Martial arts have become extinct worldwide, yet I am forced to have a large family.

"We've arrived! Everyone, get off the bus!"

With a command from Captain Li, the car door opened, and Yang Xian got out of the car with the others.

A biting wind, carrying sand and dust, swept across my face. In the distance lay a military restricted area completely sealed off by high walls and electric fences.

Team Leader Li just told them a lot, and they need some time to process it.

Before Yang Xian could properly observe his surroundings, an impatient, delicate shout rang out from the side.

"Hey! You!"

Yang Xian's eyelids twitched, and he looked in the direction of the sound. He saw Ye Huairou with striking purple hair striding towards him.

Gan!

It's her again!

Did she recognize me?

No, probably not!

The mask that Mengyun gave her could not only change her appearance and voice, but even subtly adjust her height and body shape.

The appearances and temperaments of "Yang Xi'an" and "Yang Yang" are worlds apart, so there's no reason she could recognize them.

Yang Xian quickly suppressed the turmoil in his heart and put on a puzzled expression.

"Miss, do we...know each other?"

Ye Huairou's momentum faltered when he asked her that question, and she realized how abrupt and rude her behavior had been.

Her pretty face flushed slightly, and for a moment she didn't know how to respond.

Just then, a cool and gentle figure walked over.

Zhou Xiyan's gaze fell on Yang Xian's waist, where an antique jade pendant hung.

That is... the sect's "Water Moon Pendant".

Zhou Xiyan understood.

He was indeed the outside help that Master had invited; my guess was correct.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Yang."

Zhou Xiyan nodded slightly, her voice like a clear spring, "My companion was a bit reckless, but we meant no harm..."

Before she could finish speaking, another figure squeezed through the crowd and stood in front of Yang Xian.

The newcomer was not tall, but had a refined face; it was Jiang Yu.

He ignored Zhou Xiyan and Ye Huairou beside him and stared straight at Yang Xian.

"Mr. Yang Xi'an, I am Jiang Yu from the Jiang family. I would like to invite you to join our team."

Jiang Mengyun, the second sister, had already told her that the man in front of her was her brother-in-law, Yang Xian.

Since my brother-in-law is also looking for the "Nine-Turn Life-Extending Lotus", our goals are completely aligned, so there's no need to worry about his intentions.

All you need to do is protect him along the way.

Upon hearing this, both Ye Huairou and Zhou Xiyan were stunned.

People from the Jiang family? They've also come looking for Yang Xi'an?

The geniuses from other forces around them all cast astonished glances their way.

"Is that someone from the Jiang family? They actually invited someone to team up?"

"On the other side are two of Canglan Martial Arts University's most promising young women, Zhou Xiyan and Ye Huairou! They seem to be here to find that person too!"

"Holy crap, who is that guy? Does he have such influence that he'd let the Jiang family and people from Canglan University fight over him in public?"

"You don't know? He's the champion of this competition, Yang Xi'an! The ruthless guy who destroyed the energy testing device in one move!"

"So it was him! No wonder!"

Not far away...

The voice of the military region leader rang out at that moment:

"Alright! Everyone's here!"

"Those who want to team up, now is your last chance to discuss. If you prefer to go solo, come to me immediately to collect your supplies and set off!"

The person in charge pointed to a pile of metal devices and a compass on the table next to him.

"This is the 'anchor point,' one of your tasks. This is the 'pathfinding pointer.' Once you enter the secret realm, it will always point to the exit of the spatial tunnel. With it, you won't get lost."

"The rest of the time is up to you..."

The person in charge left soon after.

Ye Huairou's competitive spirit was instantly ignited:

"Hey, little brother Jiang Yu, everything should be done in order of arrival. Could you please line up?"

"Even if we were to team up, it wouldn't be your turn!"

Yang Xian was completely dumbfounded as he looked at the two groups of people locked in a stalemate.

He could completely understand why Jiang Yu came to him to team up; it was probably Jiang Mengyun's instruction.

But what about Ye Huairou? I have absolutely no connection with them!

Yang Xian first looked at Zhou Xiyan and Ye Huairou, his tone polite but distant: "Ladies, I would like to ask why you want to team up with me? We are complete strangers."

Ye Huairou snorted and pouted, "She wanted to team up with you, what does that have to do with me?"

She paused, then spoke again:

"I'd like to ask you a question."

"Do you know an uncle surnamed Yang? The knife he's holding is exactly the same as yours, and he uses thunder magic."

Yang Xian knew why Ye Huairou had come.

It turns out this knife betrayed me!

But why is this girl still clinging to me? I'm clearly your savior!

What should I say to her next?

If I say we know each other, what if she keeps bothering me?

If she says she doesn't recognize it, then the knife is hard to explain. Judging from her expression, besides the knife, she probably noticed something else...

After thinking for a moment, Yang Xian decided to sound her out first.

"What brings you to Uncle Yang?"

Just as he was speaking, Luo Bingyan had already silently collected the supplies and stepped into the space tunnel.

Upon hearing Yang Xian's question, Ye Huairou immediately replied:

"Of course, we should report it..."

"To repay his life-saving grace!"

She spoke in a grand and dignified manner, but it didn't sound like gratitude at all.

Repaying a life-saving debt? I think you just want revenge!

Yang Xian thought to himself, but on the surface he looked helpless: "Uncle Yang is elusive, I don't know where he is either."

After saying that, he changed the subject and glanced at Jiang Yu and Zhou Xiyan.

"As for forming a team... that's unnecessary."

"Thank you all for your kind offer, but I prefer to act alone."

I didn't join Ye Huairou and her group because I was afraid she would figure out that I was Yang Yang from the details.

Although this little girl is a bit arrogant and conceited, she is still very smart.

They didn't join Jiang Yu and his group because it wasn't necessary.

He knew that Jiang Mengyun sent her brother-in-law to protect him.

However, this good intention will actually affect his efficiency in finding the "Nine-Turn Life-Extending Lotus".

He has absolute confidence in the safety aspect.

It would be more efficient to split into several groups and search separately.

Upon hearing Yang Xian's refusal, Jiang Yu simply nodded and did not press the matter further.

Zhou Xiyan glanced at him thoughtfully, but said nothing more.

Only Ye Huairou puffed out her cheeks in anger.

"Ungrateful!"

------

Meanwhile, in the core area of ​​Nanhai City.

In an elegant tea room, Mother Jiang put down her teacup:

"Mengyun, the preliminary rounds are over. I'm leaving the military region tomorrow and won't be able to stay home with you."

"So suddenly?" Jiang Mengyun paused.

"Your dad needs me," Jiang's mother said with a hint of helplessness.

Jiang Mengyun put down her cup and suddenly smiled slyly:

"Mom, before I leave, let me tell you a surprise."

"Oh?" Mother Jiang asked with interest, "What surprise?"

A blush appeared on Jiang Mengyun's face.

She gently stroked her flat stomach with her palm, her voice soft yet incredibly clear.

"actually……"

"I am pregnant……"