"Just as Sister Medusa said." Yun Yun secretly observed the proud-looking Cai Lin and used the Journal copy to convey her gratitude.
On the surface, she spoke with a serious expression: "Teacher, why are you doing this? Wouldn't it be better to find a way to remove the imprint the Hall of Souls protector left in your soul?"
"It's not that simple." A self-mocking look appeared in Yun Shan's eyes. "Both of us cultivate the sword, and our willpower is stronger than ordinary practitioners. As a result, our souls are also tempered, and our perception is superior.
"Even so, I know there is a trace left by Protector Wu in my soul, but I cannot sense it at all.
"Medusa can sense it thanks to her special ability, but she definitely cannot help solve this problem.
"When I reflect on my recent actions and thoughts, I am certain I have been subtly influenced.
"As time passes, I may become cowardly, greedy, and a traitor—no longer myself.
"At that time, it would be better for me to sacrifice myself for you now than to destroy the Misty Cloud Sect and you!"
Yun Shan was willing to sacrifice himself precisely because he had thought everything through too clearly.
The day he fully broke through to Dou Ancestor might be the day his personality completely changed.
"Old man, you really are going all out." Cai Lin looked at Yun Shan with newfound respect.
"If the queen were in the same situation, she would definitely sacrifice herself for the Snake-People Tribe, right?" Yun Shan smiled frankly.
"Then you are wrong." Cai Lin slightly raised her chin, a gentle light in her eyes. "The Snake Tribe can no longer force such a sacrifice from me. Only if it would harm Xiao Ting would I possibly do so."
Yun Shan: ?
This was the second time he had heard the name Xiao Ting.
Just who was this youth, and what was so charming about him?
Incidentally, his surname was also Xiao!
Could it be that Protector Wu had ordered him to search for the Xiao within the Misty Cloud Sect's territory because of him?
"Ah, Xiao Ting!" As if reminded by Cai Lin, Yun Yun spoke anxiously. "He might be able to solve the problem Teacher is facing right now.
"Teacher, I'll go to the Xiao Family immediately to ask. No matter what price I have to pay, I want to help you."
"Does this child really have such ability?" Yun Shan couldn't help asking.
"His older brother's master is at least a seventh-tier alchemist, and he himself is learning from that senior alchemist," Yun Yun said with some hesitation. This was information Xiao Ting hadn't tried to hide.
"What?!" Yun Shan's pupils contracted.
Seventh-tier alchemists were people even high-level Dou Ancestor practitioners would treat with utmost respect, and even Dou Venerate experts would show some courtesy.
In the northwest continent, they would be welcomed as honored guests by mighty forces, but the Misty Cloud Sect was only a second-rate force in the northwest continent, and even more so a third-rate one on the Battle Qi continent.
It was unexpected that a small Xiao Family would have someone accepted as a disciple by such a powerful figure—and apparently more than one.
"Teacher, Xiao Ting is an extraordinarily talented individual," Yun Yun added worriedly, afraid Yun Shan wasn't taking it seriously. "He is only fifteen years old yet already a six-star Dou Spirit and a third-tier alchemist."
Yun Shan: ???
Had he been isolated from the world for too long and fallen behind the times?
Was it possible for a genius who was both a six-star Dou Spirit and a third-tier alchemist at fifteen years old to exist in the Jia Ma Empire?
He suddenly realized that this Xiao Family was probably the clan Protector Wu had been looking for. It made sense that the Xiao Family had attracted the attention of a continent-topping superpower like the Hall of Souls in the Central Plains.
"If it is such a person, then it is indeed possible—no, it is certain that there is a way to help your teacher." If he could survive, Yun Shan absolutely did not want to die. Hope filled his face. "Yun Er, your teacher will go with you to the Xiao Family and seek help from this Xiao Ting and the alchemist behind him."
"Teacher, you will go personally?" Yun Yun asked hesitantly.
But she was quick-witted and immediately explained the situation in the group chat.
[Yun Yun]: Xun Er, do you think it's better to bring Teacher along?
[Xun Er]: Does he have a copy?
[Cai Lin]: I've been observing. I'm certain he doesn't.
[Xun Er]: Then bring him. Let's take this act all the way. Bringing Yun Shan is a natural assist, and it will further reduce Brother Xiao Ting's suspicions.
[Yun Yun]: Amazing!
With Xun Er's approval, Yun Yun felt relieved and nodded lightly. "Yes, Teacher. Let's go together."
As she spoke, she turned to Cai Lin and asked, "Your Majesty, is this acceptable?"
"Let's go." Cai Lin nodded lightly and spoke in a cold voice with an arrogant expression. "As long as I am here, you won't cause any problems. Besides, there is also Xiao Ting's master."
The three of them quietly headed toward the Xiao Family together.
…
Meanwhile, in the huge city named Ye City within the Pill Region.
The Ye Family's eldest elder personally came out to welcome Cao Ying, but she declined, saying, "Elder Ye, I am simply following my father's advice to get to know the talented young generation from the other four clans.
"I heard that your granddaughter Ye Xin Lan has already reached the level of a third-tier alchemist at only twelve years old. Please have her show me around Ye City."
A light flashed in Ye Zhong's eyes. He immediately smiled and said, "Of course, of course. Xin Lan's talent is not bad, but she is still far from you. If you don't mind, please give her some pointers."
"As long as I don't dislike her, it's fine," Cao Ying agreed readily.
If Ye Xin Lan also had a copy of the Journal, she wouldn't mind sharing it with a friend. Teaching some alchemical tips would be a trivial matter.
If Ye Xin Lan did not have a copy, considering the possibility that she might meet Xiao Ting in the future, giving her advice could help build a good relationship.
Soon, a young woman with an elegant and delicate appearance, wearing glasses, was led over by a servant. Though still young, she already exuded a quiet and intellectual aura.
"Xin Lan, this is Cao Ying, the young miss of the Cao Family. Show her around Ye City," Ye Zhong said with a smile to Ye Xin Lan.
Cao Ying?
Ye Xin Lan's gaze suddenly fell on the cute girl sitting in the main seat with her legs crossed, looking relaxed and casual.
Seeing her reaction, Cao Ying immediately realized she was one of them.
"Yes, Grandfather." Ye Xin Lan obediently accepted the order and walked over to Cao Ying. "Senior Cao Ying, please."
The five great clans of the Pill Region cooperated with the Pill Tower, so they could all be considered disciples of the Pill Tower. Saying they were from the same sect was correct.
"Please, Xin Lan." Cao Ying jumped down from the chair with both hands and walked out with light steps.
To outsiders, it would look like she was simply taking Ye Xin Lan for a stroll around Ye City.
The two quickly left the Ye Family and began exploring Ye City.
Ye City and Cao City were quite similar, so Cao Ying quickly lost interest. She found a teahouse, asked for a private room, and ordered some snacks.
While waiting, she rested her chin on her hands on the table and stared at Ye Xin Lan. "Xin Lan, do you know why I came looking for you?"
…
…
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