Senior Su's Noble Character

Su Yun, dressed in white robes whiter than snow, sat calmly in a sandalwood chair, his face unflushed and his heart untroubled.

Xiao Yan felt immensely ashamed. Compared to Senior Su's noble character, his own actions seemed somewhat petty.

This was the bearing of the ancients. In today's Dou Qi Continent, it was practically a clear stream amid a muddy swamp.

"Go to Jia Nan Academy first. While cultivating and studying there, do not forget to inquire about the location of the Ancient Ruins. The moment you receive any news, contact me immediately with the Soul Guiding Jade."

Su Yun spoke softly, his gaze imperceptibly sweeping over the Storage Ring on Xiao Yan's hand.

When Xiao Yan caused chaos at the Misty Cloud Sect, he had most likely exhausted Old Yao's strength and sent him into slumber.

Otherwise, Su Yun would not have been able to leave the Soul Guiding Jade with Xiao Yan so smoothly, since Old Yao would most likely have found a way to stop him.

Now that Xiao Yan had accepted the Soul Guiding Jade, returning it later would undoubtedly amount to betraying his word and tearing up their agreement.

Even if Old Yao awakened and was dissatisfied with Xiao Yan's decision, he would still have to consider whether going back on his word would provoke the thunderous wrath of Su Yun, a Woeful Poison Body.

"Alright."

Xiao Yan nodded, but then felt somewhat troubled. "As far as I know, the Black Corner Region has many powerful experts, including hidden Dou Zong experts, and information spreads extremely quickly there.

Even if this junior finds the entrance to the Ancient Ruins, I fear someone will make trouble for me."

Su Yun chuckled. How could he not know what the boy was thinking? "Rest assured, This Sect Master will also head to the Black Corner Region before long. I will not leave you to fight alone.

The Jia Ma Empire is too small. Even without the Ancient Ruins, This Sect Master would not remain here for long."

As far as Xiao Yan was concerned, he dearly hoped the Ancient Ruins would be hidden in some remote and forgotten mountain forest, but the outcome would never suit his wishes.

Because its abundance of experts and rapid flow of information... were precisely what benefited Su Yun most!

If not for that, Su Yun would not have chosen the Black Corner Region as the location of the Ancient Ruins.

"Thank you, Senior."

With Su Yun's assurance, Xiao Yan let out a long breath.

"After you reach the Black Corner Region, you can find a few trustworthy people to help search for the Ancient Ruins with you. Many hands make light work, and there is no need to keep it too secret.

You alone cannot search the entire Black Corner Region."

Su Yun's eyes flickered as he spoke softly.

"Trustworthy people..."

Xiao Yan's expression turned distant as he recalled that graceful figure, like a blue lotus rising untainted from the dust. The days they had spent together and the girl's silver-bell laughter felt as though they had happened only yesterday.

Xun'er, it has been a long time. Can I trust you?

Xiao Yan already knew that Xun'er had come to the Xiao Family with an unknown purpose. Yet her feelings for him had never been false.

Xiao Yan recalled the old man named Ling Ying. Back in Qingshan Town, he had even exchanged blows with Senior Su in order to protect him, though he had been swiftly defeated.

Xiao Yan unconsciously brushed his fingers over his Storage Ring.

Inside was a damaged jade fragment, passed down through his family for generations, whose purpose remained unknown!

"This junior understands. Thank you for your guidance, Senior."

"Mm. It is enough that you know what to do."

A faint smile curled Su Yun's lips.

His ambitions were vast, and he needed many, many witnesses...

Afterward, Xiao Yan did not leave in haste. Instead, he rested for three days at the Mite'er Family, thoroughly releasing the exhaustion that had accumulated during his flight before bidding Su Yun farewell.

"This junior will await Senior's arrival in the Black Corner Region!"

With a pitch-black Great Ruler on his back, Xiao Yan clasped his hands in salute. He was full of spirit, and hope had once again lit up his formerly dim eyes.

Su Yun smiled faintly. "Young people truly are full of energy... Go. This Sect Master will await your good news."

"Yes!"

Su Yun watched Xiao Yan depart with a merchant caravan and thought to himself, You brat had better work harder. Whether this old ancestor can revive depends on you.

With that thought, Su Yun turned and returned to the residence. In the bedchamber, Xiao Yi Xian still lay quietly on the bed, showing no signs of awakening.

