The Grand Elder's residence stood at the center of the stronghold, a three-story bamboo building.
Yan Pojun sat before the window on the third floor. A pot of tea rested in front of him; it had already gone cold, and he had not taken a single sip.
Spirit Flame Maiden went up to the third floor and sat down across from him. "Grand Elder, I want to leave the Mountain Clan and follow Lord Xiao Yun to train on the continent."
Yan Pojun was silent for a long time. "Go." He picked up the teacup, then set it down again, gazing at the sky outside the window.
"The Mountain Clan was able to survive this time thanks to Lord Xiao Yun. Without him strengthening the seal, the three Guardians could never have left it. Without his help, several of you Saintess candidates would have become puppets of the Evil Spirit Masters. If that had happened, the entire Mountain Clan probably would have been wiped out before Spirit Hall's support even arrived."
He paused. "Lord Xiao Yun helped us when the Mountain Clan was at its most dangerous. The Mountain Clan will not forget this debt."
"Grand Elder, I'll train properly by Lord Xiao Yun's side."
Yan Pojun nodded. "By following Young Master Xiao, you will be the link between the Mountain Clan and Lord Xiao Yun. Serve Lord Xiao Yun well. Do not disappoint him. The Mountain Clan has no Titled Douluo now. If we want to establish ourselves firmly in the Hundred Thousand Volcanoes, we must have a Titled Douluo holding the fort. And the only Titled Douluo the Mountain Clan can reach is Lord Xiao Yun."
Spirit Flame Maiden lowered her head. "I understand."
Yan Pojun continued instructing her, "Besides that, you must also take responsibility for the