Female Protagonist Assistance System

Chapter 100 : . Returning Home

Jia Ma Empire, Imperial Capital.

To avoid unnecessary commotion and trouble, Gu Xun'er had Little White land in a wide, flat area on the outskirts of the Jia Ma Empire. Despite this precaution, they were still questioned by the Jia Ma Empire's military.

Of course, the soldiers of the Jia Ma Empire immediately recognized the strength of this flying magical beast. For a Dou Emperor level magical beast to willingly become a mount, these two women must either have a terrifying background or terrifying strength. Regardless of which it was, it wasn't something they could casually provoke, so the soldiers maintained a relatively humble attitude.

"What's going on? It didn't seem to be this strict before, did it?" Gu Xun'er asked, holding onto Xiao Han's arm and looking curiously at the solemn-faced soldiers.

Xiao Han shook her head, indicating she didn't know anything.

"To be honest, we're not entirely sure what happened either," the young soldier who had just inquired about Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er's identities said honestly. "We only know that a few days ago, some family with a grudge against the empire came to instigate war. Those enemies were exceptionally strong. If it weren't for Elder Jia and others fighting to the death to protect us, the empire's people might have been slaughtered entirely."

Hearing this, Gu Xun'er frowned slightly. "People with a grudge against the Jia Ma Empire?"

The young soldier nodded. "I've heard the veterans mention that these people seemed to be from a major family in the Central Plains. We just don't know why they would personally attack our Jia Ma Empire."

Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er exchanged a glance. Could it be the Soul Hall of the Soul Clan?

Gu Xun'er asked again, "What are the casualties like for the Jia Ma Empire?"

The young soldier hesitated, not answering. After all, the Jia Ma Empire's casualty information wasn't something just anyone could know. Although the soldier knew the two women before him weren't enemies, he wouldn't disclose such information to people of unknown origin.

Xiao Han took out a Cloud Token from her spatial storage and waved it in front of the young soldier.

Upon seeing the token clearly, the young soldier exclaimed in surprise, "So you're an honorary elder of the Cloud Mist Sect!"

Putting away the Cloud Token, Xiao Han raised her chin slightly, gesturing for the young soldier to continue.

After confirming Xiao Han's identity, the young soldier answered honestly, "The empire's casualties... can be considered within a controllable range. Apart from Elder Cheng's sacrifice, the high-ranking Dou Emperors only suffered minor injuries. Cloud Mist Sect's Lord Yun Shan was more severely injured, but under the treatment of Pill King Gu He, he's no longer in danger. He just needs some more time to recuperate before returning to his peak condition."

Xiao Han nodded. Truthfully, for the Jia Ma Empire to achieve this level of performance in a battle against the Soul Hall of the Soul Clan far exceeded her expectations.

"How was the Jia Ma Empire able to withstand the Soul Hall's attack with its strength?" Gu Xun'er couldn't help but ask. After all, even the Medicine Clan, one of the Eight Ancient Clans, had nearly been annihilated under the Soul Hall's attack. How could an empire whose highest strength was just Yun Shan, a Dou Zong, resist the Soul Hall?

The young soldier scratched his head and said, "Well... during the great battle, the former Sect Master of the Cloud Mist Sect, Lady Yun Yun, arrived in time with many powerful experts, giving the empire a fighting chance."

Yun Yun? Returned? Former Sect Master? Xiao Han was taken aback, her brows furrowing slightly. "Yun Yun left the Cloud Mist Sect?"

"You don't know about that incident?" The young soldier looked at Xiao Han in surprise, then shook his head. "You could easily find out about this matter if you inquired... I need to report to the centurion now, so I'll take my leave."

With that, the young soldier bowed and hurried off towards the military camp stationed not far away.

Only when the young soldier's figure had completely disappeared did Xiao Han withdraw her gaze, saying calmly, "That soldier..."

He wasn't just an ordinary soldier. After all, how could an ordinary soldier know about such matters that could be considered state secrets of the empire? He even knew about Yun Shan's severe injury.

Gu Xun'er smiled. Her Senior Sister was still as vigilant as ever, even suspecting a randomly encountered young soldier.

However, Senior Sister's judgment of people was indeed impressive. This soldier was indeed not an ordinary one.

"The person we just met is the fourth prince of the Jia Ma Empire's royal family. He's said to be a down-to-earth and honest person who, upon coming of age, applied to join the Jia Ma Empire's military as a low-ranking soldier," Gu Xun'er said, linking her arm with Xiao Han's and leaning close to whisper in her ear.

