"Oh? Who are you referring to?" Xiao Tiance asked curiously.
"Don't worry about who it is for now. Just know it's someone who will satisfy you!"
"War God, do you have time now? If you do, come with me to meet her. I think it would be better if you spoke to her in person. It would show more sincerity and increase the chances of success!"
After hearing Chen Xiao's words, Xiao Tiance readily agreed, "No problem, we'll do as you say."
The matter was settled.
Keeping it simple, Xiao Tiance left the airport alone with Chen Xiao, without any subordinates.
He never expected Chen Xiao to bring him back to his home. Even less did he expect that the person Chen Xiao would introduce to him would be a woman.
What he expected even less was that this woman would be Chu Qingluan, the daughter of the Hall Master of the God Slaying Hall.
Xiao Tiance, being the top-ranked among the Four Absolutes of the Heavenly Rankings, was no stranger to the God Slaying Hall. He had even met Chu Qingluan before.
Ten years ago, the God Slaying Hall had invited Xiao Tiance, hoping he would join them and dedicate himself to cultivating martial arts.
However, Xiao Tiance's ambitions had never been in that direction, and he had refused without hesitation.
Chu Qingluan was among those who had invited him back then, and she had secretly resented him for not appreciating the opportunity.
When Xiao Tiance learned that the person Chen Xiao had in mind was Chu Qingluan, he was stunned into silence and felt a pang of despair.
Chu Qingluan, the esteemed daughter of the Hall Master of the God Slaying Hall, would she condescend to guide a few ordinary people?
As expected, after watching the video and hearing Xiao Tiance's intentions, Chu Qingluan's expression turned extremely displeased.
The fundamental and most important reason she had returned with Chen Xiao, besides wanting to experience the outside world more, was Chen Xiao himself!
Yet now, Chen Xiao wanted her to teach a group of strangers, reportedly in a place of ice and snow. How could she accept this?
However, she did not refuse Xiao Tiance directly. Instead, she turned to Chen Xiao and said, "Chen Xiao, come with me for a moment. I have something to say to you."
"Oh."
Chen Xiao responded with an "oh" and followed Chu Qingluan into the adjacent room.
He could naturally sense Chu Qingluan's unhappiness and realized he had been too hasty.
"Is that your intention? For me to guide those people?" Chu Qingluan asked.
"Yes," Chen Xiao nodded. "But if you don't like it, you can refuse directly. It's my fault for assuming, without considering your feelings."
Chu Qingluan remained silent for a moment, lost in thought.
After the silence, she suddenly asked, "What have you been doing these past two days?"
"Just some insignificant trivial matters. What's wrong?" Chen Xiao replied vaguely.
"You're lying to me. You've changed, you're not the same as before." Chu Qingluan's tone became somewhat cold, which was her way of expressing displeasure.
"Alas, fine," Chen Xiao sighed. "Then I'll tell you the truth, but I hope you won't tell anyone."
"Mmm-hmm," Chu Qingluan nodded vigorously, looking expectant.
Then, Chen Xiao recounted the events in the Qingqiu Illusionary Realm to Chu Qingluan.
After experiencing that incident, Chen Xiao felt a sense of urgency, a feeling that time was slipping away.
The emergence of demonic beasts in the northern territories was also unusual, seemingly a sign of something. That was why he hoped for the esteemed eldest daughter of the God Slaying Hall, Chu Qingluan, to go there personally.
In Chen Xiao's eyes, Chu Qingluan was more than just a woman.
She was someone who could stand on her own, surpassing all of Chen Xiao's close confidantes in both martial prowess and intellect.
After listening to Chen Xiao's words, Chu Qingluan suddenly understood. She finally grasped what was different about Chen Xiao.
He carried a sense of urgency.
This was something that unparalleled geniuses had to bear!
"I've decided. I will go to the northern territories with Xiao Zhan," Chu Qingluan suddenly declared.
"Ah?" Chen Xiao was bewildered. He had expected Chu Qingluan to refuse, given her attitude. He never imagined...
"Qingluan, if you don't want to go, you can refuse. Actually, someone else could go. I think Gongsun Yi would be a good choice..."
"Chen Xiao, you don't need to say more." Chu Qingluan placed a finger on Chen Xiao's lips. "No one is more suitable than me, aren't they?"
"If there were a more suitable candidate, you wouldn't have thought of me first, right?"
"Besides, we'll have plenty of time and opportunities to be together in the future, won't we?"
Faced with this sudden, blatant confession, Chen Xiao felt his heart race.
The delicate fragrance from Chu Qingluan's fingertips sent waves of intoxicating warmth through him.
"Yes, we will have plenty of time in the future." Chen Xiao swallowed, finally speaking a word that resonated with his heart.
"Your words are enough," Chu Qingluan smiled sweetly. "Alright, see me off."
With that, she gracefully walked out of the room.
When Xiao Tiance heard that Chu Qingluan would be accompanying him, he was so astonished he couldn't speak.
"What is it, War God Xiao? Judging by your reaction, you don't welcome me?" Chu Qingluan teased.
"No, it's not that. Welcome, a hundred times welcome... I'm just surprised!" After a moment of stammering, Xiao Tiance took a deep breath. "Miss Chu, you are most welcome to join the Tiance Army!"
"Sister, where are you going to play? Hongchan wants to go too. Can you take Hongchan with you?" Seeing Chu Qingluan about to leave, Little Hongchan held her hand tightly.
As expected, while little brothers were good, older sisters were even sweeter.
"This..." Chu Qingluan glanced at Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao's mind raced, and he decided, "Alright, let Little Hongchan accompany you."
"Ah? Chen Xiao, are you sure? The environment in the northern territories is harsh, and Little丫头 is still young... This is not a game!" Xiao Tiance's head began to ache at the thought of Little Hongchan going to the northern territories.
Chen Xiao smiled mysteriously. "War God, don't worry about bringing her. And let me tell you, don't underestimate Little Hongchan. In a critical moment, she alone can hold off a regiment of soldiers!"
"That's right! Big Uncle, don't look down on Little Hongchan. Little Hongchan might eat them!" Little Hongchan said, with the cunning of a child.
Xiao Tiance was amused and exasperated. What kind of skill was "eating them"?
However, since Chen Xiao had said so, it would be impolite to refuse again. He reluctantly agreed to bring Little Hongchan along.
Little did he know that this decision would save the lives of thousands of soldiers.
But that was a story for another time.
Chen Xiao bid farewell to Chu Qingluan and Little Hongchan with lingering reluctance.
Immediately after, he wasted no time and began the next step: finding a Yin Walker!