Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Xiao Bai was about to lead Qing Lin to an inn, planning to buy her new clothes, when he felt a tug on his sleeve. Looking down, he saw her timid expression.

"Young Master, can I go back to get some things?" Qing Lin asked softly.

Realizing he hadn't asked about her home, Xiao Bai nodded. No need for questions now—he'd see for himself. With Qing Lin guiding, he and Hai Bodong headed toward the city's edge.

Along the way, passersby cast scornful glares at Qing Lin. Her small frame trembled, her delicate face shadowed with gloom, clutching a corner of Xiao Bai's robe tightly. "Lift your head. Ignore those looks. You owe them nothing, and you don't live for them—you live for yourself," Xiao Bai said calmly.

His words stunned her, her nose twitching as a spark lit her eyes. Yes, I don't have to cower anymore. I have Young Master. Someone cared for her, someone who'd stand up if she was bullied. Live for myself? she thought, gripping his robe. And for Young Master, too.

At Qing Lin's home, Xiao Bai gained deeper insight into her plight. A patched-up wooden shack sat in a small, desolate courtyard, far from the few scattered neighbors. Qing Lin went inside to gather her things, while Xiao Bai and Hai Bodong waited at a wooden table in the yard, respecting her privacy.

Soon, she emerged, eyes red, clutching a small bundle, her mood visibly low. "Young Master, I'm ready," she said softly.

Xiao Bai nodded, about to leave, when a sudden sensation made him pause. He sat back down, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Qing Lin! Qing Lin, are you here?" a woman's voice called from outside.

"It's Sister Xue Lan!" Qing Lin exclaimed.

A bold, fiery female mercenary burst in, her short outfit barely covering her chest and hips, revealing a bronzed, toned waist. Her long, taut legs moved with brisk confidence. "Huh? Who're you two?" Xue Lan asked, spotting the old man and youth—both white-haired—at the table, surprised anyone else dared visit Qing Lin.

Xiao Bai ignored her, his gaze fixed on the youth behind her. Dressed in mercenary gear, the young man stood tall, exuding strength, a faint smile on his face. His dark eyes, however, glinted with ruthlessness. He frowned, studying Xiao Bai. Why's he familiar?

"Xiao… Bai?" the youth ventured hesitantly.

No wonder he hesitated—Xiao Bai had changed drastically since their last meeting. The once genial schemer now had white hair and a stern demeanor, making recognition tricky. "Heh, long time no see, Xiao Old Two," Xiao Bai greeted with a teasing grin.

"Xiao… Old Two?" Xue Lan gaped, glancing between the white-haired youth and her grimacing Second Commander. She knew he was the second son, but no one dared call him "Old Two"—he loathed it. Even the First Commander called him "Second Brother." Who's this guy? Not afraid of being pulverized? Wait—Xiao Bai, and "long time no see"? A clansman?

"Still a bastard, huh!" Xiao Li growled, shooting Xue Lan a glare. Letters from Xiao Yan had softened their grudge; after Xiao Yan's fall, only Xiao Bai spoke to him, while others shunned or mocked. Years of adventuring had matured them, diluting their old feud. But Xiao Bai's mocking face and public jab reignited his urge to brawl.

"Three-star Dou Shi! Not bad for a few years out," Xiao Bai said, eyeing Xiao Li with mock approval, nodding as if pleased.

Xiao Li's fists clenched. Screw letting go! This guy was as infuriating as ever. I'll thrash him to clear my mind! "Know what happens when a ninth-stage Dou Zhi Qi provokes a three-star Dou Shi?" he snarled.

Xiao Yan's last letter, six months ago, mentioned Xiao Bai as a fellow struggler, so Xiao Li assumed he was still ninth-stage. Why he was here with such low cultivation, Xiao Li didn't care—he just wanted to pummel him.

"Ninth-stage Dou Zhi Qi?" Qing Lin blinked at her Young Master. Though unpracticed, she knew cultivation ranks. From his street rescue, he couldn't be that weak. Puffing her cheeks, she glared at Xiao Li, her indignation more cute than fierce.

Hai Bodong sighed, staring at the fuming mercenary. How does he mistake Xiao Bai for ninth-stage? Does he think I, the Ice Emperor, lost to a weakling? Xue Lan, trusting her commander, pitied the youth. Ninth-stage, and you're picking a fight? Who gave you the guts?

"Tch, no clue what happens. Why don't you show me, Xiao Old Two?" Xiao Bai taunted, recalling Xiao Li's past threats, eager to poke him further.

"Die, bastard!" Xiao Li roared, lightning crackling as he charged like a thunderbolt, holding back his spear and Dou Techniques to avoid killing Xiao Bai.

"Too easy to rile," Xiao Bai said, smiling. Xiao Li's swift steps were clear in his eyes. As the electrified fist neared, Xiao Bai caught it, the lightning surging into him, instantly neutralized by his Dou Qi. "Hm, enough to numb a three- or four-star Dou Zhe," he noted, sensing Xiao Li's restraint.

Xiao Li gaped as his fist was effortlessly held, his lightning Dou Qi vanishing into Xiao Bai like a pebble in the sea. His cultivation's way past mine! "Sly old coin!" he cursed, trying to pull back for a fair fight, but his fist wouldn't budge. What's his realm?

"No rush. Let me check something," Xiao Bai said, grinning. A rare chance to study another lightning cultivator—part of why he'd provoked Xiao Li.

"What're you doing?" Xiao Li's voice quavered, unease rising.