Battle Through the Heavens: I can solidify the talents of all things

Chapter 70, Ling Ying: Miss, Young Master Xiao Qing is back!

The Xiao family's residence is located in an exquisite and secluded villa.

Six-year-old Gu Xun'er was sitting on a stone bench, her little hand supporting her chin, gazing intently at the swing that Xiao Qing had made for her in the courtyard.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on Gu Xun'er's body and making her already delicate profile appear even more exquisite and lovely.

Although still young, her innate elegance is already beginning to show.

It is foreseeable that she will become a stunning beauty in the future.

Suddenly, a dark shadow appeared silently behind Gu Xun'er, like a ghost.

It was a middle-aged man dressed in a black robe, his face hidden in shadow, only his eyes were sharp as an eagle's.

"Miss," Ling Ying's voice was low and respectful, "Young Master Xiao Qing has returned."

"Brother Xiao Qing is back?!" Gu Xun'er turned around abruptly.

A dazzling light instantly shone in her bright, expressive eyes, and the joy on her face was like a flower blooming in early spring, impossible to hide.

Gu Xun'er almost jumped off the stone bench immediately, eager to see the person she hadn't seen for almost a year.

However, Ling Ying hesitated for a moment, which was unusual for her.

Then, with a hint of hesitation in his voice, he stammered, "And—the young master—brought back a little girl who is about four years old."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Gu Xun'er's bright smile froze slightly, and her eyes, which had been sparkling with excitement, dimmed at a visible speed.

Gu Xun'er slowly sat back on the stone bench, her small face calm and expressionless, but her slightly pursed lips betrayed a hint of her inner turmoil.

"----knew."

After a long pause, Gu Xun'er responded softly, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

Meanwhile, at the Xiao family's imposing gate.

Xiao Qing, looking travel-worn, stood under the familiar doorway, holding the hand of a thin little girl.

Looking at the powerful characters "Xiao Family" above the door, a rare sense of belonging welled up in my heart, and I couldn't help but sigh softly, "Finally back."

",——

This was the first time Xiao Qing had been away from her family for so long, and also her first time traveling far away for training.

Over the course of nearly a year, they experienced battles in the Monster Mountain Range and adventures in the Tagor Desert.

Having witnessed the mysteries of the Dou Sheng Small World, returning to this familiar land now feels like stepping into another world.

"Big brother—is this your family?"

Qinglin tilted her little face up, looking at the magnificent vermilion gate in front of her, and the two imposing stone lions at the entrance.

Her small hands unconsciously gripped Xiao Qing's clothes, her clear eyes filled with tension and a hint of barely perceptible inferiority.

The grandeur of this mansion was worlds apart from the humble dwelling in Mo City where Qinglin had previously lived.

Xiao Qing keenly sensed Qing Lin's unease.

He stopped, crouched down to be at eye level with Qinglin, and said in a gentle tone like the warm spring sun, "Relax, Qinglin. This is your home from now on, don't be afraid."

Xiao Qing's voice seemed to carry a calming power, and Qing Lin's tense little body gradually relaxed.

Qinglin gave a soft "hmm," but her little hand still gripped Xiao Qing's fingers tightly.

As they entered the Xiao family's gate, Qinglin followed closely behind Xiao Qing.

Although the tension towards the Xiao family has lessened considerably.

But the thought of meeting "Sister Xun'er" whom Xiao Qing had mentioned made Qing Lin's heart race.

Along the way, Xiao Qing mentioned Gu Xun'er to her quite often, saying that she was a beautiful and intelligent older sister.

"Big brother—" Qinglin raised her head and asked anxiously in a low voice.

"Sister Xun'er—won't she like Qing Lin?"

Seeing Qinglin's timid appearance, Xiao Qing's heart softened.

She gently stroked Qinglin's slightly messy hair, her movements tender: "Don't worry, our Qinglin is so well-behaved and adorable, Xun'er will definitely like you."

