Xiao Yan: You Think You Can Run After Offending Me?

Yun Leng's pleas for mercy, tinged with sobs, sounded particularly jarring in the silent air.

He lowered his head deeply, not daring to look directly into Xiao Yan's cold eyes, nor daring to look at Yun Shan's furious face.

Xiao Yan's gaze fell on Yun Leng, with an indifference as if he were looking at a corpse.

"Follow my lead? I don't need that! To me, Yun'er is the most important person in the entire Misty Cloud Sect." His voice wasn't loud, but his attitude was exceptionally firm. "If it weren't for Yun'er and the old sect leader, someone as stupid and oblivious as you would have been burned to ashes long ago."

Upon hearing this, Yun Shan was quite satisfied. If Xiao Yan really let Yun Leng go because of his pleas for mercy, then he would have to be more wary of this kid.

Winning people's hearts?

Or is it that you're not ruthless enough?

Neither of these points is good.

Only by completely showing a break, even murderous intent, but then, out of consideration for Yun Shan and Yun Yun, handing over the power of handling the matter back to the Misty Cloud Sect, can one truly be considered one of their own.

Yun Yun looked at Yun Leng, who was kneeling on the ground in a disheveled state, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes.

Although Yun Leng brought this upon himself, he was, after all, a former Great Elder of the sect who had served the Misty Cloud Sect for many years. Seeing his fate, it was hard not to feel a pang of sadness.

However, when her gaze turned to Xiao Yan, who stood beside her with an indifferent expression, that slight pang of regret was instantly replaced by determination.

She would never allow anyone to have the chance to harm Xiao Yan, not even Dou Wang expert who was extremely important to the Misty Cloud Sect!

Seeing the ruthlessness in his disciple's eyes, Yun Shan understood. His disciple truly had his heart set on Xiao Yan, but he didn't want to see Yun Leng die like this. Therefore, he quickly spoke first:

"Hmph! Yun Leng, as the former Great Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect, you are unable to distinguish right from wrong, indulge your relatives, and almost caused a great disaster. Moreover, you have the audacity to deceive and manipulate our sect! You may be spared the death penalty, but you will not be spared punishment!"

Yun Shan let out a cold snort, which struck Yun Leng's heart like a heavy hammer. Yun Leng seemed to understand something, and his expression changed instantly.

Suddenly, Yun Shan flicked his sleeve, and a condensed, almost tangible stream of Dou Qi shot towards Yun Leng's lower abdomen!

Clearly, Yun Shan intends to cripple his Dou Qi!

Yun Leng's face turned deathly pale. Seeing the attack that he couldn't avoid, he could only resign himself to his fate and close his eyes.

The next moment, his neck tightened, and he was pulled away from his original position by some kind of enormous force.

"Hmm? What do you mean by this, young friend Xiao Yan?"

Seeing that his attack had failed, Yun Shan frowned slightly and looked at Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan was seen gripping Yun Leng's neck with one hand, yet his body seemed completely still.

He was secretly surprised. The speed that Xiao Yan had just displayed had caught him off guard. This kid was no ordinary person!

Xiao Yan casually released Yun Leng, Heart Fire. He washed his hands, then smiled and slowly explained:

"Senior, please calm down. This is a trivial matter and not worth getting so angry about. Elder Yun Leng is, after all, a senior member of the sect. It would be a pity to just let him go like this. The Sect Assembly is coming soon, so it would be better to let him keep his body and make some merit to atone for his sins."

But this matter needs to be addressed. I think Elder Yun Leng was mainly misled by someone with ulterior motives, so that villain should indeed be severely punished!

These were exactly the words Yun Shan wanted to hear, and his gaze toward Xiao Yan became increasingly satisfied. Just now, Xiao Yan's Dou Qi attack, which seemed to cripple Dou Qi, was actually aimed at sealing Dou Qi.

However, the effects of Dou Qi and abolishing Dou Qi are vastly different, and if it really hits, it can't be hidden from the two of them.

Unexpectedly, before he could even hit the target, Xiao Yan had already seen through his intentions and was willing to give him a way out, saving him a lot of trouble. In comparison, Yun Leng was simply incredibly foolish!

That's good enough. He has the right attitude and knows when to advance and retreat. It seems that Xiao Yan is indeed a talented person. It's just a pity that he was born a few years too late. Otherwise, if we had taken him as a disciple and trained him for a few years, and then betrothed Yun'er to him when he became the sect leader, perhaps by now, the Misty Cloud Sect would already be a first-class sect in the Northwest Continent.

However, it's not too late for him to show up now. He always felt that cooperating with the people of the Soul Hall was like dealing with a tiger for its skin. Now that the sect's future is bright, he can feel a little more at ease.

