"Just... consider it?"
Upon hearing this, Yun Yun's face also showed a look of astonishment.
Even after all this, it was still just "consider it"?
Nalan Yanran watched from the side, anxious but unsure what to do.
Facing Xiao Yan, she always felt an inexplicable sense of guilt and remorse. If not for her recklessness back then, Xiao Yan wouldn't have been targeted by the Cloud Mist Sect, the Xiao Family wouldn't have suffered heavy casualties, Uncle Xiao wouldn't have been imprisoned for over a decade, and Xiao Yan's mentor, Medicine Venerable, wouldn't have fallen into the hands of the Hall of Souls.
Because of her, she had truly inflicted too much suffering on Xiao Yan.
Yet, Xiao Yan had never humiliated her. Not only had he saved her grandfather, but he had also helped her enter the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool.
He really was an outstanding and kind person.
How could she not like someone like that?
Xiao Yan had no idea what was going through Nalan Yanran's mind.
What he was thinking about was what benefits there would be in becoming Yun Yun's disciple.
First, there were cultivation resources.
The resources in the hands of a Dou Emperor powerhouse were incomparable to those of a small family like the Xiao Family.
Second, as a Dou Emperor powerhouse, Yun Yun guiding his cultivation wouldn't be a problem. Perhaps she couldn't compare to Yao Lao, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, there were still less than two years until Yao Lao's awakening.
During these two years, he would have to find a way to gather medicinal herbs to restore Soul Power. The Nalan Family's Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva seemed promising. Judging by Nalan Yanran's unusual behavior, Xiao Yan keenly sensed that she had either been reborn with her memories or had been taken over by someone else.
In any case, she definitely knew the script. It seemed her attitude toward him was quite favorable. Should he try approaching her?
However, becoming Yun Yun's disciple also carried risks. If word of his reputation spread and reached the Hall of Souls, it would undoubtedly spell disaster for the Xiao Family.
"Patriarch Xiao, would you allow me to speak with Xiao Yan alone?"
Yun Yun stood up and said gently.
"Sect Master Yun, please go ahead."
Xiao Zhan quickly nodded and was about to usher everyone out of the reception hall.
"No need for the trouble."
Yun Yun raised her hand, signaling everyone to stay, and then led Xiao Yan out of the room.
Xun Er watched their departing figures with slight concern, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her chair.
A shadow slowly drifted out from the corner and followed them.
Seeing Xiao Yan leave with her teacher, Nalan Yanran's mind finally became more active. Looking at the still spirited Xiao Zhan before her, she smiled warmly and began chatting with him about everyday matters.
After all, she was the Young Sect Master of the Cloud Mist Sect and, after Yun Yun's retirement, the Sect Master of the Flower Sect. With Xiao Yan not present, she could think clearly and handle Xiao Zhan with ease.
The previously distant relationship gradually began to warm.
The more Xun Er watched, the tighter her frown became.
Although they had never met before, she had investigated everything about Xiao Yan and had specifically sent Ling Ying to the Nalan Family to see who exactly was engaged to her Xiao Yan brother.
The answer she received was that Nalan Yanran had always been deeply dissatisfied with this engagement. As a child, she had frequently clashed with her elders at home over this matter, often turning red-faced with anger.
Now she suddenly visits and is so nice to Brother Xiao Yan. There must be something unusual behind this. This Nalan Yanran is suspicious!
On the other hand, Xiao Yan, who was following Yun Yun through the family corridors, remained silent.
He was considering: if Nalan Yanran is suspicious, what about Yun Yun?
Could she also be a transmigrator or a reborn person?
But Yun Yun seemed completely unaware of Xiao Yan's unusual thoughts. With a wave of her hand, powerful Dou Qi formed a soundproof barrier, enveloping the two of them.
"Can you tell me why you don't want to go to the Cloud Mist Sect?"
Yun Yun's voice was gentle, like that of a caring older sister, making one feel an inexplicable urge to confide in her.
"I'm sorry, Sect Master Yun. I have reasons I cannot disclose, but when the time comes, I will tell you all my concerns in detail."
Xiao Yan shook his head, speaking with a serious expression.
Looking at his solemn little face, Yun Yun felt somewhat helpless.
She could tell that this little fellow was truly determined not to go to the Cloud Mist Sect.
But with such exceptional talent, she really couldn't bear to let him go.
"However, if you don't come with me to the Cloud Mist Sect, even if I take you as my disciple, I won't be able to teach you properly due to my limited time and energy."
Yun Yun was conflicted.
After a moment, she tentatively suggested:
"How about this: I'll stay here with Yanran for a while and teach both of you together. Once you're capable of cultivating independently, I'll take her back to the sect to continue her training. Before I leave, I'll leave you with sufficient cultivation resources and my personal insights."
"That would be excellent. Xiao Yan pays his respects to his teacher."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan bowed respectfully.
Seeing this, Yun Yun finally breathed a sigh of relief. Such an outstanding disciple—not just in the Jia Ma Empire, but perhaps across the entire Northwest Continent—was unlikely to be found. To have encountered him like this was truly a stroke of luck!
"Judging by your aura, you've just advanced to the Dou Fighter level, right? You probably haven't had the chance to test your Dou Qi attribute yet? Come, let me test it for you."
As Xiao Yan stood up, Yun Yun took his wrist and retrieved a crystal ball from her Storage Ring, placing it in his hand.
Feeling the gentle warmth on his wrist, Xiao Yan was momentarily dazed.
From a distance, it hadn't been as noticeable, but up close, the mature, intellectual aura of a woman, accompanied by a faint, pleasant fragrance, washed over him. Even though Xiao Yan was young and lacked strong physiological impulses, his heart couldn't help but ripple slightly.
"Such an intense Fire Attribute reaction!"
Seeing the crystal ball suddenly turn a dazzling, fiery red, Yun Yun exclaimed in surprise.
"However, the Cloud Mist Sect primarily focuses on Wind Attribute cultivation techniques and Dou Skills. Fire Attribute techniques are indeed quite rare here."
Yun Yun pondered for a moment before retrieving three scrolls from her Storage Ring.
"These are Xuan Rank Intermediate Fire Attribute cultivation techniques and Dou Skills. You can keep... Oh, you don't have a Storage Ring, do you? I have one here. You can use it for now."
As she spoke, Yun Yun removed a pale cyan Storage Ring from her slender, fair finger and, along with the three scrolls, placed them in Xiao Yan's hand.
"Thank you, Teacher."
Xiao Yan took the Storage Ring, which still carried a faint warmth and a subtle fragrance. After binding it to himself, he wore it on his index finger and promptly stored the scrolls inside.
"Since everything is settled, let's head back now. We shouldn't keep them waiting too long."
Yun Yun smiled and nodded, taking Xiao Yan's small hand in hers as she led him back toward the reception hall.
So soft.
Xiao Yan felt a slight stir in his heart as his hand was held.
A woman's hand truly felt different from a man's.
When Yun Yun led him into the reception hall, he sensed a sharp gaze falling upon him.
Looking over, he found Xun Er's eyes slightly narrowed, fixed on the small hand Yun Yun was holding.
Hiss!
How old is she already, and she's getting jealous?
"Clan Leader Xiao, Xiao Yan has agreed to become my disciple. I plan to stay in Wu Tan City for a while to teach him cultivation. Could you prepare a quiet residence for me?" Yun Yun asked with a gentle smile.
"Of course! I'll prepare it myself!"
Hearing this, Xiao Zhan immediately beamed with joy. He waved his hand, signaling the three elders to dismiss the gathering on his behalf, and then cheerfully led Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran toward the most secluded courtyard within the Xiao Clan's estate.