When Flame spoke, his voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it spread clearly across the entire square, reaching the ears of every Flower Sect disciple present.
All of them were stunned. In the next moment, countless murmurs rippled through the crowd like waves upon a tranquil lake. Curious gazes gathered upon Xiao Hua one after another. The Flower Sect was composed entirely of women—naturally, their attention was drawn to such an extraordinary young man who carried both presence and charm.
Flame, however, paid no heed to the commotion his appearance had stirred. His gazes remain on Hua Jin and Yaohua Liangjun for a while before lifted toward the empty space before him.
"To think the Flower Sect would one day receive a personal visit from the Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion. We are... truly honored."
As that faint, composed voice rang out, the space ahead began to ripple gently. A moment later, several figures emerged out of thin air, their silhouettes flickering like mirages before solidifying above the square.
Three figures stood at the front, while one followed silently a few steps behind. Among them were Xin Yu and Yan Xiaoyu, who had remained behind earlier to greet the Flower Sect's higher-ups and explain the reason for their arrival.
The two figures standing beside Xin Yu were the true pillars of the Flower Sect. Draped in pale-yellow robes, they did not appear old—their skin still smooth, their eyes bright and serene. The faint wrinkles at the corners of their eyes only added a refined grace and mature allure that time could not diminish.
Behind them sat the various Elders of the Flower Sect, all showing deep respect toward the two pale-yellow-robed women, despite their youthful appearances.
When their gazes finally fell upon Flame, however, their composed expressions faltered ever so slightly. Their eyes couldn't help but linger, filled with awe and curiosity as they examined the young man who stood so calmly amidst them.
No one could be blamed for such a reaction. After all, this was the very man who stood above all others on the Dou Qi Continent—one whose name alone could shake the Central Plains.
"Little brother, this is Grand Elder Qing and Grand Elder Hua," Xin Yu introduced gently. "They possessed the highest authorities of the Flower Sect."
"This Xiao Hua apologizes for his rudeness in not introducing himself to the two Grand Elders of the Flower Sect, upon arriving."
Xiao Hua cupped his hands respectfully, a gentle smile upon his face as he offered a sincere apology for neglecting proper etiquette.
Startled by his courteous gesture, the two Grand Elders exchanged a brief glance before nodding in acknowledgment. They could clearly sense the sincerity in his tone and were inwardly impressed by the young man's refined demeanor.
"Hehe, Mansion Master Xiao, you are far too polite. You may simply call me Fairy Hua and my older sister Fairy Qing." Fairy Hua said with a soft chuckle, her eyes carrying a faint gleam of amusement. "When I first sensed Lady Serene Lake's aura, I thought it was merely an illusion. Who would have expected her to send me a voice transmission in the middle of my cultivation?"
"I too was truly astonished by her sudden arrival," Fairy Qing added with a faint nod and an elegant smile. Turning her gaze toward Xin Yu, she continued, "For a moment, I thought I had fallen into a trance when I heard her voice…"
"My apologies for disturbing both Fairies during your cultivation." Xin Yu covered her mouth lightly and giggled. Then, casting a playful glance toward Flame, she added with a teasing smile, "If my interruption caused any imbalance in your training, you may ask my little brother here to assist you. He certainly wouldn't hesitate to lend a hand."
Flame nodded slightly in acknowledgment. He did not mind offering assistance to Fairy Hua and Fairy Qing should any issue truly arise in their cultivation. In fact, he was even willing to refine pills to aid their progress.
Thunder had inherited Xiao Hua's mastery over Spear, Thunder, and Space, while Flame inherited his Fist, Flame, and Alchemy. Thus, it was only natural that he could lend aid should there be any imbalance within their bodies.
"We shall take you at your word, Mansion Master Xiao."
Fairy Qing and Fairy Hua exchanged faint smiles as they nodded. Though their conditions were perfectly stable and unaffected by Xin Yu's earlier disturbance, receiving favour from an alchemist of Xiao Hua's caliber was an opportunity few could bring themselves to refuse.
Fairy Qing then shifted her gaze toward Yun Yun. A flicker of complexity flashed within her eyes before fading as she said softly,
"I truly did not expect Yun Yun to be your lover. She never mentioned such a thing to anyone."
