Magic Beast Mountain Range
The roaring waterfall crashed heavily against the rocks, its thunderous echoes reverberating through the small valley.
Standing by the lake beneath the waterfall, Xiao Yan stared at the ten massive wooden stakes embedded in the waterfall's torrent and couldn't help but grimace.
He turned to Yao Lao beside him with a wry smile. "Teacher… you don't expect me to train down there, do you?"
"Correct."
Yao Lao chuckled. "I've told you before—don't assume Earth-level dou techniques are the same as Mysterious-level ones, something anyone can learn. To master dou techniques of this caliber, you must meet certain prerequisites."
"And right now, as a mere Seven-Star Practitioner, you're far from ready."
Yao Lao stretched out his hand. "Hand me the Heavy Xuan Ruler."
He lifted the bizarre black heavy ruler from Xiao Yan's back.
The weapon, which weighed nearly a thousand catties, only caused Yao Lao's arm to dip slightly. Raising the massive black ruler, he grinned. "Ever witnessed a true Earth-level battle skill? want to see one now?"
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up instantly, and he nodded eagerly, like a chicken pecking at rice.
With a faint smile, Yao Lao gripped the pitch-black ruler and slowly levitated into the air, halting at the center of the lake. His gaze swept over the roaring silver-dragon waterfall ahead.
Exhaling deeply, Yao Lao narrowed his eyes—then snapped them open.
"BOOM!"
A terrifying aura, unlike anything Xiao Yan had ever felt, erupted from Yao Lao's body like a waking dragon. The once-calm lake beneath his feet began boiling violently, white bubbles churning across its entire surface.
Xiao Yan gaped in shock. The Yao Lao before him was nothing like the lazy old man he knew. Now, he resembled an unsheathed sword—radiating a fierce, oppressive aura that made it hard to look directly at him.
"This… this is the presence of a true powerhouse…" Xiao Yan murmured, his eyes blazing with determination.
'One day, I'll reach this level too!'
Over the lake, Yao Lao raised the black ruler. The strange patterns etched into its surface suddenly glowed a fiery red, distorting the surrounding space as it moved.
Gripping the now-scorching ruler, Yao Lao let out a low shout—and vanished.
A blur of afterimages streaked across the sky, leaving Xiao Yan speechless. 'How is he so fast?!'
The afterimages faded, revealing Yao Lao standing beneath the colossal waterfall. His tiny frame seemed insignificant against the roaring cascade, yet the pressure he exuded dwarfed even the waterfall's might.
The wind from the crashing water couldn't budge him.
In one fluid motion, he pivoted mid-air, the black ruler blazing like a crimson sun. The light grew so intense that Xiao Yan had to squint.
"Earth-Level Dou Technique: Flame Splitting Wave Ruler!"
A thunderous explosion rocked the valley, followed by a scorching heatwave that engulfed the entire area.
"BOOM!"
Countless water pillars erupted from the lake, soaring skyward in a spectacular display. Amid them, a blinding red streak flashed—everywhere it passed, water vaporized into mist.
The red light struck the waterfall like lightning, sending a ten-meter-high tidal wave crashing against the cliffs.
"BOOM—BOOM—BOOM!"
The deafening echoes shook the valley, dislodging rubble from the rock walls.
Xiao Yan clutched his ears, mouth agape at the devastation. When the mist cleared, his breath hitched.
The waterfall had been severed.
A ravine over ten feet long and three feet wide now scarred the cliff face, cracks spiderwebbing outward like creeping vines.
The waterfall's flow, halted for twenty seconds, slowly resumed—burying the destruction beneath its waters.
"This… is the power of an Earth-level battle skill?" Xiao Yan rubbed his chest, heart pounding, but his eyes burned with excitement.
"Even the Misty Cloud Sect doesn't possess techniques of this level…"
"Nalan Yanran… just wait. One year from now, I'll crush you before the entire Misty Cloud Sect with this very technique!"
