Journey to the Misty Cloud Sect

Xiao Li and Old Wang discussed alchemy for several days. Old Wang made an exception and granted Xiao Li the title of Honorary Elder of the Alchemist Guild, which also helped build his reputation.

After all, although the Jia Ma Empire was small, impoverished, and lacked powerful experts, its people were full of schemes, and there were far too many who liked to stab others in the back.

Old Wang was immensely powerful. Aside from Jia Xingtian and Yun Shan, no one could match him. The various clans all feared his strength. Under Old Wang's leadership, the Alchemist Guild, the Royal Family, and the Misty Cloud Sect stood as the Jia Ma Empire's three great transcendent powers.

Now that Xiao Li had returned after completing his studies, becoming a Dou Huang was only a matter of a year or two. Those people with complicated schemes would also rein in their filthy intentions.

After refining a batch of pills, Xiao Li looked toward the majestic mountain range beyond the Imperial Capital. That was Misty Cloud Mountain.

"What? Missing that girl? If you miss her, go see her. That girl has worked quite hard these past two years. Besides, that old man Yun Shan promised this Old Man quite a few things, so your Master refined plenty of pills for that girl.

When you see her now, her growth will definitely surprise you~ Whether it's her cultivation or other aspects."

By the end, Old Wang's grin had nearly reached his ears.

"Teacher, I'll be back soon," Xiao Li said with a foolish grin, scratching his cheek.

"Get lost. This Old Man doesn't have a bed for you here," Old Wang scolded with a laugh.

"Got it."

A pair of translucent wings emerged from Xiao Li's back, and he flew toward Misty Cloud Mountain.

"In the end, he's still just a young brat. Sigh~ I wonder how she's doing."

Misty Cloud Mountain

The mountain was steep, with cliffs on three sides and only a single path leading to its summit. It was truly a dangerous place that was easy to defend and difficult to attack. Moreover, Misty Cloud Sect Disciples patrolled the entire mountain closely, making the whole range resemble a small fortress.

"There's wind everywhere here. Cultivating Wind Attribute Dou Qi in this place would yield twice the result with half the effort. Looks like the Misty Cloud Sect's Ancestor really knew how to pick a location."

Feeling the surroundings, Xiao Li found that compared to the bustling Imperial Capital, he preferred the ethereal atmosphere of the Misty Cloud Sect.

"Who goes there?! Dou Qi Wings! A Dou Wang expert!"

Xiao Li had not concealed himself at all. He had come openly and directly.

The Misty Cloud Sect Disciples patrolling the mountain also noticed that he had formed Dou Qi Wings and was a Dou Wang expert. A perceptive commander stepped forward and cupped his fists toward Xiao Li.

"Esteemed Person, flying freely above Misty Cloud Mountain may cause some unnecessary trouble. Please come down first. May I ask whether you are here to visit a friend or challenge someone? We can lead the way."

The leader spoke and carried himself fairly well, without the arrogant airs of those rotten factions. Xiao Li felt that these were indeed soldiers trained by the normal Yun Shan. His first impression was quite good.

"Visiting a friend." Xiao Li held the jade token Yun Yun had given him in his hand.

"Esteemed Person, could you please come down first? You're flying too high. I can't see that token clearly."

Xiao Li ultimately came down and handed the token to that Misty Cloud Sect Disciple. The disciple froze the moment he received it, then immediately bowed to Xiao Li and apologized for his earlier disrespectful words.

Afterward, the disciple led Xiao Li up Misty Cloud Mountain on foot and had another disciple hurry ahead to report to the sect.

"Your Misty Cloud Sect has a pretty good atmosphere. At the very least, you don't have the habit of looking down on people." Along the way, Xiao Li saw quite a few Misty Cloud Sect Disciples, and none of them carried that overbearing, arrogant air.

How should he put it? The Misty Cloud Sect Disciples all felt peaceful and unhurried.

