As they neared the meeting place, he spotted a figure in the distance—a teenager dressed in black with alternative-style hair, waiting quietly. A seductive tear mole sat just beneath the corner of his eye, instantly bringing to mind the famous phrase: "I only play music, not play with hearts."
Though only around eighteen years old, he had to shoulder such heavy burdens, standing there silently as if deep in thought.
Watching him from behind a screen had felt like mere character design and plot necessity, but now, experiencing this reality firsthand, the truth felt far too cruel.
"Xiu," Xia Ling called out.
Hearing his name, he turned around...
"Xia Ling, what did you want to talk to me about regarding Xian Tian?" Xiu asked.
"It's nothing much, just wanted to have a chat. You're from the Huyanjueluo Clan, right?"
Xiu was startled inside. How did Xia Ling know this? Realizing this was not the right time to dwell on it, he maintained a calm expression on the surface and asked, "Yes, how did you know?"
"My full name is Xialanxingde Ling, and I am the youngest daughter of the Hsialandew Family. I also know the purpose of your trip here."
"What on earth are you trying to say?"
"I'll be blunt then. Your goal is to get close to Xian Tian, isn't it?"
Xiu stared at Xia Ling, trying to read something in her expression. After a brief silence, he said, "I got close to Xian Tian solely for the sake of my friend. He is the doppelgänger of my friend Wang Dadong in another dimension."
"My friend lost all his abilities after a fierce battle with dark forces."
"I wanted to observe whether Xian Tian possesses any abilities. If he does, I hope he can cross dimensions to help my friend Wang Dadong recover his power."
"I believe you," Xia Ling said. "Then I'll tell you this: Xian Tian does have abilities, but they are currently suppressed by the Dragon Seal. Besides, Mom doesn't want Xian Tian using his abilities."
"As for how you plan to convince Mom, that's your own business."
Xiu looked at her quizzically. "What about you? Your own abilities shouldn't be low, so why has no one in the Ability World ever heard of you?"
"I don't want too many people to know yet. I hope you can keep it a secret."
Xiu looked at the calm young woman before him and replied, "Understood. I won't say a word."
"There's one more thing I need your help with."
"What is it?"
"I don't need your help just yet. Just give me your contact info, and I'll reach out to you when the time comes."
"Alright."
"Great, then that's all. I'll head back first."
Xiu nodded, watching the retreating figure of the young woman as she walked away. *Why did she tell me Xian Tian has abilities? Does she have an ulterior motive? I'd better keep an eye on her in the future. She's the same age as Xia Mei, yet her mind is truly unreadable.*
After pondering for a moment, he turned and left as well.