Youyue Valley, the night was deep.
Yuyi sat cross-legged in his cave dwelling, his eyes slightly closed, spiritual energy flowing around his body. He was circulating the Hunyuan Mental Method, consolidating his cultivation base.
Outside the cave dwelling, Shaying stood guard quietly, her gaze vigilantly scanning the surroundings. Ever since Yuyi had formed an alliance with Bingmei Valley, the Nitian Alliance had been eyeing Youyue Valley covetously. Although the surface was calm, undercurrents were surging, and danger lurked on all sides.
"Shaying," Yuyi's voice came from within the cave dwelling.
Shaying hurriedly entered the cave and said, "Yuyi, what is it?"
Yuyi opened his eyes and said, "Someone has come."
Shaying's heart skipped a beat, and she said, "Is it someone from the Nitian Alliance?"
Yuyi shook his head and said, "No, it is an old acquaintance."
As soon as the words fell, a gentle voice came from outside the cave dwelling, "Yuyi, I hope you have been well."
Yuyi stood up and walked slowly out of the cave dwelling. Shaying followed closely behind, her gaze vigilant.
Outside the cave dwelling, a man dressed in green dharma robes stood under the moonlight. His appearance was handsome, his temperament refined. Beside him stood a woman of exquisite beauty—Xiaoyue.
"Jianyinfeng," Yuyi said indifferently.
Jianyinfeng smiled slightly and said, "Yuyi, long time no see."
Yuyi nodded and said, "Senior Jianyinfeng, what brings you here today?"
Jianyinfeng said in a deep voice, "Yuyi, the Nitian Alliance is now the largest power in the Nine Provinces, and Duan Changjian is ambitious. Sooner or later, he will make a move on other powers. I have come to discuss countermeasures with you."
Yuyi was silent for a moment, then said, "Senior Jianyinfeng, please come in."
The three entered the cave dwelling and took their seats as host and guests. Xiaoyue stood behind Jianyinfeng, her gaze complex as she looked at Yuyi.
Jianyinfeng got straight to the point, saying, "Yuyi, Duan Changjian has already united with several powers and is preparing to make a move on Youyue Valley."
Yuyi said indifferently, "I know."
A look of surprise flashed in Jianyinfeng's eyes, and he said, "You know?"
Yuyi nodded and said, "Duan Changjian is narrow-minded. Now that the Cangqiong Alliance is destroyed, the next one he will deal with is Youyue Valley."
Jianyinfeng sighed and said, "Yuyi, do you have a countermeasure?"
Yuyi was silent for a moment, then said, "Senior Jianyinfeng, you have come to form an alliance with Youyue Valley?"
Jianyinfeng nodded and said, "Indeed. Xiaoyue and I have been in seclusion for many years and did not wish to get involved in the affairs of the cultivation world again. But Duan Changjian is too ambitious. If he is not stopped, the Nine Provinces will have no peace."
Yuyi pondered for a moment, then said, "Very well, I can form an alliance with Senior Jianyinfeng. But I have one condition."
Jianyinfeng said, "What condition?"
Yuyi said slowly, "I want Senior Jianyinfeng's Mandarin Duck Twin Sword Art."
Jianyinfeng's expression changed slightly, and he said, "The Mandarin Duck Twin Sword Art?"
Yuyi nodded and said, "Indeed. If Senior Jianyinfeng can teach me the Mandarin Duck Twin Sword Art, I will form an alliance with you."
Jianyinfeng was silent for a moment, then turned to look at Xiaoyue.
Xiaoyue nodded slightly and said, "Jianyinfeng, Yuyi is trustworthy."
Jianyinfeng took a deep breath and said, "Very well, I can teach you the Mandarin Duck Twin Sword Art. But you must guarantee that if Xiaoyue and I face trouble in the future, Youyue Valley must come to our aid."
Yuyi nodded and said, "Agreed."
Jianyinfeng took out a jade scroll from his storage ring and handed it to Yuyi, saying, "This is the cultivation method of the Mandarin Duck Twin Sword Art. Keep it well."
Yuyi took the jade scroll and placed it in his storage ring, saying, "Thank you, Senior Jianyinfeng."
Jianyinfeng nodded and said, "Yuyi, if you need anything in the future, Xiaoyue and I will certainly help."
Yuyi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you."
Jianyinfeng and Xiaoyue rose to take their leave, and Yuyi and Shaying saw them to the valley entrance.
"Yuyi," Jianyinfeng suddenly spoke before leaving.
Yuyi said, "Does Senior Jianyinfeng have something else to say?"
Jianyinfeng said in a deep voice, "Duan Changjian's methods are ruthless. Be careful."
Yuyi nodded and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior."
Jianyinfeng and Xiaoyue turned and left, their figures gradually disappearing into the night.
Yuyi stood at the valley entrance, gazing in the direction they had left, his gaze deep.
Shaying walked to his side and said softly, "Yuyi, are you really going to form an alliance with Senior Jianyinfeng?"
Yuyi nodded and said, "Although Senior Jianyinfeng has been in seclusion for many years, his strength remains formidable. With his help, Youyue Valley has one more chance of victory."
Shaying was silent for a moment, then said, "But Alliance Leader Duan..."
