"I am willing." Yun Lan answered directly, her expression serious, without a second's hesitation.
"Good." Chen Fan admired this charming, mature woman. "But aren't you going to ask about it, Sect Master of the Falling Cloud Sect?"
Yun Lan smiled. "I venture to guess that the Primordial Gods and Devils Pavilion is a secret force established by you, Great Emperor. Since you have extended an olive branch, I have no reason to refuse."
"You are very clever." Chen Fan hummed in acknowledgment, putting on the air of an old veteran.
"In that case, you are now the Third Gods and Devils Pavilion Master of my Primordial Gods and Devils Pavilion. Fang Yuehua and Mo Qingyin will explain the relevant matters and rules to you later."
With proper nurturing, these three might yet touch the Great Emperor Realm in the future.
Those old Saint Realm experts were another matter. Their decrepit appearance meant their bodies' potential had reached its limit. Unless they broke through again, they would remain elderly until their lifespans ran out and they perished.
These three, however, all looked very young. Scaled to a lifespan ending at a hundred, they appeared thirty or forty, which meant they still had plenty of time.
Yet their cultivation was comparable to those veteran Saint Realm experts, showing that they still had potential. Likewise, if they failed to break through in their lifetimes, they were destined to grow old as well.
Of course, experts who used disguise arts to look young, like the Tianshan Child Elder, also existed, but most experts disdained concealing themselves that way.
"Thank you, Great Emperor." Yun Lan dipped her head. Sure enough, neither Sage King Yuehua nor the Lord of Illusory Sound had managed to leave...
Looking closely at the Great Emperor's arrangements, the Heavenly Abyss Domain and Heavenly Sound Domain were very close. The Falling Cloud Sect and Illusory Sound Pavilion, two pinnacle saint-level forces, formed mutually supporting horns. Add the Divine Dao Holy Land in Burning Province, not far from White Emperor Province, and with forces joining within and without, the Great Emperor's sword was pointed at the Desolate Ancient Domain's ancient clans!
Chen Fan hummed and looked at Yun Lan, the master. She really was more appealing than that green little girl Su Chanyue, with her orchid heart and refined spirit.
But he did not dwell on it.
"By the way, the Chen Lineage's resources can be used to nurture you. If you need them, simply visit my Chen Lineage."
Yun Lan immediately smiled. "Many thanks, Great Emperor!"
She truly coveted those resources. And she could even become a pavilion master of the Gods and Devils Pavilion...
Forget it. My disciple couldn't grasp this opportunity. Let her master do it.
Just then, an elder entered.
"Please forgive me for disturbing you, Great Emperor."
"Great Emperor, Sect Master, Zhang Yuanba, head of the Zhang Lineage, requests an audience..."
Hearing this, Yun Lan looked at Chen Fan. "Please decide, Great Emperor!"
She handed the authority straight to Chen Fan.
Although there were matters they could still handle and manage themselves even after the Falling Cloud Sect became subordinate to the Chen Lineage.
But the Zhang Lineage that could come here could only be that Zhang Lineage, the greatest lineage in the Heavenly Abyss Domain!
Given the current situation, having Chen Fan intimidate them would certainly be a good thing.
Chen Fan hummed. "What convenient timing. Sect Master of the Falling Cloud Sect, decide for yourself."
He thought nothing of even the Heavenly Abyss Domain, and taking the Heavenly Abyss Domain meant dealing with the Zhang Lineage.
A mere Zhang Lineage was not worth his intervention. Otherwise, what was the point of taking over the Falling Cloud Sect...?
Yun Lan understood. Chen Fan probably had never intended to intimidate the Zhang Lineage, because intimidation made it seem like a negotiation. In other words, there had been no room for negotiation from the very beginning...
"Yun Lan will certainly satisfy you, Great Emperor!"
Her chance to prove herself had arrived.
Then she instructed, "Third Elder, sorry for the trouble, but please bring Zhang Yuanba here."
"Yes, Sect Master." The Third Elder withdrew from the hall.
Normally, elders like them would not be so obedient to the sect master.
But things were different now. The sect master was responsible for managing the sect's public affairs, which had brought Yun Lan somewhat closer to Chen Fan.