At her words, both Flame and Yun Yun's expressions wavered slightly. Their eyes met for a brief instant before they hurriedly looked away, their faces carrying a trace of awkwardness and faint embarrassment.
Observing this subtle exchange, Fairy Qing and Fairy Hua shared a quiet glance. A faint light of understanding surfaced in their eyes. With their experience, how could they not discern that there were complicated emotions and unspoken matters between the two?
Even so, one thing was clear—the feelings they held for each other ran deep, untouched by time or circumstance. Otherwise, such tender gestures would never have appeared so naturally between them.
"Regardless, since you are already here, I believe there's no need to continue with the event any further…" Fairy Hua said softly, her gaze sweeping across the square.
"Indeed," Fairy Qing nodded in agreement, her eyes landing on the pale faces of Yaohua Liangjun and Hua Jin. "Your mere presence has already shattered their fighting spirit—let alone Yun Yun's connection with you."
As her gaze moved again, Fairy Qing's brows subtly furrowed. She noticed Yaohua Liangjun's face growing even paler, his eyes fixed on Yan Xiaoyu with a mixture of fear and disbelief. A faint gleam of curiosity flashed through her eyes.
'Could there be some hidden grudge between them?' She wondered silently.
"See? I told you we didn't need to make things so complicated." Xin Yu leaned closer, whispering with a playful smile.
Flame's lips curved into an awkward smile at her teasing words. He had intended not to interfere with the Flower Sect's traditions. Their initial plan was simple—Xin Yu and Yan Xiaoyu would first meet with the two Grand Elders to make the necessary arrangements, after which Yan Xiaoyu would challenge Hua Jin and Yaohua Liangjun.
However, all of that changed the instant his eyes fell upon Yun Yun.
He and his original self, Xiao Hua, shared not only the same memories but also the same emotions—those lingering fragments of affection and longing buried deep within the soul. When he and Thunder had once searched the depths of their spirits for the traces of their sealed reincarnations, those feelings had quietly entered their part of souls as well.
The concern Xiao Hua once held for Yun Yun's safety, the affection he had tried to bury, the longing that time could not erase—all surged forth the moment Flame's gaze found her figure once again.
In that instant, the composure he had cultivated through countless trials crumbled. He could no longer restrain the impulse that arose from the depths of his heart—an impulse born not of duty, but of yearning.
And thus, before he realized it, he had already stepped forward… appearing before Yun Yun, as if fate itself had drawn their souls together once more.
Xin Yu gently shook her head and said in a calm voice, "We shall follow the arrangements that Fairy Qing and Fairy Hua have made."
After her words fell, Fairy Qing gave a faint nod, her gaze shifting toward Hua Jin. With a meaningful look, she held Hua Jin's eyes for a moment before slightly inclining her head.
Hua Jin's expression stiffened. Her hands clenched tightly as she understood the silent command. Though unwilling, she dared not defy Fairy Qing's will—nor could she challenge Xiao Hua's strength. Gritting her teeth, she took out a jade token from her Storage Ring and, with visible frustration, flung it toward Yun Yun.
Fairy Qing's eyes softened as she turned to Yun Yun, a faint smile touching her lips. "I am well aware of Hua Yu's eccentric temperament," she said gently. "Since you have gained her trust, I will believe in her judgment. I hope that, in time, you will lead the Flower Sect as its next Chief."
Yun Yun's eyes trembled slightly as she stared at the jade token floating before her. Yet, her hands did not rise to accept it.
She had never longed for power, nor the burden that came with leading others. Memories of the past surfaced—of her teacher's obsession with elevating the Misty Cloud Sect, of that day she was forced to declare its disbandment with her own lips. The sect that once nurtured her had become her greatest sorrow.
Her teeth sank gently into her lower lip as a faint ache stirred in her chest.
With the shadows of the past still lingering in her heart, the last thing she wished for… was to bear the title of Sect Chief once more.
Flame quietly watched her trembling gaze and understood the turmoil hidden within her heart. A faint sorrow and guilt rippled through him as he took a deep breath, then released a soft voice transmission that only she could hear.
