"With our current strength, going up against the Hall of Souls would be suicide. It isn't realistic. For now, we can only use this excuse to play along with them."
An Yi looked at Yun Yun and said earnestly, "Old Yun Shan may have become a Dou Zong, but he can't hold the fort alone. If you break through to Dou Zong soon, the Misty Cloud Sect will have two Dou Zong to rely on!"
"When that happens, even when the Hall of Souls' envoy arrives, the Misty Cloud Sect won't be left with no say at all, forced to do whatever they demand."
An Yi's reasoning was clear, and every word was meant to help her and the Misty Cloud Sect. Yun Yun's expression grew deeply conflicted.
Her grip tightened around the little Cold Jade bottle, and tears welled in her eyes. "But... you nearly died getting this. How can I possibly..."
"That's exactly why you have to take it!"
An Yi cut her off. "Hurry up and get stronger, my dear sect leader. Once you become a Dou Zong, you can protect me instead."
"I got lucky this time and made it back alive. If I run into another monster like that, I might not be so lucky again."
His voice softened. "So... take it, all right?"
Hearing his almost pleading tone and seeing the gentle smile on his pale face, Yun Yun's last defenses crumbled.
She clutched the Cold Jade bottle, bit her lower lip, and stopped trying to refuse. She simply nodded with solemn resolve.
Seeing her finally accept it, An Yi broke into a radiant smile.
He slipped an arm around her slender waist and gently drew her into his embrace.
Yun Yun let out a soft gasp. Before she could react, his face filled