In a gazebo within a secluded courtyard, several individuals sat facing one another.
"Sect Master, you have paid a sudden visit. What brings you here?" Gu He asked, his expression calm and composed as he looked at Yun Yun, who sat before him.
Beside Yun Yun sat a young woman dressed in white—Nalan Yanran. As Yun Yun observed the elegant, refined, and handsome Gu He, she couldn't help but recall the scene from their last encounter when he had been refining medicine.
A subtle stir of emotions arose within her, though her beautiful face maintained a serene smile. "Elder Gu He," she began, "I've come this time primarily to accompany Yanran so she can express her gratitude to you."
After speaking, Yun Yun turned to Nalan Yanran beside her and whispered, "Yanran, Elder Gu He personally refined the Qi Gathering Powder for you to aid in your cultivation. You should remember his kindness."
Hearing Yun Yun's words, Nalan Yanran quickly rose to her feet, offering a respectful bow to Gu He. "Thank you, Elder Gu He. Yanran is deeply grateful."
"No need for such formalities," Gu He replied with a gentle smile, his tone casual and warm. "I've watched Yanran grow since she first joined the sect. Naturally, I couldn't stand idly by when it came to her matters."
A soft smile appeared on Nalan Yanran's face at his words. She had always held a favorable impression of Gu He.
When she had first broken through to the Dou Practitioner, the Qi Gathering Powder she had used was also refined by him. Moreover, Gu He had always treated her with kindness and patience, never once reprimanding her harshly. This had only deepened her admiration for him.
As she slowly raised her head, Nalan Yanran's gaze lingered on Gu He, her eyes slightly unfocused.
Since merging with the Immortal's temperament, Gu He's demeanor had taken on an extraordinary quality. Every gesture, every word, and every smile carried a unique charm.
This was the first time Nalan Yanran had seen him in such a light, and she found herself momentarily entranced.
'When did Elder Gu He become so... captivating?'
"Yanran, don't be rude!" Yun Yun's voice, cold and sharp, snapped Nalan Yanran out of her reverie.
Realizing her behavior, a faint blush spread across her cheeks, and she quickly apologized. "Forgive me, Elder Gu He. Yanran was distracted for a moment."
Gu He waved it off with an easy-going smile. "It's nothing to worry about."
As he looked at Nalan Yanran's slightly flustered expression, Gu He's thoughts drifted to Xiao Yan. He casually asked, "Yanran, how did the matter of the annulment went during your visit to Wu Tan City? Did the Xiao family agree to it?"
At the mention of the Xiao family, Nalan Yanran's expression darkened slightly. After a brief pause, she replied in a low voice, "The Xiao family refused to annul the engagement."
"Refused? How audacious of them." Gu He feigned anger, though he had already anticipated this outcome. "Do they not fear the might of the Misty Cloud Sect? How could a mere waste from the Xiao family ever be worthy of you, Yanran?"
Hearing the protective tone in Gu He's words, Nalan Yanran felt a warmth in her heart.
Recalling the humiliation she had endured at the Xiao family's hands, she couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment. "Not only did they refuse to annul the engagement, but Xiao Yan... he tore up the marriage contract himself and declared the annulment."
"What? The Xiao family dared to annul the engagement with you?" Gu He's expression turned even more "incensed," his voice tinged with mock outrage. "In my opinion, the Xiao family has no place left in the Jia Ma Empire."
"Elder Gu He, please don't act rashly!" Yun Yun interjected, her expression shifting to one of concern.
She feared that Gu He might take drastic action against the Xiao family, which could tarnish the Misty Cloud Sect's hard-earned reputation. However, recognizing that his anger stemmed from a desire to protect her disciple, Yun Yun couldn't bring herself to feel displeased.
Instead, she looked at Gu He with a more affectionate gaze.
To prevent Gu He from acting impulsively, Yun Yun quickly recounted everything that had transpired during Nalan Yanran's visit to the Xiao family.
"So, after three years, Yanran will face Xiao Yan in a duel, and the marriage will be officially dissolved if she wins?" Gu He asked calmly after listening to Yun Yun's explanation.
"Exactly," Yun Yun nodded.
"Xiao Yan is nothing but a good-for-nothing. In three years, he'll only bring shame upon himself," Gu He chuckled, his tone brimming with confidence in Nalan Yanran's abilities. However, his mind was already plotting how to ensure Xiao Yan's defeat in the upcoming duel.
In the original timeline, Xiao Yan had defeated Nalan Yanran during their three-year agreement, humiliating her in front of everyone.
This time, Gu He was determined to prevent that outcome. He wanted to see how Xiao Yan would fare when he was the one being defeated.
But to achieve this, Nalan Yanran's strength would need to be significantly enhanced.
'Should I empower her?' Gu He wondered.
The system didn't explicitly forbid empowering non-disciples, but doing so wouldn't trigger the system's reward mechanism, leaving him with no tangible benefits. This dilemma left him feeling somewhat conflicted.
'If only Nalan Yanran could become my disciple,' Gu He thought, his gaze lingering on her. However, she was already Yun Yun's disciple, and as the Sect Master's protégé, it would be highly irregular for her to take another master.
Just as he was about to dismiss the idea, a spark of inspiration struck him.
His eyes shifted to Yun Yun, who sat across from him, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
'If I were to win Yun Yun over, wouldn't that make me Nalan Yanran's master by extension? After all, there shouldn't be much difference between a master and a master's husband, right? Even if it's a stretch, it shouldn't be too difficult to convince her to address me as such.'
The more he thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed. Not only would it allow him to guide Nalan Yanran's growth, but it also aligned perfectly with his own desires. His gaze swept over Yun Yun's delicate features, solidifying his resolve.
'To make Nalan Yanran my disciple, I must first win over Yun Yun.'
Feeling Gu He's gaze occasionally sweeping over her, Yun Yun felt a slight discomfort.
However, she pretended not to notice, subtly adjusting her posture to sit more upright. She leaned forward slightly, accentuating her figure.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Gu He's lingering gaze, causing her heart to skip a beat. She averted her eyes, not daring to meet his.
'Why is Elder Gu He staring at me like that? Could it be that he's... interested in me?' The thought flashed through her mind, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
…
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