Chapter 140: Ascending Misty Cloud Sect
When Xiao Yuan returned to the imperial capital, the Alchemist Grand Meeting had already come to an end, and most of the crowd had dispersed.
Xiao Yan wasn't there. After asking around, Xiao Yuan learned he had left early.
That was just like Xiao Yan—he had never liked overly noisy places.
Xiao Yuan returned to the Xiao estate and found Ya Fei, Xiao Yan, Xiao Zhan, Hai Bodong, and the others already gathered.
"Handled?"
Hai Bodong asked casually, unsurprised.
"Mm."
Xiao Yuan nodded briefly.
"Tsk, total domination."
Hai Bodong raised an eyebrow, then cracked a satisfied grin.
"Hmm?"
Xiao Yuan tilted his head in curiosity.
"After you left, Hai Lao made a bet with Jia Lao and Fa Lao that you'd take care of the gray-robed man solo. Looks like Hai Lao won."
Ya Fei said with a bright smile.
Hearing that, Xiao Yuan shook his head helplessly. A bunch of old men still making such bets—boys will be boys, no matter their age.
"You've returned at the perfect time. I just spoke with your father about you and Ya Fei. Everything's been arranged. Since you and Xiao Yan are heading to Jia Nan Academy, there's no need to delay. Tonight we'll settle everything. Tengshan's already preparing the banquet. It's double celebration—your engagement with Ya Fei and Xiao Yan's victory at the Alchemist Assembly."
Hai Bodong continued.
Xiao Yan looked over at Hai Lao in surprise, then at Xiao Zhan.
"What Hai Lao said is true. The family wholeheartedly supports your union with Ya Fei."
Xiao Zhan nodded with a beaming smile.
In truth, he had wanted to invite the Grand Elder, but the old man was still sulking and didn't come. If Xiao Zhan hadn't already smoothed things over between Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yu beforehand, the Grand Elder might have caused serious trouble.
Of course, this wasn't the time to bring any of that up.
"Alright, since both Father and Hai Lao have made the decision, I'll follow your arrangements."
Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded, then added, "Xiao Yan and I have something to discuss. Excuse us for a bit."
He politely excused himself and led Xiao Yan outside, handing back the black ring that housed Yao Lao's spirit.
"Here, some pill formulas I found on that guy. Teacher said they're passable. You can look over them later. I need to recover a bit—pass the message to Father for me. Relying on secret techniques all the time isn't sustainable."
Xiao Yuan spoke with a sigh.
"Got it, Brother. These are some restorative pills I made recently—you can use them."
Xiao Yan responded, handing him several jade bottles from his ring.
"Hey, thanks!"
Xiao Yuan patted Xiao Yan's shoulder with a smile and stowed the bottles before returning to his room to meditate.
After taking Xiao Yan's pills, he closed his eyes to begin healing his internal injuries. Those secret techniques had taken a toll.
When he reopened his eyes, Ya Fei was at the foot of his bed, leaning against it in a luxurious black-and-gold cheongsam, clearly waiting for some time.
"Ya Fei-jie, did I keep you waiting?"
Xiao Yuan asked with an apologetic smile.
"It's alright. Your aura seems stronger than before."
Ya Fei replied with a soft smile.
"Mm, I think I'm close to breaking through to four-star Da Dou Shi."
Xiao Yuan nodded.
"I'm getting used to it, but it's still shocking to see your strength grow so fast."
Ya Fei shook her head. Though she had never been obsessed with cultivation, it was more because she had no choice. If she had talent like Xiao Yuan's, she would definitely train nonstop. In the Dou Qi continent, strength was everything.
Even in a business-focused clan like the Mittel family, strength still made a difference. As much as she had used her intelligence to climb to clan leader, it would've been far easier with overwhelming power.
Sometimes she wondered how it would feel to stand beside Xiao Yuan as an equal in battle—facing enemies together.
"I still think it's too slow!"
Xiao Yuan smiled, got out of bed, and shrugged.
"Don't push yourself too hard. The Nalan Yanran stuff is in the past. Is there something else I don't know about?"
Ya Fei began gently, but paused mid-sentence, eyeing him with curiosity.
"If I don't reach the peak, I won't feel safe. It's like they say: 'a man's virtue brings him trouble when carrying a jade.'"
Xiao Yuan couldn't explain about the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade, so he replied vaguely.
Ya Fei understood and didn't press. She simply pulled out a pristine white ceremonial outfit and handed it to him.
"Here, get dressed."
Then she expertly began removing his clothes.
"H-Hey, I'll do it myself!"
Meanwhile, in his room, Xiao Yan sat deep in thought.
Yao Lao had just told him the details of Xiao Yuan's battle. It left a strong impression.
Combined with the lessons from his own recent pill-making ordeal, a bold idea had begun forming in his mind.
He couldn't test it now—he was at home, and there was a banquet soon—but the thought was now firmly rooted in his heart.
That destructive energy… it had shaken him. But it also stirred something within him. If he could master it, he'd create a terrifying new Dou Technique.
Having such an exceptional big brother pushed him to grow—gave him pressure, and motivation.
