Inside Misty Cloud Sect's main hall, all the elders gathered.
Everyone's expression was grim.
Originally, they had laid out plans throughout Jia Ma, spanning decades.
However, recent setbacks came one after another.
Firstly, their actions against Snake People Tribe were thwarted by a mysterious strongman.
Secondly, their assault on Miteer Family ended in disaster. They dispatched two Dou Emperors, two Dou Kings, and several disciples against Miteer Family, where only Hai Bo Dong was holding the fort. It was supposed to be a crushing battle, yet unexpectedly, Xiao Yan, once pursued and believed dead, had returned.
He not only enhanced his own strength but also brought back three Dou Emperors and over ten Dou Kings, completely slaughtering all members of Misty Cloud Sect. Now, with such a force suddenly intruding into Jia Ma, the Jia Ma Royal Family, Alchemist Guild, Nalan Family, and Mu Family, who were originally observing, all showed signs of taking sides. Faced with so many forces, even the elders of Misty Cloud Sect felt the pressure unbearable at times.
"Sect Master, we must come up with a solution. Once Xiao Yan and his group settle things, Misty Cloud Sect will face the pressure of a large invading army," an elder bowed and spoke to the elderly man in front.
"No need to worry. I have made my decision. Focus your thoughts on preparations for battle," Yun Shan's expression remained indifferent, devoid of any emotion. "Instruct every disciple to adjust their state. Check the sect's grand formation for any loopholes."
The elders present observed the Sect Master's demeanor, seeing no signs of deception, clearly confident in his plans.
Each person was curious, but seeing Sect Master Yun Shan not mentioning it, they did not inquire further. Before long, everyone departed, leaving the hall gradually empty.
At this moment, a figure walked in from outside. It was a middle-aged man dressed in Alchemist robes.
"Sect Master Yun," Gu He bowed slightly, "I wonder what prompted you to summon me back suddenly?"
Yun Shan furrowed his brows slightly. Ever since he had sealed Yun Yun's powers and confined her, Gu He had been roaming outside the sect under various pretexts of seeking medicinal herbs.
"Elder Gu, you must have heard the rumors from the outside," Yun Shan said.
Listening to Yun Shan's words, Gu He nodded. The whole empire was buzzing with news. How could he not know?
"Xiao Yan intends to rally other forces to launch a joint siege against Misty Cloud Sect. I hope you can contribute to this matter," Yun Shan requested.
Yun Shan didn't beat around the bush.
In the Jia Ma Empire, the reputation of Sixth Grade Alchemist Gu He was greater than even that of the Alchemist Guild's chairman, Fa Ma.
Gu He had also owed favors to many people.
"Sect Master Yun, about this matter..." Gu He furrowed his brows, showing some resistance.
As an honorary elder of Misty Cloud Sect, he saw no need to get involved in such an affair.
"Elder Gu, I know you have always had feelings for Yun'er," Yun Shan interrupted Gu He directly before he could speak further. Seeing Gu He's gaze, Yun Shan remained composed, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Regarding Yun'er and Xiao Yan, as I mentioned before, as long as Xiao Yan is alive, it will be difficult for you to win her heart."
At these words, Gu He lowered his gaze, falling silent.
His admiration for Yun Yun had long been no secret within Misty Cloud Sect.
However, Yun Yun has never had feelings for him.
Initially, Gu He thought Yun Yun simply didn't want to focus on romance.
So, Gu He waited silently.
But with the appearance of that kid named Xiao Yan, he realized it wasn't that Yun Yun lacked romantic thoughts, but rather that she simply didn't have feelings for him.
"Sect Master Yun jests. Over two years ago, Xiao Yan was able to slay a Dou King. Now that he has advanced to Dou King himself, I am no match for him," Gu He admitted inwardly, secretly hoping Xiao Yan would meet his demise. He knew well that he stood no chance against Xiao Yan.
"No, Elder Gu, you misunderstand. Xiao Yan, I will handle personally. I called you here today because I want to borrow your reputation," Yun Shan shook his head slightly. "I intend to arrange Yun Yun's marriage to you. Elder Gu, if you agree, three days from now, I will arrange your wedding with Yun Yun."
Hiss...
His breath caught, Gu He paused, his gaze slowly turning to Yun Shan. After observing for two seconds, he realized Yun Shan wasn't joking.
"Elder Gu, although Yun Yun doesn't have feelings for you yet, you can marry her first. After Xiao Yan dies, you can slowly cultivate your relationship with her. That wouldn't be a problem," Yun Shan's lips curled into a slight smile. "What do you think of this proposal, Elder Gu?"
Representing Misty Cloud Sect as Sect Master, Yun Yun's identity would tie Gu He and Misty Cloud Sect together completely if he agreed to marry her.
Without speaking, Gu He bowed to Yun Shan.
Yun Shan's smile broadened.
...
Jia Ma Empire, Imperial Capital.
In a hall of the royal palace, everyone gathered together.
At the center was Xiao Yan, surrounded by figures like Jia Xing Tian, Fa Ma, and others, each a leader of a faction within the Jia Ma Empire.
These leaders' words could largely influence the direction of the empire.
At this moment, everyone's faces were bright with smiles, a stark contrast to the troubled expressions of the elders from Misty Cloud Sect.
With Old Yao taking the initiative to confront the Dou Ancestor, everyone present felt a sense of relief.
The terror associated with Misty Cloud Sect stemmed largely from the oppressive presence brought by Yun Shan.
"Old Jia, the injuries of the Serene Sea Scaly Beast are not a major issue. Please deliver the ingredients for the Mixed Bone Molding Pill as soon as possible, and I will refine it immediately," Xiao Yan said to the robed elder.
With their own advantage already substantial, if they could add another Sixth Rank Magic Beast, perhaps Senior Brother wouldn't need to intervene at all.
Once the Serene Sea Scaly Beast recovers, it will be the day to launch the total attack on Misty Cloud Sect.
"No problem, I'll arrange for someone to fetch them right away," Jia Xing Tian said with a flash of joy in his eyes.
With everything settled, smiles grew broader on everyone's faces.
Suddenly, a carrier pigeon flew in and landed on the windowsill. Hai Bo Dong raised his hand, and the bird settled in his palm.
Taking the note it carried, Hai Bo Dong unfolded it slowly. His expression changed instantly as he scanned the contents.
"Old Hai, what's wrong?" Xiao Yan asked quickly.
"Yun Shan intends to hold a wedding for Gu He in three days, marrying Yun Yun to him," Hai Bo Dong said, staring directly at Xiao Yan.
If he remembered correctly, there seemed to be a complicated relationship between this kid and Yun Yun.
"Three days? Then we'll go up the mountain in three days and send Yun Shan a big gift on this auspicious occasion!"
Xiao Yan set the date directly.
Everyone glanced at each other, and there were no objections. People from the Black-Corner Region hurried back without wanting to linger too long.
In Jia Ma Empire, there was a similar mindset. Gu He's influence could not be ignored, and settling Yun Shan sooner rather than later would minimize variables.
After obtaining the medicinal materials, Xiao Yan left the Imperial Capital.
On the way, Xiao Yan wanted to inquire about Senior Brother Lin Xiu's whereabouts from Lin Xiu Ya and others, but they didn't have specific contact information either.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan had to give up.
"Senior Brother has always kept his promises. He shouldn't be absent," he thought to himself.
In fact, at this moment, Lin Xiu had already arrived in the Imperial Capital with Medusa and Zi Yan.
They walked along the streets.
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