huai a burden, as she used to be a weak child as well and experience had shaped her into what she was now.

"Young Master Nie, if you start a business in this place.. Then what about Tanah Batu, don't you have responsibilities there..?"

"Brother Mo, I stick with my responsibilities. It's just, I think it's important to build relationships in this place. I want to be one of those traders with a big name,"

Mo Huai smiled and said Nie Shang will definitely be able to do it, he will also help. "Young Master Lan, what do you think?"

"Make a plan, I think you can,"

Nie Shang nodded in spirit, he felt confident after having the support of Lan Guan Zhi, moreover Ling Qing Zhu also nodded in agreement.

Nie Shang started talking about the plan he was going to implement, but instantly an exclamation jolted him.

!

He slightly narrowed his eyes as he looked towards the crowd of people. There was one of the young men dressed in red and appeared to be carrying a small child, the young man's face felt familiar to him.

Not only did Mo Huai, Lan Guan Zhi, and Ling Qing Zhu also see the young man. As it got closer, they were certain that the young man was Xiao Shuxiang, the person they had been waiting for so long.

"Brother Xiao..!" Nie Shang exclaimed, he walked faster than his three companions heading to Xiao Shuxiang's place. His face could not hide the joy of finally being able to reunite with his brother.

Mo Huai looked smiling, yet he was not as good as Nie Shang. He was just walking normally, just like Lan Guan Zhu and Ling Qing Zhu.

"Brother Xiao, I barely recognize you. You now look handsome," Nie Shang patted Xiao Shuxiang's cheeks softly while occasionally pinching him.

"Nie Shang, so you mean that I was less handsome..? You're this really.." Xiao Shuxiang countered Nie Shang's treatment by wiping the handcuff of his friend's head, this jade-green-clothed young man in front of him seemed to have grown into a strong young man.

"Mother.."

Xiao Shuxiang frowned hearing Lan Xiao's voice that seemed to be looking at Lan Guan Zhi. He seemed to have just realized that there was someone else who was with Nie Shang.

?!

"Lan Zhi's.."

"You're taking too long,"

Xiao Shuxiang noticed this white-clothed young man in front of him. When seen from his face.. Lan Guan Zhi did not undergo much change, remaining a calm expression with a drowning gaze.

"Lan Zhi, I noticed that you look fine. I want to apologize for bothering you, but it doesn't seem necessary.."

"Mn, how are you?"

"Mn, as you can see.."

Xiao Shuxiang and Lan Guan Zhi were just ordinary greetings, the two of them did not embrace each other like Yi Wen, Jing Mi, Hou Yong, or Nie Shang did. Even touching hands is not done.

They just stared at each other and slightly held back a smile, even though the expression on Xiao Shuxiang's face was the least able to hide his delight.

Xiao Shuxiang then looked at the girl beside Lan Guan Zhi, since he had actually noticed the thin veiled girl, but he was a little awkward to say hello.

Ling Qing Zhu only put on a flat expression, his eyes also looked mediocre. This is just a mask for his feelings in his heart.

Honestly speaking, he was actually surprised to be able to meet back with Xiao Shuxiang. He had already expected this young man to come to his place after five or ten years to come, but it was unexpected that his Guardian Master had been in front of his eyes.

If Xiao Shuxiang was awkward, then Ling Qing Zhu was much more awkward. She did not know how to say hello first, she was obviously not deep in friendship and she was not the type of aggressive woman like Yi Wen.

Ling Qing Zhu could only shut up and listen as Xiao Shuxiang spoke to Lan Guan Zhi, Nie Shang, and Mo Huai.

"Mother.."

".. Since Lan Xiao had only said one word, had she just learned to talk..?"

Xiao Shuxiang watched the little boy being carried by him, but again it was only the word 'mother' that Lan Xiao said.

"Right," Lan Guan Zhi gently stroked the head of the boy held by Xiao Shuxiang, herself then asked this friend to hand Lan Xiao over to him.

"Save your Qi while in this place, don't wear it to lift Lan Xiao,"

?!