Yuyi interrupted her, saying, "Shaying, Duan Changjian is no longer my alliance leader."
Shaying's heart skipped a beat, and she said, "Yuyi, you mean..."
Yuyi said indifferently, "The war between the Nitian Alliance and the Cangqiong Alliance—I have fulfilled my promise. From now on, Youyue Valley is no longer under the Nitian Alliance's control."
Shaying suddenly understood and said, "I see."
Yuyi turned and walked toward the valley, Shaying following closely behind.
The two walked side by side, the night wind brushing against their faces, bringing a hint of coolness.
Behind them was the coming storm.
And Yuyi was prepared.
Five days later, the Nitian Alliance army pressed upon the borders.
Tens of thousands of cultivators gathered outside Youyue Valley, their banners fluttering, their killing intent soaring. Duan Changjian stood at the forefront of the army, his gaze sharp, like a tiger ready to pounce.
"Yuyi, come out and die!" Duan Changjian shouted loudly.
Inside Youyue Valley, Yuyi walked out slowly, behind him were Shaying, Leixiao, Yuehua, and other core members.
"Duan Changjian, what is the meaning of this?" Yuyi said indifferently.
Duan Changjian sneered and said, "Yuyi, you have colluded with Bingmei Valley and betrayed the Nitian Alliance. Today is the day you die!"
Yuyi smiled faintly and said, "Betrayed? Duan Changjian, the agreement between us has been fulfilled. From now on, Youyue Valley is no longer under the Nitian Alliance's control."
Duan Changjian said angrily, "Presumptuous! How can the Nitian Alliance allow you to come and go as you please?"
Yuyi said indifferently, "Duan Changjian, if you wish to fight, then fight. Why waste words?"
Duan Changjian was furious and said, "Very well! Today I will let you witness the power of the Nitian Alliance!"
He waved his hand, and the tens of thousands of cultivators behind him shouted in unison, their killing shouts shaking the heavens.
Yuyi's expression remained unchanged. He only slowly raised his right hand, a crimson sword qi condensing at his fingertips.
"Break!"
The sword qi shot forth, crashing directly into the forefront of the Nitian Alliance army.
Boom!
Dozens of cultivators fell on the spot, their flesh and blood flying.
Duan Changjian's expression changed drastically, and he said, "This... how is this possible!"
Yuyi said indifferently, "Duan Changjian, if you retreat your army, I can spare your life."
Duan Changjian laughed in extreme anger and said, "Spare my life? Yuyi, you are too arrogant!"
He formed hand seals, chanting incantations, and the spiritual energy around him surged. A sharp sword art condensed and blasted toward Yuyi.
Yuyi merely waved his hand casually, dissolving the sword art.
Duan Changjian's pupils contracted sharply, and his heart was filled with terror. Yuyi's strength far exceeded his imagination!
Just then, a clear voice came from the distance, "Alliance Leader Duan Changjian, why press so hard?"
Everyone looked toward the voice and saw Jianyinfeng and Xiaoyue approaching side by side, behind them were Hanmei Xianzi and the disciples of Bingmei Valley.
Duan Changjian's expression changed, and he said, "Jianyinfeng? Hanmei Xianzi? You are also going to oppose the Nitian Alliance?"
Jianyinfeng said indifferently, "Alliance Leader Duan Changjian, Yuyi has formed an alliance with us. If you insist on starting a war, you are making enemies of us."
Hanmei Xianzi also said, "Alliance Leader Duan Changjian, although the Nitian Alliance is strong, if you simultaneously make enemies of Youyue Valley, Bingmei Valley, and Senior Jianyinfeng, I fear you will not fare well."
Duan Changjian was silent for a moment, a trace of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes.
Finally, he snorted coldly and said, "Very well! Today I will spare your life! We have many days ahead. We shall see!"
With that, he waved his hand and led the Nitian Alliance army to retreat.
Yuyi stood in place, watching Duan Changjian leave, his gaze indifferent.
Shaying walked to his side and said softly, "Yuyi, they have left."
Yuyi nodded and said, "They have left."
He turned and walked toward the valley, Shaying, Jianyinfeng, Xiaoyue, and Hanmei Xianzi following closely behind.
Everyone entered the council hall and took their seats as host and guests.
Jianyinfeng said, "Yuyi, Duan Changjian is narrow-minded. He will certainly come again in the future."
Yuyi nodded and said, "I know."
Hanmei Xianzi said, "Yuyi, my Bingmei Valley is willing to advance and retreat together with Youyue Valley."
Jianyinfeng also said, "Xiaoyue and I are of the same mind."
Yuyi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, everyone."
Everyone looked at each other and smiled, the atmosphere harmonious.
Outside the window, the night deepened, and the starlight was brilliant.
And Yuyi had finally found a few trustworthy allies in this cruel cultivation world.
Although the road ahead was long and danger lurked on all sides, he was no longer alone.
Shaying stood by his side, her gaze gentle. She knew that Yuyi's path was still very long.
But she would accompany him always, until forever.
The night wind brushed past, bringing a hint of coolness.
And Youyue Valley had finally gained a firm foothold in this cruel cultivation world.
Yuyi's story had only just begun.