Chapter 116: Speak or Die Trying
"Whoosh!"
Yao Yan and Hai Bo Dong came to a synchronized halt, floating above the gates of Yun Lan Sect. They didn't rush in because the gate still marked the boundary. Crossing it without the consent of the hosts would undoubtedly be seen as a provocation. The two were here as guests, not to cause trouble, so it was important to respect the proper etiquette.
Yao Yan was never the type to act recklessly just because of his power or background. Strong individuals could bully the weak, but there needed to be a reason for it.
Even if it was just for personal gain, that was still a valid reason.
If one refuses beef... it's undoubtedly a loss of humanity.
As a powerful aura rose within Yun Lan Sect, two figures flew toward Yao Yan's location, one after the other.
"They're coming!"
Hai Bo Dong's gaze shifted slightly before introducing, "The old man in front is Yun Shan, the former Sect Leader of Yun Lan Sect. The woman behind him is his disciple and now the current Sect Leader, Yun Yun. She's twenty-four, with a Seven-Star Dou Wang strength!"
Just as he finished speaking, he looked at Yao Yan with a strange expression. To be honest, Yun Yun was the kind of normal genius, while Yao Yan was a monster, far beyond conventional understanding!
"Twenty-four... that's a seven-year gap~"
Yao Yan murmured to himself, his gaze playfully shifting to the cold woman behind Yun Shan. Compared to the old man, Yun Shan, his disciple Yun Yun was definitely the one worth a young man's attention.
Was this lecherous?
He didn't think so. As a normal person, if you saw a flower in full bloom, wouldn't you admire it a little? If one only trained to grow stronger for fighting, that would be rather dull.
Cultivation, besides becoming stronger, was meant to give one the privilege to appreciate the beauty in life during leisure moments.
It would be too boring if the goal was just fighting and killing.
In that moment, Yun Shan had already arrived in front of the two, and with his poised demeanor, he looked every bit the seasoned elder. His white hair and youthful face, coupled with his calm eyes, radiated an aura of wisdom. He seemed like a well-respected elder, vastly different from the domineering figure he was portrayed as in the original text.
Yun Yun, his disciple, was even more captivating.
At twenty-four, it was the most beautiful age for a woman.
She wore a golden-purple fitted brocade robe, her three thousand long hair styled in the shape of a phoenix's long cry, exuding a natural nobility that could not be hidden. Her beauty was serene and tranquil, like a clear spring in a quiet mountain, evoking both respect and an undeniable sense of allure.
She was certainly fierce, not inferior to the two Medusa Queens in beauty... Yao Yan gave an accurate, fair, and unbiased evaluation in his mind, and it wasn't an exaggeration.
No wonder the old pharmacist from the original text had such high praise. Yun Yun's figure was incredibly curvaceous, resembling a ripe peach, and combined with her noble and graceful posture, it was enough to captivate the hearts of most men. Thinking of this, Yao Yan also remembered the Dou Zun experts from the original story who had been attracted by Yun Yun's allure.
To be honest, female characters who are given special attention in the original text are all unparalleled beauties in appearance.
All of these thoughts passed through his mind in the blink of an eye.
Yun Shan smiled and took a few glances at Yao Yan before speaking softly, "This is the Yao Yan you spoke of, young friend?"
"Just turned seventeen, a three-star Dou Wang, and a Seven-Rank Alchemist."
Hai Bo Dong remained calm, giving a smooth introduction to Yun Shan and Yun Yun.
Yun Shan's smile froze for a moment, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. He stared at Hai Bo Dong for a long time, unsure of how to respond. Even though he had seen a lot in his life, this was an absurdity that even he struggled to digest.
It felt like hearing that Boss Ma's son had suddenly opened a convenience store next door. Wouldn't you doubt it?
Yun Yun's eyes, as clear as the sky, froze for a moment. Her fists clenched involuntarily, feeling as though she had been struck. Her usual pride seemed insignificant before this young man. Her emotions were in turmoil.
"Young man Yao Yan, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Yao Yan smiled humbly, politely cupping his hands in respect.
Yun Shan's attitude instantly became more respectful, and he responded solemnly, "There is no need for such courtesy, please enter the hall."
Yao Yan nodded and followed Hai Bo Dong inside.
The commotion in the sky naturally drew the attention of many. Yun Lan Sect wasn't small, with thousands of core disciples and elders, along with tens of thousands of outer disciples. Many had not been in seclusion and were shocked by what they saw at the gates.
"That person must be Ice Emperor Hai Bo Dong, but who is the one with him? The old Sect Leader seems to place a lot of importance on him."
"He looks so young, could he be here for a marriage proposal?!"
"Perhaps. Our Sect Leader is getting on in age, it's about time for him to marry!"
A few gossipy disciples couldn't help but mutter, oblivious to the figure behind the rockery. A man in alchemist robes was tightly clenching his fists, his eyes filled with a gloomy look, as though he couldn't accept what was happening before him.
As for why he didn't rush over… it was because Gu He's cultivation was only at the three-star Dou Ling level, and he couldn't fly!
...
Inside the grand hall of Yun Lan Sect.
