Chapter 63: Miniature

"Heh, it's nothing, no need to be so formal. Didn't you say long ago that we're like brothers from different mothers? There's no need to pay much attention to the ritual of sworn brotherhood." Jiang Yan wasn't fond of such ceremonies; whether they formally became sworn brothers or not made little difference to him. After all, even blood relatives sometimes stabbed each other in the back.

"In that case, Jiang Yan, let's forgo the ceremony. From today onward, you are the Second Young Master of our Azure Cloud Sect," Bai Tao announced, lifting a cup of spirit tea. "Come, brother, let me offer you a toast."

"Ahem, why are you the elder brother?" Jiang Yan wasn't keen on being the younger one.

Bai Tao scratched his head and replied with a laugh, "I'm probably a bit older than you."

"Oh? How old are you?" Jiang Yan looked at the slightly chubby youth before him, who seemed to be only fifteen or sixteen at most, perhaps eighteen.

"I'm already twenty-five. I just look younger than my age," Bai Tao paused, then added, "But if you’re not used to calling me elder brother, we can just stick to our usual way of addressing each other."

"In terms of age, you are indeed the elder. In my heart, I accept you as my elder brother. As for how we address each other, let's just keep it as before." Jiang Yan raised his spirit tea and returned the toast.

"Alright, Jiang Yan."

"Bai Tao, what's the name of the new secret realm? And when are we setting out for it?"

"The new realm is called the Azure Sea Secret Realm. We’ll depart in ten days. It's still in the testing phase, so the danger level is unknown." Bai Tao produced a small blue token and handed it to Jiang Yan. "Our sect has twelve spots for the test. This blue token is required to enter the realm. If you face mortal danger, crush it and you’ll be transported out. Jiang Yan, take it."

"What about us?" the little short dragon asked.

Bai Tao explained, "Don’t worry, Lord Dragon. This blue token is for cultivators. Spirit pets can enter the realm together with their cultivators."

"But we aren’t Jiang Yan’s spirit pets," the little dragon objected.

"Lord Dragon, as long as you follow Jiang Yan in, it’ll be fine."

"Alright then." Satisfied, the little short dragon returned to gnawing on spirit fruits.

After receiving the blue token, Jiang Yan asked, "Bai Tao, do you have any talisman papers?"

"I do. How many do you need?"

"A thousand sheets."

"No problem, I’ll bring them to you shortly."

"And how many spirit stones?"

"No need for spirit stones. The sect provides them for free. I’m not very good at drawing talismans, so I’ve stockpiled quite a few sheets."

"Great, thanks a lot!"

After arranging a dormitory for Jiang Yan and his companions, Bai Tao took his leave.

The little short dragon leaped onto the bed with excitement, bouncing around like a rubber ball. Not to be outdone, Little White mimicked the dragon, hopping up and down as well. Black Flower followed close behind, rolling about on the bed too, never missing a chance to be close to its "dad."

Jiang Yan could only rub his forehead helplessly—these little ones were simply bursting with energy...

In the days that followed, Jiang Yan spent most of his time cultivating, studying talismans, mechanical arts, and new techniques. Little White didn’t slack off either, diligently practicing the cultivation method Lin Qi had taught.

Bai Tao visited Jiang Yan during this time. In fact, Bai Tao had long wanted to have his own motorcycle. Despite having gotten sick from the speed last time in the Sun and Moon Island Secret Realm, the thrill of racing through the wind was unforgettable.

"Jiang Yan, do you have an extra motorcycle? Could I buy one from you?"

"I do. I made several extras before. Take your pick." As he spoke, Jiang Yan took out five motorcycles of different colors from his storage pouch: yellow, red, blue, green, and purple.

"I’ll take the green one. How many spirit stones?" Bai Tao immediately chose the green motorcycle, which perfectly matched his azure sect robes as if custom-made for him.

"The green one’s yours—two thousand high-grade spirit stones."

Without hesitation, Bai Tao took the required spirit stones from his storage ring and handed them to Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan accepted them with a grin. "Heh, thanks!"

The little short dragon’s eyes lit up when it saw how many motorcycles Jiang Yan had. How had it not known Jiang Yan had so many spares?

Sidling up, it asked, "Jiang Yan, could you give me a motorcycle?"

Jiang Yan teased, "Little Dragon, are you sure you can handle these tall motorcycles? With your short legs, you might not even reach the ground!"

The little dragon persisted, "Then, is there one that suits my size?"

"There is, but are you truly sure you want it?"

The little dragon nodded eagerly. "Absolutely! Bring it out so I can see!"

Seeing the dragon’s excitement, Jiang Yan produced a small black motorcycle—one designed for children.

But as soon as the little short dragon saw the motorcycle, which was even shorter than itself, the light in its eyes instantly faded.

"Hmph! Who do you take me for, giving me such an ugly bike!"

"Take a closer look. Don’t you think it looks just like the one I ride?"

Hearing that, the little short dragon studied the mini motorcycle again. Its shape was indeed quite similar to the one Jiang Yan rode—even rather cool-looking...

But it was so short—where was its dignity?

Seeing the little dragon’s internal struggle, Jiang Yan moved to put the motorcycle back into his storage pouch. "If you’re not interested, I’ll just keep it."

"Wait!" the little dragon called out urgently. "Short is fine. You already said it’s mine, don’t go back on your word!"

Jiang Yan replied indifferently, "If you like it that much, then this little motorcycle is yours from now on."

And so, both Bai Tao and the little short dragon had their own motorcycles.

...

In the blink of an eye, the day to depart for the new secret realm arrived.

Knock, knock, knock.

Bai Tao knocked on Jiang Yan’s door. "Jiang Yan, are you ready?"

Jiang Yan opened the door. "Yes, let’s go."

They made their way to the Azure Cloud Sect’s entrance, where ten disciples in azure robes were already waiting.

"Young Master," the disciples greeted Bai Tao respectfully.

"Let me introduce you all. This is Jiang Yan. From now on, he’s our sect’s Second Young Master."

"Second Young Master," the disciples chorused, bowing to Jiang Yan.

"No need for formalities. Just call me Jiang Yan," he replied with a smile.