Chen Mo stayed at the Nalan Estate for another three days.
Perhaps because everything had been made clear between them—and because their hearts were now connected—Yun Yun's favorability toward Chen Mo rose to 90. His system level was now Lv.4 (393/400).
However, with Nalan Yanran constantly sticking close by, and Yun Yun being too shy, Chen Mo didn't get any chances for intimate interaction. As a result, the rewards he received were mostly favorability points and medicinal pills.
"Big Sister Yun Yun, this is an Elder Token from the Shadow Pavilion. From now on, you're the Commander of the Phoenix Guard."
Chen Mo handed Yun Yun a crimson token.
It was made of an unknown material, gleaming red all over, with a yin-yang pattern engraved on its surface. It emitted an aura of indestructibility.
Curious, Yun Yun took it. After several days of Chen Mo's persistence and coaxing, she finally agreed to stay by his side and accept the position as Commander of the Phoenix Guard.
Seeing her accept it, Chen Mo smiled. "Sister Yun Yun, try injecting a trace of your soul power into the token."
Hearing that, Yun Yun nodded and did as he said. As her soul power flowed into the token, it glowed faintly, leaving behind her spiritual imprint. A mysterious link was instantly formed between the two.
Through that connection, Yun Yun quickly understood the token's functions.
"What a strange item…" she murmured softly.
Chen Mo chuckled lightly. "Alright, Sister Yun Yun, I still have matters to attend to. I'll come see you again in a few days."
He had been away from Qinghong City for nearly a week now—if he didn't return soon, Queen Medusa would surely explode in anger.
Of course, Yun Yun knew perfectly well what "matters" he was referring to. Her beautiful eyes lingered on him, a faint discomfort rising in her heart.
But she also knew she was the one who came later. With a soft sigh, she said gently, "Come here."
"Hm?"
Chen Mo was puzzled but still walked over and sat down beside her on the bed.
Yun Yun gazed at his handsome, youthful face from up close, her eyes softening. Her jade-like hand reached up to fix his slightly crooked collar. "Even your collar's off—don't you know how to dress properly?"
"Sister Yun Yun…"
Feeling her tender care, a spark of heat rose within Chen Mo. The air between them grew increasingly ambiguous—until a deliberate cough broke it.
"That's enough," Nalan Yanran said coolly. "Didn't you say you were leaving? I'll walk you out."
The sudden interruption left Chen Mo mildly irritated, though he didn't show it. After gently caressing Yun Yun's face, he stood up and headed outside.
Nalan Yanran followed him.
It was late morning, and the sunlight shone brightly.
The two walked side by side along a stone path, the sunlight filtering through the trees and painting their figures in gold.
Nalan Yanran clasped her hands behind her back, lowering her head as she said quietly, "Once Teacher's injuries are fully healed, I plan to travel across the continent."
"Oh?" Chen Mo didn't slow his steps. "With your strength—barely at the Dou Zhe realm—you think you can 'travel the continent'? You'll be lucky to make it past the Jia Ma Empire."
Hearing his dismissive tone, Nalan Yanran puffed her cheeks, her frustration flaring. "Even if I die out there, it's none of your concern!"
"I wouldn't care, but unfortunately, you happen to be Sister Yun Yun's only direct disciple."
"So what? My relationship is with my teacher, not with you."
"Then you're not planning to stay by her side?"
"Why should I?" she said bluntly. "If Teacher marries you, then she'll be your family. I'd just be tagging along like an outsider. What would I do following her around?"
Chen Mo thought for a moment and said, "If you want to travel, at least wait until you're stronger. With your current strength, you'd just be offering yourself up to be killed. I'd rather not see Sister Yun Yun heartbroken."
That struck right at her pride. Nalan Yanran scowled. "What if I meet a powerful expert during my travels who takes a liking to me and treats me well, huh? Not everything turns out badly!"
Unsure what she meant by that, Chen Mo frowned slightly. "That's highly unlikely. You should do as Sister Yun Yun does—stay by my side. Once your strength grows, you can go explore the continent all you want."
"Hmph." Nalan Yanran huffed. "I have no title, no position, no official standing. Why would I follow you around? To serve as your maid?"
Hearing that, Chen Mo finally understood. He stopped walking and turned toward her.
Still looking at her toes, Nalan Yanran didn't notice and walked straight into him, bumping right into his chest.
Chen Mo caught her before she could fall, his arm encircling her waist.
Nalan Yanran's face turned scarlet. She quickly pushed him away, stepping back to regain distance.
Smiling, Chen Mo said, "Who said you have no position? I was planning to recruit you into the Phoenix Guard to help me out."
He reached into his spatial ring and pulled out a purple token, handing it to her.
In truth, this was exactly what Nalan Yanran had come for. With this, she'd have an official reason to interact with him. Acting reluctant, she finally nodded. "Since you saved my grandfather, I suppose I can't refuse. But let's make this clear—I'm only helping you. Nothing more."
Chen Mo nodded. "Of course."
Only then did Nalan Yanran take the token, murmuring, "Why is mine purple?"
"Your strength's too low right now. Purple is enough for the moment. There are black and white ones below it, and red above it. Once you get stronger, I'll promote you to red."
Hearing that, Nalan Yanran finally tucked the token away.
After leaving the Nalan Estate, Chen Mo made his way to the Mittel Clan.
There, he found Ya Fei and informed her that he'd be away for some time.
Just like Yun Yun, Ya Fei immediately guessed what "away" meant. Her expression soured slightly. "What's so great about that snake-woman anyway? So she's a Dou Zong and rules over eight tribes, and she's pretty—besides that, what else does she have?"
Chen Mo: "…"
Naturally, he wasn't foolish enough to compare women in front of each other. Instead, he smiled and said, "You're right. Anyway, here—this is an Elder Token from the Shadow Pavilion, along with some Deacon and Disciple Tokens. Give them to people you trust."
He took out a red token and several black and white ones, handing them over to her.
After briefly explaining their functions, he thought for a moment and added a purple token as well. "This one's for the Grand Elder."
Ya Fei examined the tokens curiously, then nodded in understanding.
After a brief moment of tenderness between them, Chen Mo finally departed, flying swiftly toward Qinghong City.
Before leaving, he left the Amethyst Winged Lion King behind to protect Ya Fei and reminded her, "If you have time, visit Yun Yun more often."
****
If you want to support me or read advanced chapters (21+), consider checking out my Kof.
ko-fi.com/shax07