"It hasn't been long, and Master Zhou is marrying again! And this time, it's the Empire's Eldest Princess, Princess Yao Ye. How enviable!"
"Envy all you want. If you were a Dou Ancestor powerhouse or a seventh-tier alchemist, wouldn't marrying a princess be as easy as turning your hand?"
"We thought Master Zhou was a sixth-tier alchemist, but he's actually seventh-tier! Some say he might even surpass that!"
"Master Zhou's Boundary-Breaking Pill is incredible. Just one can elevate a Dou Emperor peak expert to Dou Ancestor. If I had a daughter or granddaughter, I'd marry her off to him too!"
"You? Even if you had one, Master Zhou wouldn't look twice at you!"
"You can't fathom Master Zhou's happiness!"
"With the Imperial Protector Jia Xingtian advancing to Dou Ancestor thanks to Master Zhou's Boundary-Breaking Pill, and with his connections, the Imperial Family is as solid as a rock!"
Misty Cloud Sect.
Yun Shan's expression darkened when he heard about Jia Xingtian's advancement to Dou Ancestor.
"Who would have thought that old man would actually advance to Dou Ancestor!"
Jia Xingtian was even older than Yun Shan, practically at the end of his lifespan. Without a special opportunity, advancing to Dou Ancestor was impossible in his lifetime. But with Zhou Yi's Boundary-Breaking Pill, he succeeded.
Clenching his fists, Yun Shan headed to the main hall.
At the center of the hall sat a woman in white robes, her elegance transcendent. Eyes closed, she meditated on a cushion, enveloped by moonlight streaming in through the window. The light encased her like a silver veil, enhancing her ethereal beauty, as if she were a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
Sensing Yun Shan's approach, the woman slowly opened her gem-like eyes, their brilliance captivating under the moonlight. Her noble, serene face exuded an aura of grace, making anyone who beheld her feel unworthy.
She was none other than Misty Cloud Sect's leader, Yun Yun.
"Teacher!" Yun Yun rose respectfully.
"Yun'er, have you heard about Jia Xingtian's advancement to Dou Ancestor?" Yun Shan gazed at Yun Yun's exquisite beauty and graceful figure, speaking slowly.
"Yes," Yun Yun nodded slightly. "It's said he advanced after taking Master Zhou's Boundary-Breaking Pill."
"Indeed. Master Zhou is truly a prodigy. Not only is his Dou Qi cultivation at the Dou Venerate level, but his alchemy skills are also unparalleled. Developing the Boundary-Breaking Pill places him among the rarest talents on the Dou Qi Continent."
Yun Shan's face showed admiration and awe.
"In the Jia Ma Empire, Gu He seemed impressive with his looks, skills, and alchemy, but meeting Master Zhou truly showed what it means to always have someone stronger."
"Even so, Gu He was fortunate to align himself with Master Zhou and become the disciple of an eighth-tier alchemist. His future is boundless!"
"And Jia Xingtian, now a Dou Ancestor, with ties to Master Zhou, has solidified the Jia Ma Empire's rise!"
"Our Misty Cloud Sect has always been seen as a thorn in the Empire's side. Who knows when they might eliminate us?" Yun Shan sighed deeply, shaking his head in helplessness.
Hearing this, Yun Yun's expression turned slightly bitter. Yun Shan's praise of Zhou Yi and mention of the Sect's peril clearly pointed to one thing: he wanted her to marry Zhou Yi.
After a brief pause, Yun Yun murmured softly, "Teacher's years of nurturing are deeply appreciated. As the leader of Misty Cloud Sect, I will shoulder my responsibility. Everything will follow your decision."
Thinking of Zhou Yi's tall and handsome figure, Yun Yun felt no aversion. She had no attachment to other men, and Zhou Yi's unparalleled charisma, strength, and capabilities naturally garnered her admiration. What she resented was the transactional nature of her marriage.
"Yun'er, you've thought it through. That's wonderful!" Yun Shan's joy was evident.
"Trust me. Marrying Master Zhou is the best choice!"
"Just look at Ya Fei. Despite her lack of talent, she's already advanced from a lowly Dou Zhe to Dou Ling in no time!"
"I've heard from Gu He that Master Zhou treats his women exceptionally well. A man like him is a rare find!"
"Teacher, I'm tired," Yun Yun said softly, not wanting to continue the conversation.
"Very well, you rest. Leave the rest to me!" Yun Shan, having achieved his goal, left in high spirits.
Zhou Yi, who had recently married Ya Fei, was now preparing to marry Yao Ye. Clearly, he had an appreciation for beauty. With Yun Yun's allure, Yun Shan was confident Zhou Yi wouldn't refuse.
If not for the late hour, he'd visit Zhou Yi immediately to finalize the matter.
That night, Yun Shan couldn't sleep from excitement. Yun Yun, on the other hand, lay awake in her room, thoughts of Zhou Yi swirling in her mind.
Despite her inner turmoil, her admiration for Zhou Yi's unmatched charm grew. Yet, the sense of being coerced into the marriage left her conflicted.
Eventually, she fell asleep near dawn, dreaming of Zhou Yi. In the dream, their relationship blossomed, leading to a life of shared adventures and romance.
As they stood in a blooming valley, embracing and kissing, the dream's sweetness felt almost tangible.
The rising sun brought Yun Yun back to reality. Sitting up abruptly, her cheeks flushed as remnants of the dream lingered.
"Teacher, are you alright?" A crisp, concerned voice called from outside.
The voice belonged to Yun Yun's disciple, Nalan Yanran. Her cool demeanor belied her youthful beauty, accentuated by her moon-white gown and silver sash that highlighted her slender waist.
"It's you, Yanran. I'm fine," Yun Yun replied, a rosy blush creeping up her face as she recalled the dream.
"Teacher, I have a question for you," Nalan Yanran said, stepping closer.
Yun Yun's words caught in her throat as she noticed the state of her bedding—drenched in sweat. Embarrassed, she tightened her legs and muttered under her breath, "This is mortifying!"
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