"You are not like your teacher—consumed by strength and blinded by ambition, leading her sect into ruin. The disciples of the Misty Cloud Sect have long been taken in by the Miteer Clan. They live safely under their protection. None of them blame you for disbanding the sect. In their hearts, they only wish for you to soar freely… unbound by the weight of the past."
Each word flowed into Yun Yun's heart like a gentle spring breeze, clearing away the shadows that had long clouded her mind.
Then came his soft, almost teasing murmur. "Why not take the position for now? If it truly doesn't work out, we can let them search for another Chief later."
Yun Yun's heart warmed, yet she could not resist glaring at him. Her silver teeth clenched lightly as she retorted, "So that your little cousin can strut around again, thinking himself all-powerful?"
A trace of embarrassment crossed Flame's face. He let out a helpless chuckle before saying softly, "I understand your resentment. No matter our strength or status, there are some things we cannot simply stand aside from. The Misty Cloud Sect once hunted my Xiao Clan, even targeted my daughter. In turn, I slew Yun Shan and forced you into the painful choice of disbanding the sect—to protect the innocent elders and disciples who had no part in that feud…"
Yun Yun's eyes reddened slightly. Her voice quivered as she replied, "I know… I have never blamed you, nor your cousin, for what happened."
Her words trembled like falling petals. She knew the truth—her own master had once confessed that they intended to capture Xiao Hua's daughter, forcing him to bend to their will.
Yet even knowing all this, the Misty Cloud Sect had been her home for many years… a place filled with countless memories, both warm and bitter. Letting go of it completely was far harder than she wished to admit.
A faint sigh escaped Flame's lips. Slowly, he stepped closer—each movement calm and deliberate, as though afraid that even a sudden breath might cause her to retreat. His hand lifted, brushing away a strand of her hair that swayed gently in the mountain breeze.
The warmth of his fingers lingered upon her skin, carrying that familiar tenderness she had once known so well. It made her heart tremble uncontrollably, as though the emotions she had long buried were awakening again.
"You've carried this burden alone for far too long," he murmured softly, his voice low and steady—like distant thunder veiled beneath the sound of rain. "It's time to let it go."
Yun Yun's breath caught in her throat. His nearness, his scent, the quiet power in his gaze—it all felt achingly familiar. Like a warmth she had once tried so hard to suppress, only to realize it had never truly left her heart.
For a fleeting moment, the world seemed to fade away—the murmurs of the crowd, the weight of the Flower Sect's affairs, the countless eyes watching them. All of it vanished, leaving only the two of them standing quietly amidst the drifting wind.
Her lips parted slightly as if to speak, but no words came. She could only lower her gaze, the shimmer of emotion hidden behind her trembling lashes.
Flame said nothing more. His hand lingered for a moment longer before he slowly withdrew it. His expression remained gentle, yet within his eyes, a tide of affection and guilt flowed—emotions far deeper than words could ever express.
Yun Yun closed her eyes, fragments of memory flashing through her mind like scattered petals. A faint cracking sound seemed to echo within her heart—the shattering of the chains that bound her to the past. When she opened her eyes once more, they shone with renewed clarity and resolve.
Raising her head, she turned toward Fairy Qing and Fairy Hua and said respectfully, "Grand Elder Qing, Grand Elder Hua, Yun Yun is willing to temporarily take the position of Sect Chief. Should there be one more suitable in the future, please inform me without hesitation."
"Ha ha, I have a feeling that time won't come soon," Fairy Hua laughed softly, the corner of her lips curving with an unknown warmth. "You'll be the Sect Chief of our Flower Sect for a very long while, Yun Yun."
Yun Yun could only shake her head helplessly at those words. Despite her venerable age, this Grand Elder truly had a fondness for teasing others.
Hua Jin's expression turned dark and unsightly at the old woman's words. She understood there was nothing more she could say to alter the outcome. Even with Yaohua Liangjun's backing from the Profound Sky Sect, none of them would dare to meddle further after knowing that Xiao Hua himself had intervened.
Threats were meaningless now. Against the Moonlit Chaos Mansion, even ancient factions like the Hall of Souls or the Hun Clan would hesitate to act—let alone the Profound Sky Sect, whose strongest expert was but a mere Ban Sheng.
