Yun Shan calmed himself and walked out of the stone chamber to the edge of the forbidden area. Looking toward the Tagor Desert and in the direction of Jia Ma Holy City, he whispered:
"Since that is the case, it is time for this Sect Leader to leave the mountain. The Jia Ma Empire has been peaceful for too long… it is time for a new cleansing. I will lead the Cloud Mist Sect to a height no Sect Leader has ever reached."
With a step, he stood in the void. Walking through the air, he left Yunlan Mountain at an extremely fast speed.
Inside the palace of Jia Ma Holy City, an old man slowly opened his cloudy eyes and looked toward the direction of the Cloud Mist Sect.
"This is… Yun Shan's aura? That old thing is still alive, and he has even broken through to Dou Zong."
The old man frowned deeply. Yun Shan was an extremely ambitious person.
After thinking for a long time and finding no good solution, the old man chose to let nature take its course. He could only strive to break through to Dou Zong as soon as possible.
While Yun Shan was rushing toward the Tagor Desert, Xiao Zhitian arrived at the room where Yun Yun was being held.
He opened the door and entered, seeing Yun Yun sitting blankly on a chair, her cultivation completely sealed.
Looking at her like this, Xiao Zhitian sighed inwardly.
Hearing someone enter, Yun Yun raised her head and looked at the black-robed man standing at the door.
"What are you doing here? What is your purpose?" Yun Yun asked calmly.
"I'm here to check on my hostage. As for my purpose, of course it's to obtain a ransom," Xiao Zhitian replied in a hoarse voice.
"I don't believe my Cloud Mist Sect has anything that could tempt someone who has a Dou Zong subordinate."
"Maybe there is."
Yun Yun remained silent for a long time before asking, "What about my companions?"
"They are all fine. We treat hostages kindly and do not torture them."
Xiao Zhitian had mainly come because he was worried Yun Yun might do something foolish or be mistreated.
He turned around and began walking toward the door.
Suddenly, Yun Yun stood up and grabbed his cloak.
"Jiang Feng… I know it's you. Even if that Dou Zong helped you change your aura, I still recognize the scent on your body."
"ε = ( ο ｀ * ) ) ) Alas…"
Xiao Zhitian sighed, lifted his cloak, and removed his mask.
Turning around, Yun Yun saw his face again. Tears filled her eyes.
"Why… why are you doing this?" she asked softly.
"Didn't I say that I covet a treasure of your Cloud Mist Sect?"
"What treasure does my Cloud Mist Sect have that could attract you?"
"You."
"Me?"
Yun Yun pointed at herself, looking incredulous.
Xiao Zhitian waved his hand to close the door, pulled the dazed Yun Yun into his arms, and gently stroked her hair.
"Because I know that Yun Shan, the former Sect Leader of your Cloud Mist Sect, is cooperating with an evil organization—the Hall of Souls. And the Hall of Souls will inevitably oppose me in the future. How should you stand between us then?"
"My teacher?" Yun Yun's face turned pale. "Isn't he in seclusion?"
After so long, she had already realized that she truly liked the man before her, even though he was younger.
If the man she loved and the teacher who raised her were to conflict, she might only be left with despair.
"Yes, but he failed to break through during seclusion. Later, a Protector from the Hall of Souls found him and used certain methods to help him break through. In exchange, Yun Shan agreed to cooperate with them. As for the details, I cannot tell you yet."
Xiao Zhitian briefly explained the situation.
"So you captured me to lure out my teacher?" Yun Yun asked anxiously. "What will you do when he comes?"
"Of course, I want him to cooperate with me. And I am absolutely confident he will stand on the same side as me."
"Then what do you want me to do?"
Xiao Zhitian smiled and changed the subject. "For now, just let me hold you. I missed you."
"Don't talk nonsense," Yun Yun said softly, pretending to struggle before finally leaning quietly in his arms.
"Should I call you Yun Yun or Yun'er from now on?" Xiao Zhitian teased.
"Just Yun Yun. Forget Yun'er. You're younger than me—it's strange."
"Okay, Yun'er. I understand, Yun'er."
"Ah! Shut up!" Yun Yun hurriedly covered his mouth, her composure completely gone.
After a lingering kiss, the two finally separated.
Before leaving, Xiao Zhitian told Yun Yun his real name.
After he left, Yun Yun sat happily in the room for a moment, then suddenly stood up.
"Xiao Zhitian? Isn't that the person Nalan Yanran mentioned from the Xiao Family—the one she said felt terrifying?"
Her expression became complicated.
If Nalan Yanran were to meet Xiao Zhitian again in the future, and then realize he was her teacher's beloved…
The more Yun Yun thought about it, the more ashamed she felt.
Two days later.
At a supply point within the Tagor Desert.
Xiao Yan had arrived to replenish his water supply.
"Did you hear? Pill King Gu He summoned a Dou Huang, two Dou Wangs, and four Dou Lings to negotiate with the Snake-People Tribe, but they were all detained after damaging the city."
"What I heard was that Gu He went to seize the Different Fire, but Queen Medusa and two mysterious experts suppressed and captured them alive."
Xiao Yan listened carefully to the mercenaries' discussion.
After hearing nothing useful, he left.
"Teacher, do you think the news about the Different Fire is true?" Xiao Yan asked Yao Lao.
"I can't be certain. But if Gu He truly went there, then it's very likely. We are not far from the Snake-People Tribe. We can go and confirm," Yao Lao replied.
"Then let's head over. This is the first news we've heard about a Different Fire. I might need you to help conceal my aura."
"Yes," Yao Lao nodded.
In the courtyard outside Xiao Zhitian's room in the Snake-People Temple, Xiao Zhitian sat at a stone table, drinking calmly.
Medusa flew down from afar and landed on the stool opposite him. Over these past few days, she had frequently come to question Xiao Zhitian's intentions, and the two had gradually become familiar.
"Does Her Majesty wish to have a drink?" Xiao Zhitian asked with a smile, offering a cup.
"If I drink with you, will you finally tell me your true purpose?" Medusa leaned forward slightly, her tone alluring.
Xiao Zhitian was momentarily captivated and fell silent.
Noticing his gaze, Medusa quickly leaned back. A faint blush flashed across her face.