First Arriving at the Misty Cloud Sect!

Misty Cloud Sect.

The Misty Cloud Sect was exceptionally lively today, for tomorrow would be the Succession Ceremony of Yun Yun, the Misty Cloud Sect's new Sect Leader.

Speaking of which, it had not been easy for Yun Yun to cultivate to the level of a nine-star Dou Wang in the Northwest Continent, where Dou Qi was so sparse. Still, it showed that her talent was indeed quite impressive.

Yun Yun was only around twenty years old now, in the prime of her youth. Her teacher, Yun Shan, had already reached the Peak Dou Huang realm. That was why he had passed the position of Misty Cloud Sect Leader to Yun Yun, allowing himself to focus wholeheartedly on secluded cultivation in preparation for breaking through to Dou Zong.

Although Yun Yun was still young, her strength ranked among the best within the Misty Cloud Sect. The Elders largely supported her becoming the Sect Leader.

Outside the Misty Cloud Sect's Mountain Gate, representatives from the various factions of the Northwest Continent continuously arrived to offer their congratulations. One Dou Wang after another, capable of manifesting Dou Qi wings, entered the Misty Cloud Sect, though most of them came from within the Jia Ma Empire.

After all, ever since its founder, Yun Potian, had fallen, the Misty Cloud Sect's influence across the Northwest Continent had greatly declined. Still, a camel starved to death was larger than a horse. The various factions would not simply stop giving the Misty Cloud Sect its due respect. They still had to show it some face.

Aside from the groups arriving to congratulate the Misty Cloud Sect, its disciples were also bustling about with preparations. Some went out to purchase supplies, while others welcomed guests. It truly looked like a proper sect. If it had not later provoked the Soul Hall and Xiao Yan, then under Yun Yun's leadership, the Misty Cloud Sect might not have been unable to return to its former peak.

Meanwhile, at the Misty Cloud Sect Back Mountain.

Yun Shan sat cross-legged atop a bluish stone, his flashy flowing white hair swaying in the wind. Yet judging by his complexion, he had aged considerably. After all, Yun Shan had yet to break through to the Dou Zong realm, and his lifespan was nearing its end. This period of secluded cultivation was a desperate gamble—success or death.

Although he and Ao Qing were the same type, Ao Qing handled that style far better than Yun Shan. Ao Qing had that cold temperament down perfectly. Honestly, that feeling was usually quite attractive to the opposite sex, since it was filled with a sense of mystery.

Yun Yun was as beautiful and captivating as ever, as still as a maiden and as swift as a fleeing rabbit. She quietly waited for Yun Shan's instructions.

"Yun'er, it has already been over ten years since you became my disciple. You have grown quickly over these years. Even your teacher must admit that your talent surpasses mine.

"You also know that my time is running out. At present, all I can do is make one final attempt. But I can rest assured leaving the Misty Cloud Sect in your hands. I believe you will be able to manage the sect well.

"Still, there is something I must mention. Pill King Gu He is already a peak fifth-grade alchemist. Before long, he may even be able to refine Sixth Grade Pills.

"His attitude toward you is obvious. If the two of you could be together, it would be immensely beneficial to the development of the entire sect.

"I still hope you will consider it. Of course, I will not force you to accept him. And also..."

Before Yun Shan could finish, Yun Yun spoke and rejected him.

"Teacher, I know what you want to say, but I truly have no feelings for Gu He. I also know what alchemists mean to the Misty Cloud Sect, but I believe I can make sure he cannot leave the Misty Cloud Sect even half a step."

Seeing the determination in Yun Yun's eyes, Yun Shan understood that saying more would be useless, so he simply ended the subject.

"Teacher, how confident are you about this period of secluded cultivation?"

Yun Yun asked.

"Ah! Less than thirty percent. Becoming a Dou Zong is simply too difficult! And now that my blood and vitality have begun to decline, it is even harder.

"But Yun'er, if anything happens to me, you must not let it get out. Just say that the old Sect Leader, Yun Shan, has entered secluded cultivation. Do not discuss how long it will take. Even if I ultimately fail, as long as no definite news spreads, those people will likely not dare harbor any improper thoughts toward the Misty Cloud Sect."

Yun Shan was not truly that bad. In the original story, if Xiao Yan and his master had not repeatedly provoked them, practically rubbing the Misty Cloud Sect's face into the dirt, how could Yun Shan, who had long regarded the Misty Cloud Sect as the work of his lifetime, tolerate Xiao Yan causing such trouble?