When Hua Jin lifted her head, her gaze met Flame's eyes—those calm, unfathomable eyes paired with a faint, knowing smile. In that instant, the last trace of defiance in her heart was crushed to dust. Her face turned pale, whiter than fresh snow.
"Grand Elders, since this matter has been settled, I will take my leave with Yao-liang. Please forgive us for disturbing the sect."
Her voice trembled slightly, but she forced herself to bow respectfully. Tugging at Yaohua Liangjun's sleeve, she turned and swiftly departed. The two vanished into the mountains in the blink of an eye, leaving behind only the whisper of their retreat.
Unseen by most, a flicker of complex emotion passed through Flame's eyes. His gaze shifted briefly toward Yan Xiaoyu, and a faint spiritual fluctuation rippled through the air.
Yan Xiaoyu's expression remained calm, betraying nothing. Yet, for those perceptive enough, the slight curve at the corner of her lips hinted at silent understanding.
Fairy Qing and Fairy Hua, unaware of the secret exchange, let their eyes sweep slowly across the square. After ensuring order had returned, Fairy Qing stepped forward, her voice soft yet firm, carrying an authority that resonated through every corner of the sect.
"From this day forth," she declared, "Yun Yun shall assume the position of Chief of our Flower Sect. All disciples are to obey her commands. Any who defy the Sect Chief's orders will be punished according to the sect's rules."
"Understood!"
As Fairy Qing's voice rang out, the densely packed disciples of the Flower Sect immediately knelt in unison. A solemn and respectful chorus resounded through the square.
"Greeting to the Sect Chief!"
Flame's lips curved faintly as he watched the sea of disciples kneeling in reverence. Turning toward Yun Yun—whose calm mask betrayed a trace of nervousness—he smiled softly.
"Congratulations, Sect Chief Yun Yun…"
Yun Yun shot him a glance, her beautiful eyes flickering with a mixture of irritation and helplessness. A faint sigh escaped her lips as she looked toward the sky. Ever since she met this man, her once-peaceful life had never remained the same.
"He truly is the variable that stirs the stillness of my heart…"
The ceremony marking Yun Yun's ascension as Sect Chief was grand and dignified. Xiao Hua, Xin Yu, and Yan Xiaoyu stood quietly to witness the moment. With the two Grand Elders presiding, the rites proceeded in perfect order, every gesture filled with grace and solemnity.
When the final chant faded into silence, Yun Yun had officially become the new Sect Chief of the Flower Sect.
…
Hours later, beneath a vast sea of stars, the Flower Sect lay bathed in the silvery glow of the moon. The night was serene; a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of blossoms through the courtyards, wrapping the world in a tranquil and elegant charm.
In a secluded garden, amidst fields of blooming flowers, two figures walked side by side. Their pace was unhurried, as though the flow of time itself had slowed to savor the moment.
Two figures are currently walking around the field of flowers, their steps unhurried, as though time itself had slowed to match their tranquil rhythm.
At the forefront walked a woman of peerless grace, her snow-white robes fluttering lightly with the night breeze. A faint moonlight seemed to follow her, draping her silhouette in a soft glow. Her long hair, half gathered and half unbound, cascaded down like ink spilling over jade, swaying with each gentle gust. Her bearing was ethereal, as though untouched by the dust of the mortal world, like an immortal descending to stroll among mortals.
Trailing a step behind, a refined young man accompanied her in silence. His features were clear and elegant, yet what truly captivated was the pair of dual-colored eyes that shimmered with unfathomable brilliance, as if two stars of different hues had taken residence within. His faint smile brimmed with warmth, and within that gaze resting upon the woman's back was a quiet devotion, tender enough to melt even the coldest night air.
At this moment, it felt as though time itself had stilled—belonging only to the two of them. Beneath the boundless night sky, they walked side by side at an unhurried pace, their steps light upon the stone path.
The gentle night breeze brushed past, carrying with it the faint fragrance of flowers, mingling with the quiet tenderness that lingered between them.
-------|
Read 20 Advanced Chapters in Patreon:
http://patreon.com/GodYato