Chapter 81: Lin Ran – Seems Like My Little Yun Yun Missed Me

Jia Ma Empire, Yunlan Sect.

As the most powerful faction in the Jia Ma Empire, the Yunlan Sect had passed down its legacy without interruption for generations. With countless years of accumulated strength, this ancient sect stood unshakably at the pinnacle of the empire. If not for their strict doctrine forbidding the usurpation of imperial authority, the Yunlan Sect would likely have taken over the entire empire during one of the many dynastic changes throughout history.

The sect was built atop Mount Yunlan. At the end of a long stone stairway shrouded in mist was a vast plaza.

The entire plaza was paved with massive, uniform stone slabs, exuding an ancient and majestic atmosphere. In its center stood a towering stone stele, engraved with the names of every Sect Master and great contributor throughout the Yunlan Sect's long history.

Scanning the plaza, nearly a thousand disciples could be seen practicing sword techniques. They all wore moon-white robes, with a cloud-patterned longsword insignia fluttering at their sleeves, faintly exuding a sense of sword intent.

Among them, a young woman in a white robe sat cross-legged, her hands forming seals as she quietly cultivated. With each breath, a pale green airflow spiraled around her, continuously drawn into her body.

"Excellent. Yanran has broken through to the Dou Grandmaster realm and has even grasped the Extremity of Wind Dou Technique. With just a few months left until the Three-Year Agreement, her victory is practically certain."

"Naturally. Yanran is exceptionally gifted and has entered the Sect Master's tutelage. She's set to inherit the Yunlan Sect's mantle. How could that Xiao Yan possibly compare?"

"Indeed, indeed."

At the topmost stone platform overlooking the plaza, a few white-robed elders smiled in approval, speaking to the elder at the center.

That elder's eyes were filled with satisfaction. Clearly, in his view, the battle in a few months' time was already half-won.

Just as he was about to speak further, a servant approached hastily and bowed respectfully.

"Grand Elder Yun Leng, Pill King requests an audience!"

"Gu He? What brings him here?"

Yun Leng furrowed his brows in confusion but quickly rose and followed the servant toward the Yunlan Sect's main hall.

Gu He's status was unique. He wasn't just the only sixth-tier alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire, but also a close ally of the Yunlan Sect and an honorary elder.

Most importantly, his affection for Yun Yun, the Sect Master of Yunlan Sect, was an open secret among the empire's upper echelons.

As the Pill King, Gu He wielded unmatched influence. A marriage alliance between him and Yun Yun would greatly benefit both parties. Thus, the Yunlan Sect had always treated him with the utmost respect. Even the reclusive former Sect Master was inclined to matchmake him with Yun Yun.

Although Yun Leng was the Grand Elder, he was merely at the Dou King level. Compared to Gu He—who might become the Sect Master's consort—he was of lower status and strength, so he dared not be negligent.

"Master Gu He, what brings you here today?"

Yun Leng arrived at the main hall quickly. Upon seeing Gu He, a middle-aged man, he smiled and greeted him.

But soon, Yun Leng noticed something off.

Gu He's appearance had never been particularly striking, but his long years of alchemy and high status gave him a natural air of nobility and pride.

Yet today, the Pill King looked... disheveled?

Indeed, Gu He was in a sorry state.

After being released by Queen Medusa, he realized how disastrous the outcome had been. Six of the empire's top ten experts had perished, and Yun Yun had been captured by Queen Medusa. Without pause, he rushed straight to the Yunlan Sect after leaving the Tager Desert.

Queen Medusa's breakthrough to the Dou Zong realm and Yun Yun's capture weren't minor incidents—they impacted not only the Yunlan Sect's reputation but the entire empire's future.

"Grand Elder Yun Leng, you're finally here!"

Without hesitation, Gu He quickly recounted what had happened in the Tager Desert.

Yun Leng's previously warm expression froze bit by bit as he listened. When he heard that Yun Yun had been defeated and captured while covering their retreat, his Dou Qi surged uncontrollably, shattering the floor beneath him.

"This can't be... this can't be real!"

Yun Leng muttered in disbelief. Yun Yun was one of the strongest in the entire Jia Ma Empire. How could she be so easily defeated by Queen Medusa?

"Grand Elder Yun Leng, I knew how serious this was, so I came straight here after escaping the desert," Gu He said with a deep breath. "Though I bear some responsibility, Queen Medusa's threat must be dealt with. I plan to head to the imperial palace."

The Yunlan Sect wasn't far from the imperial capital—only a few dozen miles separated them. With Gu He's peak Dou King strength, reaching the capital was a matter of moments.

"To the imperial palace? No! You can't!"

Yun Leng suddenly raised his voice. "If word spreads that our Sect Master was captured, it would be a catastrophic blow to the Yunlan Sect's prestige. You must not go!"

'No… this is beyond what I can handle. Only the former Sect Master can stabilize the situation,' Yun Leng thought grimly.

"Gu He, wait here. I'll summon the former Sect Master!"

"The former Sect Master?!"

Gu He's expression changed.

Before he could react, Yun Leng retrieved a pale cloud-colored flute from his storage ring, brought it to his lips, and blew hard.

A piercing, eerie sound rang out, echoing through the Yunlan Sect and the surrounding mountain range.

