He waved his hand, no longer entangled in the topic, and with a flick, Spiritual Power gathered in the air, transforming into the scene outside the mountain gate.

Gao Xuan remained kneeling on the ground, while Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian anxiously looked inside, their faces full of worry.

"Just like what I told you last time at Canglan Mountain," Sikong Yan's voice suddenly softened, becoming even more dangerous.

"Let's play a game and see if this Gao Xuan will choose his daughter or friendship."

He tilted his head, looking at Mo Xingjian: "How about your master? If he can take your master's life, I'll hand his daughter over to him."

Sikong Yan turned to Zhou Qing: "What do you think?"

Murderous intent burst forth from Zhou Qing, the temperature in the hall seemed to instantly drop to freezing: "He can't do it."

"I know," Sikong Yan said indifferently, "after all, your uncle is still here."

Yet a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes, "But never underestimate human potential. Maybe, who knows?"

"If Uncle Gao Xuan dies," Zhou Qing said coldly, "then what's the point of all this fuss? She won't threaten any of us then."

Sikong Yan pretended to show a thoughtful expression, then looked at the sleeping Nannan: "That seems about right."

He sighed, "To save her, I really spent a lot of effort."

"Just get to the point," Zhou Qing said bluntly, "what do you really want?"

Sikong Yan smiled, surprisingly pure: "Alright, I want your sect's three-color Sect Protection Array."

"Alright." Zhou Qing agreed without hesitation.

Sikong Yan was momentarily stunned, then shook his head and chuckled: "So straightforward? Seems I asked for too little."

He waved his hand, "Forget it, I don't want it, let me think some more."

Zhou Qing: "..."

So, Sikong Yan held his chin, furrowed his brow, and paced back and forth in the hall, constantly pondering.

Zhou Qing stood in place, his gaze shifting between the sleeping Nannan and the impatient Sikong Yan.

After a full incense stick of time, Sikong Yan suddenly flicked his sleeve in frustration.

"Forget it, I can't think of suitable conditions for now, so I'll give you face, you can take Nannan away directly."

Zhou Qing didn't show any happiness, instead his brows furrowed even tighter.

There's no such thing as a free lunch. The easier something is obtained, the heavier the price usually is.

Moreover, just two days ago in the Forbidden Area of the Divine Ruins Celestial Palace, Sikong Yan sought his help because he couldn't acquire the Rebirth Lotus.

If he just took Nannan away now, wouldn't he be harming her?

Seeing Zhou Qing's hesitation, Sikong Yan sneered: "You people are strange, if I don't give it to you, you think about it day and night. When I give it, you think I'm setting a trap."

He turned around, his back facing Zhou Qing, "I've left the choice to you, I have matters to attend to, so I'll leave first. Remember to close the door when you leave."

"Wait!" Zhou Qing suddenly raised his voice, "I want to know, what did you go through to love watching others make choices so much?"

Sikong Yan's footsteps halted abruptly, the back that intended to leave gracefully seemed particularly rigid.

After a long time, Sikong Yan's shoulders trembled slightly, emitting a faint laugh of unclear meaning.

He didn't turn back, nor did he answer, continuing to walk forward, his figure gradually disappearing into the shadows of the depths of the hall.

Zhou Qing looked at the nearby Nannan, his heart conflicted.

If Uncle Gao Xuan doesn't see Nannan, he definitely wouldn't leave.

But if he took her away now, it might endanger her life.

After much deliberation, Zhou Qing finally chose to gently pick up Nannan and turn to leave.

Walking through the deep corridors of the hall, Zhou Qing again passed through the Central Square.

"Here's a word of advice."

A cool voice suddenly rang out.

Zhou Qing followed the sound and saw a figure in white standing on a pillar in the center of the square, their back facing him, with fluttering robes, like an exiled immortal.

"Don't stray far from Cangyan Daoist Palace." After the white-clad figure spoke, they stepped into the air and left.

Zhou Qing nodded slightly, said no more, and continued walking down the mountain carrying Nannan.

As he passed through the blood-red Barrier again, the little girl he held gently stirred, seeming as if she were about to wake up.

"He came out!" Mo Xingjian's voice reached him first.

As Zhou Qing carried Nannan and stepped out of the Barrier, Cao Zhengyang and Mo Xingjian's faces were filled with disbelief.

Mo Xingjian immediately became worried, unsure what terms Zhou Qing and Sikong Yan had reached.

And as Gao Xuan saw Nannan, he suddenly crawled over like a madman, using both his hands and feet awkwardly.

His eyes were wide open, pupils shaking violently, parched lips quivering, unable to form complete words, only panting "hoo hoo."

He extended his hands, but as he was about to touch Nannan, he halted abruptly, afraid that the filth on his hands would dirty her.

After all, his fingernails still held blood scabs and dirt from when he had bowed.

"Nan... Nannan..."

These two words seemed to expend all of Gao Xuan's strength.

In his bloodshot eyes, tears instantly fell.

The Adam's apple in his throat moved up and down, the veins on his neck bulged, as if something was about to burst from his chest.

Just then, Nannan in Zhou Qing's arms slowly opened her eyes.

The little girl blinked confusedly, her gaze falling on Gao Xuan's unfamiliar face, showing an expression of fear.

She struggled to jump out of Zhou Qing's arms, and hid behind him.

"Nannan, I'm your dad!"

Gao Xuan's voice was hoarse beyond recognition, he knelt on the ground, crawled two steps forward, but didn't dare get too close.

Nannan clutched Zhou Qing's coat tightly, her small face full of caution: "You're not my dad! My dad... my dad doesn't look like this!"