1982 Sprite

Along the way, Yun Shenwei had lived fairly comfortably. His makeshift tent was divided into several sections, so he and Nalan Yanran took the smallest section at the side, while the two middle sections were given to Second Elder Yun Li and Steward Ge Ye.

"Shenwei Senior Brother, why are you so amazing?"

Nalan Yanran blinked her big eyes in confusion as she ate chocolate.

"Ah, actually, your senior brother is an all-around little genius, one seen only once in eight hundred years! If you marry me in the future, you'll definitely live a good life. I'll provide food, lodging, and clothes. I can supply all the cultivation techniques and skills you need, and I can even refine pills. No matter what, you definitely won't lose out if you follow me."

Yun Shenwei did not know how to explain it, so he took the opportunity to boast about himself first. Besides, everything he said was true, so it was no big deal.

"Mm... I don't really understand, but Yanran thinks it sounds amazing."

Nalan Yanran wore an expression of half-understanding, then went back to eating Senbei and hamburgers.

"This is really difficult. I never thought the little princess of the legendary, awe-inspiring Nalan Family would turn out like this with me."

Yun Shenwei could not help but get a headache. All this food had been exchanged from the shop. Nalan Yanran had been eating the entire journey, and she demanded a different flavor every day, leaving Yun Shenwei exhausted.

That evening, the two finally had some time alone together, and they could say things they normally had no chance to say.

The only bad thing was that the tent's soundproofing was poor. Whenever they whispered, they would always hear coughing from next door.

"Shenwei Senior Brother, why have Second Elder Yun Li and the others been coughing the whole time?"

Hearing the coughing, Nalan Yanran could not help asking.

"Isn't it obvious? Their throats must be bothering them. Tomorrow morning, I need to give them more medicine to treat their throats. Otherwise, they'll cough all night long. How is anyone supposed to sleep?"

Yun Shenwei had one thought in his heart, but he could not say it aloud.

Weren't Second Elder Yun Li and the others coughing because you, little miss, were speaking far too ambiguously...

Heavens, they even heard things children shouldn't hear...

Yun Shenwei sighed helplessly, wondering whether he should get some kind of soundproofing device. But Nalan Yanran had fallen asleep at some point, so he could only hold her and continue sleeping...

The next few days were fairly peaceful, and they did not encounter too many dangers along the way. They stopped midway atop a mountain. After all, although this magical beast used for transportation had great stamina, such prolonged high-intensity flight still took its toll. It had to rest eventually.

During the break, Yun Shenwei prepared some food as well.

"Good fellow, eat more. Once you're rested, hurry up and fly us onward!"

Yun Shenwei gently stroked the Mystic Wind Spirit Bird's head.

At that moment, he felt that time was leisurely. In his heart, he hoped to settle the matter of breaking off the engagement sooner.

During this journey, he had been quite helpless and kept thinking about what attitude and method he should use when going to the Xiao Family.

Perhaps if he arrived at the Xiao Family sooner, he would be able to face it calmly and would not keep overthinking things on the road.

The night was hazy, and stars glittered overhead.

Yun Shenwei and Nalan Yanran sat outside the tent, gazing at the sky full of stars. Behind them, Second Elder Yun Li and Steward Ge Ye said nothing. Both were old men, so naturally they understood that this was time for the two young people to be alone. They exchanged a glance and walked some distance away to stand guard.

They were resting temporarily in this mountain range, and it was still unclear whether there were other dangerous magical beasts nearby. Someone had to keep watch and defend the area.

Nalan Yanran chatted and laughed, but eventually became too sleepy and fell asleep leaning against Yun Shenwei's shoulder.

I really hope days like this can last a little longer.

Yun Shenwei looked at the beauty beside him, but he was under considerable pressure in his heart. He understood that his future held many challenges, and he could not remain in a place like the Misty Cloud Sect forever.

The Dou Qi Continent was vast. As a man, he needed to go out and make his way in the world. If he wanted to become a Dou Emperor who stood tall between heaven and earth, he would face countless dangers, even more enemies, and certainly no shortage of foes seeking revenge.

"Keep working hard, young man. You still have a long road ahead. When this old man was your age, I did not even have half your ability. You truly are remarkable, and you even have a mysterious master. Your future is destined for a broader ocean, not some tiny pond."

Second Elder Yun Li had approached at some point. Taking the chance, he relaxed for once and no longer carried his usual stern dignity.

Yun Shenwei turned to look at the old man in the distance. He saw that a foxtail grass stem was still hanging from his mouth.

If they were in the Misty Cloud Sect, Yun Shenwei believed Second Elder Yun Li would never look like this, nor would the other disciples ever see him this way.

Only when people were at their most relaxed would they reveal their truest selves.

Everyone was usually busy cultivating. Only while traveling could they take a break and be their most genuine selves.

Steward Ge Ye was standing guard in the distance. He took a few sips of Sprite while wiping the longsword in his hand.

For people like them, who had lived in the Misty Cloud Sect for many years, there had always been few opportunities to leave the mountain unless they had a mission.

Yun Shenwei could not help thinking of the original story's account. From Xiao Yan's perspective, these two were villains, but in the eyes of the Misty Cloud Sect's disciples, they were not bad people. Instead, they were respected elders.

"Second Elder, have some. 1982 Sprite."

Yun Shenwei exchanged for some more drinks, then walked over with a smile and handed one to Second Elder Yun Li.

"Hehe, you brat really know how to handle things. Not bad! You have promise."

Second Elder Yun Li accepted a bottle of Sprite, casually twisted open the cap, and gulped it down. Over the past few days, he had often drunk these strange beverages. At first, he found them difficult to get used to, but later on, he came to feel that they were truly quite good.

"People like us have worked hard for most of our lives, yet our cultivation realms have only reached this level. Our only hope is that juniors like you will make progress and lead our Misty Cloud Sect toward a better future."

Second Elder Yun Li drank as he spoke, filled with emotion.

At that moment, he thought of many things.

When he had first come up the mountain, he had merely been an ordinary young man. Yet the elders of his generation had once said the same things to them.

Now, Second Elder Yun Li had become an old man, and he was passing on the words others had once spoken to him to the next generation.

Yun Shenwei nodded obediently. Tonight, he could not only rest peacefully for a while, but also think things over.