Su Yun examined her body with Soul Power and found that the Dou Qi within her was still surging at a rapid pace, with no sign of slowing. He could not help but nod.

"Xian'er's cultivation has already risen to Five Stars Dou Ling. She is not too far from becoming a Dou Emperor."

The statement sounded unimaginable. After all, there was still the major realm of Dou Wang between Dou Ling and Dou Emperor. Yet it was highly fitting for Xiao Yi Xian's current condition.

Xiao Yi Xian had only been asleep for around ten days. At such a rate, she truly was not far from becoming a Dou Emperor.

"Forget it. I will go to the Black Corner Region after she wakes up."

Su Yun was somewhat uneasy about leaving Xiao Yi Xian here to sleep alone.

She was his only disciple, and she had followed him all the way from Qingshan Town. Regardless of his original purpose in accepting her as a disciple, after so much time, there were naturally some feelings involved.

The arrangements for the Ancient Ruins could not be rushed. Haste made waste. What Su Yun wanted was absolute certainty, not quick success.

For the sake of final success, no amount of time spent would be wasted.

"Perfect. The Mite'er Family is managing the Chu Yun Empire and has offered quite a few high-quality poisons."

The greatest beneficiary of the Black Sky City war was Su Yun. With the poisons of the entire Chu Yun Empire as cultivation resources, even without setting up the Heavenly Lies, advancing to Dou Venerable would merely be a matter of time.

Su Yun took out a Seventh-grade Poison Flower, swallowed it, and began refining it for cultivation.

At dusk.

Yun Yun stood at the foot of Misty Cloud Mountain in a moon-white robe. Dust had unusually stained her garments, and behind her stood several hundred Misty Cloud Sect disciples, each travel-worn and weary.

"You have all worked hard."

A gentle smile appeared on Yun Yun's face.

Of the eight hundred disciples who had marched with the army, over half had been killed or wounded. Yet this was the unyielding pride that had been passed down through the Misty Cloud Sect for a thousand years.

"I led these children to the front lines and fought bloody battles against our enemies. It can be considered a contribution to the Jia Ma Empire... In that case, the reputation the sect lost before has been somewhat restored.

Teacher will be pleased as well, won't he?"

Yun Yun gently gathered her hair and looked toward the thousand stone steps leading up the mountain.

"We are not tired, Teacher."

Weariness surfaced in Nalan Yanran's eyes, but her back remained perfectly straight.

"That is right, Sect Leader. Let the world see the integrity of the Misty Cloud Sect!"

"Misty Cloud Sect disciples are no cowards!"

"The Misty Cloud Sect fought for the nation with clear consciences!"

"..."

The disciples all spoke up in turn.

Yun Yun looked gratified. She said softly, "The Misty Cloud Sect is fortunate to have all of you."

They supported one another as they climbed the mountain. Yun Yun did the same, ascending the stone steps on foot alongside them rather than forming Dou Qi Wings.

It was late at night by the time they reached the mountaintop.

"Everyone, go and rest. In a few days, I will have Elder Gu He refine some medicinal pills to improve your cultivation as a reward from the sect."

Yun Yun spoke softly. Then pale green Dou Qi flowed around her like mist and smoke, causing her robes to flutter without wind. The dust clinging to her moon-white robe immediately fell away in soft streams.

After tidying her clothes and appearance, she headed to the sect's main hall to meet Yun Shan.

"You have returned."

Yun Shan stood with his hands behind his back atop a gilded jade platform. His expression was as still as an ancient well, yet a trace of gloom flashed between his brows.

"Teacher."

Yun Yun did not notice anything unusual about Yun Shan and began recounting the situation on the battlefield.

A moment later, Yun Yun added, "Of the eight hundred disciples who marched with the army, three hundred and sixteen were killed, and two hundred and fifty-seven were injured.

Teacher, I wish to provide compensation to the families of the fallen disciples. As for those who were injured, I want to reward them with medicinal pills and Dou Techniques, and also..."

"Wait. Do not speak of that yet."

Yun Shan's expression darkened.

"You are saying that Su Yun has taken sole possession of the Chu Yun Empire, the Snake-People Race has obtained vast territories, and my Misty Cloud Sect has gained nothing?"

Yun Yun frowned, unable to understand what her teacher meant. She could only answer, "Yes."