The Imperial Capital.
The night was enchanting, its glow shimmering beneath countless lights.
Qinghong City wasn't far from the capital.
After flying at full speed for two hours, Chen Mo arrived outside the vast city.
Looking north, he could faintly see the outline of Mount Yunlan beneath the moonlight.
But the Yunlan Sect was no more.
Though the order to disband hadn't come directly from him, it was undeniably tied to him.
After all, he was the one who killed Yun Shan—and that made it difficult for him to face Yun Yun.
Of course, he did not regret killing Yun Shan.
At the Nalan Estate.
In a quiet hall, Nalan Jie and Nalan Su sat across from each other, occasionally frowning as they spoke in low voices.
"The disciples of Yunlan Sect have all been dismissed. Perhaps the Snake-People Tribe feared the sect might rise again. During the past few days of dispersal, they even had Yue Mei oversee the process. From now on, Yunlan Sect will be nothing but a part of the Jia Ma Empire's history."
Nalan Jie rubbed his temples. He had been keeping a close eye on Yunlan Sect's every move these days. Once the disciples had all been dismissed, the Snake-People Tribe took over the mountain and occupied it.
Nalan Su nodded slightly, though there was no joy on his face.
Even though the Nalan family had maintained a close relationship with Yunlan Sect for years, they still had feelings for the Empire.
"Now both Princess Yao Ye and Princess Yao Yue have fallen into the Snake-People Tribe's control, turned into their puppets. It seems they intend to use the royal family to stabilize their rule over the Jia Ma Empire."
Nalan Jie sighed.
"The royal bloodline has lasted for centuries—it still holds deep roots and influence in the Empire. Pity for those two princesses. Once I fully recover, I'll find a way to sneak into the palace and rescue them."
Loyal to the throne, Nalan Jie still worried for the royal family's safety.
Nalan Su glanced at him, then shifted the subject with a sigh.
"Tsk, who would've thought? Master Chen Mo isn't just a prodigy in alchemy—he's a monster in combat too. He fought four Dou Zong alone and killed them all. He's only nineteen!"
At those words, Nalan Jie let out a deep sigh.
"When he injured Princess Yao Ye's personal guard in one move, I suspected his strength was above Dou Wang, but the latest news... even I underestimated him. It seems that 'Blue Star' place he mentioned must be a land where experts gather like clouds."
Nalan Su nodded in agreement.
"No wonder he was so cold toward Princess Yao Ye. It all makes sense—he was supporting the Snake-People Tribe."
"Perhaps Queen Medusa's breakthrough from Dou Huang to Dou Zong was also related to him."
Nalan Su's eyes lit up with a thought.
"Yao Fei told me that Master Chen Mo plans to establish a faction called Shadow Pavilion (Mo Ying Lou). She also asked if our Nalan Family would like to join."
Nalan Jie frowned, clearly puzzled.
"With his own power, he could destroy the entire Empire. So why form an organization? What's his goal?"
Nalan Su shrugged.
"How should I know? Maybe he's one of those rebellious young masters from a great clan—tired of family control, going out to make a name for himself. You know, to prove he can succeed on his own."
"Hmm?"
"That's how it always goes in the books."
"Stop reading nonsense," Nalan Jie scolded. "Spend that time cultivating instead."
But after a moment, he frowned thoughtfully.
"Still… you might be right. He once told Princess Yao Ye that he came to the Jia Ma Empire just to 'travel and see the sights.' That does sound like something a rebellious young master would say."
"Uh…" Nalan Su was speechless.
Nalan Jie, however, seemed increasingly convinced.
"Based on what I've heard—his ambiguous relationship with Queen Medusa, his entanglement with Yao Fei and Yun Yun—it fits the character perfectly: a carefree, flirtatious young master."
"…"
As the two were discussing whether or not to join Mo Ying Lou, a sudden surge of Dou Wang-level aura flared.
Nalan Jie abruptly turned his head toward the night outside the hall and barked,
"Who's there?!"
The powerful aura burst out with authority—
"Hehe, Master Nalan, it's only been a few days. Have you forgotten me already?"
A dark figure descended outside the hall.
A pair of golden wings folded into his back as he landed.
Clad in a black robe, tall and poised, his features under the candlelight were so striking he seemed almost immortal.
It was Chen Mo.
Both Nalan Jie and Nalan Su were startled upon seeing him. After exchanging glances, they quickly stood and stepped forward to greet him.
Nalan Jie's expression turned complex.
He was loyal to the Empire, yet the Empire's downfall was partly due to this young man.
And at the same time—this young man had once saved his life.
After a brief pause, Nalan Jie forced a smile.
"Young friend Chen Mo, what brings you here?"
"I came for Sister Yun Yun." Chen Mo smiled softly.
Although Nalan Jie had guessed his reason, hearing it still made him blink in surprise.
"Sister Yun Yun?"
"She's my sworn elder sister. Once I learned of her condition, I rushed here from Qinghong City overnight."
Chen Mo explained simply.
"Sworn sister?"
Both Nalan Jie and Nalan Su exchanged skeptical looks.
Risking one's life to protect him… that seemed a little too deep for a mere "sibling bond."
Still, Nalan Jie didn't question it. Instead, he described Yun Yun's current state briefly—matching what Chen Mo already knew.
"Where is she? Please, take me to her."
"She's in Yanran's courtyard. Follow me."
In the bamboo courtyard.
It was late; the moonlight had dimmed.
Inside one of the rooms, a faint yellow light glowed through the paper window. The shadow of a tall woman could be seen inside—though young, her elegant figure exuded a natural grace.
Nalan Yanran paced back and forth, frowning. Her eyes kept darting toward the pale-faced beauty lying on her bed—Yun Yun, the very image of dignified sorrow.
Suddenly, footsteps approached from outside.
Moments later, there was a knock on the door.
When Nalan Yanran opened it, she was greeted by a familiar face—Chen Mo.
Her heart skipped a beat, a trace of joy rising within her. She had been ready to act coy or teasing, but Chen Mo merely glanced at Yun Yun on the bed and walked straight past her—
Without even greeting her.
The little excitement in her heart instantly turned cold.
Chen Mo sat down beside the bed and placed his fingers lightly on Yun Yun's wrist, taking her pulse.
****
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