Published at 11th of February 2026 8:20 am

Chapter 5177: Pure Admiration

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Chapter 5177: Pure Admiration

Xiao Junyan’s eyes flickered as he replied, “I haven’t asked. I only know she’s the Azure Emperor’s junior disciple. As for which clan she comes from, I have no idea.”

“The Azure Emperor has always valued tranquility. Over the past millennia, he’s only ever been known to take one disciple—who later died after failing to advance her cultivation. Though many have sought to send their clan’s young talents to Yunxiao Mountain to study under him, none have ever met his standards. So when word spread he’d taken these three disciples, many were genuinely curious: What were their origins? Unfortunately, no one could uncover their family backgrounds or origins.”

The Great Emperor Xiao Tian spoke, lifting the tea before him to take a sip. “Still, some speculate these three must hail from distinguished families, possessing extraordinary talent that could even defy the heavens. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have moved the Azure Emperor to take them as disciples. But…”

He paused, glancing at Xiao Junyan. “However distinguished, they still pale in comparison to the daughters of Hell’s Lord and the Phoenix Empress. Do you understand?”

“Old Predecessor, Yun Qi is still just a child,” Xiao Junyan replied calmly. Compared to himself, nearly twenty years old, Yun Qi, not yet ten, was merely a little girl in his eyes. He didn’t deny feeling affection for her, but this affection was purely friendly, devoid of any romantic feelings.

After all, no matter what, he would never develop romantic feelings for a child under ten. All these years, his longing to see her stemmed from their past interactions, and she remained the only person in all that time who made him want to draw near and spend time with her.

He paid no heed to others’ gazes, acting solely according to his heart. Yet he hadn’t anticipated that the clan members, even the Old Predecessor, would assume he had fallen for Yun Qi.

He was a grown young man, while Yun Qi, in his eyes, remained a child—just like the plump, naked little bundle he’d once pulled from the water. She hadn’t changed at all over the years.

Caring for someone, wanting to be near them, didn’t necessarily mean he was in love with her, did it? He simply found her company comforting. Beyond that, he hadn’t given it much thought.

Hearing his words, the Great Emperor Xiao Tian didn’t press further. Who could say for certain? Yet, all these years since his parents passed, he’d cared little for anything or anyone—remaining indifferent to all except that little girl named Yun Qi. He’d kept her in his thoughts all this time. But since he’d stated he had no such intentions, that settled it.

“Old Predecessor,” Xiao Junyan called out.

“Hmm?” He tilted his head slightly, looking at him.

Xiao Junyan gazed at him, his expression earnest. “The wife I marry in the future will be only the one I truly desire, not because of status or position or anything else.”

The Great Emperor Xiao Tian gave him a deep look but said nothing more. As his gaze shifted to the front, he saw a long-unseen figure approaching at a leisurely pace.

Xiao Junyan followed his gaze and saw the Azure Emperor walking slowly, accompanied by three disciples. Spotting Yun Qi in her blue dress, his eyes softened, and a smile touched his lips.

Though the girl had gradually grown up, in his memory she remained that mischievous, chubby child. He was so much older than her—how could he possibly harbor any feelings for her?

The Old Predecessors truly worried needlessly.

Over there, Yue’er also spotted Xiao Junyan and offered him a smile.

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