"My name is Yun Zhi. I was just drawn here by the sounds of fighting and came to take a look. I harbor no ill will towards you, young master," Yun Yun said with a soft smile, looking at Xiao Zhitian.
Seeing Yun Yun use her 'Yun Zhi' alias, Xiao Zhitian also decided to use one for himself: "Jiang Feng."
Yun Yun looked at Xiao Zhitian before her, who was about sixteen or seventeen years old. His face was handsome and distinguished; such a fine young gentleman was rare in this turbid world. Even after living for over twenty years, she had never seen anyone so outstanding in appearance. His cultivation had already reached a Seven-Star Dou Shi, and even her beloved disciple did not possess such talent. If this person could join her sect, she believed it could strengthen the Cloud Mist Sect.
Thus, a thought stirred in her mind: "Jiang Feng, you possess such cultivation at such a young age. May I ask which sect or esteemed master you are a disciple of?"
Hearing this, Xiao Zhitian paused for a moment, then understood Yun Yun's meaning: "I have no sect or master. I figured everything out on my own."
Yun Yun's eyes lit up when she heard Xiao Zhitian say he had no sect or master. "The Cloud Mist Sect's Sect Master and I are sworn friends. I can introduce you to the Cloud Mist Sect. With your talent, you will definitely receive focused training there, and perhaps even become a disciple of the Sect Master. Moreover, the Cloud Mist Sect also has Pill King Gu He, so there will be no shortage of elixirs. Are you willing to go?"
Isn't the Cloud Mist Sect's Sect Master you yourself? You're quite good at making up friends. And if I were to become your disciple, wouldn't that make me a rebellious disciple who 'attacks' his master? What a sin, what a sin.
Xiao Zhitian gently shook his head at Yun Yun: "Please allow me to refuse."
"Why? By joining the Cloud Mist Sect, you can learn better Dou Techniques and even cultivation techniques. Furthermore, there are Dou Wang (Battle King) elders and the Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) Sect Master; their experience can help you avoid many detours."
"Yun Zhi, I currently have no intention of joining a sect. I prefer to live freely and dislike the constraints of a sect's rules," Xiao Zhitian resolutely refused. Yun Shan had already colluded with the Hall of Souls protector. With his current strength and trump cards, going to the Cloud Mist Sect would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den, leaving no trace. Moreover, in a little over a year, Xiao Yan Zi would even attack the Cloud Mist Sect.
Seeing Xiao Zhitian refuse, Yun Yun did not show any anger. After saying, "Since you are unwilling, I will not force you. If you ever consider joining a sect in the future, remember to prioritize the Cloud Mist Sect," she flew away.
As expected of Yun Yun, she is still so understanding, gentle, and generous. She doesn't have many evil thoughts. If it were anyone else who saw such a talented person who couldn't be used by them, they might destroy them if they couldn't have them.
Xiao Zhitian looked at the distant sky, in the direction Yun Yun had departed, and a smile played on his lips: "Perhaps, it won't be long until we meet again."
He turned and entered the forest to continue searching for magical beasts to spar with.
...
Early the next morning, inside a certain Mountain Cave.
A figure sitting cross-legged opened his eyes and murmured to himself, "Still no breakthrough, but the Ice Fire Lightning has finally cultivated its fourth wisp."
Xiao Zhitian stood up, stretched his body, and then walked out of the Mountain Cave. He found a small river, quickly washed up, and then walked towards the distance.
He arrived in front of a large pool and a waterfall.
"This should be it, right? There's a large Mountain Cave about a hundred meters beyond the waterfall," Xiao Zhitian mused, stroking his chin as he looked at the waterfall and pool before him.
"System, check in."
[Ding, Check-in at Yun Yun's unconscious waterfall location successful. Reward: Advanced Dou Zong (Battle Ancestor) Experience Card * 5, Peak Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) Experience Card * 3]
Advanced Dou Zong (Battle Ancestor) Experience Card: After use, randomly gain the strength of a Seven, Eight, Nine-Star, or Peak Dou Zong (Battle Ancestor) for one hour.
