Arranging the Collection, the Misty Cloud Sect Shaken

Mittel Auction House, penthouse.

The sandalwood carved window was open, letting in sunlight.

Dressed in a bright red brocade robe, Ya Fei bent down to pour tea for Nalan Chenfeng, her movements elegant, revealing her alluring curves that were sure to get the blood pumping.

"Young master, what brings you here?"

Ya Fei gently pushed the teacup she had poured towards Nalan Chenfeng, her voice soft and sweet.

Nalan Chenfeng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and didn't rush to respond. His gaze lingered on Ya Fei for a moment before he took out a Storage Ring, flicked it with his finger, and gently placed it on the table.

"This Storage Ring contains nearly ten million gold coins, as well as some miscellaneous items; its total value should be over twenty million gold coins."

Ya Fei's jade-like hand holding the teapot trembled slightly, and a strange light flashed in her peach blossom eyes.

So many gold coins—that's no small sum—yet the person in front of him casually took them out and handed them to him; this was a sign of trust.

"From now on, collect as many high-level medicinal herbs as possible for me; I'll need them later."

Nalan Chenfeng put down his teacup and got straight to the point.

"Medicinal herbs?"

Ya Fei composed herself, put down the teapot, picked up the Storage Ring on the table, and parted her red lips slightly.

"What medicinal herbs does the young master require? Do you have a specific list?"

Nalan Chenfeng shook his head and looked at Ya Fei: "Not for now. Just keep an eye out for older, higher-grade medicinal herbs and try to collect them."

"As long as the medicinal herbs are stored properly, they will not depreciate in value."

Although he is not Alchemist now and does not have any high-level pill formulas, that does not prevent him from making some preparations in advance.

The best way to learn alchemy, besides inheriting advanced alchemy techniques, is through extensive practice.

The art of alchemy requires repeated practice and refinement to improve.

This requires financial support; without sufficient funds, the medicinal herbs alone are incredibly expensive, and losses are unbearable.

Fortunately, he gained a lot during his year-long training in the Black-Corner Region, so he wasn't too short of gold coins.

In the Black-Corner Region, the strong prey on the weak. Any Da Dou Shi can be richer than Dou Ling in the Jia Ma Empire, resulting in a significant disparity in resources.

Ya Fei nodded slightly, put the Storage Ring away, and smiled faintly.

"Rest assured, young master, Ya Fei will certainly handle this with utmost care."

She manages the Mittel Auction House in Wu Tan City and has the Mittel Family's connections, so collecting medicinal herbs is a piece of cake for her.

With this resource as her foundation, she will soon gain the family's attention.

The Mittel Family is primarily a business-oriented family; anything that brings profit to the family can gain them influence.

"I came without alerting anyone. Regarding our relationship, remember, do not tell anyone without my permission—"

"Also, a year from now, send someone you trust to the Myriad Medicine Hall in Qingshan Town to find a girl Xiao Yi Xian."

The Jia Ma Empire, Misty Cloud Mountain.

The mountains are layered upon each other, shrouded in clouds and mist, with palaces and pavilions appearing and disappearing amidst the sea of clouds. Occasionally, birds fly over the mountain peaks and let out a cry.

On this day, a small white dot suddenly appeared on the horizon outside the Misty Cloud Sect. The white dot flew rapidly towards Misty Cloud Mountain and transformed into a huge, snow-white creature in the blink of an eye.

What is that?

A disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect looked up, gazing at the distant horizon, his voice filled with surprise and uncertainty.

Immediately afterwards, one after another, the Misty Cloud Sect disciples looked up.

A giant ape covered in snow-white fur broke through the clouds, its Dou Qi Wings slowly flapping, creating visible shockwaves that left a long trail in the sky.

"Dou Qi Wings Aura--"

"Fifth tier—that's Fifth-Rank Magical Beast!"

In an instant, exclamations of surprise rang out one after another within the Misty Cloud Sect.

"How could Fifth-Rank Magical Beast appear here? Quickly, notify the elders!"

One of the Misty Cloud Sect deacons, realizing what was happening, changed his expression drastically and shouted decisively.

"Up there--"

Another Misty Cloud Sect deacon stared intently at the shoulders and back of the massive figure.

"Look up there, it seems to be— the Young Sect Master and Ge Ye?"

Upon hearing this, a brief silence fell around them.

The Misty Cloud Sect members all stared intently, and when they saw the figure standing on the broad shoulders of the white giant ape, their panic turned into shock and disbelief.

On the back of the snow-white giant ape stood three people, the one in the middle being a girl in a moon-white dress. The green pendant on the girl's earlobe swayed gently in the wind, subtly revealing her identity.

It was none other than Nalan Yanran, the Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect.

Standing beside Nalan Yanran were Ge Ye, the Misty Cloud Sect steward who had accompanied her to the Xiao Clan, and the Misty Cloud Sect disciple who had come with her.

Thump!