Thinking of this, Yun Shan became even more satisfied with Xiao Yan. He lowered his head, his gaze refocusing on the trembling Yun Leng, and coldly snorted:

"If it weren't for the Deputy Sect Leader pleading for you, I would have crippled your cultivation today as a warning to others!"

Yun Leng trembled, a huge weight lifted from his heart. As long as he wasn't crippled, there was still hope!

Yun Shan's voice was indifferent as he delivered the final verdict:

"Yun Leng, effective immediately, you are stripped of all your privileges within the sect and will spend twenty years in solitary contemplation in the Founder's Ancestral Hall! During these twenty years, you are not to step out of the forbidden room, nor leave the ancestral hall without the sect leader's order, nor communicate with anyone. Disobeying this order will result in execution!"

As for your wicked Yun Han, he is arrogant and domineering, and has repeatedly violated the sect rules. Effective immediately, his cultivation is abolished, he is expelled from the Misty Cloud Sect, and he will never be allowed to enter the sect again! Ge Ye, as a steward, has shielded and indulged him, and stirred up trouble. His crime is doubled. He is also abolished, given one hundred strokes of the cane, and expelled from the sect!

In Yun Shan's view, this verdict was undeniably severe.

Yun Leng was completely confined to his quarters for twenty years, a period of solitary reflection. For a Dou Wang accustomed to power and status, this was as if the meaning of his cultivation had been completely denied, making his life worse than death.

Yun Han and Ge Ye were even stripped of their cultivation and expelled from their sect. Whether they can survive in the Jia Ma Empire in the future is probably a question.

"Your subordinate... accepts the punishment! Thank you, Sect Master, for sparing my life! Thank you, Sect Master and Deputy Sect Leader, for your magnanimity!"

Yun Leng felt utterly hopeless, yet dared not utter a single complaint, and could only kowtow with difficulty to accept the punishment. He knew that this was already the lightest punishment Yun Shan could give him, out of consideration for their past relationship and for Xiao Yan's sake.

"Get out of here! You will personally carry out the punishments for Yun Han and Ge Ye. After you've done so, immediately go to the ancestral hall to reflect on your actions. If you dare to delay, I will kill you with a single blow!"

Yun Shan waved his hand dismissively.

"Yes!"

Yun Leng felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He struggled to his feet, bowed to Yun Yun and Xiao Yan, and then flew dejectedly toward the Back Mountain, his back view filled with desolation.

After dealing with Yun Leng, Yun Shan's fierce aura gradually subsided.

He turned to look at Xiao Yan and Yun Yun, a hint of apology on his face.

"I never expected this guy to act so recklessly within the sect, relying on my influence, causing trouble for both of you."

Yun Shan nodded slightly to the two of them.

"Teacher, the punishment is still too lenient."

Yun Yun was actually somewhat dissatisfied.

She had been disgusted by Yun Leng many times within the sect over the years, and she was the most qualified to speak about Yun Leng's wickedness.

She actually had a hunch that, given Yun Leng's personality, he might secretly leave the sect to take revenge on Xiao Yan's family.

Even though it was only one possibility, she still felt inexplicably worried.

"It's alright, the interests of the sect should be the priority."

Xiao Yan smiled faintly, took Yun Yun's hand, and gently squeezed it, signaling her not to continue.

"Hehe, young friend, what you say is quite right. If that wretched Yun Leng were as reasonable as you, he wouldn't be in this predicament today."

Upon hearing this, Yun Shan nodded in satisfaction, looking at Xiao Yan with the same gaze he would give his own disciple.

This kid is capable, cultured, and shrewd; he's practically the perfect successor to a sect!

If he was initially kind to Yun Yun and Xiao Yan only because of their strength and talent, now he genuinely admires this young man.

"However, without rules, there can be no order. After this matter is resolved, I will personally issue an order that you will be the Deputy Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, with a status equal to Yun'er. If anyone dares to disrespect you again, no matter who it is, you are free to deal with them yourself, and the sect will always be your support!"

Yun Shan's words had a hint of overtures and directly granted Xiao Yan supreme power within the Misty Cloud Sect.

In his view, it was only a matter of time before Xiao Yan took over the Misty Cloud Sect, so there was no difference between relinquishing power sooner or later. He didn't care about Xiao Yan's previous indifference towards power. Regardless of whether Xiao Yan really didn't want it, he had to give it to him now.

To put it bluntly, this handling of the Yun Leng and then letting it go easily. They had to give the young people some benefits to make them feel more comfortable!

Xiao Yan naturally understood Yun Shan's intention. He smiled calmly and bowed slightly to Yun Shan.

"Senior is wise and righteous, and fair in his dealings. Xiao Yan admires him. As the Deputy Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, I will do my best to protect the sect."

He did not refuse this power, which was also very beneficial for him to integrate the resources of the Misty Cloud Sect and promote the alliance plan.

Once the old sect leader has completely established his prestige within the Misty Cloud Sect, he will naturally be able to achieve his goals effortlessly.

