Chapter Forty-Three: The Return of Yun Yun

“Young master, shall we return to Mo City now?”

“Hm, let’s go back once more.”

At dawn, Chen Xiao returned to Mo City with Qing Lin, only to find that the inn where they had stayed had already opened its doors early. Against the backdrop of the buildings on both sides with their main gates firmly shut, the open inn stood out conspicuously.

Chen Xiao recalled in his mind that he currently had no enemies in the Gamma Empire. Qing Lin had just activated the Azure Serpent Triple-Flower Eyes, and the news hadn’t leaked out. It was unlikely that any ill-intentioned person would show up so soon, so he stepped into the inn.

A quick glance revealed the male innkeeper dozing behind the counter.

By a small table in the hall sat a black-robed figure whose stature was very familiar, quietly waiting.

With his guard subtly lowered, Chen Xiao patted the girl on the back.

“Qing Lin, you go upstairs and rest first.”

The little girl glanced curiously at the black-robed person, then obediently nodded and went upstairs.

Chen Xiao then walked forward slowly and pulled out a chair beside the black-robed figure’s table to sit down.

“I had some business in the desert last night; I kept Sect Leader Yun waiting.”

“I thought your first words upon seeing me would be to ask what you want.”

Yun Yun’s delicate hand gently grasped the black robe, revealing a faint smile on her beautiful face.

Chen Xiao smiled politely but said nothing.

In the past few days spent with various powerful figures, he had noticed that this Yun Sect Leader paid particular attention to him.

Her gaze carried no romantic sentiment—simply a pure appreciation, much like the one Hai Bodong had shown him.

At that time, Chen Xiao understood clearly that joining Yun Lan Sect would be just a matter of a word.

However, Yun Yun had left and returned, deliberately waiting several days until Hai Bodong and Teng Shan had departed before appearing, which caught Chen Xiao somewhat off guard.

“I’m not good with words nor fond of beating around the bush. This time I came back just to ask if you’re willing to cultivate within my Yun Lan Sect. As the sect leader, I can guarantee you access to the very best resources across the entire Gamma Empire.”

Without hesitation or evasion, Yun Yun spoke frankly.

In her position, she must seize opportunities.

As leader of Yun Lan Sect, encountering a promising talent meant it was her duty to strive for them.

Though she knew well that Chen Xiao had refused even Hai Bodong, his closest match, and was likely uninterested in Yun Lan Sect.

As Yun Yun expected, Chen Xiao shook his head decisively.

“Thank you, Sect Leader Yun, for your consideration, but I have no intention of joining any faction within the Gamma Empire.”

Yun Lan Sect was indeed a colossal power in the Gamma Empire.

Unfortunately, being at the center often blinds one to the broader picture.

In a few years, when Nalan Yanran went to break off her engagement with the Xiao family, a host of troubles would follow.

Chen Xiao had no inclination to play mediator nor clean up others’ messes.

Therefore, compared to Yun Lan Sect, his heart favored Canaan Academy by many times over.

Yun Yun nodded lightly, her expression unchanged.

“As expected, since you have made up your mind, I won’t force you. You won’t join Yun Lan Sect, nor the royal family, nor the Mittel clan. In fact, that’s probably good for the overall balance of power in the Gamma Empire.”

Chen Xiao glanced once more at the sect leader.

He hadn’t interacted with Yun Yun much; all his knowledge came from memory.

To be fair, although she was somewhat indecisive, she was fairly upright and not as despicable as many imagined.

“I suddenly recalled something. Sect Leader Yun, would you be interested in hearing it?”

Just as Yun Yun was about to take her leave, she held back slightly and nodded.

“Go ahead.”

“A few days ago, while training in Tagore, I met a mercenary who had fled from the northeastern Salt City. From him, I heard some rumors about the Salt City Mo family.”

“According to that mercenary, the Mo family of Salt City relies on the might of Yun Lan Sect and the blessings of their ancestor, a renowned alchemist. They are now at the peak of their power. Especially in their stronghold, Salt City, the Mo family’s voice is the only one that matters.”

“Their grand elder is known for employing dubious and unorthodox transplant techniques. These days, transplanting parts of magical beasts no longer suffices; he has set his sights on humans. The mercenary I met had a younger brother whose right arm was extraordinarily strong, but he was amputated and left mutilated beyond recognition.”

“It’s said that the grand elder of the Mo family also holds the position of an external steward in Yun Lan Sect, essentially a branch of Yun Lan’s power.”

Seeing Yun Yun’s face darken, Chen Xiao stopped and changed the subject.

“Of course, this is all hearsay. I’m only about 80% sure. Today, Chen Xiao has talked too much; Sect Leader Yun, just listen but don’t take it to heart.”

The way Chen Xiao tailored his words to Yun Yun was deliberate.

Had it been Yun Shan instead, Chen Xiao would not have uttered a single word.

In the original timeline, the Mo family grand elder coveted Qing Lin’s eyes and forcibly abducted her. Although Xiao Yan rescued the little girl, the ensuing battle attracted the attention of the Heavenly Serpent Mansion’s experts, and Qing Lin was taken away again.

Now that Qing Lin had just activated the Azure Serpent Triple-Flower Eyes, the Mo family in Salt City had neither discovered this nor acted recklessly yet—but that didn’t stop Chen Xiao from stirring up some trouble for them.

This was a precaution against future threats.

“I am aware of the Mo family in Salt City. Whether your information is true still requires investigation. Since you have no intention of joining Yun Lan Sect, I will take my leave.”

Yun Yun suddenly stood up, her face stern as she spoke before swiftly leaving the inn. She unfurled her Dou Qi wings and flew off toward the northeast.

Clearly, this somewhat naive sect leader would not tolerate anyone acting maliciously under Yun Lan’s name. She was striving to be a qualified sect leader, working hard to make Yun Lan Sect endure.

Alas, the final outcome was destined to be contrary to her wishes.

Chen Xiao stood at the doorway, watching Yun Yun’s departing figure with a slight smile before turning and ascending the stairs to his room.

If Yun Yun could purge the Mo family, he would wholeheartedly applaud.

If, however, the Mo family narrowly escaped…

Then it wouldn’t be much of a problem either.

…

Back in the room,

Chen Xiao pushed aside distractions and sank his awareness into his mind.

He couldn’t afford to waste the opportunity to advance. Last night, he learned of many ice-attribute spiritual and strange items—time to select a suitable one to break into the Dou Ling realm.

[Ice Spirit Jade: cannot be advanced in advance.]

[Frost Blossom Spirit Crystal: cannot be advanced in advance.]

[Heavenly Cold Qi: can be advanced in advance.]

…

[Purple Spirit Cold Qi: cannot be advanced in advance.]

…

[Ice Spirit Cold Spring: can be advanced in advance.]

[Conditions for advancement in advance:

1. Travel to Black Rock City and kill Gu Te.

2. Travel to Black Rock City and reach an agreement with Gu Te.

Either one suffices.]

[Current available advances: one!]

[Proceed with advance?]

This follow-up was not difficult.

Black Rock City wasn’t too far from Mo City; just a slight detour on the way back.

As for the agreement…

There was already a ready-made answer to copy.

Estimating roughly, it would take three to five days at the fastest, or up to ten days at the slowest to complete.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly and made his decision immediately.

“Advance!”