2: The first frost

The morning dew had not yet dispersed, but Xiao Bing was already standing on the training ground behind the Xiao Family mountain.

He took a deep breath, feeling the ice-attributed Dou Qi that had just Awakened within his body.

The System interface unfolded before his eyes:

[Current Mission: Master Yellow Rank Low-Grade Dou Skill "Ice Condensation Palm" (Time remaining: 71 hours 52 minutes)]

[Mission Reward: Frost Pill × 1 (Can improve the purity of ice-elemental Dou Qi)]

"Three days..." Xiao Bing muttered to himself, his hands already assuming the starting stance.

He followed the Meridians circulation route provided by the System, attempting to condense Dou Qi in his palm.

On his first attempt, the Dou Qi exploded in his palm, shaking him back two steps.

The second time, the frost had just formed when it rapidly melted.

The third time...

"Hey, new guy!"

A hostile voice interrupted Xiao Bing's practice.

He turned to see three young Xiao Family disciples standing not far away, led by Xiao Ning, the Grand Elder's grandson.

"I heard the Clan Chief adopted an unknown foster son, that would be you, right?"

Xiao Ning scrutinized Xiao Bing from head to toe, "A good-for-nothing who can't even use a Dou Skill properly, what right do you have to enjoy Family resources?"

Xiao Bing ignored him and continued to practice his Dou Skill.

This attitude of disregard completely enraged Xiao Ning.

"You're asking for death!" Xiao Ning suddenly rushed over, his fist condensed with a faint green Dou Qi, "Let me show you a real Dou Skill!"

Just as the fist was about to strike Xiao Bing's back, a dark shadow suddenly flashed past.

"Bang!"

Xiao Ning's fist was firmly caught by a hand.

Xiao Yan had appeared between the two of them at some point, a playful smile on his face: "Cousin Xiao Ning, is bullying newcomers fun?"

"Xiao Yan!" Xiao Ning's expression changed, "This is none of your business!"

"Why is it none of my business?" Xiao Yan released his hand and stood beside Xiao Bing, "He's my younger brother."

Xiao Ning's expression flickered, and he finally let out a cold snort: "It's fitting for two good-for-nothings to be together."

After speaking, he left with his followers.

"Thank you," Xiao Bing said softly.

Xiao Yan waved his hand: "Don't worry about it, Xiao Ning is just like that.

What Dou Skill are you practicing?

It looks like..."

"Ice Condensation Palm, Yellow Rank Low-Grade," Xiao Bing answered truthfully, "but I can never properly control the output of Dou Qi."

Xiao Yan's eyes lit up: "What a coincidence, I've just been studying the principles of similar Dou Skills.

Look, the key is to..."

In the time that followed, Xiao Yan unreservedly shared his insights.

Xiao Bing was surprised to find that this future Flame Emperor had an astonishing talent for understanding Dou Skills.

As night fell, Xiao Bing finally successfully performed a complete Ice Condensation Palm.

Looking at the ice crystal condensed in his palm, he showed his first sincere smile since arriving in this world.

[Ding! Mission complete! Reward has been issued]

A crystal-clear Medicinal Pill appeared in the System space.

Xiao Bing did not consume it immediately, but instead looked at Xiao Yan, who was packing his things.

"Flame Brother, are you coming tomorrow?"

Xiao Yan grinned: "Of course!

But tomorrow I'm going to the auction house; I heard a new batch of goods has arrived."

Xiao Bing nodded, a plan already forming in his mind.

The next morning, a sudden commotion erupted in the Xiao Family hall.

When Xiao Bing arrived, he saw Xiao Zhan sitting in the main seat with a livid expression, while Xiao Yan clutched a marriage contract so tightly his knuckles were white.

"The Nalan Family... what a Nalan Family!" Xiao Zhan's voice was filled with suppressed rage.

Xiao Bing immediately understood—the plot of the annulment had begun.

He stood in the corner, silently watching Xiao Yan write that famous "divorce letter," listening to the shocking words, "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river."

That night, Xiao Bing went to Xiao Yan's room and found him packing his luggage.

"Leaving?" Xiao Bing asked.

Xiao Yan paused, then continued to tidy up: "Yes, my teacher suggested I go out for practical training."

Xiao Bing took out a small jade bottle from his embrace: "This is for you."

Xiao Yan opened it and saw a Medicinal Pill radiating coldness inside.

"This is..."

"A Frost Pill, it can temporarily suppress the fire poison," Xiao Bing told a white lie, "Be careful on your journey."

Xiao Yan looked at him deeply, then put away the Medicinal Pill: "Thanks, brother."

Three days later, when Xiao Yan left Utan City, Xiao Bing stood on the city wall, watching his figure disappear into the horizon.

The System's new mission prompt sounded at the opportune moment:

[New Mission: Obtain Qinglian Earth Core Flame Clues]

[Mission Description: Follow Xiao Yan into the Magic Beast Mountain Range and search for traces of the exotic flame]

Xiao Bing slightly moved, leaping off the city wall.

His cloak flapped in the wind, like a spreading-winged cold crow.

"The Magic Beast Mountain Range, huh... just in time to try out the newly mastered Dou Skill."