Misty cloud Sect
Within the Misty cloud Sect, a middle-aged man was pacing back and forth, his expression tense and anxious, as brows furrowed in deep thought.
"Senior Elder Gu He, Sect Leader Yun has come out of seclusion!"
At that moment, a Misty cloud Sect disciple rushed in, hurrying to report to the middle-aged man.
"Sect Leader Yun has come out of seclusion? That's good, I will go meet her immediately!"
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man's face lit up with joy, and he quickly made his way toward the sect's grand hall.
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In the grand hall of the Misty cloud Sect, a stunning woman clad in a simple dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure sat gracefully on the high seat, her gaze sweeping over the several dozen elders of the Misty cloud Sect gathered below.
"We congratulate the Sect Leader on successfully coming out of seclusion!"
"Welcome back, Sect Leader!"
The elders of Misty cloud Sect all rose and respectfully bowed toward the woman seated above.
"No need for formalities, please rise."
The woman on the throne lifted her hand gently, a faint smile gracing her lips as she spoke.
This woman was none other than Yun Yun, the eighth-generation Sect Leader of Misty cloud Sect! By her side lay a peculiar longsword, glowing with a faint green light. Her long hair was styled in an elegant phoenix motif, and her beautiful face, though serene and peaceful, radiated a majestic and noble aura.
"Thank you, Sect Leader!"
At her words, the Misty cloud Sect elders rose to their feet.
"I have summoned you here today to hear your opinions on the frequent incursions and disturbances caused by the Mulan Empire along our borders," Yun Yun said, her gaze calmly surveying the group.
"Sect Leader, the Mulan Empire has been appearing more frequently in the surrounding empires and has been acting brazenly, as if they have nothing to fear. I believe the sect should observe the situation and await the imperial court's stance," said the white-robed elder standing at the forefront.
"Elder Yun Ling is correct. Though our relationship with the imperial family appears harmonious on the surface, there has long been tension brewing beneath. If we intervene rashly, it could bring unnecessary trouble to our sect," another white-robed elder agreed.
"Sect Leader, this matter doesn't concern us directly. The real burden should fall on the imperial family. After all, the Jia Ma Empire does not belong to the Misty cloud Sect," added another elder from the rear, bowing as he spoke.
His words brought a momentary silence to the hall as all the Misty cloud Sect elders turned their attention to Yun Yun, who remained seated at the head of the room.
"Hmm… What you all say makes sense. With my master in deep seclusion, the sect's strength has diminished, making it unwise to intervene and risk bringing unnecessary trouble upon ourselves," Yun Yun acknowledged, pausing before continuing. "However, just before I went into seclusion, Elder Jia Xingtian and I detected a powerful presence near the empire's border—one that likely exceeds the level of a Dou emperor."
"A presence that surpasses a Dou emperor?!"
The Misty cloud Sect elders were visibly shocked, their faces filled with disbelief.
"Indeed. Elder Jia and I speculated that this individual might have intentions toward the empire. But when we arrived at the scene, the aura had already vanished without a trace," Yun Yun explained with a slight nod.
"Sect Leader, then…" Yun Ling began, but his words were interrupted by the sudden arrival of a middle-aged man.
"Sect Leader Yun!" the man called out urgently as he hurried into the hall, addressing Yun Yun, who sat at the head of the room.
"Yes?" Yun Yun's elegant brows arched slightly in surprise. "Elder Gu He, what brings you here in such a rush?"
The middle-aged man, known as Gu He, was a sixth-tier alchemist and held the prestigious title of Pill King in the Jia Ma Empire, as well as being an elder of the Misty cloud Sect. His words were always taken seriously by the other elders.
"I have urgent news," Gu He said solemnly, bowing to the gathered elders before turning his attention to Yun Yun.
"Speak," Yun Yun said, her tone calm but curious.
"Recently, while I was searching for medicinal herbs in the desert near the border, I encountered someone from the Mulan Empire," Gu He began, his expression growing serious. "That person attempted to capture me and take me to Mulan Valley. I resisted, but unfortunately, the individual was a Dou emperor, far stronger than me. I was overpowered and taken captive to Mulan Valley."
At this, a look of shame crossed Gu He's face. Despite being a sixth-tier alchemist and a Dou king, a formidable figure in the Jia Ma Empire, he had been easily captured by the enemy.
"Who dares to do such a thing?!"
"The Mulan Empire grows bolder by the day, daring to secretly abduct an elder of the Misty cloud Sect!"
The other Misty cloud Sect elders erupted in anger, unable to contain their fury at the audacity of the Mulan Empire.
"Mulan Valley?" Yun Yun's brows furrowed as she processed Gu He's words. "Do you know who captured you? And how did you manage to escape?"
"I don't know their identity," Gu He replied, shaking his head. "I thought I was doomed, but just as we reached the border, a stranger—who was a Dou ancestor—rescued me."
"A Dou ancestor?! How is that possible?!" The Misty cloud Sect elders were stunned, their faces filled with disbelief. The Jia Ma Empire hadn't seen a Dou ancestor in many years.
Yun Yun's expression grew serious. "Elder Gu He, are you certain? You understand the implications of what you're saying."
The appearance of a Dou ancestor in the Jia Ma Empire would undoubtedly shift the balance of power, a matter of grave concern.
"I am certain, Sect Leader. The person seemed to recognize me, but after rescuing me, they left immediately. I don't know who they were," Gu He added, hesitating to mention the humiliation he endured or the loss of his storage ring. As the prestigious Pill King of the Jia Ma Empire, admitting such things would be a blow to his dignity.
"How peculiar," Yun Yun mused, her brows knitting together. "When did this happen?"
"Half a month ago. I wanted to report this sooner, but you were in seclusion, so I had to wait," Gu He replied.
"Half a month ago…" Yun Yun murmured, her frown deepening. "Could it be that the powerful aura Elder Jia and I sensed was the same Dou ancestor that saved you?"
The timing matched perfectly with when she and Jia Xingtian had detected a presence that surpassed that of a Dou emperor.
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