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--- Chapter 308 ---
Upon returning to the camp, Han Yuan and Yun Yun noticed that Ruo Ling had begun assisting the townspeople in rebuilding and settling them back into their homes.
The students from Jia Nan Academy, including Xiao Yu and Xue Ni, were busy building new fences using their Dou Qi manipulation.
This sight shook Yun Yun a lot because these training methods, simply put, are unorthodox.
In fact, she had never expected that mundane tasks like fence-making could contribute to one's cultivation.
The training methods she learned from the previous sect leader of the Misty Cloud Sect focused on meditation, contemplation, and fighting to hone her dou techniques.
Yet, most of Yun Yun's Dou techniques were modified versions of these, tailored to fit her swift and destructive fighting style.
"Impressive! Has Jia Nan Academy's teaching improved so much in recent years?" she remarked, amazed.
"Ah, they learned that from me," Han Yuan suddenly interjected.
"They what? No, no, no, tell me you're joking." Yun Yun looked at Han Yuan with disbelief.
Han Yuan shrugged helplessly and smirked. "Cultivation shouldn't be tedious and redundant, don't you agree, Yun? However, one shouldn't be lazy and unproductive either."
"The way our predecessors cultivated suited their times, but I wouldn't say the same for our generation."
"Old people do old-fashioned things."
"Young people do things their own way."
"Of course, we can learn from each other."
"The way of cultivation is about communicating with the world, not just mindlessly refining Dou Qi and training techniques every day."
"Interaction with all things is key—whether it's a blade of grass, a flowing river, the warm sun, or our fellow humans; they are all essential to our lives."
"Communication with the world..." Yun Yun mumbled, lost in thought. "Interacting with all things..."
"I don't even know what to say about you anymore, Han Yuan. How can your mind come up with such profound insights?"
Han Yuan coughed a few times, flustered. "It's nothing, just observe more and learn more."
He couldn't possibly tell Yun Yun that most of his so-called life-changing insights came from reading too many cultivation novels in his previous life, where he was just an ordinary person on Earth.
Back then, Han Yuan hadn't been able to recognize these delusions, as the Earth he lived on lacked fantastical powers like Martial Soul, Divine Power, Godhood, and Dou Qi.
Now, those once-fantastical ideas had become reality. Although Han Yuan hadn't confirmed every idea he had, nor obtained godly powers that could turn the world upside down instantly, he recognized that the power of delusions had gradually transformed into a part of his truth.
He knew he was lacking in many ways, but he was willing to take one step at a time. However, he was unaware that his definition of "slowly" differed from that of others.
To him, his current cultivation speed felt very slow, yet to everyone else, he was light-years ahead. He easily leaves them to bite his dust.
Anyway, back to the story, under Ruo Ling's strict orders and the efficient work of the Jia Nan Academy students, the devastated town was rebuilt in just a few hours, including the houses, walls, and other essential infrastructure.
It was now time to say goodbye to the townspeople, as they needed to reach Jia Nan Academy as soon as possible.
"Please have a safe journey, Teacher Ruo!"
"Please have a safe journey, Jia Nan students!"
"Please have a safe journey, Young Hero Han!"
"Please have a safe journey, Your Majesty Yun!"
"Thank you for everything!"
Four different farewells echoed through the town as they watched the few carriages move into the distance, touched by Han Yuan and Ruo Ling's kindness.
"One thousand gold coins per person..." The town's leader shook his head in disbelief. "As expected, Dou Fighters are both powerful and wealthy."
"Yeah, I didn't expect Young Hero Han to reimburse us for damages he didn't even cause," remarked Townsperson A with a sigh. "He's so kind."
"May heaven bless him in his endeavors," added Townsperson B in agreement.
"Moreover, Your Majesty Yun has given the future children of our town a chance to join the Misty Cloud Sect, as long as they awaken their talents to become Dou Fighters," Townsperson C laughed.
"Maybe in the future, our town will have its own powerful Dou Fighters too!" exclaimed Townsperson D, pumping his fist.
"Then let's rename our town!" Townsperson E said. "We have been saved by both Your Majesty Yun and Young Hero Han!"
"We can call it Yunhan Town or Profound Town, as deep as a river or vast as a cloud."
"As deep as a river or as vast as a cloud." The town's leader stroked his beard, clearly satisfied. "Not bad, and it seems no one disagrees with this new name."
"From now on, our town shall be called Yunhan Town!"
"Also, to honor Your Majesty Yun and Young Hero Han, we will build their statues, which will mark our new beginning!"
"Yes!" The townspeople responded excitedly.
Unknown to Han Yuan, the townspeople actually renamed the town with his and Yun Yun's names combined. If he knew, he would definitely have had an interesting reaction because this deed reminded him of a 'certain' knuckle-headed shonen protagonist who likes to scream that he wanted to be Hokage.
Next, he would call out this town's name as a jinx immediately.