Upon entering the Xiao family compound, one is greeted by a bustling scene of activity throughout the entire mansion.

The servants hurried along, some hanging colorful ribbons, some moving tables and chairs, and some sweeping the courtyard.

Everywhere was filled with a lively atmosphere on the eve of a festival.

Xiao Qing then suddenly remembered that the Xiao family's triennial coming-of-age ceremony seemed to be approaching soon.

Judging from the preparations, it should be soon. This is a major event for the Xiao family!

This means that another group of young people will officially enter adulthood and take on the responsibilities of their families.

Just then, a burly, imposing man with a thick beard walked towards them. He walked with a powerful stride and a steady demeanor; he was none other than Xiao Zhan, the patriarch of the Xiao family.

Xiao Zhan spotted Xiao Qing standing in the middle of the road at a glance. His previously serious face immediately broke into a hearty smile, and he called out in a loud voice, "Qing'er! You're back!"

"Uncle!" Xiao Qing smiled sincerely and stepped forward quickly.

Xiao Qing had not seen Xiao Zhan for almost a year, and upon closer observation, she found that Xiao Zhan's mental state was much better than last year.

The melancholy that had lingered between his brows for years due to his wife's illness had long since vanished.

Instead, there is confidence in one's own strength and the authority of the head of the family.

"Haha, good! It's good that you're back!"

Xiao Zhan patted Xiao Qing on the shoulder, his eyes full of satisfaction.

"You've been gone for almost a year, and your aunt has been thinking about you every day, missing you terribly!"

Xiao Zhan felt deeply grateful to Xiao Qing.

Not only was his wife's illness completely cured by the elixir given to him by Xiao Qing's teacher.

His own cultivation level also broke through to the Dou Ling level due to this opportunity.

He remembered all of this.

"After I settle in, I'll go visit my aunt."

Xiao Qing smiled and replied that he did indeed miss his gentle and kind aunt.

The two stood by the roadside and chatted. Xiao Qing briefly recounted his experience of going out with his teacher for training.

The extraordinary parts, such as obtaining the strange fire, encountering Queen Medusa, and the small world of the Battle Saint, have been omitted.

It was only said that they followed their teacher to train in the Monster Mountain Range and the edge of the Tagor Desert, broadening their horizons and honing their combat skills.

Xiao Zhan nodded repeatedly. He could sense that Xiao Qing's aura was restrained and his cultivation had obviously improved again, which made him even happier.

The conversation naturally turned to the upcoming coming-of-age ceremony for the Xiao family.

"Qing'er, you've come back just in time." Xiao Zhan stroked his beard and spoke of his eldest son, Xiao Ding, with a hint of pride in his voice.

"In another month, it will be the coming-of-age ceremony for our Xiao family."

This time, your cousin Xiao Ding is exactly sixteen years old, and he is one of the main characters in this coming-of-age ceremony.

"7

When Xiao Zhan mentioned his eldest son, Xiao Ding, his face was full of pride.

Xiao Ding is exceptionally talented, having already reached the eighth level of Dou Qi at a young age. He is considered a leader among the younger generation in Wutan City and is the successor on whom he places high hopes.

"Cousin Xiao Ding is exceptionally talented; he will surely shine brightly at his coming-of-age ceremony," Xiao Qing praised sincerely.

"I hope so." Xiao Zhan smiled.

His gaze finally fell on Qinglin, who had been standing quietly behind Xiao Qing, her head bowed, looking somewhat uneasy. He asked in a kind tone, "Qing'er, who is this little girl—?"

At this time, Qinglin had been carefully cared for and treated with medicinal diet by Xiao Qing.

Qinglin was no longer the emaciated, sallow-faced woman she had been in Mocheng.

Although she is still a bit thin, her face has gained some weight and her skin has become much fairer.

Those big, watery eyes, tinged with a hint of timidity, were especially endearing, and the delicate charm of a little girl gradually emerged.