After leaving the Xiao residence, Nalan Yanran flew towards the city outskirts. Frowning slightly, Xiao Yan followed closely behind. Once they were out of the capital, Nalan Yanran did not slow down but instead sped towards the direction of the Yunlai Mountain. Seeing this, Xiao Yan pondered for a moment before following. With his current strength, he did not need to worry about any tricks from Nalan Yanran. Although she was at the peak of the Douwang level, if they really fought, Xiao Yan was confident he could defeat her within ten rounds.
Flying over the vast plains like chasing the moon and stars, the towering Yunlai Mountain soon appeared in sight. Xiao Yan increased his speed slightly and, after a few moments, appeared right behind Nalan Yanran on Yunlai Mountain.
Standing mid-air, Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the now empty and desolate sect. The usual clamor of Yunlai Sect had disappeared, and the grand entrance showed no sign of life. The autumn wind howled, littering the square with debris, making it look particularly desolate.
As Xiao Yan took in the bleak scene below, Nalan Yanran also stared at it, her eyes fixed. After a while, she sighed and glared at Xiao Yan, saying, “Are you satisfied with this?”
Xiao Yan gave an indifferent glance to Nalan Yanran, whose anger was palpable, and said flatly, “If you had seen the almost total destruction of my Xiao clan by the Yunlai Sect, would you still say that?”
Nalan Yanran hesitated, speechless. She had learned from Yun Yun how tyrannical and bloody the Yunlai Sect had been during those years. Seeing the once bustling sect so desolate, she couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy.
Staring at the clear and calm face of Xiao Yan, some emotions flickered in Nalan Yanran’s eyes. Compared to three years ago, he seemed much more mature and cold. He must have experienced a lot during these three years.
As she looked at the black-robed young man in front of her, Nalan Yanran’s mind wandered. She suddenly remembered the incident that changed their relationship a few years ago! That day, she relied on the prestige of the Yunlai Sect to trample on the dignity of the young man, who had already lost most of his fighting spirit.
Even though it felt like a long time ago, she vividly remembered the anger in his eyes and the harsh words he had thrown at her. Back then, those words seemed childish, but now they had become reality.
Thinking about this, Nalan Yanran let out a bitter smile, “I do regret that incident from back then. If I hadn’t acted rashly and gone to your Xiao clan, both the Xiao clan and the Yunlai Sect might have fared better.”
“Unfortunately, there’s no going back,” Xiao Yan took a deep breath and waved his hand irritably. “Take me to Yun Yun. What’s done is done. We can’t change it, so let’s not talk about it anymore.”
Biting her red lips, seeing Xiao Yan’s expression, Nalan Yanran felt even more bitter. This was the bitter fruit she had sown herself, and now she had to bear the consequences.
“I don’t want you to forget what happened back then, but I must admit that I was short-sighted. Today, I am reaping what I sowed,” Nalan Yanran laughed bitterly and turned to fly towards the back mountain, “Follow me.”
Watching the graceful figure ahead, Xiao Yan’s eyes gleamed. After a moment, he unfurpled his fire wings and swiftly followed.
Following Nalan Yanran into the back mountain, they passed through dense forests and finally stopped at a steep cliff.
“Master is on the cliff. Go up yourself. After today, Master and I might leave the Jia Ma Empire. Who knows, we might not come back for a long time.” Nalan Yanran pointed to the top of the cliff and spoke softly.
“Leave?” Taken aback, Xiao Yan asked, “Where are you going?”
“I’m not sure yet. The continent of Dou Qi is vast, and I’ve always wanted to go out and experience more. This time, I will accompany Master. Maybe we won’t meet again,” Nalan Yanran sighed wistfully and then descended the cliff.
Watching Nalan Yanran’s retreating back, Xiao Yan clenched his teeth and quickly ascended the cliff. Soon, he stood on top, his gaze falling on the elegant woman standing at the edge of the cliff. Dressed in a white dress, her raven-black hair flowed down her shoulders, fluttering in the autumn breeze, exuding an extraordinary and serene beauty.
