Besides her curiosity, a deep sense of gratitude welled up within Yun Yun. As she had said herself, if Chen Yang hadn't intervened, she likely would have been sealed by the Amethyst Winged Lion King and met her end in this treacherous mountain range.
Just as she opened her mouth to express her thanks more formally, Chen Yang's gaze shifted. He turned his head toward a massive rock several thousand meters away, his eyes piercing through the distance.
"Come out!" Chen Yang shouted, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "You brat, you've been watching for so long, aren't you going to say anything?"
Yun Yun was taken aback. Her body tensed slightly as she looked toward the boulder. ' There were other people here? To hide from both a Peak Rank 6 Magical Beast and myself... they must at least be a Dou Wang expert skilled in concealment. Could it be another young prodigy? '
Behind the rock, Xiao Yan touched his nose and smiled wryly. ' Teacher, it seems Brother Yang found us after all. '
The old man's voice chuckled within his mind, the translucent soul force rippling slightly as he withdrew it. "Then why don't you just go out? What are you afraid of him doing to you? At most, he'll just swindle you out of a little money. Overall, you'll still be the one making a profit."
"All right, all right," Xiao Yan muttered. He shook his head helplessly, and a pair of cyan wings suddenly unfurled from his back. With a flap of the Azure Swallow Wings, he soared out from behind the boulder.
Yun Yun's eyes widened in shock. ' Dou Qi transforming into wings at such a young age?! No... wait. '
As Xiao Yan drew closer, she realized her mistake. The boy was only a 6-Star Dou Shi; the wings were a rare flying Dou Technique. Xiao Yan didn't waste time, quickly landing near Chen Yang.
"Brother Yang!" Xiao Yan landed and immediately bowed with his hands clasped in a respectful greeting.
"Not bad," Chen Yang replied, landing softly on the grass. He patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder, looking him over with an appreciative eye. "It's only been two months, and you're already nearing the 7-Star Dou Shi level. How has your training in the Monster Mountain Range been?"
"Thanks to Brother Yang's pills, I'm confident I can break through to Great Dou Master before I leave this place," Xiao Yan said. Internally, he felt a complex mix of emotions—heartbroken for his dwindling gold coins, yet deeply grateful for the rapid progress.
"I've had some new inspiration for alchemy recently," Chen Yang said, his eyes twinkling. "Once I break through again, I'll tailor-make another batch of pills for you. Of course..." He stopped and rubbed his thumb and forefinger together in a rhythmic motion.
Xiao Yan blinked, confused. ' In the Dou Qi Continent, is there a specific meaning to that gesture? It looks like he's counting something... ' Realization dawned on him. ' Ah, money. He wants money. '
"Don't worry, Brother Yang," Xiao Yan said, scratching his head sheepishly. "I've made some decent gains in the mountains recently, and my own alchemy skills have improved. I should... be able to afford it." He felt a pang of shame. As an alchemist, he was probably the only one in the empire who was this perpetually broke.
Yun Yun, standing nearby, watched the exchange with growing intrigue. She noticed the boy's rare flying technique and the easy, almost brotherly rapport he had with the mysterious Dou Huang. When she landed beside them, the Amethyst Winged Lion King, now somewhat stabilized by the pills, let out a submissive low huff.
"Okay, keep it up. Make some more money!" Chen Yang encouraged Xiao Yan with a bright smile. ' Xiao Yan might not have much gold, but he's a walking vault of Yao Lao's prescriptions and high-level techniques. '
Xiao Yan nodded, then turned his gaze toward Yun Yun. His expression turned complicated. After a moment of heavy silence, he suddenly bowed deeply toward her.
"This humble one, Xiao Yan, greets Sect Master Yun!"
The air seemed to freeze. Yun Yun's eyes went wide, and even the invisible Yao Lao paused in surprise.
"You... what did you say your name was?" Yun Yun asked, her voice trembling slightly with shock.
"Sect Master Yun, I am Xiao Yan of Wutan City," Xiao Yan said, straightening his back. He touched his nose with a bitter smile. "I am also... your disciple's former fiancé."
