Xiao Li and Elder Wang discussed alchemy for several days, and Elder Wang exceptionally granted Xiao Li the title of Honorary Elder of the Alchemist Guild, which also served to build momentum for Xiao Li.
After all, although the Jia Ma Empire is not large and quite barren with few strong individuals, its people are cunning, and backstabbing is all too common.
Elder Wang himself possesses formidable strength; apart from Jia Xingtian and Yun Shan, no one is his match. The various Families all fear Elder Wang's power. Under Elder Wang's leadership, the Alchemist Guild, along with the Imperial Family and the Cloud Mist Sect, form the three transcendent powers of the Jia Ma Empire.
Now that Xiao Li has returned, having become a Dou Huang in just one or two years, those with complex intentions will rein in their dirty hearts.
After refining a batch of Elixirs, Xiao Li's gaze turned towards the magnificent mountain range outside the Imperial Capital—that was Yun Lan Mountain.
"What's wrong? Thinking of that girl? If you are, go see her. That girl has also been quite diligent these past two years, and Old Man Yun Shan promised me many things. I, your master, have refined many Elixirs for that girl, oh.
Now, when you go to see her, her growth will also surprise you, oh~ both in cultivation and other aspects."
As Elder Wang spoke, the corners of his mouth almost reached his ears.
"Teacher, I'll be right back," Xiao Li said, scratching his cheek and grinning foolishly.
"Get lost, I don't have a bed for you here," Elder Wang scolded with a laugh.
"Alright."
A pair of transparent wings appeared behind Xiao Li, and then he flew towards Yun Lan Mountain.
"Ultimately, he's still a young lad. Alas~ I wonder how she's doing."
...Yun Lan Mountain.
This mountain is steep, with cliffs on three sides, and only one path leads to the summit. It can be described as a dangerous place that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Moreover, Cloud Mist Sect Disciples patrol rigorously all over the mountain, making the entire range a small fortress.
"It's windy everywhere here. Cultivating wind-attribute Dou Qi here yields twice the results with half the effort. It seems the Cloud Mist Sect's Ancestral Master was very good at choosing locations."
Xiao Li sensed the surrounding environment. Compared to the bustling Imperial Capital, Xiao Li preferred the Immortal Qi-filled feeling of the Cloud Mist Sect.
"Who goes there! Dou Qi Manifesting as Wings! A Dou King expert!"
Xiao Li did not conceal himself but came openly and directly.
The Cloud Mist Sect Disciples patrolling the mountain also noticed that the other party had Dou Qi Manifesting as Wings, indicating a Dou King expert. The more discerning leader stepped forward and cupped his fist towards Xiao Li.
"Your Excellency, flying over Yun Lan Mountain without permission may cause unnecessary trouble. Please descend first. May I ask if you are visiting a friend or here for a sparring match? We can lead the way."
The leader's speech and demeanor were decent, without the arrogance of some minor powers. Xiao Li felt that these were indeed the kind of Disciples trained by the normal Yun Shan, and his first impression was good.
"Visiting a friend." Xiao Li held the jade token Yun Yun had given him.
"Your Excellency, could you please descend first? You're flying so high, I can't clearly see the token."
...Xiao Li eventually descended and handed the token to the Cloud Mist Sect Disciple. After receiving the token, the Disciple immediately froze, then bowed to Xiao Li and apologized for his previous impolite words.
Subsequently, the Disciple led Xiao Li on foot up Yun Lan Mountain, while another Disciple was sent ahead to report to the Sect.
"Your Cloud Mist Sect's atmosphere is quite good; at least you don't have the habit of looking down on people." Xiao Li met many Cloud Mist Sect Disciples along the way, and none of them exuded that arrogant feeling.
How to put it? It felt like all the Cloud Mist Sect Disciples were very peaceful and not impetuous.
"This is a rule of our Cloud Mist Sect. The primary goal of joining the Cloud Mist Sect is to Cultivate in peace, not to stir up trouble or bully others. If any Disciple is found stirring up trouble or bullying others, they will be dealt with according to Sect rules."
The Disciple said gently.
"How are they dealt with?"
Cloud Mist Sect Disciple: "It depends on the situation. Minor offenses result in three years of confinement. More serious ones are punished at the Thousand Wind Wall. The most severe punishment is having one's cultivation abolished and being expelled from the Cloud Mist Sect."
Xiao Li:...I have a dirty word I don't know whether to say or not.
"Is anything happening in the Cloud Mist Sect recently? I observe a faint aura of hostility emerging from your Cloud Mist Sect," Xiao Li inquired.
"Next year, the Izumo Empire and the Jia Ma Empire will hold a Grand Assembly of Experts. As the Jia Ma Empire's foremost Sect, our Cloud Mist Sect naturally bears the brunt of protecting our Family and nation.
The Sect Master has ordered all Disciples to intensify their cultivation to have a means of self-preservation at the Assembly." The Cloud Mist Sect Disciple said with some excitement.
"Your Excellency seems very excited. Why such an attitude towards something that could potentially cost you your life?" Xiao Li asked, somewhat puzzled.
"It is for the excitement of defending the Empire and upholding the Sect's honor! Since joining the Cloud Mist Sect, I have been prepared for such a thing, ready to die for the Sect at any time," the Disciple said proudly.
"But the history of the Cloud Mist Sect is longer than that of the Jia Ma Empire, isn't it? Why protect the Empire?"
"Because I am not only a Cloud Mist Sect Disciple but also a person of the Jia Ma Empire. I have an obligation to protect my country. At the very least, the Izumo Empire is our mortal enemy!"
"Hmm... keep that mindset."
Xiao Li could not empathize with their mindset. For him, having died once, he did not want to seek death again. Living was more important than anything.
'But! If my Family is in trouble, if Grandpa, if Big Brother is in trouble, do I prioritize my own life, or do I fight for my Family?'
This question suddenly lingered in Xiao Li's mind. He was very afraid of death, yet he also had unbreakable bonds.
Before long, Xiao Li and the Cloud Mist Sect Disciple reached the summit.
At the end of the long stone steps, mist swirled. Beyond the mist was a vast plaza, entirely paved with uniform giant stones, appearing ancient and grand. In the center of the plaza, a massive stone tablet stood majestically. On the tablet, the names of past Sect Masters of the Cloud Mist Sect and those who made great contributions to the Sect were recorded.
Xiao Li first saw a woman who made his heart flutter standing there, as if waiting for someone.
The woman wore a moon-white long dress that enveloped her full and delicate figure. Her long black hair was styled into the shape of a Phoenix's cry, subtly revealing an undeniable nobility. Her face was serene and beautiful, like a clear spring in a secluded mountain, making people feel reverence due to her noble status, yet also unable to resist a hint of longing.
When the woman saw the person she had missed for so long approaching, she instinctively ran up and rushed into Xiao Li's embrace.
This caused the guiding Disciple and the surrounding Cloud Mist Sect Disciples to stunned.
The Young Sect Master of the Cloud Mist Sect, in full view of everyone, rushed into the arms of a strange man.
Crack—
Who knows how many young men and women's hearts suddenly shattered? Their goddess was actually in someone else's arms.
"You've grown up," Xiao Li exclaimed. Girls change a lot as they grow up. After two years, Yun Yun had matured in all aspects.
Yun Yun also calmed down at this moment, releasing her embrace from Xiao Li. Her pretty face was flushed. She didn't know why she suddenly hugged him, perhaps it was longing, perhaps love, or other complex emotions.
After all, Xiao Li's figure had left a very deep impression on her heart.