It was like some arrogant fellow charging into the Gu Clan, declaring that he would kill a Gu Clan Elder and have the world bear witness. If such a thing truly happened, even Gu Yuan would likely make that person pay a painful price—at the very least, tear him into eight pieces.

But none of this had anything to do with Ao Qing. When Ao Qing arrived near the Misty Cloud Sect, he too noticed its lively atmosphere.

After casually grabbing someone to question, he learned that tomorrow was the Succession Ceremony for Yun Yun, the Misty Cloud Sect's new Sect Leader.

After learning this, Ao Qing was no longer in such a hurry to begin his plans. Yun Yun had not even become a Dou Huang yet, and Xiao Yan definitely had not awakened Yao Chen.

It would be better to first sort out the timeline before beginning the next phase of his plans.

Ao Qing did not alert anyone. He silently entered the Misty Cloud Sect, intending to see what was so remarkable about this so-called Succession Ceremony.

The Misty Cloud Sect might seem insignificant in Central Continent, but within the Jia Ma Empire of the Northwest Continent, it held the position of an absolute overlord. Thus, as Ao Qing wandered about, every Misty Cloud Sect disciple he saw carried an air of, Don't mess with me. I have a sect backing me.

"These people are still far too high-profile."

Ao Qing saw it all, but did not think much of it. With his strength, he could have directly stormed the Misty Cloud Sect and forcefully asked for the Xiao Clan's location. But Ao Qing did not believe that the Gu Clan had sent only Ling Ying, a Peak Dou Huang, for the Ancient Jade of the Xiao Clan. At the very least, Gu Xun'er had quite a few contingencies prepared.

If he acted too high-profile, it was one thing whether he could obtain the Ancient Jade with his strength, but even if he did, the exposure of his identity as a member of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan would likely make him a target of public criticism. After all, the overall strength of the human race still surpassed that of the magical beast race.

Unless absolutely necessary, Ao Qing would not resort to forceful seizure. The supreme art of war was to subdue through strategy; for some matters, one had to use one's brain more.

Besides, Ao Qing was not in the least bit anxious right now.

Meanwhile, Yun Yun and her teacher at the back mountain had no idea that a special guest had arrived at the Misty Cloud Sect.

Yun Shan continued giving instructions, as though he already knew he would fail. Yet if he had not ultimately received the aid of a Soul Hall Protector, how could Yun Shan have successfully broken through to Dou Zong?

The bustle at the Misty Cloud Sect continued. A steady stream of guests arrived to witness the ceremony. Even the president of the Alchemist Guild came in person. In addition, Jia Xingtian and other Dou Huangs from the Jia Ma Empire arrived as well, completely driving the atmosphere to its peak.

"What exactly is Yun Shan up to? He is giving up the position of Misty Cloud Sect Leader already, yet Yun Yun is not even a Dou Huang. Why is he in such a hurry?"

The president of the Alchemist Guild kept guessing, but could not understand why Yun Shan would not wait another two years. After thinking about it, however, he stopped paying attention. After all, this matter had little to do with the Alchemist Guild. The continent's most sought-after profession was no joke.

In comparison, Jia Xingtian of the Jia Ma Empire was more concerned. The Misty Cloud Sect was located within the Jia Ma Empire, yet it did not submit to the empire's rule. If possible, they naturally wanted to resolve this matter.

However, Yun Shan was slightly stronger than him, and the Misty Cloud Sect had more Dou Wangs overall. The empire might not gain any advantage, so they chose to turn a blind eye.

Night fell, and only then did the lively scene quiet down. Everyone waited for tomorrow's Succession Ceremony!

Yun Yun's residence.

Yun Yun was washing away the day's exhaustion, soaking in a rose bath in her room. At this moment, she was undoubtedly at her most relaxed. But after tomorrow, she would no longer be living solely for herself. A sect stood behind her.

Greater ability, greater responsibility?

Life could offer different choices. Yet in most cases, a life arranged by one's elders would not truly bring happiness to the younger generation. Yun Yun's feelings were extremely complicated at this moment. She did not want to become the Misty Cloud Sect Leader, because she had no fondness for power.

But as Yun Shan's only disciple, and the only disciple qualified to inherit the Misty Cloud Sect, she had no other choice.

It was just as the saying went: what others desperately desired was within one person's easy reach, while what that person desperately desired was something the other did not care about at all.