Sect Master Play (Seeking Follow-up Reads!)

Seeing this, Yun Shan's heart skipped a beat, contracting violently as he instantly went on high alert.

He unleashed his Dou Qi, bracing himself as if facing a formidable enemy.

When he finally caught sight of the intruder, his expression grew even more grave.

It was a face shrouded in darkness, with features impossible to discern.

He could only feel the chilling, evil aura radiating from the figure, pressing down upon him like a physical weight.

The immense pressure made it difficult for Yun Shan to breathe, as if an invisible pair of giant hands were tightly gripping his throat.

"Who are you? How dare you trespass into the forbidden grounds of my Misty Cloud Sect!"

Yun Shan forced himself to remain calm and shouted in anger.

His voice echoed through the silent space, yet it lacked conviction.

The black shadow let out a sinister, cold laugh, a sound that seemed to rise from the depths of the Nine Netherworlds.

"Hehehe, Yun Shan... the former Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect. I am a Protector of the Soul Hall."

Upon hearing this, Yun Shan's heart jolted.

He had long heard of the Soul Hall's fearsome reputation; it was a mysterious and terrifying organization, rumored to have influence spanning the entire continent.

A Protector of the Soul Hall... why would he come looking for me?

Seeing Yun Shan lost in thought, Wu Protector narrowed his eyes, revealing a satisfied smile.

"It seems you have heard of our Soul Hall's name, which makes things much easier."

He spoke bluntly, "Yun Shan, I know you yearn to break through to the Dou Zong realm. As long as you serve the Soul Hall, I will help you achieve your wish."

"..."

Yun Shan was deeply conflicted, his mind feeling as though two voices were arguing fiercely within him.

Serving the Soul Hall was undoubtedly like asking a tiger for its skin; once entangled, the Misty Cloud Sect could be plunged into an irredeemable abyss.

But the temptation of reaching the Dou Zong realm was simply too great—it was the realm he dreamed of, the vital opportunity he needed to escape his impending death from old age!

"My Misty Cloud Sect has always been independent; how could I easily serve another?" Yun Shan tried to maintain his final shred of dignity, straightening his back with a hint of stubbornness in his voice.

Wu Protector let out a cold snort, his voice filled with frost. "Hmph, Yun Shan, do not be ungrateful. This is your only chance. Otherwise, given your aptitude, you will never reach the Dou Zong realm in this lifetime. You will only die painfully in decay, watching the Misty Cloud Sect decline."

A flash of impatience crossed his eyes; if this guy kept playing games with him, he would just devour his soul!

Anyway... the current Misty Cloud Sect still had a Sect Master, and a beautiful woman at that...

A flicker of perverted excitement crossed Wu Protector's eyes as he watched Yun Shan silently.

He seemed to be waiting for a refusal so he could just kill him on the spot.

Yun Shan gritted his teeth, his gaze flickering as he struggled internally.

Yet, just as Wu Protector grew impatient enough to strike, Yun Shan's arrogant head slowly lowered.

"Fine. As long as you allow me to advance to the Dou Zong realm, I am willing to serve the Soul Hall."

Wu Protector narrowed his eyes again, this time in annoyance.

He had been ready to strike just a moment ago.

"Hmph, those who submit to circumstances are wise. Yun Shan, you will not regret today's choice."

Regardless, this guy was his first subordinate since arriving in the Gama Empire, so he nodded in acknowledgment.

He then began to contemplate his deployment within the Gama Empire.

First, the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade was the key to opening the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Mansion. The Soul Hall had long been dedicated to finding the jade to unlock the mansion, obtain its treasures, and uncover the secret to ascending to Dou Di, so they were exceptionally attentive to its whereabouts.

In ancient times, the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade was split into eight pieces, each guarded by one of the Eight Ancient Clans. The Soul Hall was aware of this and had been secretly investigating each clan.

Secondly, the Soul Clan had planted many moles within the various families, and through them, they might have obtained clues regarding the Xiao Tribe's possession of the jade.

Furthermore, based on a chance discovery some time ago, someone from the Ancient Clan had actually come to this tiny Gama Empire.

Connecting this to the relationship between the Xiao Tribe and the Ancient Clan in the past, it was hard for Wu Protector not to let his imagination run wild.

Therefore, his primary objective here was to find that legendary Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade.

Controlling the Misty Cloud Sect was the first step, and he would operate from the shadows.

At this moment, Xiao Fan and Yun Yun were in the midst of an intimate, half-reluctant, half-willing encounter when Xiao Fan suddenly sensed something unusual.

His Heaven Realm Soul swept across the entire Misty Cloud Sect like mercury pouring over the ground, and he saw into a secret chamber within the sect.

An extremely evil, nauseating soul was hiding within.

And the moment Xiao Fan discovered him, Wu Protector keenly sensed Xiao Fan's prying gaze.

He roared, "Who is it? Who dares to be so bold as to spy on this Seat?"

The voice boomed like thunder, causing the secret chamber to tremble slightly.

He then turned back to glare, fiercely cursing Yun Shan, "I never expected your tiny Misty Cloud Sect to harbor a hidden expert! This truly surprises me!"

Yun Shan looked bewildered, stammering, "A hidden expert? Protector, I... how could I have no knowledge of this?"

However, he reacted with lightning speed; as his thoughts raced, he realized this was the perfect opportunity to curry favor with this mysterious powerhouse.

He quickly added obsequiously, "Protector, I am intimately familiar with every blade of grass and tree in the Misty Cloud Sect. If there truly is a hidden expert, I will certainly be able to lead you to them."

Wu Protector let out a cold snort, his tone icy as he said, "Lead the way..."

Xiao Fan did not deliberately hide his soul fluctuations as he brought Yun Yun from her boudoir to the Sect Master Hall.

Before long, Yun Shan and Wu Protector arrived as well.

"What is this..."

Yun Shan raised his eyes to see the handsome youth, Xiao Fan, who looked to be barely twenty.

Beside him stood his own disciple, Yun Yun, her face flushed and her expression flustered.

His face darkened like gathering storm clouds, and he roared, "Yun Yun, who is he!? What are you two doing!"

Yun Shan subconsciously assumed his disciple was abusing her authority to bully a lower-ranking sect member.

Under normal circumstances, he might have let it slide, but the Soul Hall lord was present.

He feared inciting the man's displeasure.

Yun Yun looked flustered, waving her hands repeatedly as she explained urgently, "It is not what you think!"

But just then, Wu Protector spoke up: "Was it you who was spying on me just now?"

He looked at the calm-faced Xiao Fan, his expression turning cautious.

Then, catching sight of the graceful Yun Yun standing nearby, a gleam of excitement flashed in the depths of his eyes.

This female sect master is not bad...

Seeing that the main target had arrived, Xiao Fan no longer concealed his aura, fully revealing his formidable strength as a three-star Dou Zong.

He stood tall and straight, the corners of his mouth curling into a confident smile.

"That's right, it was me!"

His voice was firm and powerful, ringing out like a great bell.

Seeing this, Yun Shan was utterly shocked.

He stammered, "This... this fellow who looks like he hasn't even reached adulthood is already a Dou Zong! This... how is this possible!"