…
Meanwhile, at the Misty Cloud Sect's main peak…
Beside another waterfall, a figure in moon-white robes sat in meditation.
At the cascade's center, a radiant seven-colored lotus swayed gently, its floral fragrance permeating the air.
The lotus spanned ten feet, its petals shimmering with dazzling light as terrifying dou qi fluctuations gathered at its core.
Ripples of vibrant halos emanated from it, saturating the surroundings with life force.
The seated figure absorbed this dou qi voraciously.
Suddenly—her aura shifted.
"Nine-Star Dou Master… Peak!"
Nalan Yanran opened her eyes, exhilaration flashing within them.
In just two months, aided by the Seven-Color Sacred Lotus and Gu He's guidance, her cultivation had skyrocketed—first to Eight-Star Dou Master, and now to the peak of Nine-Star!
"But I can't grow complacent. I'm still far behind Liu Ling and the Little Fairy Doctor."
Her excitement faded quickly, replaced by steely resolve.
'If they can reach such heights… so can I, Nalan Yanran!'
Half a day later, her cultivation fully stabilized, she flicked her finger over her storage ring, producing a jade vial.
"Time to take the Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pill… and advance to the Dou Grandmaster realm!"
...
Midnight, on the back mountain of the Misty Cloud Sect.
Under the bright moonlight, Misty Cloud Mountain appeared draped in a veil of silver, breathtakingly beautiful.
The night sky glittered with stars, but among them, a faint blue light shimmered, distinct from the rest. Wisps of clouds drifted, obscuring this azure glow at just the right moment.
Had anyone been standing atop the Cloud Terrace at this time, they would have been astonished to discover—
This cyan light was no twinkling star.
Instead, it was a floating cyan lotus platform suspended high in the sky, radiating an ethereal glow.
"What a magnificent view."
A soft voice suddenly echoed from the lotus platform.
A figure stood beside it, gazing down at Misty Cloud Mountain below like Chang'e gazing upon the mortal realm from her moon palace.
The woman's graceful figure was clad in a simple yet elegant dress, her raven-black hair tied into a noble phoenix hairstyle.
Her delicate, enchanting face was serene, yet an air of grace and nobility shone through, unmarred by her plain attire.
Her snow-white robes fluttered gently, her ink-black tresses cascading like a waterfall down to her slender waist. Her breathtaking beauty resembled that of a reclusive mountain fairy, untouched by worldly concerns.
Her limpid eyes, deep as tranquil waters, swept over the Misty Cloud Sect below, brimming with quiet joy.
"Do you like it?"
A gentle voice sounded from behind her. A refined man stepped forward, coming to stand beside the woman—their presence together like a pair of celestial beings.
This man was none other than Gu He, and the woman could only be Yun Yun.
"Mm."
At his question, Yun Yun gave a slight nod, a satisfied smile gracing her lovely face.
Seeing her radiant expression, Gu He couldn't help but curve his lips slightly.
Over the past two months, through his unwavering efforts, their relationship had grown—not quite intimate, but certainly no different from that of an ordinary couple.
Gu He reached out, naturally encircling Yun Yun's slender waist. She offered no resistance, obediently resting her head against his shoulder.
The delicate fragrance of a woman wafted into Gu He's senses, making him narrow his eyes slightly, a look of intoxication flickering across his face.
The two lingered in silence, wrapped in each other's warmth as they admired the moonlit scenery below.
"Yun'er… in a few days, I'll have to leave the Misty Cloud Sect for a while."
After a long pause, Gu He spoke softly, reluctantly breaking the tranquil moment between them.
Hearing this, Yun Yun's slightly closed eyes fluttered open. She shook her head faintly, her bright gaze fixed on him before she finally sighed.
"I knew this day would come."
With Gu He's strength at the Dou Ancestor realm, how could he possibly remain confined to a small place like the Misty Cloud Sect forever?
"How long will you be gone?" she asked softly.
"I can't say for certain."