Xiao Shuxiang flinched as Lan Guan Zhi did not wear any Qi at all while holding Lan Xiao. He was amazed because his friend had a stronger physique than him.

"Brother Xiao..!"

"My brother..!"

Hou Yong, Jing Mi, and the others were seen running over, they were finally able to regroup. Xiao Shuxiang, Hu Li, O Zhan, and Xiao Qing Yan were then taken to the Sky Pagoda Sect to rest.

During the trip to the Sky Pagoda Sect, Hou Yong complained a lot about him who every day had to fight as a representative of Xiao Shuxiang, this was because his body was shorter than his other friends.

".. The young man who proposed to Miss Ling was very strong, the few times I almost lost my head. In a single day, I could fight more than three times, and if Young Master Ling did not set the match time.. I might still be in the arena right now," Hou Yong exhaled, himself bowing while clucking softly.

"Will no one fight with Nie Shang or Mo Huai..? They've got a body a little taller than you, but they look weaker than you, Hou Yong.."

Nie Shang and Mo Huai gasped and immediately looked towards Xiao Shuxiang, the words of this friend of theirs were very blatant and worst of all, they could not refute because it was true.

Among Xiao Shuxiang and his friends, it was indeed Nie Shang and Mo Huai who were not particularly prominent. You could say, they are mediocre, both from the face and body shape.

"Brother Xiao, Nie Shang and Mo Huai did not take part in the match as they were not part of the vice Guardian Protector. Nie Shang was a merchant who came to the Middle Continent, so he did not stay overnight at the Sky Pagoda Sect.."

Hou Yong also explained that they always hold regular walks like this. Usually they were also together with Ling Lang Tian, but currently the man had a lot of work in the sect.

"I've missed a lot of information because you've never sent me a message again, I think you've forgotten me.."

"How can we forget you, my brother.." Jing Mi gently patted Xiao Shuxiang's shoulder and embraced the brother, ".. The place here is minimal with your Qi and paper cranes weakening daily. We don't want him to disappear, which is why we keep him,"

Xiao Shuxiang already knew that the Middle Continent was no match for cultivators, he had since been trying to absorb Qi from nature and apparently could not.

If not mastering the Breathing and Deep Energy Techniques, they would obviously only be corpses in this place.

".. The thing is, I don't know how to master the Inner Energy Technique. The only thing I can count on is my Breathing Technique,"

Xiao Shuxiang exhaled softly and slightly looked at the back of Ling Qing Zhu who was walking in front of him.

The young girl was wearing black clothes mixed with dark purple. Her clothes were slightly open on both shoulders to reveal her pure white skin.

His hair was long tied up and he was wearing a thin cloth veil. Long time no see, the White Cat looks prettier than before.

Xiao Qing Yan who was walking beside Xiao Shuxiang continued to pay attention to this young man, he nudged his friend who instantly made Xiao Shuxiang flinch.

"You forgot to blink, you're thinking about what?"

Xiao Shuxiang embraced the 10-year-old child as he pinched his cheek, "I'm thinking about my future, a boy like you won't understand,"

"Brother Xiao.. Your future is with me.."

!!

Xiao Shuxiang was shocked when Yi Wen directly embraced his arm. He was trying to be separated by Hou Yong, Jing Mi, and Xiao Lu.. Yet Yi Wen's embrace was really strong.

"Yi Wen, release Xiao'Er right now. Let's release..!"

"I don't want to, since I've always wanted to do this, so don't stop me, Brother Lu."

Lan Xiao who was in Lan Guan Zhi's arms was seen laughing amusedly as he watched the behavior of Xiao Lu and his friends who continued to force Yi Wen to release his embrace.

Ling Qing Zhu only glanced back at a glance, the commotion that these friends unconsciously carried out made them the center of attention.

There was one of Xiao Shuxiang's friends who stepped on his foot. They did not hear the warning from this young man at all, only Siu Yixin and Hu Li were injured, nor were they able to do so.

"You're all grown up, but you're still acting childish. Really suck! Aren't you ashamed of being laughed at by that little boy?!"

Xiao Qing Yan was finally not a voice, and clearly it made Jing Mi, Xiao Lu, as well as the others flinch. They immediately looked at Lan Xiao who was still laughing amusedly while patting his hands.

