In the night, the towering peak of Yun Lai Mountain lay hidden in the darkness, with myriad lights dotting the landscape like fireflies. Though the night was deep, the mountain’s defenses were even more stringent than they were in daylight. The sentries and patrols, both visible and unseen, kept a watchful eye over every nook and cranny of the peak.
Atop the summit of Yun Lai Mountain, the massive sect gate stood tall and imposing, shrouded in the ethereal dimness of the night, resembling a crouching beast. A faint, eerie pressure emanated from it, sending chills down one’s spine.
Deep within the inner sanctum of Yun Lai Sect, in a secluded hall, gentle lamplight flickered in the breeze, casting a soft glow over the vast, empty chamber, warding off the chilly air. The sole sign of life in the empty expanse was a woman in a white dress, sitting at the center of the hall, adding a touch of human warmth to the otherwise desolate space.
Yun Yun sat cross-legged on a cushion, her usually serene and noble visage now marred by an unusual fury. The news that Yun Shan had recently delivered to her left her body ice-cold. “Marry Gu He?”
Thinking of those words from Yun Shan, Yun Yun’s heart felt increasingly frigid. Where was the compassionate teacher she once knew? Her eyes swept to the closed door, her fair, slender hands clenching tightly, her sharp nails digging into her palms. After a moment, her brows furrowed as she coldly barked, “Since you’ve come, why not show yourself instead of skulking around?”
“Ah, I didn’t expect that even though your Dou Qi is sealed by Yun Shan, your senses are still so keen,” a rueful sigh echoed in the hall, followed by a tall figure slowly emerging from the shadows. It was the familiar face of the alchemist king, Gu He!
“You!” Yun Yun was taken aback, but quickly narrowed her eyes, a cold smile curving her lips. “I never thought you would be this kind of person, taking advantage of others in their time of need. I used to hold you in such high regard.”
Gu He was momentarily stunned, then let out a bitter laugh. “This has nothing to do with me; it’s all Yun Shan’s idea…”
“If you don’t agree, what can he do, even if it’s his idea?” Yun Yun’s gaze fixed on Gu He, her voice filled with a threatening edge. Despite her suppressed power, her aura remained intimidating. Under her intense scrutiny, even the capable Gu He was somewhat unsettled. Rubbing his forehead, he finally sighed, “Yun Shan’s proposal is indeed very attractive to me. My feelings for you are no secret, you just choose to ignore them…”
“You’re a rare friend, but…” Yun Yun lowered her eyelids, shaking her head. “If you still care about our old friendship, refuse his proposal. Otherwise, we won’t be able to remain friends.”
Staring at the icy expression on her face, Gu He took a deep breath before blurting out, “It’s because of Xiao Yan, isn’t it…”
At the mention of that familiar name, Yun Yun’s face paled, and she snapped, “Don’t say such nonsense!”
“Yun Yun, I’m not a fool… Yun Shan told me everything. Now, thinking back, when I encountered Xiao Yan being pursued by the snake people in the desert, and you saved him multiple times, it all makes sense.”
A bitter look crossed Gu He’s face. He, who prided himself on his prowess, couldn’t believe he was losing to a mere novice. Yun Yun’s lips moved, but no words came out. She glanced at Gu He, saying, “Don’t worry about my reasons. Just tell me, will you refuse Master’s proposal or not?”
Gu He fell silent, then shook his head, his voice slightly low. “I am a match for you, but you and Xiao Yan, it’s impossible!”
“My affairs are none of your business.” Yun Yun shot back, her lip curling into a mocking smirk. “If I don’t want to do something, not even the Master can force me. If you insist, you’ll end up marrying a cold corpse.”
“All for that brat?” Gu He’s face flushed with anger, his voice rising. “It has nothing to do with him… Besides, your reputation as an alchemist makes it easy to find a better match. Why bother with this unwilling arrangement?”
Tightly gripping her hands, Yun Yun said coolly, “But I only love you!” Gu He roared. “What does he have that I don’t? A brat like him, worthy of your devotion?”
Seeing Gu He’s obstinacy, Yun Yun sighed, closing her eyes and ceasing to engage. Seeing her like this, Gu He’s anger flared even more, but he didn’t dare to press further on the woman he admired and respected. Pacing around the hall for a while, he finally calmed down. “Xiao Yan is indeed back in the Empire.”
The mention of that name seemed to have a magical effect, causing the woman to open her eyes and fix them on Gu He. Seeing her reaction, Gu He laughed bitterly. Years of his own glory, overshadowed by a novice…
“But you shouldn’t be too happy. Though he’s gathering allies, Yun Lai Sect is formidable. Yun Shan is even stronger now. Even if Xiao Yan has grown in strength, defeating Yun Shan is still unlikely. If he fails again, Yun Shan won’t let him escape. Soon, Xiao Yan may no longer be a concern in the Empire.”
Though Yun Yun appeared calm, her hand clenched tightly under her sleeve, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.
“Just forget him… If Xiao Yan loses, he’s doomed. For your peace of mind, move on.” Gu He’s voice grew stern. Yun Yun’s face turned icy, “Your concern is unneeded. If you want to remain friends, refuse the proposal. You won’t lack women if beauty is what you seek. Why waste time on a prisoner?”
“Beauty?” Gu He’s face contorted in anger. “These years, have I looked at any other woman? I helped you stabilize the sect without a word of complaint. Did I ever ask for anything in return?”
Yun Yun’s face softened, and she sighed softly, “I remember your help, but some things cannot be forced. I and Xiao Yan… it’s not what you think.”
Despite her soft words, Gu He laughed bitterly. “I’ll think about it. Once this storm passes, I’ll ask Yun Shan to release the seal on you. Wherever you go, I’ll accompany you.”
Seeing his stubbornness, Yun Yun shook her head. “In two days, Xiao Yan will confront Yun Lai Sect. Be careful, and don’t anger Yun Shan.”
Gu He, noting her worry, changed the subject. “By the way, the Life and Death Gate in the forbidden area has been showing strange fluctuations. If I’m not mistaken, after three years, Yan Ran is about to emerge.”
With that, he left, the door closing behind him. Yun Yun’s eyes reflected a mixture of joy and relief. “Finally, Yan Ran is coming out of seclusion…”
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