The soft breath on her ear made Xiao Han feel ticklish. Gu Xun'er watched as a faint blush spread across Xiao Han's fair ears. Gu Xun'er's lips curled into a slight smile as she stood on her tiptoes and gently bit Xiao Han's earlobe, lightly grazing it with her teeth.

This sudden attack caused Xiao Han's body to tremble slightly, an unusual sensation instantly surging through her. She involuntarily drew in a sharp breath.

After releasing her bite, Gu Xun'er licked the now reddened earlobe, letting out a pleased laugh.

The next second, she suddenly felt a strong force around her waist. With a soft gasp of surprise, she fell into a warm embrace.

Her body slightly stiff, Gu Xun'er slowly raised her head, blinking her moist eyes at Xiao Han and flashing an innocent smile.

Xiao Han forcefully held Gu Xun'er's slender waist, lowering her head so that her warm breath fell on Gu Xun'er's hair, causing Gu Xun'er to inexplicably feel a sense of danger.

"What does Senior Sister intend to do in broad daylight?" Gu Xun'er asked with a smile, appearing calm but inwardly anxious, fearing that Xiao Han might suddenly do something here.

Xiao Han narrowed her eyes almost imperceptibly. "Under the open sky, naturally, one shouldn't... do anything improper. So what was Junior Sister doing just now?"

Gu Xun'er feigned confusion: "What is Senior Sister talking about? I was merely speaking with you. How could that be considered improper?"

Quick-witted indeed.

Licking her lips, Xiao Han revealed a faint smile and said, "It seems Senior Sister was mistaken."

For some reason, upon seeing Xiao Han's faint smile, Gu Xun'er instinctively felt that something was amiss.

Fortunately, Xiao Han didn't do anything further. After releasing Gu Xun'er, she turned and went to Xiao Ding's side, waking him from his drowsy state.

Xiao Ding rubbed his eyes and managed to sit up.

Along the way, he had learned about the Xiao family's situation from Xiao Han, and once again felt fortunate that the Xiao family had Xiao Han. Otherwise, the Xiao family would never have survived the Soul Hall's attack. He also told Xiao Han some of what he knew, mainly expressing his anger at Xiao Yan's betrayal of the family and his ingratitude.

From Xiao Ding, Xiao Han learned that their father, Xiao Zhan, the Clan Leader of the Xiao family, had died at the hands of the Soul Hall.

"It's a pity I couldn't do anything," Xiao Ding had said with a bitter smile when mentioning this. He had watched helplessly as Xiao Zhan's soul was forcibly extracted for not revealing the whereabouts of the Ancestral Awakening Jade, and then refined by Xiao Yan. At that moment, he knew that the person before him was no longer his blood-related brother, but a devil wearing human skin.

A devil who could coldly watch his own father suffer and even personally kill his closest kin.

Xiao Yan had gone mad.

Looking up at the distant Imperial Capital, Xiao Han pushed these thoughts aside. Before coming, she had contacted Xiao Yu and learned about the Xiao family's current address and some basic information.

After experiencing the family's great changes and receiving some admonishment from Xiao Han, the young people hadn't become dejected. Instead, they trained even harder, working diligently and full of vigor. Now, with the excellent resources Xiao Han had left behind, the Xiao family had managed to establish a firm foothold in the Imperial Capital of the Jia Ma Empire in just four short years. Although they had received help from the Cloud Mist Sect, the Nalan family, the Miteer family, and even the Ancient Clan, this achievement was still quite remarkable.

The Xiao family had now moved out of the Cloud Mist Sect and purchased an estate in a prosperous area of the Imperial Capital as their new family residence.

When Xiao Han and her group arrived, it was already getting dark. The guards standing at the entrance were unfamiliar faces but had strength at the Great Dou Shi level, likely hired from outside.

Seeing Xiao Han and her group, the expressionless guards unanimously stepped forward, blocking their way. "Excuse me, miss, this is a private residence. Please do not approach casually."

Xiao Ding licked his lips and said, "Brothers, we are also members of the Xiao family, just returning home today."

Hearing this, the guards visibly hesitated. They exchanged glances, and one of them said, "Well... then please wait a moment."

With that, he turned and quickly walked into the estate.

Soon after, a familiar figure emerged from inside. The young, resolute man's eyes reddened at the sight of the people before him.

"Eldest Brother! Little Han!" Xiao Li's lips trembled as he stepped forward, suddenly embracing Xiao Ding, his voice shaking with excitement.

