The commander of Zhen Gui Pass, Mu Tie, and the heir of the Mu family, Mu Zhan, were killed, and the news spread quickly, causing a great stir in the Jia Ma Empire!
At this moment, everyone knew that Yun Tianming, who was hailed as the greatest genius in the history of the Jia Ma Empire, had returned. With just one move, he took down a Dou Emperor expert, which was incredibly domineering!
Surprisingly, the reaction from both the royal family and the Mu family was silence, as if nothing had happened, and they took no action.
"Tianming, little brother, I will gather the materials you requested as quickly as possible," Ya Fei solemnly promised. The materials for a Sixth Grade Pill are extremely rare and precious, and even with the Miteer Family's connections, it would take some time to find them.
"Alright, I'll wait for your good news, Sister Ya Fei. If there's anything, send someone to contact me at the Misty Cloud Sect."
After sending Ya Fei back to the Miteer family headquarters in the Imperial Capital, Yun Tianming, filled with a longing heart, returned to the Misty Cloud Sect.
...
"Stop! Who dares to trespass into the Misty Cloud Sect's barrier!"
The Misty Cloud Sect had a policy of closing its doors and isolating itself, strictly prohibiting any outsiders from entering. Several figures with Dou Qi Wings flew down from the mountain, watching Yun Tianming warily.
"Long time no see, elders."
Yun Tianming took out a moon-white robe from his Spatial Ring, which he hadn't worn in a long time.
"Are you... Yun Tianming?!"
Yun Leng and the others stared wide-eyed; after three years, they could no longer discern his immensely powerful aura! Blue Dou Qi Wings spread out from his back as Yun Tianming flew into the sky, standing parallel to the elders.
"Indeed, just as the rumors said, you have become a Dou Emperor."
Yun Leng and the others had complicated expressions. They had received news of Yun Tianming's return to the Jia Ma Empire the previous night, which was particularly shocking. He had killed the Mu family's Dou Emperor upon his return. In the past, Yun Leng and the others had not thought much of Yun Tianming, who had no prominent background. However, now he had become someone they looked up to. The elders exchanged glances and respectfully cupped their hands in greeting to Yun Tianming.
"Welcome back to the Misty Cloud Sect."
Even the usually proud Yun Leng had to bow to Yun Tianming. Despite Yun Leng's many years of cultivation and his recent promotion to the Dou Emperor realm, he could not compare to the much younger Yun Tianming, who had already reached that level.
"It must have been hard work for the elders to guard the sect. This is a small token of my respect."
Seeing the previously aloof elders willingly bow to him, Yun Tianming smiled slightly and casually offered a gift as a gesture of goodwill.
"This is..."
"A Dou Spirit Pill and a Mighty Huang Pill!"
"Such generous gifts, how could we accept them?"
"Tianming, you should take the pills back."
Although Yun Leng and the others spoke polite words, their hands tightly gripped the pills, their faces unable to hide their joy.
"Hehe~ There's no need to be polite among members of the Misty Cloud Sect," Yun Tianming said with a calm smile.
In reality, these pills were "failed products" from his practice in alchemy. Although they barely reached the quality of a Sixth Grade Pill, their efficacy was relatively average. Consuming them could at most increase one's strength by one star, and they came with drug resistance, meaning they could only be taken once in a lifetime. Yun Tianming had no intention of using them himself, so he casually gave them as a friendly gesture.
However, to Yun Leng and the others, even "inferior" Sixth Grade Pills were highly valuable treasures, hard to come by even at an auction.
"Tianming, we'll gratefully accept this great favor. If you ever need anything, just let us know!"
Yun Leng and the others once again cupped their hands in thanks. The conversation between them was lively and pleasant, reflecting the mutual respect. This was the kind of respect that came with strength; without power, people would not even look at you.
Led enthusiastically by the elders, Yun Tianming returned to the sect.
"Swoosh!"
A figure in white stood in the air, moving as fast as Yun Leng and the others with their Dou Qi Wings. Dressed in a simple white robe, the figure appeared not very old, with a face smooth like warm jade, devoid of the wrinkles typical of the elderly. If not for his snow-white hair, it would be hard to believe he was a elder over 180 years old.
"Disciple Yun Tianming greets the Old Sect Master."
Yun Tianming had met Yun Shan before, but at that time, Yun Shan had been stuck at the peak of the Dou Emperor level, showing signs of age and weakness. Now, having broken through to the Dou Ancestor realm, his lifespan had been extended.
"Hehe~ Tianming, you're back."
Seeing Yun Shan's warm smile, Yun Leng and the others were taken aback. The Old Sect Master was usually stern and rarely smiled, often being strict with his subordinates. Today, however, he seemed like a different person.
Yun Shan gestured for Yun Leng and the others to leave, then warmly greeted Yun Tianming.
"Tianming, it's thanks to you that I was able to advance to Dou Ancestor!"
The Qi Method Yun Tianming had provided was as valuable as a life-saving grace. Without the Earth Rank Qi Method given by Yun Tianming, Yun Shan might never have broken through to the Dou Ancestor level, or worse, he could have ended up submitting to the Hall of Souls and becoming their lackey.
"Old Sect Master, you are Sister Yun'er's teacher, which makes you my elder. It's only right for me to show respect."
Yun Tianming smiled slightly. The Earth Rank Qi Method he had given had not only transformed Yun Shan's fate but also saved the Misty Cloud Sect from aligning with the Hall of Souls and facing eventual destruction.
Yun Shan's eyes flickered; as an experienced elder, he easily understood Yun Tianming's implied mention of Yun Yun. For a disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect to covet the Sect Master was certainly bold. Normally, Yun Shan would have dealt harshly with such a brazen disciple. However, Yun Tianming was different—a Dou Emperor in his early twenties and a Sixth Grade Alchemist, making him an impeccable choice from any perspective.
"Hmm, as for your relationship with Yun'er, I'll give my blessing!"
Yun Shan agreed readily. In their culture, a teacher's approval was akin to parental consent. With Yun Shan's support, Yun Yun could marry Yun Tianming without any reservations.
"Thank you, Old Sect Master, for your approval!"
Yun Tianming bowed in a gesture of respect and subtly placed a box of pills into Yun Shan's hand.
"Haha! Good child!"
"It just so happens that Yun'er is finishing her seclusion today. You two should have a good talk."
Yun Shan smiled broadly and tactfully excused himself.
"Swoosh!"
Yun Tianming immediately turned and flew toward the forbidden area in the rear mountain of the Misty Cloud Sect. With a sweep of his Soul Perception, he sensed a powerful aura rising into the sky!
Above the sea of clouds stood a woman, stepping on air. She wore a tight-fitting robe with golden and purple accents, her long black hair styled in a phoenix-like arrangement, exuding an unmistakable nobility. Her serene and beautiful face, combined with her regal demeanor, made her a figure to admire from afar, yet not easily approach.
Her cold eyes swept across the sky, and when her gaze landed on Yun Tianming, it was as if winter snow melted under a warm sun. Her lips parted, and in a gentle, melodious voice that stirred the heart, she spoke, "Tianming."
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