"These are the rules of our Misty Cloud Sect. Upon joining the Misty Cloud Sect, one must regard quiet cultivation as the foremost goal. We do not provoke trouble or bully others with our power. If any disciple is found stirring up trouble or abusing the sect's influence to bully others, they will be dealt with according to sect rules."

The disciple spoke gently.

"How are they dealt with?"

Misty Cloud Sect Disciple: "It depends on the circumstances. For minor offenses, they face a wall for three years. For more serious offenses, they are sent to Thousand Wind Cliff for punishment. For the gravest offenses, their cultivation is abolished and they are expelled from the Misty Cloud Sect."

Xiao Li: ...I have something filthy to say, but I don't know whether I should say it.

"Has anything happened to the Misty Cloud Sect lately? I can sense a faint killing intent around your sect," Xiao Li asked.

"Next year, the Chu Yun Empire and the Jia Ma Empire will hold the Strongest Experts Convention. As the foremost sect of the Jia Ma Empire, our Misty Cloud Sect naturally bears the brunt of protecting our homeland.

The Sect Leader has ordered all disciples to intensify their cultivation, so that we may have some means to preserve our lives during the convention." The Misty Cloud Sect Disciple spoke with some excitement.

"You seem quite excited, Esteemed Person. Why would you feel this way about something that may cost you your life?" Xiao Li asked in confusion.

"Of course I'm excited to defend the empire and uphold the sect's honor. Ever since I joined the Misty Cloud Sect, I have been prepared for this. I am ready to die for the sect at any time," the disciple said proudly.

"But the Misty Cloud Sect's history is older than the Jia Ma Empire's. Why defend the empire?"

"Because I am not only a Misty Cloud Sect Disciple, but also a citizen of the Jia Ma Empire. I have a duty to protect my country. At the very least, the Chu Yun Empire is our Sworn Enemy!"

"Mm... Keep that spirit."

Xiao Li could not relate to that kind of mindset. To someone who had died once, he did not want to go looking for death again. Staying alive was more important than anything.

But if the family were in danger, if Grandfather or Eldest Brother were in danger, would I prioritize survival, or risk my life for the family?

That question suddenly lingered in Xiao Li's heart. He was afraid of death, yet he also had bonds he could not let go of.

Before long, Xiao Li and the Misty Cloud Sect Disciple reached the summit.

At the end of the long stone stairs, clouds and mist swirled. Beyond them lay an enormous square, entirely paved with uniform gray boulders, giving it an ancient and imposing air. At the center of the square stood a massive stone monument, towering solemnly. Upon it were recorded the names of every previous Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, as well as those who had rendered great service to the sect.

The first thing Xiao Li saw was a woman who made his heart stir, standing there as though she were waiting for someone.

The woman wore a moon-white long dress that wrapped around her voluptuous, delicate figure. Her Three Thousand Black Hair was gathered into the shape of a singing Phoenix, faintly revealing an unmistakable nobility. Her face was tranquil and beautiful, like a clear spring hidden within secluded mountains. Even as her lofty status inspired reverence, one could not help but harbor a trace of romantic yearning.

When the woman saw the person she had missed for so long approach, she instinctively ran forward and threw herself into Xiao Li's arms.

The disciple leading him in, along with the surrounding Misty Cloud Sect Disciples, all froze.

The Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect had, in full view of everyone, rushed into the arms of an unfamiliar man.

Kacha—

No one knew how many young men and women suddenly felt their hearts shatter. The goddess in their hearts was actually in another man's arms.

"You've grown up," Xiao Li said with emotion. Girls really changed completely as they grew older. After two years apart, Yun Yun had grown in every way.

Yun Yun also calmed down at that moment and released Xiao Li from her embrace. Her pretty face flushed crimson. She did not know why she had suddenly hugged him—perhaps longing, perhaps love, or perhaps countless other complicated emotions.

After all, Xiao Li's figure had left an exceptionally deep mark in her heart.