Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Protector Wu!
After a long while, a great and formidable aura, as powerful as an ancient dragon awakening from its slumber, flashed and disappeared. A wave of soul force swept across the entire Yun Lan Sect, followed by a calm voice.
"So, it's Yun'er! Come in!"
With the approval of Yun Shan, Yun Yun walked into the cave. She saw Yun Shan sitting cross-legged, with no trace of any aura. The aura that had just flashed felt like an illusion.
"Yun'er has already reached the Three-Star Dou Huang level, not bad, not bad. You must have come today because something happened in the Yun Lan Sect, right?"
Seeing his disciple's strength, a hint of satisfaction flashed through Yun Shan's eyes. He had raised this disciple since childhood, and her talent surpassed his own. In the future, she could reach his level, or even possibly the level of the sect's founding master. The Yun Lan Sect had a successor.
"Teacher, nothing has happened in the Yun Lan Sect. However, recently an alchemist has arrived in the capital."
Facing Yun Shan's inquiry, Yun Yun softly recounted the recent events. After finishing, she looked at the contemplative Yun Shan and respectfully stood aside, waiting for his decision.
"A Seven-Tier Alchemist, huh!"
After a long time, Yun Shan came back to his senses, feeling somewhat melancholic. If only it had happened sooner, it was too late now!
"You have done well. Missing an opportunity with alchemy is not a big deal. I will be out of seclusion soon, and we will decide then!"
After saying this, Yun Shan closed his eyes. Seeing this, Yun Yun, even if she had more to say, had to bow and leave.
After Yun Yun left, suddenly, a wisp of black smoke drifted in. In the dark cave, two scarlet lights suddenly lit up.
"Kekeke, Yun Shan, your disciple is quite a promising one!"
"I advise the Protector to abandon such dangerous thoughts!" Suddenly, Yun Shan opened his eyes abruptly, his sharp gaze sweeping towards the other party, emitting an icy cold aura.
"Heh!"
Letting out a strange laugh, Protector Wu did not provoke the other party further. In his view, Yun Shan was hypocritical; even many elders in the sect had secretly joined the Soul Palace, what difference would one disciple make!
The Yun Lan Sect would eventually become a branch of the Soul Palace in the Jia Ma Empire.
"I'm quite interested in that suddenly appearing Seven-Tier Alchemist."
Hearing Protect Wu's words, Yun Shan frowned and said hesitantly, "A Seven-Tier Alchemist is not easy to deal with, and besides, he has several companions with uncertain strength."
"Kekeke, of course I know that. Just entangle his companions secretly, and then I will make my move!" Protector Wu laughed sinisterly.
"…Alright." After a brief hesitation, Yun Shan quickly agreed. His relationship with Protector Wu was one of cooperation, so conceding to a few requests was not a big deal. After his breakthrough, he had yet to take action.
The Yun Lan Sect, the most powerful force in the Jia Ma Empire, had it not been for the rule that they could not seize the royal power, the Jia Ma Empire's royal family would have already changed its name.
Because of this, every generation of the Jia Ma Royal Family was wary of the Yun Lan Sect. The elite corps stationed at the foot of Yun Lan Mountain was proof.
The royal family sent the corps to be stationed here for many years, and their purpose was clear to everyone; they were guarding against the Yun Lan Sect.
The high levels of both sides tacitly accepted this and did not react, but occasionally, hot-tempered disciples from the Yun Lan Sect would go to the barracks to cause trouble.
Thus, this place was usually quite lively.
However, today, both the barracks and the Yun Lan Sect were unusually quiet. All the disciples of the sect were gathered in the large central square of the sect.
The square was entirely paved with large stones, giving it an ancient and majestic atmosphere. In the center of the square, a huge stone monument stood tall, recording the names of all the past sect masters and those who made great contributions to the sect.
At this moment, nearly a thousand people were sitting cross-legged in the square. On the stone platform above, there were more than a dozen white-robed elders meditating. At the very top stood the sect master of the Yun Lan Sect, Yun Yun, and a slightly shorter Nalan Yanran, seemingly waiting for someone.
Nearly a thousand people gathered, yet the square was silent, with only the sound of the wind howling.
"Cirrr—"
Suddenly, a loud eagle cry sounded, followed by a strong gust of wind. A piercing sound came from the sky, attracting the attention of the Yun Lan Sect members.
It was a massive blue eagle. On its back were four figures, with Jiang Yun at the forefront.
Yesterday, Jiang Yun had suddenly sent an invitation to visit the Yun Lan Sect, causing a stir in the Jia Ma Empire.
Who was Jiang Yun? A Seven-Tier Alchemist Master. Why was he visiting the Yun Lan Sect?
Some people thought of the women beside Jiang Yun and smiled meaningfully. Even the most talented person was still young.
Yun Yun, the sect master of the Yun Lan Sect, was a nation-toppling beauty. Perhaps Jiang Yun was coming for her.
Countless speculations echoed in every corner of the Jia Ma Sacred City, but the royal family, who should have been anxious, was unusually silent.
"Welcome, Master Jiang!!!"
As the main guest arrived, Yun Yun led the elders to greet them. The entire Yun Lan Sect erupted in unison.
"Master Jiang, if I had known of such an arrangement beforehand, I wouldn't have dared to come!"
After landing, Jiang Yun looked at Yun Yun and joked.
"This..." Facing Jiang Yun's words, Yun Yun was momentarily at a loss for words. She hadn't orchestrated this; she preferred tranquility and didn't favor such displays.
"Master Jiang's visit is an honor for our Yun Lan Sect. The disciples have long admired the master and wish to see his grace. Upon hearing of your visit yesterday, today is a..."
