"Chen Xiao, I don't quite understand what you mean."
Xiao Zhan looked bewildered, but he knew that if Chen Xiao was serious about discussing this with him, there must be a reason.
"Humanity is about to face a great calamity. If we ultimately fail, humanity might be completely wiped out."
Chen Xiao was not crying wolf.
From Tu Shan Che's account, the Heavenly Dao's descent to Earth each time caused a more severe disaster than the last.
After the calamity five hundred years ago, the living space for cultivators had been compressed to the extreme, and the demon race was on the verge of extinction.
Therefore, Chen Xiao reasonably inferred that this time, humanity might face the disaster of extermination.
"It's that serious?"
Xiao Zhan's eyes widened as he realized the gravity of the situation.
"Actually, a few years ago, when the God Slaying Hall invited me to join, they said something similar, but I didn't fully believe it then... but now, I do."
Chen Xiao nodded. "The name God Slaying Hall comes from this. We have a common enemy, and I really hope you can help. But honestly, your current strength is a bit too weak. However, with your potential, if you could cultivate diligently with Chu He and the others for a while, your strength would definitely undergo a qualitative leap."
In reality, no matter how much Xiao Zhan's strength improved qualitatively, he wouldn't become a master in Chen Xiao's eyes in a short period.
Chen Xiao chose him more out of admiration for his character.
The greatest chivalry is for the nation and the people.
In times of peace, such a person might not have much use, but when humanity's survival is at stake, he would undoubtedly unleash unimaginable energy.
Most importantly, Chen Xiao believed he would not be a traitor.
"Of course, the decision is yours. If you don't want to do it, I won't force you."
Chen Xiao understood that such things could not be forced.
"I've made up my mind!"
Xiao Zhan quickly made his decision.
"I've decided to do as you say. Besides, my strength has been stagnant for too long, and it's time for an upgrade!"
"You know, I was once the foremost among the Four Absolute of the Heavenly Rankings!"
Recalling his glorious past, Xiao Zhan's chest swelled with pride.
However, a single sentence from Chen Xiao shattered his composure.
"Yes, if you don't work harder, your son's strength will surpass yours."
"..."
With that, the matter was settled. Chen Xiao and Xiao Zhan went to find Chu Qing Luan and explained the situation.
Although Xiao Zhan had previously refused the invitation from the God Slaying Hall, Chu Qing Luan held no grudges and welcomed Xiao Zhan's joining.
After discussing Xiao Zhan's matter, Chu Qing Luan, seeing Chen Xiao alone, couldn't help but ask, "Chen Xiao, where is Xiao Hong Chan? Didn't she come back with you?"
"Oh, Xiao Hong Chan might not be back for a while..."
Chen Xiao then briefly recounted what had happened between him and Tu Shan Che.
Xiao Zhan was once again dumbfounded. What kind of beings did Chen Xiao associate with... the gap was too vast.
As dusk deepened, the matter at hand was resolved, and Chen Xiao no longer wished to linger.
He was thinking of Li Zi Qing, and upon learning that the rune in Xiao Hong Chan's body was the key to opening the demon tribe's secret treasure,
He became even more curious about the rune in Li Zi Qing's meridians and wanted to find the answer as soon as possible.
"Can't you stay a little longer?"
Chu Qing Luan asked with affection and reluctance.
"I have a very important matter to attend to."
"After everything is over, we'll have a drink together. Everyone, farewell!"
The most difficult thing to bear was a beauty's favor. Chen Xiao dared not look at Chu Qing Luan any longer, fearing he might soften.
Under the beauty's wistful gaze, Chen Xiao summoned his Yitian Sword.
He soared into the sky, leaving in a flash.
It was the first time Xiao Zhan had seen Chen Xiao fly on a sword, and he was once again utterly astonished.
...
On the other side, after Chen Xiao flew away from the Tian Ce Army's camp, he landed on the ground and called Li Zi Qing.
"Zi Qing, where are you? What are you doing?"
"What else can I do? Working. I'm at the company. Where are you?"
"Close your eyes!"
"Okay, I've closed them!"
Li Zi Qing gently closed her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering in the setting sun.
"Alright, you can open your eyes now."
Chen Xiao's voice seemed to whisper in her ear.
Li Zi Qing suddenly opened her eyes and saw Chen Xiao looking at her with a smile.
"You, how did you get in here? Were you outside just now?"
Li Zi Qing's eyes widened in disbelief as she asked.
"No, when I called you, I was still in the Northern Territory."
Chen Xiao said casually.
"Nonsense, the Northern Territory is tens of thousands of kilometers away. I don't believe you!"
Li Zi Qing pouted and rolled her eyes.
"I'm telling the truth. It's because I missed you so much. I silently thought, 'How wonderful it would be if I were by Zi Qing's side'..."
Chen Xiao put on a serious expression, then spread his hands. "There, I appeared before you!"
"Hmph, you smooth talker. Saying such nice things, have you done anything bad behind my back?"
Li Zi Qing narrowed her eyes and sniffed him, "Hmm, no woman's scent. You pass!"
It had been quite some time since they last met, and there was an inevitable exchange of heartfelt feelings.
However, Chen Xiao noticed a hint of worry in Li Zi Qing's eyes.
"Wife, you don't look very well. Has something been bothering you?"
Chen Xiao asked.
"No."
Li Zi Qing shook her head. "Everything has been going smoothly, even too smoothly... but lately, I've been feeling uneasy, as if something bad is about to happen."
"Silly girl, what bad things could happen?"
Chen Xiao stroked Li Zi Qing's hair and comforted her, "Don't overthink it. I'm not going anywhere for a while; I'll stay by your side."
"Really?"
Li Zi Qing's expression visibly brightened, as they had been apart for most of their time together since confirming their relationship.
"Of course, it's true!"
Chen Xiao said earnestly.
The rune in Li Zi Qing's meridians was the next mystery he needed to unravel, so he would naturally have plenty of time to spend with Li Zi Qing.
"Great, then I won't bother with company matters anymore. I'm going to give myself a proper vacation!"
Li Zi Qing's face lit up with a smile, and she stretched lazily as if relieved.
"Oh, and husband, there's something I want to tell you."
"Oh? What is it? Tell me!"
"Let's get married!"
Li Zi Qing blurted out these five words, and Chen Xiao was somewhat stunned.
"What, you don't want to? You don't want to marry me?"
Seeing Chen Xiao's reaction, a hint of disappointment flickered in Li Zi Qing's eyes.
"Of course not!"
Chen Xiao immediately denied it.
It wasn't that he didn't want to marry Li Zi Qing, but he had never considered marriage before.
Just then, Li Zi Qing's assistant suddenly knocked and entered, looking troubled. "Ms. Li, someone is here to see you. He says he's your brother..."