With a ripple of dust, the Snow Demon Sky Ape landed on the plaza in front of the mountain gate, causing the ground to tremble.

"This Fifth-Rank Magical Beast is actually under the command of the Young Sect Master!"

The Misty Cloud Sect disciples guarding the mountain turned pale upon seeing this and involuntarily took a few steps back.

It was during this brief pause that three figures flew down from the Misty Cloud Mountain Summit, each with Dou Qi Wings on their backs. The leader was dressed in a white robe, his face covered with wrinkles, his cheekbones sunken, and his tightly pursed lips exuding a harsh arrogance.

The old man was none other than Misty Cloud Sect, the Grand Elder of the Yun Leng.

Following Yun Leng were two middle-aged men. One had a handsome face and a tall, slender build, while the other had a ruddy complexion and appeared much fatter. They were Yun Lei and Yun Sheng, two Dou Wang elders of the Yunlan Misty Cloud Sect.

"Fifth-Rank Magical Beast, the Snow Demon Sky Ape-- "

Yun Leng looked at the giant ape before him, which was pure white and exuded a fierce aura, and a look of shock flashed in his old eyes.

Fifth-Rank Magical Beasts are comparable to human Dou Wang expert; even their Misty Cloud Sect doesn't have many with such combat power.

He had only ever seen this Snow Demon Sky Ape, a Fifth-Rank Magical Beast, in magical beast books before; this was the first time he had ever seen it in person.

"Greetings, Elders."

Nalan Yanran dismounted from the Snow Ape's back and bowed to Yun Leng and the other two.

Swish! Whoosh!

Just then, the sound of wind breaking came one after another. Many elders and deacons of the Misty Cloud Sect followed closely behind Yun Leng and the other two, rushing over from all directions. They were all shocked, obviously disturbed by the commotion caused by the Snow Demon Sky Ape.

Fifth-Rank Magical Beast comparable to Dou Wang expert is enough to make the elders and deacons of the Misty Cloud Sect treat it with utmost seriousness.

"Yanran, this Fifth-Rank Magical Beast— "

Yun Leng's gaze lingered on the Snow Demon Sky Ape for a long time before turning to Nalan Yanran, his voice filled with disbelief.

Although their Misty Cloud Sect is the number one sect in the Jia Ma Empire, they do not have any Fifth-Rank Magical Beasts.

Killing a Fifth-Rank Magical Beast and subduing a magical beast of that tier are two different things.

"Elder, Yanran met my brother on her trip to the Xiao Clan. This is the Fifth-Rank Magical Beast, the Snow Demon Sky Ape, that he tamed. Before we parted, my brother specially sent the Snow Ape to escort me back."

Nalan Yanran, with an irrepressible smile on her fair face, introduced the origins of the Snow Demon Sky Ape to Yun Leng.

"Your brother?"

Yun Leng's gaze narrowed slightly, and a guess welled up in his heart.

Nalan Yanran's Nalan Chenfeng, left the Jia Ma Empire for the Jia Nan Academy six years ago. It is said he became Da Dou Shi at the age of thirteen. Now, if...

"Elder, my brother is already Dou Wang expert."

Nalan Yanran spoke in a light and proud tone.

These words, however, were like a thunderclap to the ears of the Misty Cloud Sect members present.

"A sixteen-year-old Dou Wang expert-- "

Behind Yun Leng, Yun Sheng exclaimed in surprise, his tone filled with disbelief.

Nalan Chenfeng's age was no secret to them; when he broke through to the Dou Zhe at the age of ten, it caused a stir in the Imperial Capital.

"His talent is terrifying!"

A look of shock appeared on Yun Leng's old face, and he exclaimed in amazement.

At his age, he had never heard of anyone who could reach the Dou Wang realm at such a young age. Such talent was probably only found among the top forces on the Dou Qi Continent.

"Yanran, is this really true?"

Yun Leng took a deep breath, but still couldn't help asking for confirmation.

"If the Grand Elder does not believe it, he can ask Ge Ye himself."

Nalan Yanran to the side and glanced at Ge Ye behind her.

Ge Ye quickly stepped forward, a look of admiration on his face.

"Elder, what the Young Sect Master said is true."

"The Young Sect Master leader is only sixteen years old, yet he is already Dou Wang expert."

Even after receiving confirmation, Yun Leng was still deeply shocked, and a rare smile appeared on his usually harsh and arrogant old face.

Even Dou Wang expert would find it difficult to subdue a Fifth-Rank Magical Beast, but regardless, this is a good thing for their Misty Cloud Sect.

The sect leader has already appointed Yanran as the next sect leader, and Nalan Chenfeng is her elder brother, so they cannot be enemies with their Misty Cloud Sect.

For a moment, the surrounding world fell silent, everyone was shocked by this explosive news.

A sixteen-year-old Dou Wang —the word "terrifying" is no longer sufficient to describe it.

"Nalan Chenfeng's return will surely shake the entire Jia Ma Empire; the Imperial Family will likely have to take precautions."

