Li Xuanxiao watched Xiao Ran's behavior from outside the monitoring room. He had tried persuading Xiao Ran to leave home and continue cultivating for a while longer. Xiao Ran had agreed and stayed away for over three months.

But during these three months, Li Xuanxiao could clearly see Xiao Ran's distracted state. After losing Su Wan as his rival, Xiao Ran's drive for progress was gradually fading. Previously, he wished to split one day into two for cultivation. Now, he would close his eyes and open them - and a whole day would pass.

Looking at Su Wan's situation, ever since her defeat by Xiao Ran, she no longer frequented Silver Sword Peak daily. Instead, she secluded herself in her cave dwelling, devoting herself to cultivation. It was as if their roles from years ago had reversed.

This reminded Li Xuanxiao of a classic saying: "A state will perish without loyal ministers internally and threatening enemies externally." What should he do? Xiao Ran was the crucial piece he had specially cultivated to counter that abstract senior sister. Through long-term guidance, Li Xuanxiao truly believed Xiao Ran had great potential, both in cultivation talent and personal character. If this continued, wouldn't all his cultivation achievements be wasted?

Narrowing his eyes, Li Xuanxiao began formulating plans.

"......"

Yawning, Xiao Ran glanced at the sun before leisurely putting on his clothes. In the past, he would sleep on the ground, but now he found beds truly comfortable! Enjoying comforts when available, he even started thinking this was how life should be.

After brief cultivation practice in the courtyard, Qing'er called him out for a spring outing. Qing'er, his personal maid, had now blossomed into an elegant young woman. Dressed in green robes, she resembled the freshest spring grass. Years had faded her youthful innocence, replaced by subtle mature charm. The green attire accentuated her snow-white complexion.

"Young master, let's go~" Qing'er's delicate, boneless hand wrapped around Xiao Ran's arm. Though initially intending to continue cultivation, Xiao Ran reconsidered. Cultivation could wait, but spring scenery wouldn't. Thus, master and servant set off together.

Their journey was filled with laughter and joy. Xiao Ran rode leisurely, admiring the green mountains and clear waters with complete relaxation. "Young master, look - butterflies!" Qing'er reached out to catch one.

Xiao Ran smiled when suddenly, Elder Soul's voice echoed in his mind: "Danger! Run!"

Hmm? Xiao Ran's expression changed slightly, puzzled by Elder Soul's warning. Before he could react, a black-robed figure materialized before him. Startled, Xiao Ran barely registered the figure before a powerful kick slammed into his face.

"Boom—!!" The tremendous force sent Xiao Ran flying dozens of yards. Barely stabilizing himself, he demanded, "Who are you?!"

The black-robed figure laughed strangely, "Hahaha! Asking my identity? You're unworthy."

Elder Soul warned urgently: "Xiao Ran, flee! You're no match for him." Gripping the greatsword on his back - fortunately his habit of carrying weapons saved him - Xiao Ran prepared for battle. Unlike ordinary swords that could be stored in the dantian, this massive blade required physical carrying.

Now at Nascent Soul stage, even Su Wan wasn't his match. Invincible among peers! Xiao Ran twisted midair, bringing his greatsword down in a devastating slash.

"Seeking death! Frog in a well." The black-robed figure effortlessly dodged. The sword struck ground with tremendous force, creating a massive dust cloud that spread like gray fog.

Something's wrong! How could a ground impact create such dense fog? Poison?! Xiao Ran immediately sealed his seven orifices, but still felt toxins entering his body. His expression darkened, though fortunately the poisoning wasn't severe. Quickly swallowing a detox pill, he heard Qing'er's cry: "Young master!"

"Get back!" Xiao Ran knew this opponent was formidable - otherwise Elder Soul wouldn't have urged retreat.

Thousand Peaks Sword Art! Xiao Ran unleashed his signature technique immediately. Yet shockingly, his opponent seemed intimately familiar with every move, even more so than Xiao Ran himself. Each weakness in his swordplay was exposed and exploited mercilessly.

Xiao Ran's face showed disbelief, "You... who are you really?!"

"Frog in a well, you're unworthy." The black-robed figure kicked Xiao Ran's sword away, dismantling his proud swordsmanship. Collapsing breathlessly, Xiao Ran heard Qing'er's scream: "Young master!"

"Qing'er, stay back!" The black-robed figure waved a hand, telekinetically lifting Qing'er. "Ah...!"

Xiao Ran's eyes nearly burst from their sockets, "DON'T TOUCH HER!!" Struggling up, he charged again only to be defeated once more.

"Young master... save me!" "AAAAH!!"

Mountains seemed to tremble as mountain shadows materialized behind Xiao Ran. He swung his sword again. The black-robed figure flashed cold steel, "Very well, let this frog witness true swordsmanship today."

A light, seemingly powerless thrust completely dismantled Xiao Ran's momentum, sending him crashing down, sword falling from his grip. "Huff... huff..." Xiao Ran experienced that same helplessness from years ago.

"Die, insect!" Just then, a shadowy figure materialized before him. Xiao Ran gasped - it was Elder Soul, appearing physically for the first time after years of companionship. Xiao Ran had long regarded him as family.

"Boy, take Qing'er and run!" Elder Soul roared. The black-robed figure sneered, "A soul spirit? Today's my lucky day."

"This kid's under my protection!" Elder Soul declared boldly. "We'll see about that!" "Bring it on!" "AAAAH!!"

Their fierce battle erupted instantly. "Run, boy, or we all die here!" Elder Soul shouted. Clenching his fists, Xiao Ran knew his current strength was useless. Years with Elder Soul taught him when sentimentality must yield to necessity. Grabbing Qing'er, he fled to seek reinforcements from the Xiao family.

Returning with backup, they found only ruins. Both Elder Soul and the black-robed figure had vanished. Xiao Ran stared blankly, "Elder Soul!" Memories flooded him - nights of cultivation guidance, lessons about beasts and cultures, alchemy and herbology teachings... Without Elder Soul, he wouldn't be who he was today.

"Young master, look." Someone handed him half a jade pendant inscribed: "Soul Hall Emissary."

Soul Hall? What sect was this? Xiao Ran had never heard of it - because Li Xuanxiao had fabricated it. This must have fallen from the black-robed man during battle. Soon, Xiao Ran found Elder Soul's final message carved on a leaf: "You'll always be my pride~"

Xiao Ran: "o(╥﹏╥)o" Beating his chest in anguish, he vowed: "Elder Soul... I WILL find you!"