The mountaintop behind Misty Cloud Sect was shrouded in mist, resembling an ethereal paradise.
At the edge of the cliff, perched on a protruding black rock, a woman in a moon-white dress sat cross-legged, her hands forming a cultivation seal.
Her eyes were closed, her breathing steady and rhythmic, forming a perfect cycle. With each cycle, faint wisps of cyan dou qi seeped from the surrounding dense dou qi, swirling around her before being absorbed into her body—refined, transformed, and stored.
When the last trace of cyan dou qi vanished into her body, Nalan Yanran slowly opened her eyes. A glimmer of green light flashed in her pupils, and her cascading blue hair fluttered slightly despite the absence of wind.
"Finally… I've broken through to the Seven-Star Dou Practitioner."
A faint smile touched her lips as she sensed the fruits of her labor.
But before her joy could settle, the images of the Little Fairy Doctor and Liu Ling surfaced in her mind.
A few days ago, during a sparring session with the Little Fairy Doctor, the latter had reluctantly revealed her cultivation level—Five-Star Dou Master.
Having spent considerable time with her junior sister, Nalan Yanran knew her character well.
She was certain that the Little Fairy Doctor had downplayed her true strength to spare her feelings.
The last time she had ventured down the mountain and encountered danger, she had learned that her junior sister was already a Four-Star Dou Master. Given the girl's monstrous talent, it was impossible for her to have only advanced by a single star in all this time.
Nalan Yanran's heart clenched.
"She must be at least a Six or Seven-Star Dou Master by now…"
The thought was suffocating.
Her junior sister was younger, yet her cultivation surpassed her own. How could she accept this?
In a month, the Inner Sect Grand Competition would commence.
Recalling her bold declaration of claiming first place, Nalan Yanran now felt like a fool.
Forget the Little Fairy Doctor—even Liu Ling, whom she had once defeated, was now beyond her reach.
And according to Elder Gu He's wishes, both her junior sister and Liu Ling would participate in the competition.
"At this rate, forget first place—I won't even secure second."
A bitter smile tugged at her lips.
Just as her heart ached with frustration, a Misty Cloud Sect disciple approached.
"Senior Sister Nalan, the Sect Master has returned. She requests your presence immediately."
"Teacher is back?" Nalan Yanran blinked in surprise before delight lit up her face.
Gracefully rising, she stood at the cliff's edge. The wind pressed her moon-white robes against her slender figure, accentuating her curves.
After a final glance into the mountan below, she flicked her sleeves and strode toward the sect.
…
Misty Cloud Sect – Main Hall
The spacious hall was bathed in light. Seated at the head was Yun Yun, clad in an elegant white dress.
After the events in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, she had secluded herself to meditate, only returning once her heart had settled.
Yet, even now, the memories of that time—especially the madness of that final night—remained etched in her mind.
Her gaze distant, she murmured, "Gu He… where have you gone?"
"Teacher?"
A clear voice snapped her from her thoughts. Nalan Yanran stepped through the gauze curtains, smiling sweetly.
Yun Yun quickly composed herself, her face softening into a gentle smile. "Yanran, you're here."
Before her disciple, she buried her emotions deep.
"Teacher, why have you returned so soon this time?" Nalan Yanran asked, her tone light.
Yun Yun stroked her hair affectionately. "My matters concluded early. Tell me, have you been diligent in your cultivation?"
"Teacher, I've just broken through to the Seven-Star Dou Practitioner" Nalan Yanran replied.
"Good. Advancing so quickly shows your dedication." Yun Yun smiled approvingly.
Yet Nalan Yanran's expression remained subdued.
To her, this breakthrough was insignificant.
Compared to the Little Fairy Doctor and Liu Ling, she was lagging far behind.
Noticing her silence, Yun Yun understood.
Recalling Gu He's proposal in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, she hesitated before speaking.
"Yanran… what are your thoughts on Elder Gu He?"
Nalan Yanran stiffened, surprised by the question.
Memories surfaced—Gu He's gentle demeanor, his care for her junior sister, his promise to bestow a strange flame upon his disciple, even the Void Jade Talisman in her ring…
After a pause, she answered softly, "Elder Gu He is… a good person. And a good teacher."
"A good teacher…" The words stung Yun Yun's heart.
Hearing her own disciple praise another as a superior mentor was painful.
Yet she couldn't deny it—Gu He's teaching surpassed hers.
As Sect Master, she had little time to guide Nalan Yanran personally.
And Gu He had vowed to train Yanran to the Dou King level before the three-year agreement.
A feat she couldn't match.
If she selfishly kept Yanran by her side, she would only hinder her growth.
Moreover, the three-year agreement concerned Misty Cloud Sect's reputation. She couldn't afford to gamble.
Gu He was a Dou Ancestor—his resources far exceeded hers.
Resolved, she met Nalan Yanran's gaze.
"Yanran… will you take Elder Gu He as your Teacher?"
…
Wu Tan City
Morning sunlight streamed through the window as Xiao Yan yawned and rolled out of bed. After a quick wash, he turned to the ring on his finger.
"Teacher, when do we leave?"
A translucent figure materialized on a nearby chair. "First, gather supplies—water, rations, tents, low-grade herbs, and healing pills. We'll be in the mountains for a long time."
Xiao Yan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I can't wait!"
Yao Lao arched a brow. "You've never faced true life-or-death combat. Only under extreme pressure does one's potential erupt. Without it, you'll never become a true powerhouse."
Xiao Yan's grin faded slightly.
"You have talent," Yao Lao continued, "but what you lack is blood and steel tempering. Only through such trials can you transform."
Clenching his fists, Xiao Yan recalled Nalan Yanran's scornful face.
"Don't worry, Teacher. I'll prove myself."
Yao Lao nodded, satisfied.
"By the way…" Xiao Yan leaned in eagerly. "When will you teach me that Earth-Level Dou techniques you mentioned?"
Yao Lao smirked. "Patience. Once we leave Wu Tan City… you'll learn it the hard way."
A chill ran down Xiao Yan's spine.
…
Stone Desert City
"Master Gu, you've already refined the Purple Jade Pill?" The Xiao brothers stared in awe at the jade vial.
Gu He chuckled. "A mere second-grade pill hardly requires days of preparation."
Behind Gu He, Qing Lin stood obediently.
"Now that the pill is ready, we'll take our leave," Gu He said.
Xiao Ding clasped his hands. "The Desert Iron Mercenary Regiment doors will always be open to you, Master Gu!"
With a nod, Gu He led Qing Lin out.
Once outside the city, he summoned Xiao Jin.
Qing Lin gasped, hiding behind him.
"No need to fear," Gu He reassured. "This is my pet."
Qing Lin emerald eyes widened in awe. "Teacher… is incredible."
Mounting Xiao Jin, they soared toward the depths of the Tagore Desert, leaving Stone Desert City behind.
…
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