Xiao Hei didn't give Yan Jiaojiao any reaction.
His mind was filled with the words "Yan Jiaojiao of Floating Clouds Cave".
He never expected to hear those familiar words from Yan Jiaojiao's mouth.
Initially, Dongfang Cangwu had suspected Yan Jiaojiao's identity. Sometimes she was too similar to that woman, but other aspects didn't match, so Dongfang Cangwu stopped considering it.
Moreover, in their subsequent interactions, Dongfang Cangwu gradually accepted Yan Jiaojiao's identity and did not intend to continue searching for that woman's shadow in her.
So much time had passed; if that woman were alive, she would likely be dead by now.
But he never imagined that someone else could utter the familiar name "Floating Clouds Cave".
Although there could be Floating Clouds Caves everywhere, the six words "Yan Jiaojiao of Floating Clouds Cave" were too familiar to Dongfang Cangwu.
Because that foolish woman had always claimed her dwelling was in Floating Clouds Cave.
But Dongfang Cangwu later learned she had lied.
Because there was no Floating Clouds Cave in the world.
By the time he actually found Floating Clouds Cave, it had already been ransacked, with nothing of that woman's left behind.
To retrieve all of that woman's belongings, Dongfang Cangwu later directly confronted those people and used various extreme methods to snatch them back.
But even though those items were still there, the woman was gone.
Dongfang Cangwu twisted his body, wishing he could instantly transform into Dongfang Cangwu and ask Yan Jiaojiao how she knew about Floating Clouds Cave.
But to transform, he had to wait until Yan Jiaojiao fell asleep or was unconscious.
And if she fell unconscious, what would be the point of asking?
"Wuwuwu..."
In his haste, Dongfang Cangwu began to spin in circles on the spot.
He wished he could speak human words right now.
Dongfang Cangwu stared at Yan Jiaojiao, whimpering in anxiety.
Yan Jiaojiao wasn't a sensitive person to begin with, and since there were no discernible expressions on Xiao Hei's face, any emotion in his eyes appeared wet and cuddly.
She thought Xiao Hei was happy because she praised him. She reached out and scratched Xiao Hei's chin. Dongfang Cangwu, following the instinct of a puppy, comfortably narrowed his eyes and raised his chin, while anxiously wishing he could bite Yan Jiaojiao.
This foolish woman!
Did he look like someone who lacked affection?
Dongfang Cangwu tried to overcome his instincts, but he ultimately failed.
"Wuwuwu..."
Never mind, there would be opportunities to figure it out later!
Dongfang Cangwu thought this, but didn't notice his gaze towards Yan Jiaojiao had become exceptionally gentle.
He was now almost certain this woman was connected to that foolish woman.
Considering the time, perhaps this woman was that woman's descendant?
If so, then her connection to him could be explained. He owed that woman something back then; taking good care of her descendant now would be a good deed.
"Wuwuwu..." Xiao Hei whined more joyfully, nuzzling Yan Jiaojiao's palm with his head.
Yan Jiaojiao smiled, "Alright, alright, I never saw you so clingy before. Who did you learn this from?"
Xiao Hei couldn't speak and thus couldn't answer Yan Jiaojiao's question.
Yan Jiaojiao hadn't expected an answer and picked up Xiao Hei, intending to follow Jiang Yiling and the others.
But halfway there, the communication talisman Yan Jiaojiao had left for Rong'er suddenly made a sound.
"Are you Yan Jiaojiao?"
Yan Jiaojiao stopped abruptly. "I am. Who are you?"
The talismans Yan Jiaojiao had left for Rong'er were directional, only allowing communication with her. At the time, Yan Jiaojiao thought Rong'er and Dongfang Xu lived together, and though they wouldn't encounter danger, they would surely miss her sometimes. If they missed her, they could use this talisman to talk to her.
At least they would know each other's situation.
Yan Jiaojiao had been confined for half a year and hadn't seen them. The communication talismans were almost used up during that time.
Later, Dongfang Xu said the talismans were very precious and should be used sparingly. After that, Rong'er and Dongfang Xu stopped contacting her unless something unmanageable happened.
Yan Jiaojiao had initially thought the lack of a response from the communication talisman was a good sign, but she hadn't expected to hear someone else's voice through it at this moment.
Moreover, the man's voice sounded very rough, making it easy to imagine he was someone difficult to deal with.
Had something happened to Dongfang Xu and Rong'er?
"Don't mind who I am. Do you know Dongfang Xu and Rong'er?"
Yan Jiaojiao's heart skipped a beat, realizing her fears had come true.
"What did you do to them?"
Since the other party had found her using the communication talisman, it meant they already knew their relationship.
Yan Jiaojiao cut to the chase, asking the other party's intentions.
"Hahaha, no wonder everyone said you, Yan Jiaojiao, were straightforward. You truly are so resolute. It's no wonder you've made a name for yourself at Genan Academy."
"Yan Jiaojiao, listen, I have only one goal. I heard you've obtained many good treasures and your cultivation has improved. Coincidentally, I have something I need your help with. Come over, and we can discuss the specifics when you arrive."
Yan Jiaojiao's brow furrowed, her eyes filled with seriousness. "Address."
Although the other party held hostages, Yan Jiaojiao was not careless. Her mind was already racing to devise a plan.
"I won't tell you the address yet. I know your temperament; you'll definitely investigate first. How about this: I'll give you three days. If you don't come to see me after three days, I'll deal with this child and your maid directly."
"Okay."
Yan Jiaojiao knew further discussion was futile and didn't haggle with the other party. She quickly found a flying magical beast, unleashed her full pressure, and the beast immediately submitted.
After Yan Jiaojiao picked up Jiang Yiling and the others, they traveled for two days and one night without rest, returning to Genan Academy.
"I'll go with you?"
Yan Jiaojiao was stopped by Sheng Mo Bai just as she was about to leave after sending everyone back to the academy.
The others clearly had the same idea, but Sheng Mo Bai was faster.
"No need."
Yan Jiaojiao said with a resolute expression, "The news of our competition victory will spread soon. Genan Academy will experience an surge, and this is the best opportunity to recruit disciples. You must help screen them. The sect leader is absent, so don't let others take advantage of the situation. We need to build up our talent pool now, you understand what I mean."
"Besides, this is my personal matter. The other party kidnapped my brother and my maid, they're definitely after me. You don't need to get involved."