Chapter 141: Yun Yun
Along the way, although Xiao Yuan remained polite in his responses, there was a clear sense of deliberate distance in his tone—something that left Nalan Yanran feeling increasingly bitter.
Soon, the two arrived outside the main hall of Misty Cloud Sect, but did not enter immediately.
Inside, Yun Yun was currently working on rectifying the atmosphere and discipline of the sect.
However, Elder Yun Leng clearly didn't grasp the situation. He was still clinging to old ways and trying to assert his authority.
"Sect Leader, isn't it a bit excessive to go this far?"
Yun Leng's voice carried out from the hall.
"Elder, there are countless powerful beings across the continent. Misty Cloud Sect may be a dominant force within the Jia Ma Empire, but compared to other forces and experts beyond our borders, we are far from unrivaled. If we, like the Mo Clan, provoke someone beyond our ability to resist and only regret it later—it will be too late!"
Yun Yun's voice was cool, aloof, and unwavering, imbued with a commanding resolve that surprised Xiao Yuan.
She had always seemed gentle in his memories.
"Sect Leader exaggerates. Few forces in the surrounding empires could contend with Misty Cloud Sect. Who could possibly threaten us? And with the old Sect Leader still alive, we are the ones who cannot be provoked!"
Yun Leng retorted, stubborn and full of pride.
Hearing this, Nalan Yanran muttered softly, "The Elder is arguing with Master again…"
"A short-sighted fool."
Xiao Yuan commented coldly, clearly displeased.
He had always disliked Yun Leng, who in the original story couldn't handle defeat and went to vent his anger on the Xiao Clan. Now, watching him bicker with Yun Yun only increased Xiao Yuan's disdain.
"Shh! Don't speak recklessly."
Nalan Yanran quickly hushed him, raising a finger to her lips.
She knew Yun Leng's temperament. Even as the heir to the sect, she held a level of fear toward this Elder.
Xiao Yuan reined in his displeasure. As much as he disliked Yun Leng, now wasn't the time to pick a fight with Misty Cloud Sect—especially without Yao Lao around. When the time came, and he returned as the future young lord of Starfall Pavilion with a few Dou Zong elders behind him, then he could show this old dog his place.
Until then, caution.
He was here for Yun Yun—not to cause trouble.
"The Sect Leader's presence is our final trump card. If we act as if that alone is enough to be reckless, then we are destined for disaster. Elder Yun Leng, I am the current leader of Misty Cloud Sect. If you continue to resist, I have the authority to strip you of your position!"
Yun Yun's tone turned sharply firm. As her Dou Huang aura burst forth, Yun Leng was forced back several steps, visibly shaken.
This wasn't the Yun Yun he once knew.
She had never been this assertive.
"Very well. As Sect Leader commands."
Seeing Yun Yun's resolve, Yun Leng relented. Her logic was sound—and even if he summoned the old Sect Leader, he would still be in the wrong.
Besides, her Dou Huang strength meant she could easily crush him, a mere Dou Wang.
Still, the humiliation of being pressured by authority left him stewing. He turned with a huff and stormed out of the hall—without even noticing Xiao Yuan and Nalan Yanran standing by the entrance.
Nalan Yanran glanced at Xiao Yuan and pouted helplessly. With her delicate beauty, the expression should've been enchanting, and had Liu Ling been present, he'd probably be drooling.
But Xiao Yuan remained indifferent.
Frustrated, she pouted again and stomped lightly before stepping into the hall.
"Teacher, I'm back."
She greeted with a respectful bow and soft tone.
"Yanran, welcome back. I heard your grandfather's condition has improved?"
Yun Yun's expression softened as she approached, smiling gently.
"Yes, the Scorch Poison has been completely removed!"
Nalan Yanran beamed.
"That's good. By the way, wasn't there a three-year agreement with a young master from the Xiao Clan? How did that go?"
Yun Yun asked casually, clearly trying to pry without showing it.
"My engagement… was annulled."
Nalan Yanran's smile faltered, her tone tinged with frustration.
"Oh… That's great—I mean, you must be relieved, right?"
Yun Yun laughed awkwardly before quickly composing herself.
Outside, Xiao Yuan nearly burst out laughing.
"Anyway, I thought it would be a good thing… but forget it. Teacher, Xiao Yuan is here to visit you. You don't mind, do you?"
Nalan Yanran changed the subject quickly, not wanting to dwell on the awkward conversation.
Yun Yun's eyes lit up with joy—so he really had come!
After Yanran left the capital, and following the news that Xiao Yuan had embarrassed Jia Xingtian, Yun Yun finally realized who he truly was.
She had been conflicted—until she heard he had come to see her.
Even so, she quickly masked her joy and replied calmly, "You mean the young master of the Xiao Clan? Very well. Let him in."