Peak Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) Experience Card: After use, gain the strength of a Peak Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) for one hour.
"With these eight cards, not only can I walk sideways in the Jia Ma Empire, but I can even walk sideways in the Black-Corner Region," Xiao Zhitian said, his mouth almost crooked from smiling as he looked at the eight cards.
Xiao Zhitian leisurely lay on a stone by the pool, basking in the warm sunlight: "It's been a long time since I've just relaxed like this."
Just as Xiao Zhitian was enjoying the sun, a loud bang from an energy clash echoed: "Has the fight started? Then a 'Sister Lin' will soon fall from the sky. Oh no, it's a beautiful Yun."
A whooshing sound rang out. Xiao Zhitian opened his blurry eyes and saw a figure falling directly from the sky. Xiao Zhitian leapt up and caught the falling Yun Yun in a princess carry.
Looking at Yun Yun in his arms, her eyes were tightly shut. There were five claw marks on her chest, bleeding and staining her clothes red.
Xiao Zhitian held Yun Yun and rapidly flew towards the Mountain Cave to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
After entering the Mountain Cave, Xiao Zhitian gently placed Yun Yun on a stone platform, then walked out of the Mountain Cave. After quickly scattering various medicinal powders within thirty meters of the Mountain Cave, he returned inside.
Back in the Mountain Cave, Xiao Zhitian sat by the stone platform, looking at Yun Yun, who was still unconscious with a hint of pain on her brow. Three jade bottles appeared in his hand. He picked up one of them, preparing to gently pry open Yun Yun's lips. As soon as he touched them, Yun Yun suddenly opened her eyes and stared at Xiao Zhitian with a scrutinizing gaze: "It's you? What are you trying to do?"
"You're awake? I was just trying to help you heal," Xiao Zhitian said, shaking the jade bottle in his hand. He then placed all three medicine bottles next to Yun Yun: "This one is for pain relief, this one is for cleaning the wound, and this one is for external application. Since you're awake, you can apply the medicine yourself."
With that, Xiao Zhitian stood up, took a few steps back, and turned around.
Yun Yun watched Xiao Zhitian leave and turn his back, then tried to get up to apply the medicine herself. She found her entire body numb, unable to exert any strength. After struggling a few times, she still couldn't move and reluctantly gave up: "Damn it, I actually fell for its sealing technique."
Giving up her struggle, Yun Yun slightly turned her head to look at Xiao Zhitian's back: "Young Master Jiang Feng, please help me apply the medicine."
"Me? That wound of yours requires you to take off your clothes, which means your upper body might… Let me say this beforehand, I can help you apply the medicine, but don't, after I've finished, pick up a sword and say you'll gouge out my eyes or demand my life for such idiotic behavior."
Hearing Xiao Zhitian's words, Yun Yun was torn between laughter and tears.
"I'm not that old-fashioned. Just keep your hands and eyes in check."
"Alright, then I'll help you. Yun Zhi, please drink this first; it's for pain relief," Xiao Zhitian said, bringing a jade bottle to Yun Yun's lips.
"Mm, no need to call me 'Your Excellency.' Just call me Yun Zhi," Yun Yun slightly opened her mouth and drank the medicine.
"Then you can just call me Jiang Feng. I'm going to start applying the medicine now."
After watching Yun Yun drink the pain relief medicine, he reached out to unfasten Yun Zhi's clothes to help her apply the medicine.
After unfastening the waistband, he reached out and pulled back the two sides of her robe, revealing the light blue metal inner armor beneath: "Yun Zhi, your wound is beneath this inner armor… this inner armor also needs to be unfastened," Xiao Zhitian whispered to Yun Yun.
"Then unfasten it," Yun Zhi said, her face flushed, pretending to be calm after a moment of silence.