In the original timeline, Xiao Yan's judgment might have been clouded by the resentment of the three-year agreement. But here, influenced by Chen Yang's presence, he was more composed. Seeing a female Dou Huang with wind-attribute Dou Qi in this specific region, the identity of the Sect Leader of the Yun Lan Sect was the only logical conclusion.
"How did you know... Oh." Yun Yun started to ask, but then stopped herself. ' A female Dou Huang of the Jia Ma Empire with wind-attribute Qi... it isn't exactly a long list. '
"So you're the leader of the Yun Lan Sect?" Chen Yang interjected, playing his part perfectly as he turned to her with a look of feigned surprise.
"My apologies," Yun Yun said, turning to Chen Yang with an apologetic dip of her head. "In the heat of the moment, I forgot to introduce myself properly. I am Yun Yun."
"It's quite alright. I was also a bit occupied," Chen Yang replied, cupping his hands. "My name is Chen Yang. I hail from Zhongzhou."
' As I thought! ' Both Yun Yun and Yao Lao reached the same conclusion simultaneously. ' Only the Central Plains could produce such a terrifying young talent. '
"Mr. Chen Yang," Yun Yun began, shifting the topic back to her original purpose. "I came to this range specifically for the Amethyst Crystal of the Lion King. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it? I am prepared to exchange items of equal value for it."
Xiao Yan stood by silently. ' She wants the crystal for Nalan Yanran's training. A Dou Huang wouldn't need it for themselves. '
' Don't you care that she's helping your rival grow stronger? ' Yao Lao's voice echoed in his mind.
' We are in two different worlds now, Teacher, ' Xiao Yan thought, a calm resolve settling over him. ' If I can devour a Heavenly Flame, a mere Amethyst Crystal won't save her in the three-year agreement. My goal isn't Nalan Yanran anymore; it's to be better than I was yesterday. '
' Haha! Good lad! ' Yao Lao laughed heartily.
"No problem at all," Chen Yang laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "It's just a crystal. The Lion King is mine now; its treasures are at my disposal."
"That is wonderful news!" Yun Yun was visibly relieved. She immediately produced the items she had prepared: three Rank 5 Magic Cores, a High-Level Xuan Rank fire-attribute cultivation method, and a matching Dou Technique.
Chen Yang swept the items into his storage ring with a casual flick of his wrist, then looked at the beast. "Lion King, you heard the lady. Go."
The Amethyst Winged Lion King nodded obediently, its massive wings creating a gust of wind as it retreated into its cave. A few moments later, it emerged, carrying a glowing purple crystal in its mouth.
By then, the trio had moved to a cleaner patch of grass, away from the charred crater. The Lion King prostrated itself before Chen Yang, placing the crystal on the grass.
"Master, here is the Amethyst Crystal," the beast spoke, its voice low and reverent.
Chen Yang nodded and picked up the glowing gem. As he handed it to Yun Yun, his large hand deliberately brushed lightly against hers.
Yun Yun's heart skipped a beat at the brief contact, but she maintained her composure, taking the crystal and placing it into her storage ring. Seemingly trying to find a topic to ease the sudden tension, she glanced at Xiao Yan—who was currently standing with his hands behind his head, even letting out a carefree whistle—and spoke softly to Chen Yang.
"We are looking for this Amethyst Crystal because Elder Gu He needs it in the pills he prepared for Yanran."
Chen Yang nodded understandingly. "I have long admired the name of the Pill King of the Jia Ma Empire. If I have the opportunity in the future, I will definitely visit him and exchange ideas on alchemy."
The speaker meant it as a courtesy, but the listener took it to heart. ' He speaks as an equal to Gu He... his alchemy skills must be truly extraordinary. ' Yun Yun smiled, a hint of joy flashing in her heart. "After returning to the sect, Yun Yun will tell Elder Gu He this good news!"
"Okay!" Chen Yang nodded.
Yun Yun bit her lip lightly. Chen Yang's attitude wasn't overly enthusiastic, and part of her felt she should leave now that the transaction was complete. Yet, the fact that he had saved her, combined with a faint, hazy feeling she couldn't quite name, made her want to stay just a little longer.
"Master Chen Yang..." Yun Yun began, but Chen Yang raised his hand to stop her.
"Sect Leader Yun, there's no need to be so polite. Just call me by my name."