"He's just outside." Nalan Yanran turned and called out, "Xiao Yuan, come in!"
As her voice faded, a white-robed figure stepped into the hall and fell into Yun Yun's gaze.
When Nalan Yanran turned back, the surprise had already vanished from Yun Yun's face, and Xiao Yuan was standing beside her.
"Greetings, Sect Leader Yun."
Xiao Yuan bowed slightly, his smile warm and gentle.
"So, you're Xiao Yuan. Handsome and powerful."
Yun Yun smiled and turned to glance at Nalan Yanran.
Honestly, she didn't understand why her foolish disciple had chosen to break off an engagement with such an outstanding man.
But in hindsight, it was for the best. Had the engagement remained, wouldn't she, the master, be a third wheel?
No, Yun Yun, what are you thinking?!
Nalan Yanran understood the meaning behind Yun Yun's glance, and her heart sank. Her face paled slightly.
"Teacher, I'm a little tired. May I go rest?"
She forced a smile.
"Of course."
Yun Yun nodded, her expression full of concern.
Nalan Yanran bowed and quickly left the hall.
She truly couldn't stay any longer. That look from her teacher—it cut deep.
As Yun Yun watched her leave, she let out a small sigh of relief. But turning back, she saw Xiao Yuan watching her with an odd look.
She frowned slightly. "What's with that look?"
"Did you do that on purpose, or by accident?"
Xiao Yuan asked meaningfully.
"…What?"
Yun Yun blinked in confusion.
"Sending Yanran away."
"…She said she didn't feel well?"
Yun Yun seemed genuinely unsure what he meant.
"Guess it was unintentional."
Xiao Yuan let the matter drop. She clearly wasn't that kind of person, and this wasn't worth pressing.
"So, what brings you here?"
Yun Yun asked, her tone cool, subtly keeping distance.
"I'm leaving Jia Ma Empire. Before I go, I wanted to see you."
Xiao Yuan said after a pause.
Her expression darkened. After a moment of silence, she replied, "To Jia Nan Academy, right? When will you return?"
"Two, maybe three years. I plan to break through to Dou Huang as soon as I can. When I return, let's travel the continent together—how about that?"
He looked straight into her eyes.
"No. Don't come back. I won't be able to face Yanran."
Yun Yun's composure faltered, eyes flitting away.
"Heh, I've got nothing to do with her anymore. In fact, I'd say we're closer than I ever was with her."
Xiao Yuan shrugged.
"That's not the point. I'm the Sect Leader—I can't just leave."
Yun Yun said, grasping for another excuse.
"Then have Yanran take over early. When she does, you can leave with me."
His words struck her heart. She was tempted—but she couldn't show it. She huffed instead:
"Hmph, dream on!"
"Heh, no dream can match your beauty, Yun-jie."
Xiao Yuan teased.
"Hmph! You've gotten more glib. That Ya Fei… you're close, aren't you?"
Yun Yun stepped forward, their faces almost touching.
"My bond with Ya Fei-jie is special. Yun-jie, are you jealous?"
He grinned, eyes gleaming.
Her cheeks flushed. She looked away and tried to pull back.
But he grabbed her hands.
"Xiao Yuan, you're being impudent!"
Yun Yun's face turned bright red as she struggled—but couldn't break free.
A dignified Dou Huang, unable to resist a mere Da Dou Shi—no one would believe it.
"This is impudent?"
Xiao Yuan raised a brow and leaned in—kissing her on the cheek.
Soft. Fragrant.
"You… you…"
She finally yanked her hands free, covering her face, flushed and indignant.
"How could you?!"
"You turned your face to me. Wasn't that the signal?"
He pretended to ponder seriously.
"You shameless!"
She scolded.
"Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought it was your way of teasing me back."
Xiao Yuan's apology was mockingly sincere.
"Say one more word and I'll throw you out!"
She warned, gathering Dou Qi.
"Whoa! I surrender!"
Xiao Yuan raised his hands.
Yun Yun chuckled at his exaggerated surrender and let her Dou Qi dissipate.
"You're impossible."
She shook her head, then pulled out several training resources and floated them over with Dou Qi.
"You'll need these. Don't rush—train well. I'll wait for your return here at Misty Cloud Sect."
Her voice was soft and gentle.
Seeing the scrolls and jars, Xiao Yuan's heart grew heavy.
"Yun-jie."
His voice was rough.
"Take them. Consider them my farewell gift."
She smiled.
Xiao Yuan took them, then stepped forward and pulled her into an embrace.
She stiffened—but sensing his sincerity, she didn't resist.
"Yun-jie, when I return, I'll be a true powerhouse. Nothing will stand between us."
Her eyes softened. She reached up and hugged him back.
"I'll be waiting. And I believe… that day won't be far away."
"It won't. I promise."
Xiao Yuan vowed.
(END CHAPTER)
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