Xiao Ding, still physically weak, naturally couldn't withstand the enthusiastic bear hug from his brother. He coughed and staggered back a step or two. If Xiao Han hadn't quickly steadied him, he might have fallen.

Xiao Li's expression changed slightly, and he anxiously inquired about Xiao Ding's condition. Xiao Ding waved his hand, stopping his impetuous twin brother. "Let's talk inside."

Only then did Xiao Li come to his senses, hurriedly welcoming Xiao Han and the others inside.

The Xiao family had developed well over these four years. According to Xiao Li, the strongest member of the family was now at the Dou Wang level, and the average strength of the family was at the initial Dou Ling level.

"This is all thanks to the cultivation techniques, battle skills, and pills Little Han left behind, as well as the help from the Cloud Mist Sect, the Nalan family, and the Miteer family. That's why we were able to recover and revitalize the family so quickly," Xiao Li said with a grin, rubbing the back of his head. "Now I've also reached the peak of Dou Ling. I think it won't be long before I break through to Dou Wang."

Xiao Ding patted Xiao Li's shoulder approvingly, praising him.

"Second Brother, let's talk about everything else tomorrow. Eldest Brother has just been rescued from the dungeon and is still very weak," Xiao Han said, noticing the fatigue on Xiao Ding's face after the two brothers had talked for a while.

Xiao Li nodded and said with a smile, "You girls are always so considerate. I imagine you must be exhausted from your long journey, Little Han. Come, come, let Second Brother show you to your rooms. Although you haven't been back for four years, we've still kept rooms for you... Does Cousin Xun'er want to stay too? Then I'll..."

Xiao Han interrupted him, saying gently, "No need to trouble yourself, Second Brother. Xun'er can stay with me."

"Stay with you? Is that appropriate?" Xiao Li asked somewhat confusedly. After all, strictly speaking, Gu Xun'er wasn't a member of the Xiao family, but a guest.

Before he could finish speaking, he was pulled aside by Xiao Ding. "Why so many questions? Didn't you say you were going to show us to our rooms? Why aren't we going?"

Xiao Ding, being astute, had already noticed the undercurrent of emotions between Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er. After a moment's thought, he understood their relationship. At the time, he had felt relieved that his precious sister had found someone to settle down with.

Xiao Li didn't understand why Xiao Ding had interrupted him, but he obediently closed his mouth, temporarily burying his confusion.

Xiao Han's courtyard had changed from being on the outermost edge to the central area, which was enough to show her current status in the Xiao family. Xiao Han, who no longer cared about concealing her strength, didn't mind where she stayed. After bidding goodnight to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, she returned to her room with Gu Xun'er.

Closing the door, Gu Xun'er stretched lazily. In these days under Xiao Han's care, she felt she had become somewhat pampered. Just sitting on the back of a flying magical beast for a bit longer than usual made her feel slightly fatigued.

Before she could lower her arms, a pair of slightly cool hands suddenly reached out and wrapped around her waist. Then, a familiar scent enveloped her. Before Gu Xun'er could react, she was tucked into bed.

"Sen-Senior Sister?"

Gu Xun'er sensed something amiss. She struggled to sit up but was firmly held down by Xiao Han's grip on her waist.

Xiao Han's silver eyes were deep and intense. Her free hand loosened her own collar, revealing an alluring white neck and collarbone, particularly eye-catching in the dim room, causing Gu Xun'er to feel flushed all over.

"What is Senior Sister doing?" Gu Xun'er asked, feigning composure.

Xiao Han's gaze flickered, revealing a hint of amusement. "Don't worry, Junior Sister. Senior Sister just wants to have a heart-to-heart talk with you. Unless... Junior Sister is thinking of something improper?"

Gu Xun'er's face reddened. She tried to shift her body slightly but was quickly pinned down by Xiao Han. "Does... talking require this position?"

Xiao Han chuckled softly, not answering. Instead, she lowered her head and lightly licked Gu Xun'er's chin.

"Mmm—"

As night deepened, a soft moan came from the unlit room, tinged with a slight sob. Then came a series of whimpers.

"Didn't... didn't you say we were just going to talk... Senior Sister, you... mmm... you liar..."

Xiao Han straightened up slightly, a smile tugging at her lips. She applied a bit more force, causing the girl beneath her to tremble all over, emitting sounds of both sobbing and pleasure.

"I didn't lie," Xiao Han said, leaning close to Gu Xun'er's small, white ear, gently grazing the earlobe with her canine teeth. As expected, she heard Gu Xun'er's increasingly labored breathing.

"I only said a couple of words. Why is Junior Sister crying?"