Suddenly, deep within Mount Yunlan, a vast and terrifying aura surged forth like an ancient dragon awakening. Disciples across the mountain looked up in awe toward the source.

"This... this aura..."

"It's terrifying! Even the Sect Master doesn't have such strength!"

"It must be... the former Sect Master! He's emerged from seclusion!"

That overwhelming pressure enveloped the entire sect. Disciples knelt instinctively. Even the elders bowed deeply in respect.

"This aura..."

Nalan Yanran, still cultivating, opened her eyes and looked toward the mountain's depths, a shocked expression on her face.

'What could have happened for the Grand Elder to summon even the former Sect Master?'

Back in the main hall, Gu He was equally stunned.

He had always known that Yun Shan was in secluded cultivation—but this aura… it rivaled that of Queen Medusa.

"The former Sect Master... Yun Shan... has he broken through?"

A white silhouette emerged from the mountain depths, stepping through the air with ease. In just a few breaths, he had traversed the entire Yunlan Sect and entered the main hall.

Clad in simple white robes, Yun Shan's figure radiated otherworldly grace. Though he appeared youthful and wrinkle-free, his long white hair marked his true age.

He was none other than Yun Shan, the former Sect Master—and Yun Yun's teacher!

"Former Sect Master!"

"Yun Shan Sect Master."

Yun Leng dropped to his knees, while Gu He, recognizing the gravity of the moment, gave a deep bow.

"Master Gu He, long time no see. You're as radiant as ever," Yun Shan said with a faint smile. Though now a Dou Zong, he still observed proper courtesy toward Gu He, a sixth-tier alchemist and honorary elder of the sect.

After greeting Gu He, Yun Shan turned to Yun Leng.

"Yun Leng, I told you not to disturb my cultivation unless it was a serious matter. Why have you summoned me?"

"Former Sect Master, I had no choice..."

Yun Leng gave Gu He a look. Gu He sighed and stepped forward to bow again.

"Sect Master Yun Shan, it's my fault..."

He briefly recounted the events in the Tager Desert. When he mentioned that Queen Medusa had broken through to the Dou Zong realm, Yun Shan's calm demeanor faltered. When he heard that Yun Yun had been defeated and captured, his expression turned grim. A terrifying aura erupted from him, sending both Yun Leng and Gu He flying.

Yun Shan took a deep breath. His eyes turned icy as he looked at Gu He with barely restrained killing intent.

Yun Yun was like a daughter to him. She wasn't just a disciple—she was the future leader of the sect.

And now, because of Gu He's selfish actions, Yun Yun had fallen into Queen Medusa's hands. How could Yun Shan not be furious?

"Former Sect Master!"

"Sect Master Yun Shan..." Gu He climbed to his feet, bitterly ashamed. "Yun Yun's soul tablet is still intact. She must be alive. Queen Medusa wouldn't risk provoking us too far..."

"That madwoman is capable of anything—especially now that she's a Dou Zong!"

Yun Shan's shout silenced everyone. Even Yun Leng dared not speak.

The hall fell into a heavy silence. After a long pause, Yun Shan waved a hand.

"Stay in the sect's pill hall for now. I'll handle Yun Yun's matter. But let me be clear—this incident must be kept secret. Only the three of us may know."

"Yes, Former Sect Master."

"...Understood," Gu He replied with a sigh. He knew how serious this was and why Yun Shan wanted to keep it quiet.

But he also knew—news like this could not be hidden forever.

The other experts who had accompanied him were all dead. Their factions would surely investigate.

And when Queen Medusa's side released word...

There would be no more secrets to keep.

Still, Yun Shan had reached the Dou Zong realm. Gu He could only place all his hopes on him now.

He bowed again. "Sect Master Yun Shan, this was all my fault. If there's anything I can do... please let me know."

"Let it be... let it be my penance."

'If Yun Yun dies... penance means nothing,' Yun Shan thought coldly.

"Leave," he said with a wave of his hand.

Gu He gave a final bow and departed. Yun Leng looked like he wanted to speak, but seeing Yun Shan's dark expression, he wisely kept silent and followed.

The grand hall fell into silence once more.

"I didn't expect Queen Medusa to become a Dou Zong. Seems your dream of ruling the empire might be in trouble."

From the shadows of the hall, a swirl of black mist emerged, accompanied by a mocking laugh.

Yun Shan's face twitched. "She's just a serpent. So what if she's evolved? I'm not afraid of her."

"You should lay low for now. So what if you lost a disciple? Just get another one."

The mist laughed. "You must've sensed it too—there was a terrifying presence in the Tager Desert. I suspect Queen Medusa's breakthrough is tied to that expert."

"Wait for my Hall of Souls to finish investigating. If that person is a Sovereign-level expert, even you won't survive a confrontation. Don't waste my investment in you."

"The scouts say that expert already left."

Yun Shan's eyes narrowed. "Yun'er is my heir. If she dies at Queen Medusa's hands, how could I face the world?"

"Do what you want. But if you die, I'll take your soul."

The mist rippled.

"And since you don't like Gu He, how about I claim his soul? A sixth-tier alchemist's soul would be quite the prize... heh heh heh..."

"Don't touch him. I still need him."

"Tch. Fine, suit yourself."

The mist slowly faded, leaving Yun Shan alone—his face grim and unreadable.

(End of Chapter)