"Mother.."

"seen right? You've been such a fool, have you had a less happy childhood? I'm the only one whose childhood wasn't so happy still got sane, but you guys are.." Xiao Qing Yan shook his head while clucking softly.

His manner of speech that was so irritating made Xiao Lu and Yi Wen twitch. The two then pulled Xiao Qing Yan and grinded the child's head with a knuckle.

Xiao Shuxiang was finally able to be free, he chose to walk between Lan Guan Zhi and Ling Qing Zhu compared to his friends.

**

The Sky Pagoda Sect was the widest in the Big Dipper City, the servants there were extremely tight and as if they were covered by a seven meter high wall.

Many buildings in the sect, the most extensive of which is a four-story master building with a reddish-brown feel.

Moreover, what was striking in the sect was the nine-tiered grand pagoda that was the testing ground for the disciples of the Sky Pagoda Sect.

This sect was more filled by disciples from the Ling clan, they were commonly called core disciples. If there are others who are not from the clan, they are placed in the outer building of the sect.

If the Sky Sword Sect only had one wall, then not with the Sky Pagoda Sect. This place had two great walls of the same height, the ninth level pagoda was behind the outer wall of the sect.

"In the Eastern Continent, their sect was still new. But here.. It's like they have their own empire.."

Xiao Shuxiang stared at the seven-meter-high gate in front of him. The door is made of sandalwood with wisteria flower carvings, there are two guards dressed in white with red wisteria flower patterns.

Nie Shang called Xiao Shuxiang and began to say goodbye. He, Mo Huai, as well as Siu Yixin would not enter the Sky Pagoda Sect with them, ".. We have one of the rooms in the inn around here, but we'll come tomorrow. I still want to talk to you,"

Xiao Shuxiang nodded and said he was also still willing to spend time with Nie Shang as well as his friends. They had not eaten together and celebrated their meeting.

"♩♬ Tomorrow we'll take another walk, yo! There's the best wine shop in town, yo! We can have a drink until we get drunk wii!♬♪"

"Of course, but you won't be able to beat me, yo."

Xiao Shuxiang immediately entered the Sky Pagoda Sect when the gate started to open, he caught up with his friends who had already passed through the gate.

Nie Shang, Mo Huai, and Siu Yixin again walked away towards their inn.

Although it was too late, in fact there were still many outer disciples of the Sky Pagoda Sect who appeared to be practicing.

There were a few of them who paused for a moment upon seeing Lan Guan Zhi and Ling Qing Zhu pass by, they saluted so politely.

?!

The lanterns in the Sky Pagoda Sect were quite a lot, let alone there were torches in some parts.

This state of affairs made the sect environment so bright, and it was also what made the outer disciples realize that there were some people they did not recognize.

"Young Master Xiao, this place is like one big city. Exploring everything must have taken a short time.."

Pii..!

"You're right. Seeing this place made me wonder about the vast Big Dipper City.."

Xiao Shuxiang circulated his gaze around, there was one place that was apparently a forest of red wisteria, too many and it seemed like it was artificial.

Xiao Shuxiang had since stepped foot into this sect.. From then on he could feel the Qi of nature. This made him realize that the Sky Pagoda Sect was built on a place with a hefty Qi density.

".. From numbers 1 to 10.. This place is at number 8. This alone was already incredible for cultivating in a continent where most of the inhabitants were warriors,"

The distance between the first gate and the second gate of the Sky Pagoda Sect was approximately 50 meters. The second gate itself was also guarded by two disciples, they opened the gate upon seeing Ling Qing Zhu.

The inner region was a little quieter, only a few disciples seemed to be practicing. Jing Mi and Hou Yong enthusiastically pointed at the building they were sleeping in, both of them slightly confided in Yi Wen as well as Xiao Lu who should not have stayed at this sect.

".. Brother Wen and Big Brother Lu Yang Beautiful originally came with Brother Nie, but they were both very stubborn. Hence Young Master Ling allowed them to stay. They're embarrassing us.." Jing Mi spoke so quietly, she and Hou Yong obviously did not want the two women to hear their complaints.