Only fools wouldn't notice that the two characters of 'Yun' and 'Han' were from both Yun Yun and Han Yuan's names.
---
Meanwhile, the carriage that Han Yuan is in is quite tense right now. Xiao Yixian opened her mouth and asked half-heartedly, "Um, Sect Master Yun, if I may ask... Is it really necessary for you to accompany us like this?"
Yun Yun merely smiled at Xiao Yixian's hostile question, "I am afraid that Han Yuan would face danger on the journey. To protect such a promising genius, I should do my duty and protect him for the best of the world."
'Whoa, this woman is shameless! How could you utter such a disgusting statement so righteously?' Xiao Yixian was speechless.
'Heh, she's good.' Gu Xun'er commented with a chuckle.
'It seems we are right, Yixian, this woman was already seduced by Han Yuan. Yup, she has fallen so badly in one night.'
'She's just another thirsty cougar like Medusa!' Xiao Yixian snorted in annoyance. 'As expected, my brother's charm for older women is just too strong...'
'Well, about that...' Gu Xun'er glanced at Ruo Ling and saw the dignified teacher of the Jia Nan Academy occasionally stole a glance at Han Yuan, but didn't dare to make any rash move. Perhaps the older woman felt she wasn't worthy.
They took the original route into the Magical Beast Mountain Range again, and this time, they didn't encounter any mishap. Yun Yun is always alert if there is a strong Magical Beast nearby, but most of her attention is always on Han Yuan.
Yun Yun frequently asked Han Yuan about his view on cultivation, whether it was a way of practice, an approach to things, and even insight into dou techniques.
Xiao Yixian was displeased by this, but she held back. It's not like this woman is going to follow them to the Jia Nan Academy.
Gu Xun'er also didn't make much comment and simply put on a polite smile while listening to the exchange between Han Yuan and Yun Yun, which was quite interesting.
Qing Lin, well, she's been taking a nap since departing from the town.
Ruo Ling had her eyes on the road, but her eyes perked occasionally.
Surprisingly, Xiao Yu and Xue Ni listened with great interest because both Han Yuan and Yun Yun are their idols.
Everyone in the carriage was engrossed in their own way, except Han Yuan, who was answering Yun Yun's question.
'Damn, being a harem protagonist is tough.' Han Yuan thought, giving Yun Yun a helpless look.
'I wish this moment never ended...' Yun Yun thought to herself.
However, good times will always come to an end because time won't stop for anyone.
As the carriages moved at a much quicker speed than before, they arrived at the border ahead of schedule, more than Rou Ling had once expected. Far ahead, one could already see a vast desert, which is none other than the Tager Desert.
Yun Yun stared at the sea of sand with dim eyes.
She unconsciously clenched her hand and wished the journey could last a little longer.
"Sect Master Yun, it is time for us to split from each other," Xiao Yixian suddenly said. "As a sect master, you should be busy with many things, and leaving for too long isn't a good thing for your sect."
"Am I right?"
Yun Yun pursed her lips, "You're right..."
"Then, please give me some private time with Han Yuan first. A few minutes, just a few minutes."
"There is an important thing I wanted to tell Han Yuan."
Xiao Yixian raised her eyebrow slightly. Then, she felt someone nudging her elbow, and it was Gu Xun'er who gave her a 'smirking devil' look.
Xiao Yixian harrumphed, "Fine."
After saying that, Xiao Yixian casually lifted the sleeping Qing Lin, and the rest of the ladies followed.
Han Yuan and Yun Yun stared at each other silently. The beautiful sect master bit her lips, "Han Yuan, will we meet again in the future?"
"Of course," Han Yuan smiled confidently. "I am not going to stay at the Jia Nan Academy forever. I need holidays, too, you know?"
Yun Yun put on a hesitant look before expressing her thoughts with a somewhat emotional tone, "Then, will you miss me?"
"Hmm? And what do you mean by that, Yun?" Han Yuan narrowed his eyes playfully.
"I-I don't know..." Yun Yun responded blankly. "I have never felt like this in my life."
"Even though we just met last night."
"That one night seems to change something inside me."
"Your insight, talent, and strength impress more than anything."
"At the same time, I felt you and I are the same kind of people."
"And that makes me not want to see you go away..."
"It makes my chest feel uncomfortable, and my heart beats nervously every time I think about it."
Yun Yun pressed her chest and then gazed at Han Yuan, "Han Yuan, do you think I am sick?"
"For a wasted woman like me to feel this way toward you?"
Han Yuan suddenly grabbed Yun Yun's shoulders firmly and said, "Don't ever call yourself a wasted woman. Yun Yun, you're a woman I very much admire."
"You're brave, strong, kindhearted, and more importantly, willing to face hardship."
"You're beautiful, Yun Yun. Not just appearance, but also your heart and will."
"Cultivation is a way of interacting with all things, and desire is one of them."
