Half a month quietly slipped by.
A silent silhouette glided through the clouds — a flying ship shuttling across the sky without a sound. Sunlight cascaded down upon the deck, brushing against the four figures standing there: Flame, Xin Yu, Yan Xiaoyu, and Nalan Yanran.
The group had departed from the Chaos Realm immediately after Yan Xiaoyu emerged from the exit and took a moment to cleanse herself. Their destination — the Flower Sect.
Just like the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, the Flower Sect was situated in the Western Region of the Central Plains. Although the distance between the two powers wasn't vast, it still required a fair amount of time to traverse.
However, with the speed of Flame's flying ship, the journey was anything but long.
After some time, the ship gradually slowed, drifting over a vast mountain range that stretched endlessly into the horizon. Nalan Yanran's clear eyes swept across the landscape below before she gently waved her sleeve. A jade-like token engraved with a delicate flower petal flew out from her Storage Ring, gleaming faintly under the sunlight.
As the token hovered before her, Nalan Yanran swiftly formed a hand seal. A streak of light shot from her fingertips and struck the token.
A soft hum resonated from the jade-like token before it released a pink-colored beam that struck the empty space ahead. Ripples instantly spread through the air, as though a stone had been cast into a tranquil lake. A moment later, an enormous spatial barrier slowly surfaced before Flame's group, shimmering with elegant light.
Though the Flower Sect might not possess the power to create an independent realm like the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, its ability to conceal itself within a spatial barrier still spoke of formidable strength and intricate mastery over space.
The barrier rippled gently before splitting apart, forming a slender crack that slowly widened. Nalan Yanran turned to Flame, Xin Yu, and Yan Xiaoyu, giving a light nod before stepping through the spatial fissure first.
With a casual wave of his hand, Flame caused the flying ship to shrink and return to his Storage Ring, then followed after her with the others.
The moment they passed through, their vision brightened. A rush of fragrant air greeted them, carrying a sweetness so pure it seemed to cleanse one's heart and soul. Hidden within that fragrance was a surge of natural energy so rich that it faintly resonated with the flow of Heaven and Earth.
"What a beautiful place…"
Hovering in midair, Yan Xiaoyu gazed at the world revealed before them. Mesmerized, her clear eyes swept across the breathtaking scene.
Before Flame's group stretched an endless expanse of flower-covered mountains, their slopes adorned with blossoms of every hue imaginable. From afar, it looked like a boundless sea of flowers, rippling with color under the gentle breeze. As petals danced gracefully through the air, the scene resembled a paradise untouched by the mortal world.
"Though it is a beautiful place, this sea of flowers should be a formation of some kind…"
Yan Xiaoyu gazed at the endless ocean of blossoms stretching beyond the horizon. A faint ripple flickered within her clear eyes as she sensed the majestic energy hidden beneath the vibrant petals. Even the flower petals drifting in the air seemed to follow mysterious trajectories, as though guided by an unseen force.
Nalan Yanran nodded with a smile. "You're right. This is the sect-protecting formation of the Flower Sect. Without the proper method of entry, one would lose all sense of direction within this sea of flowers and remain trapped forever."
"Most of these flowers are Ecstasy Flowers, but there are also scent of Shadow Hibiscus, Phantom Chrysanthemums, and several other rare species that amplify the effects of the Ecstasy Flowers," Yan Xiaoyu said, her eyes gleaming with keen interest. She inhaled softly, allowing the fragrance to flow through her senses, and smiled faintly.
It was truly astonishing to see so many Ecstasy Flowers gathered in one place. In the outside world, even a single one was considered an extraordinary treasure. Yet here, the Flower Sect had cultivated them in vast numbers and even intertwined them with other spiritual flowers to form a powerful formation—an elegant blend of beauty and danger.
"As expected of Miss Yan Xiaoyu—your insight runs deep," Nalan Yanran said with admiration. She was genuinely surprised that Yan Xiaoyu could identify so many flowers by scent alone, especially when the heavy fragrance of the Ecstasy Flowers masked all others.
She had intended to ask more about the formation, but before she could speak, the distant sound of a gong echoed faintly from deep within the sea of flowers.
"This gong… the match is about to begin!" Nalan Yanran's expression changed slightly as she turned to the others. "Quickly, follow me! Mansion Master Xiao, Lady Serene Lake—please be careful not to stray from the path. If you take the wrong route, the elders might mistake you for intruders rather than guests."
Without delay, she moved, her figure gliding gracefully into the sea of flowers. Her flight path was peculiar—curving and weaving in elegant arcs rather than following a straight line, as though she were treading upon invisible threads hidden within the formation.