Chen Yang knew well that breaking down barriers began with how people addressed each other. ' An affectionate or approachable name can shorten the distance between hearts faster than any gift. After all, that's how Xiao Yan won over Xun'er. '
"Then don't call me Sect Master Yun anymore," Yun Yun said, a small smile playing on her lips as she relaxed her posture. "Just call me by my name."
Xiao Yan, watching from the side, found the sudden shift in atmosphere intriguing. His gaze bounced between the two of them, gradually becoming more ambiguous. Yun Yun noticed his look and felt a sudden spike of nervousness.
"Chen Yang," she asked, her voice slightly hushed. "Is Xiao Yan... your disciple?"
She was terrified he would say yes. She had supported Nalan Yanran's decision to annul the engagement. Even if she hadn't been the one to use force, her approval as the Sect Leader was the weight behind the action. If Xiao Yan was Chen Yang's disciple, the potential for a rift between them was immense.
"I just found the kid pleasing to the eye," Chen Yang explained, sensing her worry. "I'm on good terms with an elder in his clan, so I offered him some help. The kid has his own Teacher."
"Brother Yang, it's almost lunchtime," Xiao Yan chimed in, sensing the mood. "How about I get us something to eat, and you and Sect Leader Yun can chat while you eat?"
"How about we go to a nearby city?" Yun Yun suggested, feeling a sense of relief. "I should thank Chen Yang properly for saving my life."
"At our speed, it would take an hour or two to fly to the nearest city," Chen Yang countered. "And the ingredients there might not be as fresh as what we can find right here in the Monster Mountain Range."
He wanted a lasting impression, and a meal in the wild—the place where they met—was perfect for that. "I'll do as you say," Yun Yun agreed softly.
The group moved to a nearby pool of water. The Amethyst Winged Lion King settled on a mountaintop above, acting as a silent guardian. Its presence alone sent smaller magical beasts fleeing in terror.
"Brother Yang, you chat with Sect Leader Yun. I'll cook!" Xiao Yan said, heading toward the water with his giant ruler on his back.
"You're good at cooking," Chen Yang called out. "Just use the normal seasonings, don't add anything else!" He remembered the original story's mishaps and didn't want any 'accidental' medicinal effects complicating things today.
"Ah???" Xiao Yan scratched his head, confused, but Chen Yang just waved him off.
Chen Yang took two small stools from his storage ring and handed one to Yun Yun. She sat gracefully, smoothing her skirt. As they sat close together, Chen Yang could feel her overwhelming aura—not one of power, but of a refined, elegant presence.
"Yun Yun, the Yun Lan Sect was famous even in the Central Plains back then," Chen Yang said, striking up a conversation. "My family had dealings with Yun Shan in the past. But why are you only a 3-Star Dou Huang as the leader?"
The conversation flowed naturally from sect history to personal lives. When Chen Yang mentioned his parents had passed away, Yun Yun's expression softened with genuine empathy. She shared that she, too, had lost her parents young and was adopted by Yun Shan. The initial awkwardness vanished, replaced by a feeling as if they had known each other for years.
"Brother Yang, Sect Leader Yun, dinner's ready!" Xiao Yan shouted from the fire.
Chen Yang stood up and extended his hand to Yun Yun, who was still seated. It was a small test—a signal. Yun Yun looked at the hand, a hint of shyness flashing across her face. ' He's offering to pull me up? As a Dou Huang, I don't need it... but... '
"Come on, let's go eat," Chen Yang said with a jade-like smile, waving his hand slightly.
Yun Yun hesitated for only a second. If they were alone, she might have declined, but she could see Xiao Yan watching them. With a soft sigh, she placed her hand in his and let him pull her up. Her face felt a little hot, and she suspected she might be blushing.
Chen Yang let go once she was standing, picking up his stool and heading toward the fire. Yun Yun lingered for a moment, savoring the warmth of the touch, before following.
"You kid," Chen Yang praised, looking at the grilled fish. "If you don't become an alchemist, you could make a living with a restaurant."
Xiao Yan chuckled, then glanced at Yun Yun before sending a soul transmission directly into Chen Yang's mind. ' Brother Yang... have you taken a liking to Sect Leader Yun? '