He stared into Yun Yun's eyes and then continued, "It's normal for one to admire others. The question is. Are you willing to act upon that desire and face the consequences?"
"I am... I am willing!" After saying that, Yun Yun abruptly pressed her lips against Han Yuan's lips. She buried her face on his chest and inhaled his scent greedily, afraid of losing it.
Han Yuan was stunned. He didn't expect Yun Yun to act right away. She's decisive, too damned decisive!
Even then, Han Yuan couldn't simply push her away. Maybe he was a scumbag, after all.
After a while, they finally stopped, and Yun Yun leaned comfortably on Han Yuan.
Han Yuan sighed, "I am going to regret this."
"It's fine, I will take all the responsibility." Yun Yun whispered while caressing his chest. "Even if you have other women, I am willing to be your mistress."
"This is my desire, and I am willing to face the consequences."
"This is my cultivation, my will, and my life!"
'As expected of a female cultivator. You can even say such a bold thing with such conviction.' Han Yuan reached for Yun Yun's waist and patted it a few times.
"Thank you for choosing me, Yun Yun."
"I am honored."
"No, I should be the one honored, Han Yuan!" Yun Yun shook her head gently. "Compared to me, your future is limitless. Right now, I am a Dou Emperor, but in the future, I might become a burden for you."
"No, you won't..." Han Yuan held Yun Yun's hand, interlocking her fingers with his. "My women will never become my burden. If that happens, then I am not a man!"
Han Yuan's words touched Yun Yun. She reached for his chin and smiled happily, "Han Yuan..."
"Are you guys done?!" Xiao Yixian's annoyed shout echoed from the outside.
'Sigh, what a good fucking timing you had, Yixian.' Han Yuan's mouth twitched in disbelief.
Yun Yun composed herself and said, "Please be safe. I will be waiting for you in the Jia Ma Empire."
"I will." Han Yuan smiled, pecking her forehead gently.
Honestly, this development was a bit too fast. But Han Yuan understood that Yun Yun was a decisive woman. Once she made up her mind, she would do anything to achieve it.
"But before that, let me give you a gift." Han Yuan grabbed three items from his Sky Poison Pearl, one of which was very familiar to Yun Yun.
"Soaring Crane Blade, you're giving this precious artifact to me?" Yun Yun bit her lips.
Han Yuan nodded, "Mm, the Soaring Crane Blade is very suitable for you, but the other two gifts are more valuable than it."
"This Heavenly Spirit Awakening Wine," He introduced the gourd bottle filled with a 'special' wine he made with Purple Dawn Mist and White Emperor Gourd. "This wine could awaken an innate spirit (martial soul) within oneself, and then nourish it with the fortune of heaven and earth, which not only increases one's talent but also improves many aspects of it."
Then, Han Yuan placed a silver gem on Yun Yun's palm and introduced the last item, "This gem contained the soul of a powerful beast, which you can contract once you awaken your innate spirit. I have placed a soul contract inside it, and all you need to do is crush it."
"These..." Yun Yun was troubled. "Han Yuan, you don't have to give me such precious things."
"No, you must take them. If not, you wouldn't be able to follow me to a higher realm." Han Yuan stated firmly.
Yun Yun froze on the spot and finally closed her palm, "Okay..."
After all, Yun Yun knew her talents were lacking, well, compared to Han Yuan, and she didn't wish to get left behind, especially after confessing her feelings.
Han Yuan nodded in satisfaction, "Good, let's exchange letters, so you can keep me updated on the innate spirit awakening."
"Mm, I understand." Yun Yun smiled, feeling content with Han Yuan's determination.
After this whole ordeal, Yun Yun finally emerged from the carriage and felt the stares of the girls. Although Han Yuan has sealed the space with his spiritual power, it's not hard to make guesses in their hearts.
Xiao Yixian, in particular, wished she could duel Yun Yun and bully her to oblivion for staying in the carriage and possibly act intimately with him while they were waiting.
'Fuck! The harem grows so quickly!' Xiao Yixian cursed while biting her nails in frustration.
Yun Yun adjusted her neckline and then stared at Ruo Ling, "Teacher Ruo, please have a safe journey. I will take my leave." With that, she flew away somewhat nervously as if she wanted to hide something.
Ruo Ling sighed and resumed the journey, making the caravan officially enter the Tager Desert.
In the sky, Yun Yun actually hadn't left. She reached for her neck, which had several red marks, and blushed deeply.
She also brushed her lips and mumbled in a daze, "H-How could Han Yuan be so good at this? I can feel his touch on my body, and my neck, what a scoundrel, hmm."
She gazed at the disappearing caravan in the distance and wondered when she's going to make him again.
Days?
Months?
Years?
No matter how long, Yun Yun is willing to wait!
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Alternative Title: Decisive Yun Yun Confessed Her Feelings? Maybe I Am A Scumbag, After all!