Divine Radiant Sect! Meng Yiran Offers Herself, Huang Yan: Why Not Take What's Offered? Off to Sunset Forest Again

The hall fell quiet for a moment.

Huang Yan set down his teacup with a soft clink.

Huang Yan glanced up at Dugu Bo, whose face was full of anticipation, and at the slightly nervous Meng Shu and his wife.

He spoke in an even tone:

"The plan is fairly thorough, and Sunset City is a good choice.

But reaching first-rate status in five years is far too conservative."

Dugu Bo froze, then humbly asked:

"What do you mean, Young Master?"

Huang Yan leaned back in his chair and said coolly:

"With you, Dragon Duke, and Snake Granny, we already have enough high-level combat strength.

As for our foundations, with my great-grandfather's backing, resources won't be a problem.

Three years. At most three years, I'll make this sect a colossus that no one in the Heaven Dou Empire—or even the entire continent—will dare provoke."

Hearing those arrogant yet matter-of-fact words, Dugu Bo and Meng Shu exchanged a look, both seeing the same fervor in the other's eyes.

"We'll follow your lead, Young Master!"

Dugu Bo declared at once.

"Have you decided on a name for the sect, Young Master?"

"Let's call it the Divine Radiant Sect."

Huang Yan lightly tapped his fingers on the table, setting the tone:

"Dugu Bo, you'll serve as Supreme Elder of the Divine Radiant Sect and oversee all its affairs.

Dragon Duke and Snake Granny, you two will be the sect's vice leaders, responsible for expansion and combat training."

Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang were overjoyed. They hurriedly cupped their hands in salute:

"Thank you for trusting us, Young Master!

This old couple will serve you with every last drop of our blood!"

Dugu Bo, however, sensed something and ventured a question:

"Young Master, then the position of sect leader..."

"Naturally, it's mine."

Huang Yan's tone was casual.

"But I need to focus on cultivation most of the time and have no time to handle the sect's trivial affairs.

The three of you can take charge of running it."

As he spoke, Huang Yan's gaze shifted to Meng Yiran, who had been silently watching him from behind.

"As for Yiran..."

Suddenly hearing her name, Meng Yiran's slender body trembled. A flush spread across her fair, pretty face, and she answered rather nervously:

"Yes... I'm here. What do you need, Young Master Huang Yan?"

Looking at her shy appearance, Huang Yan's lips curved in the faintest of smiles:

"Your talent is passable. It'd be a waste to leave you doing odd jobs over there.

From now on, you'll stay in Heaven Dou City and serve as my personal maid.

You'll be responsible for reporting any news from the sect to me."

The atmosphere in the hall immediately grew rather delicate.

Meng Yiran looked up abruptly, her beautiful eyes filled with delight and disbelief. Her heart pounded as if it would leap right out of her chest.

A personal maid?

Didn't that mean she could be by his side every day from now on?!

"I'm willing!

Thank you, Young Master!"

Afraid Huang Yan might change his mind, Meng Yiran accepted without hesitation.

Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang were even more delighted.

Though she was technically a maid, who didn't know how much this opportunity was worth?

He was the great-grandson of that terrifying powerhouse!

Being able to stay by his side was a stroke of fortune countless people could only dream of!

Chao Tianxiang beamed and nodded repeatedly:

"For Yiran to serve at the Young Master's side is a blessing she's earned over several lifetimes!

Don't worry, Young Master. Though this girl has been a little spoiled, I'll make sure to teach her how to serve others properly when we get home!"

Watching the family of three, Dugu Bo silently marveled. His respect for the Young Master's skill in handling people grew.

In just a few words, he had established the sect's absolute center of power and bound the Peerless Dragon and Serpent family completely to his cause.

Dugu Bo composed himself and bowed respectfully:

"Since the Young Master has settled on the plan, I'll send people to Sunset City tomorrow to begin making preparations.

In half a month at most, the Divine Radiant Sect's foundations will be fully in place!"

"Half a month."

Huang Yan nodded slightly.

"Don't disappoint me."

"Rest assured, Young Master. I'll see it done!"

Dugu Bo replied firmly.

Huang Yan considered it for a moment, then looked at Dugu Bo:

"By the way, my great-grandfather said there's a treasure trove in Sunset Forest called the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well."