Flame and Xin Yu exchanged glances, faint smiles appearing on their lips. Xin Yu raised her sleeve lightly, and the space around them rippled. The distortion spread outward, enveloping both herself, Flame, and Nalan Yanran.
In the blink of an eye, their figures vanished from where they stood.
When they reappeared, they had already reached the edge of the sea of flowers. Before them rose a majestic mountain range wreathed in drifting clouds, its cliffs draped in fresh blossoms.
Among those perilous peaks stood countless elegant buildings, their pavilions and towers half-veiled by mist. From afar, soft laughter and gentle voices drifted through the air, carrying a faint charm that seemed to blend with the fragrance of the flowers.
At the very heart of the mountain range stood a towering peak, vast and imposing. Its slopes were adorned with countless elegant buildings, while at its summit lay an enormous square, broad and meticulously paved with jade-green stone. Intricate carvings of flower petals adorned its surface, exuding a faint, refreshing fragrance that lingered in the air.
At this moment, numerous figures stood around the square, their gazes fixed toward its center. The atmosphere was tense and solemn, as though the entire sect was holding its breath.
At the middle of the square stood a man and a woman. The woman was dressed in a graceful gown embroidered with golden-threaded flowers, her attire alone revealing her lofty status within the sect. Though her features were refined and beautiful, the faint curl of her thin, red lips betrayed a trace of arrogance and spite.
Beside her stood a tall, handsome man with a folding fan in hand. The fan was painted with alluring figures of women, and as he idly waved it, a faint, sinister aura seemed to seep into the air. Between his brows glimmered a blood-red mark, bright as fresh blood, which only deepened the sense of wicked charm emanating from him.
"Yun Yun, the time has come. Show yourself!"
As the lingering echo of the gong faded, the elegantly dressed woman narrowed her long, almond-shaped eyes and spoke in a cold, commanding voice.
A moment later, a rushing sound tore through the air. A white figure descended gracefully from the sky, landing lightly upon the green-stone square. Her snow-white robes fluttered in the wind, her presence calm yet unyielding—as though an untouched lotus had bloomed amid a storm.
When the white-clad figure landed upon the square, every gaze was instantly drawn toward her. Even those who had seen her countless times before could not help but reveal a trace of astonishment in their eyes.
The woman was dressed in a white blouse and skirt, her long, ink-black hair cascading down like a waterfall, reaching her slender waist. Her beauty was breathtaking—like a fairy of the mountains, untouched by the dust of the mortal world, radiating a quiet grace that seemed to belong to another realm. When her clear eyes shifted, they carried a purity that could pierce into one's soul, utterly devoid of worldly ambition or desire.
Such a woman could only be described by two words—peerless bearing.
And who else could possess such elegance other than Yun Yun, the woman who had been separated from Xiao Hua for so many years? Time had not dimmed her radiance. On the contrary, it had refined her—like fine wine maturing in silence, her charm had deepened, growing ever more intoxicating. One could easily lose themselves within that calm, ethereal beauty and never wish to awaken.
Her gentle, cloud-like grace drew subtle nods of approval from many of the Flower Sect's elders. It was no wonder that the previous Sect Chief had chosen to pass the mantle to Yun Yun before her death. Just from demeanor alone, the difference between her and the current Acting Chief was as vast as heaven and earth.
The evil-looking man beside the gracefully dressed woman felt a surge of heat flash within his eyes the instant he beheld Yun Yun. To one who lived for beauty, such an ethereal figure was no different from a deadly temptation.
Meanwhile, the attention that had suddenly gathered upon Yun Yun caused the gracefully dressed woman to clench her hand tightly, jealousy flickering within her gaze. A cold, mocking laugh escaped her lips.
"I thought you wouldn't dare to come today."
"Sect Chief, I have no desire for the position of Sect Chief. Why must you force me so relentless?"
Yun Yun furrowed her brows slightly as she looked at the aggressive, gracefully dressed woman before her. Her tone was calm, yet it carried a faint chill.
"Hmph! If you wish to remain unharmed, hand over the Dou Qi left behind by the previous Sect Chief!" The elegantly robed woman's voice was sharp as a blade. "I was kind enough to accept you back then, yet you dare to covet my position as the Flower Sect's Chief?"
"If I had known that Granny Hua was the Sect Chief of the Flower Sect, I would never have rescued her…" Yun Yun shook her head lightly, her eyes filled with quiet disappointment.
"As for the Dou Qi seal, it was something Granny Hua entrusted to me before her passing. If I were to force it out, it would damage my meridians and endanger my life. I cannot comply passively on this matter. If you truly want it…" Her gaze sharpened slightly. "Then come and take it yourself."
"Hmph! Do you think this Sect Chief fears you?"
