Nalan Yanran's Visit

The courtyard on the Back Mountain of Lingyue Peak lay steeped in morning mist. On either side of the bluestone path, clusters of iris flowers unfurled their pale violet petals, and falling dewdrops refracted into scattered silver glimmers.

Several ancient cypresses, each a thousand years old, stood tall and vigorous, their branches entwined with emerald vines. Whenever the wind passed, the leaves rustled, mingling with the clear tinkling of a distant mountain spring to brew an air of tranquil serenity throughout the courtyard.

The air carried the fresh moisture of vegetation and the faint lingering fragrance of medicinal pills. One deep breath was enough to make one's Dou Qi flow more smoothly.

At the far end of the courtyard lay an open plaza, its bluestone floor polished smooth as a mirror by the years, gleaming with a cold sheen.

A streak of azure light suddenly tore through the morning mist. Dressed in fitted combat attire, Mu Qingluan shot forward with the agility of an arrow loosed from a bow. Dou Qi surged around her, its azure glow outlining her valiant figure.

Having only recently broken through to the Dou Zun Realm, her aura still bore a trace of immaturity, yet it already possessed a sharp edge. Her palm wind, carrying the pressure of the Heavenly Luan bloodline, came crashing down toward Xiao Ling not far away.

"Senior Brother, take this!" the girl cried. Her voice was crisp as birdsong. As her palm shadows flickered, countless wisps of azure Dou Qi gathered into the phantom form of luan birds, screeching as they pounced on Xiao Ling. The fierce attack sent ripples through the surrounding air.

Xiao Ling stood with his hands behind his back, a faint smile at his lips. Even faced with such an attack, his expression remained calm.

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