Huang Yan stood, his tone still calm.

"That place will greatly benefit my bloodline cultivation.

Take me there first thing tomorrow morning."

Dugu Bo nodded repeatedly:

"Rest assured, Young Master. I'll personally lead you there tomorrow!"

"Mm."

Huang Yan said no more.

"I'll stay at your manor tonight. Arrange a quiet courtyard for me.

I don't like being disturbed."

"I'll see to it right away. I guarantee no one will dare go near it!"

Dugu Bo immediately agreed.

Huang Yan strode toward the hall exit and said without looking back:

"Yiran, come along."

Meng Yiran's pretty face flushed. She hurried after Huang Yan, her long legs moving in quick, measured steps.

"Yes, Young Master," she said softly.

Watching the two of them leave, Chao Tianxiang tugged at Meng Shu's sleeve and whispered:

"Old man, we shouldn't sit around either. Let's hurry and contact our old friends to get the sect up and running."

Meng Shu took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming:

"Let's go!

This is a golden opportunity for our family to soar to new heights. We can't let the Young Master think less of us!"

Night fell over the rear courtyard of Dugu Manor.

Dugu Bo personally led Huang Yan to a quiet detached courtyard and said respectfully:

"Young Master, this is the quietest courtyard in the manor. I've ordered everyone to stay away and not disturb you. Is there anything else you need?"

"No. Go prepare for tomorrow."

Huang Yan pushed open the door and spoke coolly.

"Yes, I'll take my leave."

Dugu Bo withdrew tactfully.

The room was furnished in an elegant, antique style.

Meng Yiran followed Huang Yan inside and closed the door behind them.

Alone together, man and woman, her heart began to beat a little faster. She nervously twisted the hem of her clothes between her hands.

"Young Master..."

Meng Yiran's voice was barely above a whisper, and her pretty face was red as if it might drip blood.

"Grandma taught me... Would you like Yiran to help you bathe and change?"

Huang Yan sat down by the bed and watched the nervous girl with interest:

"No need for a bath.

What level is your Soul Power now?"

Meng Yiran froze, then answered honestly:

"Reporting to the Young Master, Yiran has just reached level thirty-one.

Grandpa and Grandma took me to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt a Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent for its Spirit Ring.

As we were leaving, we happened to run into you..."

"Level thirty-one."

Huang Yan nodded slightly.

"Your talent really is only average."

A shadow of disappointment passed through Meng Yiran's eyes at his words.

But compared with Huang Yan, who had reached level forty-eight at such a young age, she truly had nothing to boast about.

Huang Yan had never revealed his age.

"But now that you're my personal maid, I won't let you remain so mediocre."

His tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable authority:

"Tomorrow, at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well in Sunset Forest, we'll find many Immortal Herbs that have drawn the essence of heaven and earth.

I'll pick one that suits you while I'm there.

It'll help you strengthen your foundation and take your Martial Soul and talent to a higher level."

Meng Yiran raised her head sharply, her eyes wide with disbelief:

"An Immortal Herb?

One that can improve my talent?

Young Master, this... this is far too precious. Yiran..."

"Just take what I give you."

Huang Yan cut her off.

"As long as you behave yourself and serve me well from now on, you'll have plenty of rewards."

"Yes!

Yiran will never fail the Young Master's kindness!"

Meng Yiran's eyes reddened with excitement. The admiration and affection in her gaze grew more intense.

"Young Master, let me help you bathe after all..."

"Mm."

This time, Huang Yan didn't refuse.

Meng Yiran had offered herself. Naturally, he had no reason not to accept.

The night was gentle. Candlelight flickered in the room, and crimson waves rolled.

The next morning.

The sky was only just beginning to lighten when Dugu Bo was already waiting outside the courtyard.

At the sound of the door opening, Dugu Bo hurried forward and bowed respectfully:

"Young Master, did you rest well?

If you're ready, we can leave for Sunset Forest at any time."

Huang Yan stepped out of the room with Meng Yiran and nodded slightly:

"Let's go.

I want to see the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well."

"Please follow me, Young Master!"

Dugu Bo immediately led the way.

Without disturbing anyone, the three quickly left Heaven Dou City and sped toward Sunset Forest.