"N-Nothing," answered Wu Zhijun with an unnatural expression.

Xiang Shaoyun shot her a glance but did not intend to press her for answers. Perhaps she was finding it hard to believe that he was a Dragon Phoenix Academy disciple. As for Liang Zhuangmin, he completely believed in Xiang Shaoyun. That was the only explanation for Xiang Shaoyun's rapid growth in strength.

"I have long known you are an extraordinary individual, brother. Back then at the Pavilion, you defeated the likes of Lightning Kid even when you had a lower cultivation level. Now that you're a member of the Four Great Ancient Academies, your future will be full of promise," said Liang Zhuangmin sincerely.

Liang Zhuangmin had heard of the Four Great Ancient Academies as well. Back when he was traveling the world, he had heard of the recruitment. But since his strength was still lacking at that time, he wasn't qualified to even take the test.

Although he was also growing rapidly, his growth was still rather slow and lacking in comparison to Dragon Phoenix Academy disciples. Of course, that was mainly due to the lack of resources on his part.

"Let's not talk about that anymore. You two should wash up. Stay here and recover for now. We will think of a way to escape after your injuries are fully healed," said Xiang Shaoyun.

Although he had a lot of things to tell Liang Zhuangmin, this was not the time and place. Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun nodded and returned to the room, resuming their recuperation.

As for Xiang Shaoyun, he did not wish to learn the old donkey's Great Farting Technique, so he hid at a corner and entered deep thought. With Old Urchin's protection, he would be safe temporarily. He only had to pay attention to Old Urchin's task.

However, he had no idea what the task was. Why would it require the help of an outsider like him? And why was it being kept secret? It definitely wouldn't be anything simple. The only thing he could do was maintain his optimal condition so he could face any challenge coming his way.

In the worst-case scenario, I will have to allow my big brother and my sister-in-law to hide in my astral cosmos sea before I think of a way to escape. I hope things won't come to that, thought Xiang Shaoyun with a sigh.

Two days later, the Coiling Snake people came again. This group was even stronger than the previous one. When they saw the old donkey standing before the mud house, they ignored the donkey and tried entering the house directly.

Tragedy befell them.

The old donkey used the Turbid Origin Gas Technique, blasting all of them away and nearly killing them with the smell. They vomited everywhere before leaving gloomily with explosive hairstyles.

Once again, the old donkey proved to Xiang Shaoyun the prowess of his Turbid Origin Gas Technique with real action. He even urged Xiang Shaoyun to hurry up and master the technique already.

Xiang Shaoyun was completely speechless, and he swore inwardly, I won't learn it even if you kill me!

In the blink of an eye, three days passed. With the spring water and medicine supplied by Xiang Shaoyun, Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun were almost fully healed up. Finally, Xiang Shaoyun had the chance to spend some time alone with Liang Zhuangmin, and they started chatting about their experiences during the past few years.

From Liang Zhuangmin, Xiang Shaoyun learned about what had happened to Gong Qinyin, Hua Honglou, Zi Changhe, and the others.

Gong Qinyin was a woman he had known during his time at the Martial Hall Palace. There was initially a misunderstanding between them, but they eventually grew to become close friends. He had also given her a promise that if she could enter the Emperor Realm in 10 years, he would allow her to become his woman.

Before Liang Zhuangmin left the Cloud Margin Pavilion, Gong Qinyin had started cultivating the dao of the zither. She was holed up in seclusion, and he did not know much about her progress.

However, she had an excellent master, Hua Cheng, so she had most likely entered the Skysoar Realm by now.

As for Hua Honglou, she had successfully entered the Skysoar Realm after returning to the Cloud Margin Pavilion from the Land of Soul Springs. However, she had been depressed due to Xiang Shaoyun's departure, and before Liang Zhuangmin left, she even reminded him that if he encountered Xiang Shaoyun during his travels, he should tell Xiang Shaoyun to return and visit her. Otherwise, she would give him a hard time when they met in the future.

As for Zi Changhe, he was now an elder of Cloud Margin Pavilion. He seemed to have decent prospects, but since Liang Zhuangmin wasn't close with Zi Changhe, he only knew that Zi Changhe had received the care of the pavilion master. Thus, Zi Changhe would probably live a good life in the pavilion.

Those three were the only ones Xiang Shaoyun cared about in the Cloud Margin Pavilion. After all, Xia Liuhui and Lu Xiaoqing had both already left the pavilion. Liang Zhuangmin had no news about them.

When thinking of Gong Qinyin and Hua Honglou, Xiang Shaoyun had a gentle smile on his face. He looked forward to seeing them again. Perhaps he was now stronger than them, but they still had a significant status in his heart.

Xiang Shaoyun also told Liang Zhuangmin about what he had encountered in recent years, causing Liang Zhuangmin to lament that Xiang Shaoyun's life was much more exciting.

"Big brother, you don't seem confident about sister-in-law? This is not like you!" Xiang Shaoyun shifted the topic.

Liang Zhuangmin had a bitter smile as he said, "Zhijun is much stronger than me. I'm not a worthy partner for her."

Xiang Shaoyun could sense that Wu Zhijun was a fourth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, while Liang Zhuangmin was only a peak King. The gap between the two was rather large. Liang Zhuangmin's lack of confidence was understandable. He could also guess that Wu Zhijun probably had a prominent background.

"Even if you're not worthy of her now, it will not stay that way forever. In any case, she does not seem to have the intention to reject you. I believe she likes you as well, and she's only afraid that you will be pressured, so she hasn't said anything. If you can catch up with her, she will definitely become my sister-in-law for real," Xiang Shaoyun consoled.

"I don't even know how long it will take for me to become an Emperor. I really don't have any confidence," said Liang Zhuangmin gloomily.

"Don't worry, big brother. With me here, I will help you catch up to her in the shortest time possible," Xiang Shaoyun encouraged.

"You have a way to help me enter the Dragon Ascension Realm?" Liang Zhuangmin asked curiously.

"Of course, but I suggest that you not be in a rush to break through. Suppress your cultivation for a bit and take the opportunity to comprehend the profundity of earth first. Here at the Holy Earth Hall, the power of earth is thick. This is a suitable place for you to cultivate," said Xiang Shaoyun. He took out a storage ring and handed it over. There were some gleamstar water, dragon liquid, and emperor-grade earth elemental materials inside. These items would be enough to help Liang Zhuangmin enter the Dragon Ascension Realm in a short time frame.

Liang Zhuangmin was overjoyed when he saw the contents of the ring. A somewhat embarrassed look covered his face as he said, "Brother Yun, these treasures are too valuable. I can't accept them."

"We are brothers. Don't worry. I have plenty more," said Xiang Shaoyun nonchalantly.

Liang Zhuangmin did not stand on ceremony and engraved his gratitude in his heart, hoping to one day repay Xiang Shaoyun. While the two chatted, Old Urchin returned.

This time, he was here with a task for Xiang Shaoyun.