"Xiao Yan, time to go!"
Xiao Yuan's voice rang from outside.
"Coming!"
Xiao Yan tidied his newly issued fourth-tier alchemist robes and stepped out.
His stunning performance refining the Three-Lined Green Spirit Pill had earned him a direct promotion to fourth-tier alchemist, bypassing the guild's usual evaluations.
The banquet lasted until the crescent moon hung high. Xiao Zhan, for the first time in his life, drank to his heart's content. He didn't act wild—just kept repeating how proud he was of his sons, and how their achievements honored their mother's memory.
The second elder was also glowing with joy. He'd never dreamed of dining with Dou Wangs and Dou Huangs as peers—but thanks to the two young masters, he could now clink glasses and call them "brothers."
The three juniors—Ya Fei, Xiao Yuan, and Xiao Yan—could only eat quietly, unable to stop the elders' emotional outpouring.
Late that night, knowing Xiao Yuan was about to depart, Ya Fei clung to him tightly and made him "practice" Frost Dragon Soar all night long.
Xiao Yan, meanwhile, gained new insights from his recent alchemy trial and advanced another level that very night.
The next day—
Nalan Yanran stared in confusion as Xiao Yuan came to her door.
"You're asking if Teacher is at Misty Cloud Sect? She should be… Why?"
"Oh, I've long admired Misty Cloud Sect and its Dou Huang leader, Sect Master Yun Yun. Before I leave, I'd like to pay my respects."
Xiao Yuan replied calmly.
"Oh, makes sense. I'll take you. I don't have anything else to do here, and I need to return to the sect for training."
Nalan Yanran's eyes lit up and she quickly agreed.
"That's too much trouble, isn't it?"
Xiao Yuan feigned polite hesitation.
"No trouble at all. Wait here, I'll go tell Grandpa."
Before he could say more, she had already dashed off, eager to leave before he changed his mind.
Watching her go, Xiao Yuan shook his head—girls were easy to fool.
Ya Fei had left early to work at the auction house, avoiding the pain of farewell.
Xiao Yan had already left the city after arranging a meeting point.
Xiao Zhan and the others would remain at the estate to manage affairs.
Looking back at the Xiao residence, Xiao Yuan felt a wave of emotion. Who knew when he'd return again?
Nalan Yanran didn't keep him waiting. Soon, her elegant figure appeared in a light-blue Misty Cloud Sect robe that hugged her figure well.
But Xiao Yuan didn't care.
Compared to Ya Fei, Nalan Yanran didn't stand a chance—not in appearance, nor in substance.
"Misty Cloud Sect is built atop Misty Cloud Mountain. It's only a few dozen miles from the capital. We'll arrive soon."
Nalan Yanran spoke shyly—clearly not used to small talk.
Passersby stole glances, murmuring how perfect the couple looked.
Xiao Yuan paid no mind, but Nalan Yanran's heart stirred with tangled emotions.
Both were fast on foot and soon reached the towering peak.
From the hillside, they could see the grand military camp at the base of the mountain—royal soldiers standing in formation.
"That's the royal army stationed below the sect. After all, the empire still fears powerful sects."
Nalan Yanran finally found a topic and explained.
"Doesn't that make your position awkward? Your grandfather's a general, and your teacher's the sect leader."
Xiao Yuan asked curiously.
"Why would it be? Misty Cloud Sect won't attack the royal family. Teacher isn't like that. And I'd never pit the sect against my grandfather."
She replied confidently, puzzled by the question.
"Hehe, true."
Xiao Yuan nodded, though inwardly he thought otherwise.
Once Yun Shan appeared, it wouldn't be her decision anymore.
Some elders in Misty Cloud Sect were probably already harboring ambitions.
They soon approached the mountain. Though heavily guarded, the soldiers didn't interfere—especially not with Nalan Yanran, the sect's heir. The two proceeded unchallenged.
As they entered the wooded path, soldier drills faded, replaced by the chirping of birds and rustling leaves.
Up ahead loomed a long stairway of ancient stone, seemingly stretching to the heavens.
Standing at its base, Xiao Yuan closed his eyes. Faint sword chimes seemed to echo from above—clear and mesmerizing.
"Beautiful scenery, huh?"
Nalan Yanran asked with a smile.
"Mm, quite."
Xiao Yuan nodded.
But in his heart, he thought: it would've been better if Yun Yun were here to share it with him.
Beyond the staircase, a vast square emerged—ancient, imposing, paved entirely in stone. In its center stood a massive stele inscribed with the names of past sect leaders and great contributors.
Anyone who saw it would be in awe.
It was no wonder Misty Cloud Sect commanded such power and respect—with such a legacy.
"Impressive indeed,"
Xiao Yuan murmured, stepping forward.
Nalan Yanran hurried to follow, beaming with pride. "Right? Why don't you join Misty Cloud Sect? I'm sure Teacher would be thrilled by your talent!"
Hearing that, Xiao Yuan's expression turned a little odd.
Teacher might be impressed with my talent, he thought, but I'm pretty sure that's not exactly why you're inviting me…
(END CHAPTER)
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