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Bo Haidong gave a slight smile, his voice clear and deep. "Don't be too surprised, Sect Leader Yun Yun. Some things are more complex than you might imagine."
"Lord Ice Emperor, you're not joking, are you? Who exactly is your master?" Her voice betrayed an undeniable curiosity and hesitation.
The Ice Emperor remained silent, directing a respectful and solemn gaze toward Shui Wuya, who was meditating nearby.
Following his gaze, Yun Yun turned her attention to Shui Wuya. In that moment, his figure seemed both mysterious and majestic, as if an ancient, slumbering beast radiating boundless power and dignity.
Shui Wuya's face was calm and profound, resembling a statue weathered by time. His expression and aura exuded a presence that transcended the mortal realm. Sitting there, he seemed a part of the earth itself, blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and stones.
Unlike the vast and imposing energy of ordinary battle qi, his aura was one of deep and ancient power—like the silent depths of an ocean, wrapping around everything with a quiet yet limitless potential.
Around him, the air seemed to solidify, cloaked in a mysterious aura that emitted an indescribable sense of pressure.
Yun Yun felt the intensity and mystery of this presence, and her heart instinctively filled with reverence.
"Who is he?" she thought, astonished. She never expected the Ice Emperor's master to be both so young and so powerful.
However, her astonishment was matched by confusion. Although the aura Shui Wuya radiated was immense, it differed greatly from typical battle qi. It was an unfathomable force, as though it transcended everything within the mortal realm.
This left Yun Yun deeply perplexed. She began to wonder what all of this could mean, as the incomprehensible truth shook her to her core.
Inside the cave, the atmosphere seemed to grow heavier. Shui Wuya slowly opened his eyes, his gaze as deep as an abyss. He looked straight into Yun Yun's eyes, piercing into the depths of her soul.
"Senior, please forgive my impudence," Yun Yun said quickly, bowing her head, her voice tinged with a trace of apology. "I didn't mean to intrude."
Shui Wuya gave a faint smile, showing no trace of blame. His gaze gradually softened, though it held a hint of coldness. "Yun Yun, I understand why you came."
Yun Yun's heart skipped a beat as she stared at him, astonished. "Senior, you…you know?"
Shui Wuya nodded, speaking evenly. "I know everything about you, including the hidden ailment within your body."
He then began to speak in detail, revealing every aspect of her being without holding anything back.
Hearing his words, Yun Yun's face showed utter disbelief as she stared at him, an indescribable shock surging within her heart.
"Senior, how…how could you possibly know all of this?"
Shui Wuya smiled mysteriously. "I know far more than you can imagine."
His voice was calm and deep, infinitely enigmatic.
Yun Yun felt a surge of shock, as though she were standing before someone who existed in a realm beyond her comprehension. She was facing a being that transcended the ordinary—omnipotent and all-knowing.
Shui Wuya seemed in no hurry to answer her questions, merely continuing in a mild tone. "Your talents are commendable. You are qualified to become my registered disciple. From now on, you will serve under me."
Upon hearing Shui Wuya's offer, Yun Yun's face showed a hint of shock. She could never have imagined that this mysterious cultivator would so suddenly extend such an olive branch.
"Senior, I…" Yun Yun tried to speak, but found herself unable to put her turbulent emotions into words.
"You did not hear incorrectly."
Shui Wuya added calmly.
Upon hearing this, Yun Yun's heart surged with mixed emotions. This mysterious cultivator actually wanted to take her as his disciple.
As the Sect Leader of the Yun Lan Sect, she held a position of high status—how could she easily become someone else's disciple, especially as a mere honorary disciple? A tinge of shame and annoyance stirred in her heart, though she dared not show it. Shui Wuya was far too powerful and enigmatic to offend.
Despite a flicker of interest in Shui Wuya's invitation, Yun Yun couldn't simply cast aside her role as the Yun Lan Sect's leader to become someone's disciple, especially someone she had just met for the first time.
Shui Wuya waited quietly for her response, his gaze deep and penetrating, as if he could read every thought in Yun Yun's mind.
"I am deeply grateful for Senior's recognition and invitation, but I must respectfully decline," Yun Yun replied, her voice clear and resolute. "As Sect Leader of Yun Lan Sect, I carry many responsibilities and cannot easily leave. Nor can I forgo my own identity to become someone else's honorary disciple."
At her response, Shui Wuya's expression remained unchanged; he gave a slight nod, as if he had anticipated her answer.
"Very well," he replied in his usual calm tone.
Watching the exchange, Bo Haidong sighed inwardly. This Yun Yun is far too foolish—how could she turn down Shui Wuya's offer? He recalled a similar opportunity he once had, which he had declined. Now, he could only serve Shui Wuya as a mere servant and bitterly regretted his choice. Yun Yun's refusal would surely be something she'd regret forever.
Yun Yun felt a growing unease in her heart. She knew her refusal might anger Shui Wuya, but she had no choice but to stand by her decision. Taking a soft breath, she sought to explain as gently as possible.
"Senior, please forgive me for declining your offer," she continued, her tone gentle yet unwavering. "There is another reason—I already have a master. My teacher has treated me very well, and I cannot betray him by seeking another."
She looked at Shui Wuya earnestly, hoping he would understand and not take offense.
At the mention of Yun Shan, however, a glint of disdain flashed across Shui Wuya's eyes, and he couldn't help but chuckle scornfully.
Yun Yun sensed his contempt and furrowed her brow. "Senior, are you mocking my master?" Her voice held a hint of anger and dissatisfaction.
"'You only see the face, not the heart,'" Shui Wuya replied indifferently. "Your master, Yun Shan, is not as simple as you think. Perhaps he was once a pure man, but in his pursuit of the Dou Zong level, he has joined the Spirit Hall as their lapdog. I suggest you sever ties with him sooner rather than later."
Yun Yun was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions upon hearing this. She had no idea what the Spirit Hall was, and she found it hard to believe Shui Wuya's words. But she dared not show her anger; instead, she bit her lower lip in silence.
"You don't believe me, do you?" Shui Wuya's tone turned even colder. "Go back and see Yun Shan for yourself. Then you'll understand."
(End of Chapter)