The Three-Year Pact, Already Decided

As Yun Yun's voice faded, a girl with a somewhat solemn expression hurried over.

The girl possessed a cold, glamorous exterior, her lovely and exquisite features virtually flawless.

She wore a moon-white gown that accentuated her delicate, curvaceous figure.

Green jade pendants hung from her tender earlobes, chiming crisply as they gently swayed and lending her an abrupt air of nobility.

This girl was none other than the Misty Cloud Sect's next Young Sect Master, Yun Yun's disciple, Nalan Yanran!!

"Yanran, this is Mister Lin Che, whom I often mention to you. Over the years, Mister Lin Che has spared no effort in teaching your master."

Yun Yun introduced her.

Upon hearing this, Nalan Yanran respectfully clasped her hands and bowed. "This junior, Nalan Yanran, greets Senior Lin Che."

"I had long heard my teacher speak of you. Now that I have met you, Yanran finally understands why Teacher leaves the sect every day. Not only is Senior immensely powerful, but even your appearance is unlike any Yanran has ever seen."

"Yanran~" Yun Yun's pretty face flushed at Nalan Yanran's words, and she hurriedly stopped her from saying any more.

Nalan Yanran stuck out her cute little tongue at her teacher, unable to help wondering about her teacher's relationship with this senior.

At the same time, Yun Leng, the First Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect and second only to the Sect Master in status, saw that the time had come. He stepped forward, sweeping his gaze over the gathered crowd before speaking in a resonant voice:

"Thank you all for attending the Young Sect Master's succession ceremony. Now, let us welcome the Misty Cloud Sect Master, Yun Yun."

As his voice fell, the sect elders and those who had come for the occasion all rose in unison, clasping their hands in salute. "Welcome, Sect Master Yun Yun!"

Yun Yun smiled gently. "You are too courteous. Today is a joyous occasion for the Misty Cloud Sect. Old Jia and Guild Leader Fama have even taken time out of their busy schedules to attend, which greatly honors everyone in the sect."

"My disciple Nalan Yanran is naturally gifted, intelligent, and upright. She has now earned the recognition of the Gate of Life and Death. In accordance with sect rules, Yanran shall inherit the position of Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect and, upon breaking through to Dou Emperor, succeed to the position of Sect Master."

"Before the ancestors of the Misty Cloud Sect, my disciple Nalan Yanran possesses exceptional talent. She is devoted to the sect, prudent in speech and conduct, and follows in my footsteps, serving as a model for her peers. Having now received the recognition of the Gate of Life and Death, she is hereby appointed Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect."

Her gem-like eyes looked upon Nalan Yanran below, and Yun Yun's exquisite face revealed a trace of gratification and affection.

"Yanran, you are the rightful heir to the future position of Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect. May you heed my teachings, devote yourself to cultivation, and bring glory to our Misty Cloud Sect."

As Yun Yun handed over the treasured sword in her hand, Nalan Yanran immediately accepted it, a mist of tears welling in her eyes.

Yet she still declared firmly, "I, Nalan Yanran, shall honor my master's commands, never forget my master's teachings, strictly abide by sect rules, and carry forward the glory of the sect!"

Once Nalan Yanran had finished her oath, everyone present nodded and applauded in congratulations.

The sect disciples clasped their hands in salute as well. "Greetings, Young Sect Master!"

Lin Che sat to the side, watching everything unfold before him. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard a voice beside him.

A Misty Cloud Sect disciple walked out trembling. Under everyone's gaze, he said softly, "Sect Master... isn't there a sect rule stating that the Young Sect Master cannot have... have entanglements with the opposite sex?"

First Elder Yun Leng's brows immediately knitted together, and he shouted sharply, "Insolence! As a sect disciple, do you not even understand the most basic rules?"

The disciple who had spoken earlier was so frightened that his legs went weak. He dropped to his knees and clasped his hands. "Sect Master, this disciple is at fault..."

Yun Yun's eyes flickered as she looked toward the trembling Nalan Yanran, then said flatly, "The sect does indeed have such a rule. Yun Leng, step back for now and let him continue."

"Yes."

First Elder Yun Leng retreated half a step, glaring viciously at the disciple. In front of so many people, that disciple had better not say too much, or the sect's reputation would be utterly disgraced!

The disciple from before cautiously said, "I remember... it seems that Senior Sister Yanran has had a marriage contract since childhood."

At those words, nearly everyone's gaze turned toward the kneeling disciple at the same time. It seemed that once this matter was over, he would be dealt with in secret.

This matter concerned the sect's reputation, yet he had exposed Nalan Yanran's affairs before so many people. Naturally, it would give many people cause to mock them.

Nalan Yanran also voiced her thoughts at this moment. "I do indeed have a marriage contract... but it was privately decided by my family when I was young. I was never asked for my consent, and I will not acknowledge it!"

The entire crowd erupted into an uproar!

Nalan Jie, the old master of the Nalan Family, abruptly rose from his chair, his pupils contracting as though he could not believe his ears.

Even Yun Yun could not help frowning slightly, unable to understand what Yanran was trying to do.

Lin Che sighed softly. Sure enough, things were still following the original plot. Nalan Yanran's stubborn insistence would ultimately lead to the growth of Yan Emperor Xiao Yan.

Seeing that his earlier words had achieved their intended effect, the disciple slipped away in embarrassment.

Nalan Jie, the Nalan Family patriarch, trembled with rage. He glared furiously at First Elder Yun Leng, then angrily flung his sleeve and turned to leave!

Seeing his father so furious, Nalan Su did not know what to say. He knew his father better than anyone—his old man's word was absolute, and he would never go back on his word or break a promise.

Now that Yanran had spoken so disrespectfully, the old man would surely be heartbroken.

Lin Che glanced at the gloomy-faced Nalan Yanran, then turned and left as well. Since things had already happened, there was no reason for him to remain. He might as well return to his Bamboo Forest to drink and practice his swordsmanship.

In any case, the Three-Year Pact had nothing to do with him.

Nalan Yanran watched her grandfather's departing back, her heart filled with mixed feelings. If the succession ceremony had not yet been unfinished, she might truly have chased after him to explain herself.

A breeze swept through, setting the bronze bells swaying.

Their crisp, pleasant chimes drifted melodiously through the Bamboo Forest.

Lin Che took a sip of wine, while the weapon in his hand never stopped moving. Every swing was accompanied by a piercing hum.

Several deep grooves had been carved into the hard earth, and faint, unusual waves of air could be seen within them.

Only after working up a sweat did Lin Che slowly withdraw his weapon and raise his head to look at the sun about to set beyond the green mountains.

The Misty Cloud Sect was a mixed bag, and Soul Hall protectors lurked there with predatory intent. If they discovered his whereabouts, they would very likely attack without holding back.

Though he should have the strength to fight them, doing so would indirectly expose his identity.