The elegantly dressed woman let out a cold laugh, but as she turned her gaze toward her companion, her expression darkened. The evil-looking man was openly staring at Yun Yun, captivated by her beauty. Rage flickered in her eyes as she snapped, "Yao-liang, attack with me!"
"Yun Yun, since you carry the inheritance of the old Sect Chief, surely facing the two of us will not be too difficult for you." The woman sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.
"Besides, you know the Flower Sect's rules—a couple may fight together. Don't accuse me of bullying you. If you have a companion, feel free to call him forth as well."
Around the square, several Flower Sect Elders frowned slightly upon hearing her words, displeasure flickering in their eyes.
Yun Yun, however, merely smiled faintly. She slowly shook her head and spoke softly, "Sect Chief, you may attack. I do not—"
Honglong!
Before Yun Yun could finish speaking, the space before her suddenly rippled. In the next instant, a figure appeared out of thin air and stood protectively in front of her, his back facing the Acting Chief and Yaohua Liangjun.
Without hesitation, the newcomer reached out and clasped Yun Yun's hand under the stunned gazes of the crowd. A teasing yet gentle voice followed, laced with warmth that seemed to melt into her heart.
"Little Yun-er, I'm not late, am I?"
Countless eyes in the square widened in disbelief as they stared at the man who had appeared so abruptly and taken Yun Yun's hand. The entire plaza fell into a strange silence; no one dared to speak, uncertain of what had just transpired.
"You... Xiao Hua? Why are you here?"
Yun Yun's face flushed crimson from embarrassment. She was momentarily dazed as she looked at the young man beside her, whose lips carried a faint, teasing smile. A moment later, she couldn't help but cry out softly.
"You can't expect me to just stand by while you're in danger, can you?" Xiao Hua sighed gently, his gaze softening as it lingered on the peerless beauty before him. Unconsciously, his voice carried a trace of tender affection.
"It's... Yanran?" Yun Yun was slightly taken aback before realization dawned on her. At once, she felt the warmth seeping from his hand into hers.
She hastily pulled her hand free from Xiao Hua's grasp, her flawless face tinted with a delicate red glow. She parted her lips, yet the words caught in her throat. As the heat of her embarrassment faded, her sharp intuition stirred—something about the 'Xiao Hua' standing before her felt faintly wrong, like a reflection seen through rippling water.
Sensing her confusion, 'Xiao Hua' sent a calm spiritual voice directly into her mind, explaining the mysteries of the Four Mysterious Body's fourth level—the Four Divine Phoenix—and what the 'real' Xiao Hua was currently doing.
Upon hearing his explanation, Yun Yun's eyes flickered with astonishment. If what he said was true, then it was no wonder she both felt his presence as Xiao Hua's... yet knew he was not truly him.
The realization left her inwardly shaken. The Four Divine Phoenix could actually allow Xiao Hua to create four original bodies—each capable of independent cultivation, possessing their own Dou Techniques and Qi Methods. Such a profound art was beyond anything she had ever heard of—whether secret techniques, Dou Techniques, or Qi Methods, none could compare.
Understanding this, a trace of tender ache followed by a faint sense of vexation and quiet dissatisfaction welled within her heart. But Yun Yun swiftly suppressed the emotion, forcing calm into her tone as she spoke softly,
"This is the Flower Sect. Do you think you can intrude and meddle as you please? Or are you so eager to make yet another enemy?"
Though her words carried reproach, her voice unconsciously revealed a trace of bitterness and hidden grievance.
The 'Flame' avatar looked at her, his smile helpless yet warm. His voice lowered, carrying a gentleness that brushed against her heart like a breeze. "I'll explain everything about this ability later. For now... shall we focus on the situation at hand?"
He paused briefly, his eyes meeting hers with a depth that made her heart stir once more. Then, with a faint, nostalgic smile, he added, "You've hidden from me for so many years, Yun Yun... surely it's time I appear before you again, isn't it?"
"Who is hiding from you..." Yun Yun murmured softly, her voice low and tinged with shy defiance.
"Who are you?" The graceful woman in flowing robes fixed her sharp gaze on Xiao Hua and spoke coldly. "You dare intrude upon my Flower Sect without permission? State your name!"
From her tone, it was clear she believed this man to be some helper Yun Yun had secretly summoned.
"You may treat me as Yun Yun's companion..." Xiao Hua replied lazily without even sparing the woman a glance. His gaze remained upon Yun Yun, and as he spoke, his hand gently caressed her cheek, a tender smile playing upon his lips.
Yun Yun's face instantly turned crimson. Flame's words—combined with his affectionate, unguarded touch—sent warmth flooding through her heart, melting the unease that had gripped her earlier. Yet as realization struck and the gazes of countless disciples fell upon them, she hurriedly slapped his hand away, her beautiful eyes filled with both embarrassment and anger.