There was nothing they could do.
At that moment.
Outside the hall.
Zhang Yuanba had come with an elder of his lineage and was waiting for the Falling Cloud Sect Master to appear.
After all, powerful as the Zhang Lineage was, they dared not act rashly before a top-tier force like the Falling Cloud Sect.
Yet they noticed that something seemed off about the atmosphere throughout the Falling Cloud Sect today.
The disciples glanced at them from time to time without speaking, and even seemed cautious. What was that supposed to mean?
They had no idea what had happened.
"Lineage Head, the atmosphere is wrong. Something may have happened in the Falling Cloud Sect," the elder beside him keenly observed.
Zhang Yuanba looked somewhat grave. "That is the Falling Cloud Sect's business. Whatever happens, we will quietly observe. As long as it does not affect our Zhang Lineage, there is no need to concern ourselves."
Still, he had only recently learned that the Falling Cloud Sect's Holy Maiden had gone to break off her engagement. That was good news. If possible, he could discuss a marriage for his Kun'er, reaching up to forge a connection with the Falling Cloud Sect.
Unfortunately, the chances were slim.
Soon, the Third Elder emerged and swept a disdainful glance over the two.
"Gentlemen, our sect master awaits you inside the hall." What a coincidence. If not for Chen Fan, these people would not have qualified for a Saint Realm elder like him to come out and invite them.
Forget it. I'll pity these two for a second.
Zhang Yuanba's sense of foreboding grew stronger. An old expert like this had personally come to receive them? Was that normal?
Still, he said, "Thank you for showing us the way, Third Elder."
Yet the next moment, the Third Elder vanished.
Zhang Yuanba and his companion were baffled, but soon stepped into the sect master's hall.
As soon as he entered, he saw Yun Lan and Chen Fan, and his brows furrowed. Was the Falling Cloud Sect Master lecturing a junior? He did not think much of it.
"Sect Master of the Falling Cloud Sect, it has been a long time. I prepared a few gifts for this visit. Please accept them." Zhang Yuanba smiled.
Yun Lan clasped her delicate hands at her waist, her red lips parting slightly. "Lineage Head Zhang, there is no need for gifts. If you have business, feel free to state it directly."
Zhang Yuanba's expression soured somewhat. Refusing gifts made things difficult.
Still, he steeled himself and said, "Sect Master of the Falling Cloud Sect, I have a son named Zhang Kun. Recently, I have been hoping to send him to cultivate in your esteemed sect. What do you think...?" His meaning was obvious.
It would not be hard for his son to enter the Falling Cloud Sect. Even if he took the assessment at the regular disciple recruitment ceremony, he would certainly pass. He merely wanted him to receive some special attention.
As for Chen Fan, a junior, he paid him no mind. Those who knew these rules knew them. What did it matter if he knew?
Yun Lan had expected this. "Lineage Head Zhang, your son possesses outstanding talent. Gold will shine wherever it goes. Our Falling Cloud Sect will not accept him."
Decisive, tactful, yet cutting.
What? They wouldn't accept him? Zhang Yuanba thought he had misheard.
"Sect Master of the Falling Cloud Sect, what do you mean by this?"
He had no idea how their Zhang Lineage had offended the Falling Cloud Sect. His son could enter through the normal process, yet trying an unconventional route had earned an outright rejection!
"Not only that, but from this day forward, no descendant of the Zhang Lineage may enter our Falling Cloud Sect," Yun Lan said flatly.
Zhang Yuanba's expression immediately turned extremely ugly.
"Sect Master of the Falling Cloud Sect, what is the meaning of this!"
He had come to speak with goodwill, only for everything to fall through.
And although the Falling Cloud Sect was a powerful colossus, their Zhang Lineage did not need to fear it overly. The greatest difference between a sect and a lineage was wealth.
Money could make even ghosts turn the millstone. How could a sect uninvolved in worldly affairs compare in wealth to their Zhang Lineage, which operated businesses throughout White Emperor Province?
By hiring experts, they would have nothing to fear either. Otherwise, they would disgrace their name as the greatest lineage in the Heavenly Abyss Domain!
Faced with his questioning, Yun Lan's temper immediately flared.
"Get out!"