Ling Qing Zhu stopped stepping and began to stare at Xiao Shuxiang, "You, come with me."

For the first time he opened his voice, after saying the word he walked again. Xiao Shuxiang appeared to raise his eyebrows next to his and then followed Ling Qing Zhu.

"Brother Xiao..! We'll see you again..!"

Hou Yong exclaimed, he and Jing Mi did not come with Xiao Shuxiang as well as Lan Guan Zhi because their rooms were in another building.

Yi Wen looked lethargic, he still had not done anything with his Brother Xiao and now had to part again.

"Brother Xiao.."

"Yi Wen, tomorrow you will also meet Xiao'Er. Do you like my sister that much?"

Yi Wen exhaled softly and looked at Xiao Lu deeply, "I really like Big Brother Lu Yang Beautiful. Very fond of it to the point that I always dreamed of stepping on his head until it broke.." Yi Wen's eyes looked watery as he imagined his dream.

It was not a tear of sadness, but a sign that he was so happy to imagine it. ".. Brother Xiao is my main motivation in making poison. His face looked dazzling and would definitely be even more handsome when he had a terrified expression.."

!!

"You actually like my sister or hate her, anyway? That look on your face was like obsessing over killing Xiao'Er. He's your brother, so be aware.."

Xiao Lu pulled Yi Wen over and took Hu Li and Xiao Qing Yan to one of the buildings, a place where they could rest.

Hou Yong and Jing Mi followed Xiao Lu from behind, both of them were familiar with Yi Wen's behavior.. However not so with Hu Li and Xiao Qing Yan. They felt that Xiao Shuxiang would be in danger if it was close to a girl like Yi Wen.

Elsewhere, Ling Qing Zhu along with Xiao Shuxiang, Lan Guan Zhi, and Lan Xiao encountered Ling Lang Tian.

The white-haired young man with a handsome face was seen inside his room and was checking the letter of challenge on his sister's vice Guardian Protector.

Ling Lang Tian actually did not expect Xiao Shuxiang to come, with this the Protective Star would no longer need to be courted by Lan Guan Zhi or the others to fight with the challengers.

".. Your fight will begin tomorrow. All this time, you kept troubling Young Master Lan and your friends, so you should thank them.."

"Candidate Brother-in-law, at least ask me first.. Know it? I felt like I was surrounded by three icebergs. Your flat-board faces make me uncomfortable,"

Ling Lang Tian snorted and said that Xiao Shuxiang looked good, so there was no need to ask anymore, ".. Long time no see, you're still chatty.."

"Mn, he hasn't changed at all.."

"Mrs,"

Xiao Shuxiang did not know what kind of expression to have after hearing Lan Guan Zhi's words supported by Ling Qing Zhu. He could only sit quietly while gently rubbing his nape.

"Ehm.. By the way, where's your dad..?"

"Hmph, you don't have to switch the conversation. I need an explanation,"

Failing already was Xiao Shuxiang's intention, the young man sitting in front of him turned out to be unplayable. He seemed to have to willingly linger in this room with an atmosphere that he did not like.

Xiao Shuxiang only shared his experiences during his time on the ship and in the Northern Continent, he did not say anything about the Elf World nor the Siren World.

Lan Guan Zhi himself knew his friend had been in the Elf World, yet he did not know Xiao Shuxiang had ever been forcefully pulled into the ocean.

Xiao Shuxiang was only left when the sunlight began to appear, he was escorted by Ling Qing Zhu to one of the rooms to clean up as well as get ready.

"One of the students will come here and take you to the battle arena,"

Xiao Shuxiang watched Ling Qing Zhu who was like avoiding staring at his face. It was like this before, but he didn't bother about it.

"Did I do you wrong?"

"No,"

"really?"

"Mrs,"

Ling Qing Zhu felt uneasy continuing to be stared at by Xiao Shuxiang. In his heart he nervously stood alone with this young man, but he tried to cover it all up.

"Aren't you going to tell me something..? Like 'i miss you', or some kind of encouragement to me.."

***