The Yunlan Sect, one of the top forces in the Jia Ma Empire, was situated just a few miles away from the empire's capital on a towering mountain. Due to its influence, the mountain was also named Yunlan Mountain.
Yunlan Mountain was steep, with cliffs on three sides and only a single road leading to the summit, making it a natural fortress. Yunlan Sect disciples patrolled the area rigorously, turning the mountain into a fortified stronghold.
Just two miles away from the mountain's base, fifty thousand imperial cavalrymen were stationed, supposedly to guard the capital. Yet, it was clear to everyone that this was a precaution against the formidable force that lay so close to the empire's heart.
...
Inside Yunlan Sect's grand hall, the sect master sat calmly on her throne, an image of unmatched elegance. Through the vast sky and layers of clouds, one could glimpse her figure wrapped in a plain robe that highlighted her curvaceous body. Her long black hair was styled into a noble phoenix shape, adding to her regal demeanor. Her face, serene and peerlessly beautiful, radiated a noble grace that even her simple attire couldn't hide.
This woman was Yun Yun, the current leader of Yunlan Sect.
If Gu Changqing were present, he would undoubtedly be drawn to the mature charm that constantly emanated from her. Yun Yun's allure was akin to a well-aged wine—captivating and intoxicating.
However, standing before her, Ge Ye, who was reporting his recent trip to Wutan City, dared not even lift his head.
After Ge Ye finished his report, Yun Yun lightly opened her lips, her voice as clear as a stream flowing through the mountains:
"So, Nalan Yanran made a three-year agreement with the third young master of the Xiao family, and this boy named Gu Changqing is traveling with her?"
"Yes, Sect Master," Ge Ye respectfully answered.
"This boy, Gu Changqing, is said to be only eleven years old but has already reached the level of a 1-star Dou Fighter Is that true?" Yun Yun's eyes sparkled with interest.
"It's true. The news came from the Xiao family's annual test, witnessed by many of their clan members. Additionally, we discovered another prodigy from the Xiao family: Xiao Xun'er. At just fourteen, she's already a 5-star Dou Fighter, no less talented than our young sect master," Ge Ye replied.
"Interestingly, Xiao Xun'er is also Gu Changqing's sister."
"Sister? How is one named Xiao and the other Gu?" Yun Yun asked with surprise.
"I heard that Xiao Xun'er found Gu Changqing outside the family. They aren't related by blood, but they are very close. Xiao Xun'er even injured several members of the Xiao family to protect him, yet she wasn't severely punished," Ge Ye explained.
"Such an incident?" Yun Yun's interest in the two siblings deepened.
If such gifted individuals could be brought into the Yunlan Sect, it would undoubtedly benefit both the sect and herself.
"Are you sure they belong to the Xiao family?" Yun Yun asked again.
"There's no mistake. Gu Changqing and Xiao Xun'er are highly respected in Wutan City, especially Gu Changqing, who is known as the 'Little Doctor' there. Many mercenaries admire him. He has been healing them for years but recently handed over his clinic to the Xiao family to go on his journey," Ge Ye confirmed.
"'Little Doctor'? Does this Gu Changqing also practice alchemy?" Yun Yun asked, surprised.
"Not alchemy, but his medical skills are exceptional. He uses common herbs to create effective remedies, treating the injuries of mercenaries and curing difficult diseases for common folk. His clinic is known for its low fees, making his services affordable to everyone. Because of this, Gu Changqing is beloved by both mercenaries and commoners in Wutan City," Ge Ye explained.
"A rather intriguing boy. You may leave now," Yun Yun waved her hand, dismissing him.
"Sect Master, about the young sect master..." Ge Ye hesitated.
"I have my plans," Yun Yun responded calmly.
"Understood," Ge Ye respectfully retreated.
Once Ge Ye had left, Yun Yun stood up. Her graceful figure, accentuated by her robe, seemed even more captivating. Her cold eyes gazed in the direction of the Magic Beast Mountain Range, and she murmured softly:
"An eleven-year-old 1-star Dou Fighter... A rare talent indeed. It just so happens that I'm heading out soon. I might as well bring him and Yanran back."
A few days later, after arranging the sect's affairs, Yun Yun left the Yunlan Sect, heading toward the Magic Beast Mountain Range near Wutan City.
Meanwhile, Nalan Yanran had noticed something odd about Xiao Yi Xian's behavior over the past couple of days. She seemed distracted, often sneaking off to her cabin after meals, staying there for a long time without coming out.
"Xiao Yi Xian, what have you been up to? You haven't been asking Gu Changqing about medicine as much lately," Nalan Yanran asked curiously one evening as they dined on mushroom soup.
Xiao Yi Xian's body tensed slightly, her eyes flashing with a hint of panic as she glanced at Gu Changqing. Her voice stammered, "N-Nothing really. I've just been engrossed in studying the Seven-Colored Poison Scripture these past few days, so I haven't had time to ask him about medicine."
"Is that so? I've noticed you've been acting mysteriously. You're not secretly brewing poison in your cabin, are you? You didn't put something in our mushroom soup, did you?" Nalan Yanran teased with a smile, glancing between Xiao Yi Xian's flustered expression and the fragrant soup in front of them.
"No! Absolutely not! I didn't put anything in the soup! You have to believe me!" Xiao Yi Xian's hands trembled as she clutched her bowl and chopsticks, her face pale with panic as she stood up from her seat.
"Uh..." Nalan Yanran was taken aback by her reaction, her eyes widening in surprise. "I was just joking. Why are you so flustered? You didn't really... poison our soup, did you?"
Her gaze darted back to the soup, now filled with suspicion. Her hands shook, and she accidentally dropped her chopsticks.