Seeing the flicker of disappointment in her eyes, Gu He quickly added, "But don't worry, Yun'er. Once my matters are settled, I'll return to you immediately."
"That's more like it."
Yun Yun nodded in satisfaction, her smile blooming once more.
Gu He's gaze lingered on her alluring lips. "Since I'm leaving… shouldn't you give me something?"
At his words, Yun Yun lifted her head, meeting his burning eyes. Instantly, her fair cheeks flushed crimson.
She leaned in slightly, pressing a fleeting kiss to his cheek before quickly pulling away.
Gu He blinked in surprise. "That's it?"
Yun Yun rolled her eyes at him, pouting. "What else do you want?"
Gu He's eyes darkened. Suddenly, he pulled her closer, his arms locking around her slender waist.
"You—!"
Yun Yun's face paled momentarily, but before she could struggle, Gu He tightened his embrace. "What… what are you doing?"
One hand resting on her waist, he murmured, "Yun'er, the outside world is dangerous. What if… I don't return?"
"Shut up!"
Yun Yun pressed a jade-like hand over his lips, her voice trembling with anger. "I forbid you to say such things! You must come back!"
Gu He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Don't worry. I could never bear to leave you."
The warmth of his lips sent her heart racing like a startled deer. Blushing furiously, she muttered, "You… you only know how to bully me!"
Gu He chuckled, watching her flustered expression. His grip around her waist tightened, and after a pause, he suddenly said, "Yun'er… before I go, could you… give yourself to me again?"
The moment the words left his lips, Yun Yun's face burned scarlet, her ears turning red as well. She averted her gaze, lowering her head with a barely audible hum.
A teasing glint flashed in Gu He's eyes, but he feigned disappointment with a sigh. "Ah, Yun'er… can't you even grant me this small wish?"
In truth, he had heard her—he was merely toying with her.
"Huh?"
Yun Yun lifted her head, puzzled. Thinking he hadn't heard her, she blushed harder and whispered, "I… I will."
Gu He tilted his head, pretending confusion. "What was that? I didn't catch it."
"I will," she repeated, slightly louder this time.
"Still too soft. I can't hear you."
"What?"
Realization dawned on Yun Yun. When she saw the mischievous smirk on his face, she finally understood—he was teasing her!
A mix of embarrassment and indignation flared in her chest, and she lightly smacked his shoulder.
"You—! You're horrible!"
Gu He caught her delicate hand effortlessly, pulling her flush against him once more.
"W-What are you doing? Let me go!"
Yun Yun stiffened, squirming as she pushed against his chest.
But Gu He's arms only tightened around her waist, his gaze burning with intensity. His palm slid downward, tracing the curve of her slender form.
Instantly, Yun Yun's entire body grew feverishly warm.
Though the two had once been intimate in the cave, Yun Yun had hardly been in her right mind then.
This time, with full awareness, the closeness sent waves of shyness crashing over her.
As Gu He's hand roamed, Yun Yun couldn't suppress a soft whimper—
Her body melted against his.
That faint sound was like a spell, igniting Gu He's pulse. He crushed her tighter against him before capturing her lips in a searing kiss.
Clothing slipped away, one piece after another.
Beneath the moonlight, the Qingling Holy Platform trembled faintly—
Like a blue star flickering in the night.
...
Three hours later.
After their passionate union, Gu He held Yun Yun's delicate body in his arms, lying atop the Qingling Holy Platform with a relaxed expression.
The Qingling Holy Platform was over two meters wide, providing ample space for the two of them to lie entwined comfortably.
Yun Yun's cheeks were flushed as she curled up against Gu He like a kitten, her beautiful eyes gazing absently at the bright moon above. The memories of their earlier fervor brought another wave of warmth to her face.
For a while, the two simply lay there in silence, the night wrapped in serene tranquility.
Holding the beauty in his arms, Gu He felt deeply content.
"Gu He."
"When are you leaving?"
After a long pause, Yun Yun suddenly spoke, breaking the quiet.