Before Yun Yun could respond, an elder stepped forward, speaking humbly.
"Who are you?" Jiang Yun frowned and interrupted before the elder could finish.
"I am Yun Leng, the Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect!" Hearing Jiang Yun's inquiry, Yun Leng's face showed a hint of pride as he spoke.
"So, a grand elder!"
"I thought the sect master of the Yun Lan Sect had changed."
Jiang Yun smiled sarcastically at the crowd. Since Yun Yun became the sect master, Yun Leng's power increased significantly due to her temperament. But that couldn't be openly said, could it? Yun Yun's face had already turned icy cold.
"Master Jiang, Yun Leng meant no such thing..."
"Yun Leng's loyalty is well known to me. Please, Master Jiang, don't make such jokes," Yun Yun said seriously, looking at Jiang Yun.
"Sect Master Yun, I came unannounced today because I have a request," Jiang Yun said, getting straight to the point without lingering on the previous matter.
Jiang Yun's words left everyone stunned. A request?
What could the Yun Lan Sect have that would interest a Seven-Tier Alchemist like Jiang Yun?
Could the rumors be true?
The crowd's eyes shifted between Jiang Yun and Yun Yun, recalling the rumors from the capital.
Yun Yun's face reddened slightly, but she calmly said, "Please, Master Jiang, follow me."
As Jiang Yun and Yun Yun left together, Gu He appeared anxious, wanting to speak but lacking the courage. He finally turned dejectedly and left.
Inside the grand hall, only Jiang Yun, his companions, and Yun Yun's disciples remained. Yun Yun, feeling a bit awkward, steeled herself and asked, "Master, I wonder..."
"Before we continue, let the former Sect Master Yun Shan reveal himself!" Jiang Yun raised his hand, stopping Yun Yun, his clear voice echoing in the hall.
"Teacher..." Yun Yun was confused, looking around in bewilderment.
After several breaths, there was no response. Jiang Yun laughed, "Since the former Sect Master does not wish to appear, I'll have to be impolite!"
"You dare!" Right after Jiang Yun finished speaking, Zi Yan attacked, her terrifying power shaking the surrounding space, heavily striking a certain spatial node.
"No—" Yun Yun was shocked by Zi Yan's sudden move. She hurriedly shielded Nalan Yanran, blocking the ensuing energy ripple.
"Boom—"
The space trembled, and Yun Shan, dressed in white, fell out in a sorry state from a hidden spot.
He steadied himself, annoyed, sweeping his gaze across the hall. Upon seeing Jiang Yun and Zi Yan, his eyes flashed with seriousness. Remembering his earlier state, his eyes showed a hint of anger, emanating an oppressive aura.
"Teacher!" Yun Yun was stunned to see Yun Shan secretly listening, a sense of confusion welling up. Why was her teacher eavesdropping?
"What's going on, Yun'er?" Yun Shan turned his gaze to Yun Yun, asking indifferently.
"Teacher, I—"
"Former Sect Master Yun Shan, why ask questions you already know?" Before Yun Yun could finish, Jiang Yun interrupted again, this time saying something that stunned Yun Shan.
"And where is Protector Wu? Have him come out as well. I have some information about an old friend of his here."
Jiang Yun smiled, and at the mention of Protector Wu, Yun Shan's face changed, his gaze turning cold and sharp.
Yun Shan's demeanor grew heavy and oppressive, coldly asking, "What do you mean by that?"
Jiang Yun chuckled and continued, "Former Sect Master Yun Shan has been stuck at Dou Huang for years, wanting to break through to Dou Zong. But, dealing with the Soul Palace is like scheming with a tiger. Do you think you have the means to resist the Soul Palace?"
"Right now, the Yun Lan Sect stands at the edge of an abyss. One wrong move could mean eternal damnation."
"What? Teacher, is what Master Jiang said true? Is there something wrong with your body?" Yun Yun asked anxiously upon hearing Jiang Yun's words.
"Yun'er, I am a Dou Zong. What could be wrong with me? You worry too much!" Yun Shan scoffed, comforting Yun Yun, then looked at Jiang Yun mockingly.
"Master Jiang, even if you are a Seven-Tier Alchemist, trying to deceive me with a few words is laughable."
Yun Shan did not believe Jiang Yun's words. He was a Dou Zong. How could he not sense any issues with his own body?
"Heh, there is no such thing as a free lunch, let alone dealing with the Soul Palace?" Jiang Yun looked at Yun Shan and continued, "Perhaps Sect Master Yun does not fully understand the Soul Palace's nature and power?"
Jiang Yun's words made Yun Shan's expression change slightly. He knew the Soul Palace was formidable and mysterious, but the extent of it was unclear. Was there more to it?
"There is now a restriction on the depths of your soul, and your life is no longer in your own hands."
Yun Shan's face changed slightly but remained calm. "Your words are baseless. Do you think I'll believe you? I am certain there is no restriction on my body."
"Well, let's ask Protector Wu about that, shall we?"
Ignoring Yun Shan, Jiang Yun looked playfully at a spot in the hall, speaking cryptically.
Jiang Yun's words immediately put everyone on alert, eyes watching the indicated direction vigilantly.
"Kekeke, indeed, the perception of an alchemist is sharp. My concealment is useless before you. I wonder how the soul of such a talented alchemist differs?"
Suddenly, waves of black mist surged in the hall, concentrating into a large dark fog mass.
The mist contracted and morphed into a shadowy figure with scarlet eyes, cloaked in black smoke.
"Not these creatures again!" Seeing this familiar figure and feeling the chilling aura, Zi Yan pouted with displeasure.
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