Yun Leng remained silent, his eyes flickering. After a moment's thought, he spoke again.

"Yanran, now that you are the Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect, you should invite your brother to visit the Misty Cloud Sect so that we can show you the hospitality of a good host."

Upon hearing this, Nalan Yanran shook her head. "Elder, my brother has some other matters to attend to and will not be returning to the Imperial Capital for the time being."

"However, he said that he would definitely come to the Misty Cloud Sect to see Yanran when he has time."

"Good."

Yun Leng nodded, without saying anything more.

Throughout the entire process, Yun Leng never inquired about Nalan Yanran's annulment of the engagement; in his mind, there was no mistake whatsoever.

The Xiao Clan is no match for the Misty Cloud Sect; being obedient and pragmatic is their only option.

"Elders, I'm going to pay my respects to my teacher. I'll return the Snow Demon Sky Ape to the Nalan Family later."

Nalan Yanran bowed slightly to Yun Leng and the others, then turned and waved to the Snow Demon Sky Ape: "Snow Ape, wait here. After I've met with my teacher, I'll take you back to the Nalan Family."

"Yes, miss."

The Snow Demon Sky Ape lowered its massive head and responded in a muffled voice, like rolling thunder.

On the way back from Wu Tan City, Nalan Yanran had become somewhat familiar with the Snow Demon Sky Ape.

Communicating with the Snow Demon Sky Ape, which is intelligent enough to speak, is not difficult.

"Fifth-Rank Magical Beast, speaking human language!"

Seeing that the Snow Demon Sky Ape could speak human language, Yun Leng was taken aback again, and the other elders of the Misty Cloud Sect were also stunned.

Normally, only Sixth-Rank Magical Beasts can refine their transverse bones and speak human language, but this Snow Demon Sky Ape is only fifth-tier.

Nalan Yanran offered no explanation, but smiled faintly and walked briskly up the stone steps.

Upon seeing this, Yun Leng and the other elders of the Misty Cloud Sect bowed and saw them off, their eyes filled with awe.

Background is also a form of strength. In the past, the Nalan Family was not worth much attention from the Misty Cloud Sect, but now everything is different.

It's unimaginable how high a sixteen-year-old Dou Wang can reach in the future.

On a secluded cliff in the back mountain of the Misty Cloud Sect.

The clouds and mist surged, and the mountain breeze gently swept by, rustling the branches and leaves of the green pines on both sides of the cliff.

On the edge of the cliff stands a blue stone zither stand, and a woman in a blue dress sits in front of it, her slender, fair fingers gently plucking the strings.

The clear, bright sound of the zither flowed like a mountain spring, or like the melodious chirping of birds in the forest, blending seamlessly with the clouds and mist atop the mountain.

The woman had delicate features, and her eyes, like autumn water, resembled deep, cold pools, exuding a dignified air.

It was Misty Cloud Sect Master the Yun Yun.

"Teacher."

Nalan Yanran walked up the cliff, stopped in front of the zither platform, and bowed.

The music stopped abruptly.

"Judging by how happy you are, the engagement must be called off."

Yun Yun looked up, her gaze lingering on Nalan Yanran's face for a moment, her red lips curving into a slight smile.

"It didn't go smoothly at first, but then Brother Yanran arrived at the Xiao Clan just in time, and that's how the matter was resolved."

"However, due to certain matters, I made an agreement with Xiao Yan."

Nalan Yanran walked to Yun Yun's side and sat down naturally, her tone carrying a hint of coquetry.

"Your brother—the agreement?"

Yun Yun paused slightly, then gently pressed her slender fingers on the strings, producing a clear, lingering sound.

"Yes, teacher, my brother is back, and he's already Dou Wang expert!"

He did this so as not to upset my grandfather--

--

"Three years later, Xiao Yan and I agreed to a battle at Misty Cloud Mountain."

Nalan Yanran briefly recounted what had happened, including Xiao Yan's public declaration that he wanted to kill her, how Nalan Chenfeng handled the situation upon his arrival, and the details of the Three-Year Agreement.

"The sixteen-year-old Dou Wang-- "

After listening, Yun Yun's clear eyes were slightly dazed, and her serene, jade-like face was filled with shock.

She knew very well how difficult it was to improve one's strength after reaching the Dou Wang rank, and even in a place like the Central Plains Dou Qi Continent, someone who could become Dou Wang at the age of sixteen was an extremely rare existence.

"Teacher, isn't my brother amazing?!"

Nalan Yanran smiled slightly, her fair face radiating pride.

She could sense the change in the elders' attitude towards her after she mentioned her brother's situation.

With such a powerful older brother, her position Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect will be completely secure, and will no longer be just an empty title.

"Yes, your brother's talent and potential are unmatched in our Jia Ma Empire."

"And his methods are not simple either. By publicly reprimanding and scolding you, he saved face for the Xiao Clan and protected the reputation of the Nalan Family, but he lost face for the Misty Cloud Sect, shifting all the blame onto the teacher."