“You came,” the woman murmured, having heard the faint footsteps. “You’re leaving the Jia Ma Empire?” Xiao Yan’s expression darkened as he stepped forward. The woman slowly turned, revealing her stunning face. It was Yun Yun. At that moment, her beautiful eyes glanced at Xiao Yan and said, “The Yunlai Sect no longer exists. There’s no point in my staying. I’ve been trapped in the Jia Ma Empire for so long; it’ll be good to go out and explore.”
“The Dou Qi continent is full of powerful and dangerous people. A lone woman like you, venturing out, seems like a self-inflicted ordeal. While the Jia Ma Empire may not be as exciting as the outside world, at least it keeps you safe,” Xiao Yan said, watching the dejection in her eyes.
Hearing this, Yun Yun smiled. Though the smile was fleeting, it left him entranced.
“I’m a peak-level Battle Emperor. I’m not some weak, defenseless woman.” Yun Yun shook her head, her bright eyes looking at Xiao Yan. “You’ve brought the Yunlai Sect to this, I know it’s revenge. The Yunlai Sect almost annihilated your Xiao clan, and now you’ve disbanded it—this is karma. So, I don’t hate you. Even if Master died by your hand, I still don’t hate you.”
“Then why are you leaving?” Xiao Yan frowned, hesitating. “I really need strong allies. If you truly don’t hate me, stay and help me.”
Yun Yun’s luminous eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, waiting until his face reddened slightly before she softened her tone. “I don’t hate you, but I will always be the leader of the Yunlai Sect—even though it no longer exists.”
Xiao Yan gripped his fist tightly, a flame of anger burning in his eyes. He understood her. She didn’t resent him for the destruction of the Yunlai Sect, but due to her position, she couldn’t stay by his side.
“Given my position, I should try everything to avenge the Yunlai Sect, but as you know, even if I have the power, I can’t do it. So, it’s better to leave,” Yun Yun said softly.
Xiao Yan’s expression darkened. This woman was so stubborn!
“I heard you’re planning to establish a new force in the Jia Ma Empire. Here are the collections of the Yunlai Sect. They have no use for me now, so I give them to you.” Looking at Xiao Yan, Yun Yun smiled, walked up, and handed a deep emerald Najie to him.
Holding the Najie, Xiao Yan fixed his gaze on the woman he had encountered during his journey years ago. “Do you really have to leave?”
Yun Yun looked at the young, clear face, her eyes filled with a different kind of emotion. Compared to three years ago, she was more mature now.
“Little guy, you’ve really grown. Perhaps it’s time for me to go out and see the world. Maybe when I think things through, I’ll come back. By then, if you still want me to stay and help, I likely won’t refuse,” Yun Yun said softly, extending her hand to caress Xiao Yan’s cheek.
Feeling the soft touch, Xiao Yan’s expression softened. He couldn’t deny he had feelings for her.
“Sometimes I wonder, if, back in that cave, you had been bolder and ignored my threats, things might be different now,” Yun Yun mused, gazing at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan’s eyes flashed, and he suddenly extended his arm, pulling her slender waist to him. “Are you hinting at something?”
Blushing slightly, Yun Yun struggled, but Xiao Yan tightened his grip. Giving up, Yun Yun flipped her hand, producing a deep blue inner armor. Placing it on Xiao Yan’s chest, she said, “This was the first gift I gave you. It was broken, but I fixed it. Even if it’s no use to you, keep it safe. When I return to the Jia Ma Empire, I expect you to show me this, or else….”
Staring at the inner armor, memories flooded back. Looking at the softness in her eyes, Xiao Yan impulsively grabbed her chin and kissed her lips.
Caught off guard, Yun Yun only managed a low moan before submitting. Her hand lightly tapped his chest, but without any real force.
“Oh well, since I’m leaving, I’ll let this little guy have his way,” Yun Yun sighed inwardly, closing her eyes and parting her lips to let his invasion continue.
On the cliff, the two embraced, releasing their suppressed passion. In a corner, Nalan Yanran leaned against the rock wall, her eyes complex, and watched the embracing couple. After a while, she sighed and silently retreated.
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