Her reaction only drew a soft chuckle from him, warm and teasing. He seemed entirely unbothered by her glare, finding her indignation charming rather than threatening.
At that moment, the sinister-looking man beside the gracefully robed woman narrowed his eyes, trying to discern Flame's strength. Yet no matter how he probed, he could sense nothing—it was as if he were facing an ordinary mortal untouched by cultivation.
Even so, the man held his ground. Believing that the newcomer could not possibly possess a status surpassing that of the Profound Sky Sect, he took a deep breath and gently flicked open the folding fan in his hand.
"I do not know who you are," he said with a faint smile, his tone polite yet edged with menace. "But this is not a place where outsiders may act so presumptuously. I advise you to think carefully before interfering—lest you bring death upon yourself."
Though his words were courteous, a chilling light flickered in his eyes, and his voice carried a thread of killing intent.
From the very first moment he laid eyes upon Yun Yun, he had already regarded her as his own woman. Seeing Flame's intimate gesture toward her now filled his heart with a sharp and burning displeasure.
Even without relying on his exceptionally sharp senses, Xiao Hua could clearly feel the surge of killing intent and the icy aura radiating from Yaohua Lingjuan. Of course, it didn't take a genius to understand the reason behind it.
"Brat," Xiao Hua spoke faintly, his tone laced with calm disdain, "stop drowning in envy and lust. Yun Yun is my woman, not yours. Even if she weren't, her proud heart would still scorn your arrogant and filthy nature."
He slowly turned around, his movements unhurried yet carrying an invisible pressure. When he finally spoke again, every word that left his lips caused the very air to tremble.
"Furthermore, do you truly believe that a mere Profound Sky Sect rules over the Central Plains? To act so brazenly before me—have you grown tired of living? Even that Tian Ming wouldn't dare meddle in this matter when I, Xiao Hua, am present!"
"Xiao Hua...? The Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion... that Xiao Hua!?"
At that name, the expressions of both the sinister-looking man and the elegantly robed woman changed drastically. Their eyes widened in disbelief before terror quickly overtook them.
As their gazes swept over Xiao Hua's figure, their faces turned deathly pale—recognition dawning like a blade to the heart.
Their reasons for fear differed, yet one thing was certain—neither dared to display the arrogance they had shown before.
'Didn't this damned woman say Yun Yun had only just arrived in the Central Plains and had no noteworthy background?! She's Xiao Hua's lover, for heaven's sake! What background could possibly surpass that!?'
The sinister-looking man cursed inwardly, his heart pounding. Though his mission was to support the Acting Chief, Hua Fei, in seizing the position of Sect Chief for the Flower Sect, he knew he would not be blamed if he reported this unexpected situation.
What truly unsettled him, however, was not the mission itself—but the past. He suddenly recalled that he had once caused harm to Xiao Hua's disciple... even harboring vile intentions toward her before retreating in terror upon sensing the auras of Shui Lanxin and Lan Haoran.
Remembering that, the chill in his heart deepened. It was only natural that Flame's appearance now struck fear into him far more than anyone else present.
As for the graceful woman, Hua Fei, this could not be blamed on her. Even she had never known of Yun Yun's connection to Xiao Hua—Yun Yun herself had never spoken of it.
But now, her face turned deathly pale, shifting rapidly between disbelief and panic as a storm of emotions raged violently within her heart. Shock and unease were merely the surface; beneath them churned regret, despair, and sheer terror—emotions so dense they nearly crushed her spirit.
'Unbelievable!' Hua Fei gnashed her teeth in fury, her heart burning with indignation. 'Why didn't that damned slut mention her connection to the Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion? If she had, even the elders would have immediately acknowledged her as Sect Chief and ignored me! I wouldn't have had to go through all this effort!'
Resentment churned within her chest as she glared at Yun Yun, hatred and regret twisting together in her heart. If she had known earlier, she would have spared no effort in currying Yun Yun's favor—and perhaps even schemed to win Xiao Hua's affection for herself.
However, Hua Fei was completely unaware of the intricate and awkward history between Xiao Hua and Yun Yun. It was precisely because of that past that Yun Yun chose not to reveal anything about their relationship to anyone.
Even Nalan Yanran had kept silent about it. She understood her teacher's conflicted heart—after all, she herself harbored similar emotions. As Xiao Yan's fiancée, this matter naturally weighed heavily upon her as well. Thus, she too chose not to speak of it to anyone.
Now, after realizing the true identity of the man who had intervened, both Hua Fei and Yaohua Lingjuan felt an overwhelming sense of despair and regret. They had unknowingly provoked someone they should never have dared to offend—by offending the woman cherished by Xiao Hua himself.
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