As for Yun Leng, Yun Han, Ge Ye?

He never intended for them to live.

Earlier, when Yun Han and Ge Ye came down the mountain and when he grabbed Yun Leng by the neck, he had already casually stuffed the Soul Mark and a wisp of Fallen Heart Flame into their bodies.

With their meager cultivation levels, it was impossible for them to detect Xiao Yan's methods.

Xiao Yan thinks he can just run away after offending him?

No way!

I'll find a suitable opportunity later and quietly refine these three away!

Yun Shan was naturally very satisfied with Xiao Yan's attitude. His gaze fell on Yun Yun and Xiao Yan's still tightly clasped hands, and then he looked at the undisguised tenderness in his disciple's eyes when she looked at Xiao Yan. He felt quite gratified.

With a good partner by his side, the future of the Misty Cloud Sect is becoming increasingly bright. He can now think of ways to break free from the control of the Soul Hall.

Otherwise, wouldn't his Misty Cloud Sect become the Misty Cloud Sect of the Soul Hall?

That won't do!

Thinking of this, he looked at Yun Yun and said earnestly:

"Yun'er, you have excellent judgment. Young friend Xiao Yan is truly a dragon among men; the future of the Misty Cloud Sect rests on the shoulders of the two of you!"

His words were tantamount to a formal statement, not only fully acknowledging Xiao Yan's status and position Deputy Sect Leader, but also expressing support for the relationship between Xiao Yan and Yun Yun.

However, the implication of entrusting his son to someone else in those words made Xiao Yan somewhat thoughtful.

Why don't we try and see if we can save Yun Shan?

In the past, Xiao Yan wouldn't have thought this way. He would have simply arranged for the Soul Hall to kill Yun Shan, which would have been the easiest thing for him.

However, Yun Shan treats him fairly well these days; he's always been the kind of person who "treats others with respect tenfold."

With Old Yao's backing and the Blood Soul Art left behind by the Soul Clan Hun Li Li she left, along with the Fallen Heart Flame, Heavenly Flames that targets the soul, Xiao Yan is quite confident in helping Yun Shan resolve his hidden dangers.

Only...

That will probably take a lot of time. I just don't know if the people from the Soul Hall will give Xiao Yan that much time.

Hearing her teacher's approval of her relationship with Xiao Yan, Yun Yun's pretty face flushed with two beautiful blushes. She nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with excitement, "Teacher, rest assured, your disciple will certainly live up to your expectations!"

"Rest assured, senior, Xiao Yan will not fail your expectations!"

Xiao Yan also bowed in greeting.

"Alright, I won't disturb you young people's love talk any longer. I recently broke through to a higher realm, and my foundation is still unstable. I need to consolidate my cultivation. I will emerge from seclusion in two months."

Yun Shan waved his hand, a hint of desolation on his face.

That Soul Hall is too powerful. Dealing with them will probably require a long and careful plan. Just thinking about it gives me a headache!

"Take care, senior."

Xiao Yan bowed and saw them off.

Yun Shan gave Xiao Yan one last deep look, his eyes filled with expectation and a hint of barely perceptible envy. Then, his figure flickered and transformed into a streak of light, disappearing into the depths of the sea of clouds.

As Yun Shan departed, the immense pressure that had enveloped the Misty Cloud Mountain completely dissipated.

The disciples and elders who had been watching from afar in the square finally dared to straighten up cautiously, their hearts filled with turbulent emotions.

Today's events were full of twists and turns, and the sheer volume of information was almost suffocating—the old sect leader had advanced to the Dou Zong level and broken through his seclusion! Xiao Yan, the "closed-door disciple" mentioned by sect leader Yun Yun and the fiancé of the Young Sect Leader, Senior Sister Nalan, actually had an unusually close relationship with the sect leader and had even become the sect's Deputy Sect Leader! The former Great Elder Yun Leng, also seemed to have been severely punished and completely lost power!

The Misty Cloud Sect is about to undergo a complete upheaval!

All eyes were focused on the sky, with Xiao Yan and Yun Yun becoming the center of attention.

Xiao Yan ignored the complicated gazes and looked down at the stunning beauty nestled beside him.

Yun Yun let out a long sigh of relief, her full chest heaving slightly, her tense body relaxing as she leaned against his strong arm.

"Phew! Thank goodness!" She patted her chest lightly, looked up at Xiao Yan, her clear eyes glistening with moisture, and said with some relief, "I thought today would be quite troublesome, maybe even a fierce battle!"

What she was worried about was that her teacher would make things difficult for Xiao Yan, causing a rift between them. Unexpectedly, she was lucky; after a conversation, Xiao Yan gained the approval of his teacher, Yun Shan, and also solidified his status as the Xiao Yan Deputy Sect Leader. In this way, the alliance was secured.

That's wonderful!