As Xiao Zhitian walked past Yun Yun to retrieve Gu He's storage ring, Yun Yun suddenly caught a familiar scent. A strange sense of familiarity stirred in her heart. She turned her head, staring intently at Xiao Zhitian, as if trying to confirm something.
However, his hood and mask completely concealed his face. Not even his eyes were visible.
Xiao Zhitian instructed Shui Ye to erase Gu He's soul imprint. The moment the imprint was forcibly removed, Gu He felt an intense pain strike his soul.
Xiao Zhitian casually examined Gu He's collection. Inside the ring were countless treasures.
Sure enough, he soon found the Han Sui Zhi (Cold Marrow Branch). Without hesitation, he took it out and tossed it toward Medusa.
"This is the Han Sui Zhi you wanted."
Medusa raised her hand and caught it. She looked at the precious herb in her palm, then glanced at Xiao Zhitian, who was calmly continuing to count the spoils.For some reason, she felt as though she had just experienced the oppression of capitalism.
Realizing what was happening, Medusa glanced toward Hua She Er. Hua She Er immediately understood and began removing the storage rings from Yan Shi, Feng Li, and the other four Dou Lings.
When Hua She Er finally approached Yun Yun and reached for her storage ring, her hand was suddenly caught.
"You cannot touch hers."
The one who grabbed her wrist was none other than Xiao Zhitian.
What a joke. How could he allow someone else to take something belonging to his future wife?
Hua She Er looked at her restrained hand, then toward Medusa for help.
Medusa subtly moved her fingers, signaling Hua She Er to retreat. She then narrowed her eyes slightly, studying Xiao Zhitian with deeper interest.
Xiao Zhitian then instructed Shui Ye to shatter the restraints on Dou Wang Feng Li and unseal his cultivation.
The ropes around Feng Li instantly disintegrated. Although confused, he did not dare move recklessly and simply stood there obediently.
The others watched this scene in confusion. Even Medusa, seated above, could not understand Xiao Zhitian's intentions—but she chose not to interfere.
"I'm releasing you because I need you to return to the Cloud Mist Sect and inform them that their Sect Leader and Chief Alchemist have been captured. If they wish to retrieve them, they must come to the Cloud Mist Sect to ransom them."
Xiao Zhitian took ten Dou Qi recovery pills from Gu He's ring and placed them in Feng Li's palm.
"Don't even think about escaping without completing your task. You've already been marked."
Feng Li's face turned pale. Clutching the pills, he asked nervously,"Can I leave now?"
"Go."
The moment those words fell, Feng Li didn't hesitate. He rushed out of the hall, summoned his Dou Qi wings, and flew away at full speed.
The guards outside, having already received Medusa's orders, did not stop him.
"Take the rest away and guard them carefully. As for Sect Leader Yun, confine her separately. Do not mistreat her."
Medusa gave the order calmly.
She had clearly sensed Xiao Zhitian's special treatment toward Yun Yun. Though she didn't know his motives, she decided to show him respect.
As Yun Yun was escorted away, her gaze never left Xiao Zhitian, as if trying to confirm the identity hidden beneath that cloak.
Once everyone was gone, only Medusa remained in the grand hall.
Her fingers gently tapped against the armrest of her throne.
After a long silence, she spoke calmly,"Is your target Sect Leader Yun Yun… or the Cloud Mist Sect?"
"I have my own objectives. You'll understand when the time comes."
Xiao Zhitian's voice was cold and composed.
"I'll be leaving for now. As for your evolution, we'll begin preparations once I finish my matters."
With that, Xiao Zhitian and Shui Ye left the Snake-People Temple.
Medusa remained seated on her throne, her eyes narrowed slightly, lost in thought.
…
After three days and three nights of exhausting travel, Feng Li finally arrived at Yunlan Mountain, flying directly above the Cloud Mist Sect's main plaza.
"Who dares trespass upon my Cloud Mist Sect?!"
The Great Elder Yun Ling appeared instantly, shouting with anger.
When he recognized Feng Li, his expression changed."Dou Wang Feng Li? Why have you intruded upon our sect?"
Still shaken, Feng Li explained everything that had happened.
"What?! This is impossible!" Yun Ling was utterly shocked.
"Believe it or not, I've delivered the message. What you do next is none of my concern. I was only the messenger."
Without waiting any longer, Feng Li quickly departed. The incident had nearly scared him out of his mind. As for the fate of the others, he could only silently apologize.
Watching Feng Li flee, Yun Ling's heart sank heavily. He immediately convened an elders' meeting.
After lengthy discussions, no one dared suggest negotiation. With Medusa involved, sending people would be equivalent to suicide. And since no clear demands had been stated, the meeting ended without resolution.
Yun Ling's expression darkened.
A cloud-white flute appeared in his hand—the flute Yun Shan had once entrusted to him before entering seclusion.
After putting the flute away, Yun Ling headed toward the forbidden area behind the mountain.
Arriving before a stone cave, he knelt and knocked on the door.
"Yun Ling requests an audience with the Old Sect Leader."
The stone door slowly opened.
Yun Ling entered and soon arrived before a stone chamber. At its center sat a white-robed figure cultivating cross-legged.
"Yun Ling, I told you—unless it is an extremely important matter, do not disturb my cultivation."
The man wore simple white robes, exuding an ethereal aura. His skin was smooth like jade. If not for his snow-white hair, one might mistake him for a young man.
This was the former Sect Leader of the Cloud Mist Sect—Yun Shan.
Yun Ling knelt deeply."I beg the Old Sect Leader to emerge and take control of the situation."
Yun Shan slowly opened his eyes."What happened?"
Yun Ling explained everything in detail.
After listening, Yun Shan fell silent.
A moment later, he spoke calmly."So that is the situation. Go back and stabilize the sect. I will personally handle Yun'er and Gu He."
"Yes, Old Sect Leader."
Relief washed over Yun Ling. With Yun Shan taking action, he believed nothing could go wrong.
After Yun Ling left, a cloud of black mist suddenly appeared beside Yun Shan.
A sinister voice echoed with eerie laughter.
"Hehehe… Yun Shan, your Cloud Mist Sect is truly useless. Even the Sect Leader was captured as a bargaining chip."
Yun Shan glanced toward the black mist, a trace of wariness in his eyes.
"I will handle my own affairs. You need not interfere."
"Hehehe… that's for the best. Otherwise, this Protector might regret choosing you as a partner."
The voice was filled with mockery.
Yun Shan clenched his sleeve slightly. His current strength came from this being—he could not oppose him.
"Also, do not expose our relationship. Until the mission is complete, I cannot appear publicly. If our connection is revealed, you will suffer the consequences as well."
"I understand. There is no need to repeat yourself."
Yun Shan's tone remained cold.
"You are intelligent. That is why this Protector chose you. Do not disappoint me… hehehe…"
The black mist gradually faded, as if it had never existed. Only faint, eerie laughter remained in the stone chamber.