After the four entered the hall, Yun Shan asked Yun Yun to prepare tea, while he personally entertained Hai Bo Dong and Yao Yan. After Yun Yun served the tea, Yun Shan smiled and introduced, "This is Ling Tea from Yun Lan Mountain's back peak. Drinking it regularly is beneficial for cultivating Dou Qi, but compared to the effects of pills, it's still not as good. Please, young master, give it a try."
"Ling Tea?"
Yao Yan, curious, picked up the teacup and sniffed it. A rich fragrance filled the air, and he couldn't help but take a sip. Instantly, a warm sensation spread through his body, somewhat similar to the nurturing effect of the Heavenly Flame, but one acted on the body while the other worked through the meridians and Dou Qi.
It was interesting, but not much.
After repeated refinement, Yao Yan's body and Dou Qi had already reached a level unimaginable for ordinary people. In terms of the quality of his Dou Qi, he could even match a Dou Zong.
"How does it taste?" Yun Shan asked with a smile.
"Excellent."
Yao Yan gave his assessment. From his perspective, this tea had a noticeable effect on cultivators below Dou Wang. As for those above that level, the effect was lacking.
Hai Bo Dong wasn't very interested in the tea, as it had no effect on Dou Huang cultivators. It could only satisfy the craving for something nice. He looked at Yun Shan and said softly, "No more beating around the bush. What about the matter we discussed last time?"
"If you have the Breaking Sect Pill, Yun Lan Sect can join your forces and follow your commands, but only within the Jia Ma Empire. As for beyond that, Yun Lan Sect is out of reach."
Yun Shan's eyes flickered as he paused his tea-drinking. Then his expression became serious, and he spoke slowly.
Yao Yan didn't waste any more words. He took out a pill bottle from his spatial ring and placed it on the table. Slowly, he said, "I just refined it a few days ago. It's of excellent quality and should be of help to the old Sect Leader."
As he spoke, he pushed the bottle toward Yun Shan.
"…"
Yun Shan stared at the jade bottle Yao Yan pushed over, still finding it somewhat unreal. The pill he had longed for had just appeared on his doorstep. Even with his composure, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. After all, breaking through to Dou Zong was his lifelong wish. He was even willing to risk his life for it.
Only someone who had been stuck at the Nine-Star Dou Huang peak for decades, knowing that their life was coming to an end, could truly understand the urgency and helplessness of this situation.
Yun Yun, looking at her teacher's hand trembling slightly, couldn't help but feel a slight ripple in her calm eyes. She bit her lip and softly called, "Master…"
"Can I inspect it?"
Yun Shan glanced at the pill and then turned his gaze to Yao Yan, speaking solemnly.
"Of course."
Yao Yan wasn't offended. After all, it was their first meeting, and Yun Shan couldn't possibly gamble everything just because Yao Yan handed him a pill. A proper inspection was necessary. If Yao Yan were in Yun Shan's position, he would also be cautious.
Hai Bo Dong couldn't help but say, "We've known each other for so many years, would I lie to you?"
"It's not that I don't trust you, it's that I can't trust you…"
Yun Shan smiled bitterly.
Yun Yun nodded slightly and bowed to Hai Bo Dong and Yao Yan before walking out of the hall to find Gu He and have the pill inspected. Since it concerned her teacher, she took it very seriously.
Not long after, Yun Yun entered the hall with a middle-aged man. As soon as he stepped in, his eyes flashed with a hint of hostility as he stared at Yao Yan. However, this gaze quickly disappeared, and he respectfully saluted Yun Shan, saying, "Gu He pays respects to the old Sect Leader!"
"Please take a look at this pill. It's a Six-Rank pill."
Yun Shan didn't elaborate on the pill's purpose but simply introduced it. He then had Yun Yun hand it over to Gu He. As for a Four-Rank Alchemist evaluating a Six-Rank pill... discerning the effects of pills was a fundamental skill. Though Gu He was a Four-Rank Alchemist, he could still tell the general properties of the pill.
Could this pill be a dowry... Gu He's heart sank, and his face looked a bit bitter, but he still maintained his professional demeanor. He opened the pill bottle and poured the pill out. A faint medicinal fragrance spread, and just inhaling a bit of it made his Dou Qi stir.
Yun Shan felt his own long-stagnant bottleneck beginning to tremble. In that moment, he fully believed Hai Bo Dong's words.
"This pill should be an aid for breakthroughs. Its quality is exceptional, and the fragrance is rich. It must have been recently refined…"
Gu He inspected the pill for a while and then spoke up.
"Enough, Gu He, thank you."
Yun Shan raised his hand to stop Gu He from continuing, signaling for him to leave. He then turned to Yao Yan and nodded. "As you said, young master."
Yun Yun, standing by the side, lowered her eyes at the moment and seemed troubled.
Gu He witnessed all of this. He wasn't sure where his courage came from, but suddenly, in front of everyone, he spoke out, "Shouldn't the old Sect Leader ask Yun Yun about this? I think it's important to get her opinion before making a hasty decision!"
His face reddened as though he had summoned a lot of courage.
His words immediately silenced the room, and four sets of eyes stared at him with varied expressions.
(END CHAPTER)
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