"Forbidden Hall?"
Yun Yun was taken aback for a moment before she spoke, "I am the Sect Leader of the Yunlan Sect, with daily responsibilities in overseeing our affairs. I'm afraid I may not be suited to take on the position of Forbidden Hall Master in the Eternal Evergreen Mansion."
"Haha, that's a pity. My Eternal Evergreen Mansion is organized into six halls, each led by a Hall Master who cultivates Earth-rank techniques, wields Earth-rank battle skills, and receives a sixth-tier pill. But if Sect Leader Yun Yun isn't willing, I won't press."
"However, my Eternal Evergreen Mansion has set its sights on uniting the Jia Ma Empire under one rule. Given that Yunlan Sect resides within its borders, I hope your sect will cooperate rather than oppose our mission. Of course, I would also provide suitable compensation. What does Sect Leader Yun Yun think?"
Gu Changqing did not push to recruit Yun Yun further. He knew that offering better terms might sway her, but he didn't see the need. If Yun Yun was unwilling to be the Forbidden Hall's master, there were others who could take the role, and the Yunlan Sect's influence wasn't essential to him.
As long as they didn't hinder his unification plans, they could remain in their secluded territory on Yunlan Mountain. When the Jia Ma Empire and surrounding empires were unified under his rule, the Yunlan Sect would collapse of its own accord without Gu Changqing lifting a finger.
So he dismissed further persuasion.
Yun Yun was surprised. She hadn't expected Gu Changqing to give up so easily; she thought he would offer more enticing terms to win them over.
Still, she wasn't about to beg for the opportunity. She responded softly, "How exactly does the Master of Eternal Evergreen Mansion envision unification? Do you expect all forces in the Jia Ma Empire to submit under your rule?"
"No."
Gu Changqing shook his head. "They wouldn't be submitting to the Eternal Evergreen Mansion but rather operating within its order. Any forces established without permission shouldn't exist, and any that go against our principles must be eliminated."
"That includes the Yunlan Sect. However, as a righteous sect, it is allowed within the Jia Ma Empire. Still, you must uphold our unification goals, respect our order, and assist in our progress. I trust that Sect Leader Yun Yun and the Yunlan Sect can fulfill these expectations?"
Gu Changqing's gaze settled on Yun Yun with calm resolve, just short of openly stating that refusal could mean the sect's end.
Yun Yun's expression shifted subtly. She understood his words: either the Yunlan Sect would yield to the Eternal Evergreen Mansion's control, or it would face destruction.
Both options were troubling. The Yunlan Sect had always maintained a degree of seclusion, not entirely isolated from worldly affairs but generally avoiding entanglement in secular matters. Subordination to Eternal Evergreen Mansion meant losing that autonomy.
But the thought of the sect's destruction was even less acceptable.
"Lord Gu, may I take some time to discuss this with the elders before giving you a final answer?" Yun Yun spoke with a softer tone after considering her options.
"Certainly! I've been meaning to catch up with Yanran. If Sect Leader Yun Yun doesn't mind, perhaps Yanran could keep me company for a chat?" Gu Changqing smiled as he turned his attention to Nalan Yanran, who had been waiting impatiently at the side.
Yun Yun glanced at Nalan Yanran, who looked back at her with eager, hopeful eyes. With a sigh, she thought, So foolish! He has countless women, yet you're throwing yourself at him. As the future leader of the Yunlan Sect, have you no pride?
With a wave of her hand, she dismissed Nalan Yanran, not wanting to see her eager expression. "Yanran, since Lord Gu has asked, go and spend some time with him."
"Yes, Master!" Nalan Yanran's eyes lit up, and she eagerly approached Gu Changqing.
"Aah!"
A small yelp escaped her as Gu Changqing pulled her into his arms in front of everyone. "Yanran, did you miss me?"
Holding Nalan Yanran's slender, soft figure, Gu Changqing whispered to her gently.
"You…let go of me! There are so many people watching…"
Her face flushed red as she squirmed in his embrace.
"No one's here; look around." Holding her close, he vanished from Yunlan Sect's square without a single movement, reappearing with her by the secluded stream she often used for training in the mountain's rear.
"Where did they—" she began, but Gu Changqing silenced her with a kiss, lifting her as they landed by the stream's edge.
Meanwhile, back at the square, the elders of the Yunlan Sect were divided in opinion.
"Sect Leader, why didn't you accept Lord Gu's offer?"
"Yes, Sect Leader, Eternal Evergreen Mansion's six halls each possess at least one Earth-rank technique, an Earth-rank battle skill, and a sixth-tier pill. Such resources would be a great boon to our Yunlan Sect! With them, you could grow far stronger!"
"I agree that Sect Leader should consider Lord Gu's offer. By taking on the Forbidden Hall position, we would avoid conflict with Eternal Evergreen Mansion altogether."
"I disagree. If Sect Leader accepts, it's only a matter of time before we're fully absorbed by the Eternal Evergreen Mansion. I suggest we request the former Sect Leader's intervention. The Yunlan Sect is a haven for cultivation, not a player in political struggles!"
"Yes, I also support asking the former Sect Leader. We're a sacred place for training, not meant for secular involvement!"
"Silence!" Yun Yun's voice turned icy as she released a wave of Dou Emperor aura.
Her gaze swept across the crowd with cold authority. "I consulted my teacher a few days ago, and he instructed us to fully support Lord Gu's efforts in uniting the Jia Ma Empire. He advised that any reasonable terms proposed by Lord Gu should be accepted."
"So, I am here to inform you to keep your families and subordinates in line and avoid needless conflict with Eternal Evergreen Mansion."
In her heart, Yun Yun had already made a separate decision. She had declined the position of Forbidden Hall Master because she didn't wish to be bound by political power. Her attachment to Yunlan Sect was deep—she had grown up here and owed it to her teacher to lead the sect. But she also yearned to explore the world beyond.
If, with Gu Changqing's assistance, the Yunlan Sect could produce a capable Dou Emperor to shoulder its future, Yun Yun was prepared to step down. She would leave the Jia Ma Empire and finally pursue her long-held dream of wandering the world.
For now, her emotions were a complex mix of duty, apprehension, and a spark of anticipation.