"In a few days."
Gu He replied, then turned his head to look at her, a teasing smile playing on his handsome face. "Yun'er, shouldn't you call me something else now?"
"C-Call you what...?"
Meeting his gaze, Yun Yun's eyes flickered away shyly, her face burning.
"What do you think?"
Gu He tightened his embrace, pressing her firmly against him.
"You're my woman, and I'm your man. What should you call me?"
His lips curled slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Hearing his words, Yun Yun's cheeks flushed crimson, the redness spreading to the tips of her ears. She lowered her head and whispered softly, "Husband..."
Gu He's eyes glinted with mischief. Pretending not to hear, he frowned playfully. "Hmm? Yun'er, I didn't catch that."
Yun Yun bit her lip and called again, slightly louder. "Husband."
Gu He shook his head, feigning confusion. "Still too quiet. Say it louder."
"Hus—"
Before she could finish, realization dawned on her. Seeing the smirk on his face, she understood he was teasing her again. Embarrassment flared, and she pinched his arm in retaliation.
"Ah—!" Gu He let out an exaggerated yelp.
"If you dare toy with me again, I won't let you off easy!"
Satisfied by his pitiful reaction, Yun Yun released him with a huff, shooting him a fierce glare before turning away.
"Alright, alright, I surrender."
Knowing when to relent, Gu He chuckled and softened his tone. "To make it up to you, how about this husband gifts you something special?"
"Hmph! It had better be good."
Yun Yun turned back, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What is it? If it's something ordinary, I won't accept it!"
"Don't worry—when has your husband ever disappointed you?"
With a wink, Gu He helped her sit up.
Rolling her eyes, Yun Yun watched silently as he reached into his storage ring and withdrew a sleek, azure longsword.
"Here. My first gift to you—the Divine Wind Sword. A rare treasure imbued with wind dou qi."
Handing it over, he watched as Yun Yun's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Divine Wind Sword..."
With a soft clang, she unsheathed the sword. A shimmering cyan glow rippled across its edge.
Channeling her Dou Qi into the sword, a brilliant azure light erupted, sharp energy slicing through the air.
"Incredible!"
Astonishment flashed across Yun Yun's face.
The sword amplified her wind-attribute Dou Qi tenfold, as if forged specifically for her. With this weapon, she was confident she could hold her own even against a Nine-Star Dou Emperor!
"It suits you perfectly." Gu He smiled, pleased.
The Divine Wind Sword, crafted with an eighth-tier wind-attribute magic core, was a flawless match for her cultivation.
Combined with the Black Ice Sacred Armor, she'd be virtually untouchable within the Dou Emperor realm—and even after advancing to Dou Ancestor, its power would remain unmatched.
"Husband, what tier is this sword?"
Sheathing the sword, Yun Yun looked at him inquisitively.
"Eighth-tier. The same as your armor."
"Eighth-tier?!"
Shock flickered across her face, followed by hesitation. "Husband, this is too precious. You should keep it for yourself. When you leave this time, you might—"
"Thwack!"
Before she could finish, Gu He swatted her rear, cutting her off.
"Ah!"
Clutching the stung spot, Yun Yun blinked at him in bewilderment.
"Listen well," Gu He said sternly. "I am your man. Giving you gifts is natural—there's no such thing as too precious. If you say something like that again, I'll punish you properly."
Gu He's domineering tone left her momentarily stunned. Then, with a blush, Yun Yun nodded meekly. "Mm."
"Good."
His expression softened. "Now, for my second gift."
Producing a jade vial, he poured out a verdant pearl and held it to her lips. "Open up."
Though puzzled, Yun Yun obeyed without question.
The moment the pearl touched her tongue, it dissolved into a cool stream, surging through her meridians and suffusing her body with dou qi.
A shudder ran through her as an unprecedented warmth spread, cleansing her veins and bones.
Her eyes flew open in amazement.
"Husband! What was that? It feels... miraculous!"
…
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