Chapter 114: The Birth of the Yan Alliance
Before Yun Leng could finish his sentence, Yun Shan's palm descended on his forehead.
A surge of immense Dou Qi instantly destroyed Yun Leng's brain, then obliterated his internal organs.
Yun Leng's eyes widened in disbelief before his body went still and lifeless.
"Yun Leng, this will be your final contribution to the sect. Rest assured, in the annals of the Yun Lan Sect, you will still be remembered as an outstanding elder. I'll make sure your family, descendants, and disciples are well cared for," Yun Shan said, a cold smile playing on his lips.
In Yun Shan's mind, Xiao Yan was a figure both he and the Yun Lan Sect had to align themselves with. Xiao Yan's presence would shape the sect's future. Anyone who stood in the way of this goal had to be eliminated.
"By now, Xiao Yan should have arrived. Hehe, Yun Yun, don't let me down. I'd rather not resort to methods beneath my status unless absolutely necessary."
With that, Yun Shan's figure vanished from the room.
In the history of the Yun Lan Sect, the 29th Great Elder, Yun Leng, was recorded as having made exceptional contributions to the sect. Tragically, he was said to have succumbed to a Qi deviation during cultivation and died in his chambers.
The Yun Lan Sect's grand plaza was located halfway up a massive mountain. At this moment, Yun Po Tian's
spectral form hovered above his memorial tablet, gazing wistfully at the plaza below.
This vast square had been personally carved out by his Dou Zun powers in the past. Now, nearly a millennium later, the plaza remained unchanged, while he had long since become a wandering spirit.
Just then, a figure with Dou Qi wings appeared on the horizon, catching Yun Po Tian's attention.
"Xiao Yan has arrived," Yun Po Tian murmured, floating toward the approaching figure.
Xiao Yan gracefully landed in the plaza, gently setting down Nalan Yanran from his arms.
Nalan Yanran's cheeks flushed a deep red. Xiao Yan had grown even bolder this time, not only allowing his hands to wander but even giving her a light squeeze.
As the two touched down, another pair of figures materialized in the plaza.
"Xiao Yan, you've finally arrived. I've been looking forward to meeting you," Yun Shan greeted him warmly, his expression amiable.
"This old man's flattery is almost nauseating," Xiao Yan thought, glancing briefly at Yun Shan before turning his attention to another figure.
"Yun Sect Master, it's been a few days. Have you missed me?" Xiao Yan grinned, his gaze fixed on Yun Yun, who exuded her usual noble elegance.
Yun Yun, dressed in a refined and dignified manner, couldn't help but blush slightly at his teasing words.
"Xiao Yan, this is a public setting. Please show some decorum," Yun Yun replied, her tone tinged with embarrassment.
"Decorum? We're past that, don't you think?" Xiao Yan smirked shamelessly.
"Haha, since Xiao Yan has arrived, let us begin the banquet. Everyone, please take your seats," Yun Shan interjected, his cheerful demeanor unaffected by Yun Yun's visible discomfort.
As everyone settled down, Xiao Yan nearly burst into laughter at the sight before him.
Yun Po Tian sat alone at a table, his spectral form unable to touch any food or drink. He hovered awkwardly above his memorial tablet, a ghostly presence among the living.
Below Yun Po Tian's table sat Yun Shan and Yun Yun. Xiao Yan noticed that Yun Shan had arranged for Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran to sit on either side of him.
"Smart old man," Xiao Yan thought approvingly, giving Yun Shan a subtle nod of acknowledgment.
Not far from them, two alchemists Master Gu He and his disciple Liu Ling were scowling.
"Teacher, this scoundrel..." Liu Ling growled, watching Xiao Yan flirt shamelessly with Nalan Yanran.
"Hold your temper. A lack of patience will ruin our plans," Gu He replied coolly, though his clenched fists betrayed his own frustration. When Xiao Yan turned his teasing attention to Yun Yun, Gu He's composure cracked further.
"This brat!" Gu He muttered, grinding his teeth.
As the banquet progressed, the opulence of the Yun Lan Sect's preparations became evident. The gathered elders, though ignorant of Xiao Yan's full power, understood his importance from Yun Shan's deferential attitude. Each elder plastered on a flattering smile, eager to curry favor with Xiao Yan.
In contrast, Gu He and Liu Ling sat stiffly, feeling like an out of place current in a sea of sycophants.
"Xiao Yan, you've done our Yun Lan Sect a great service. We'd like to honor you by erecting a statue in your likeness. Would you be open to that?" Yun Shan asked with a smile.
"A statue? No, thank you. I'm not one for fame or fortune," Xiao Yan replied, shaking his head as he placed his wine glass on Yun Yun's table.
Yun Yun gave Xiao Yan a playful glare but obediently poured him another drink, her cheeks tinged with color.
"That bastard," Gu He muttered under his breath. Watching Yun Yun serve Xiao Yan felt like salt being rubbed into his wounds.
Yun Shan's disappointment was fleeting, though he concealed it well. A statue would have solidified Xiao Yan's association with the Yun Lan Sect, but it seemed the opportunity had slipped away.
"However," Xiao Yan suddenly said with a sly grin, "I've been toying with the idea of forming an alliance an organization that could reshape the Northwest Continent. I wonder if your sect would be interested."
"An alliance?" Yun Shan and Yun Po Tian exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed Xiao Yan's disinterest in a statue meant he had no use for the Yun Lan Sect. Instead, it seemed he wanted to recruit them into his plans.
"Indeed," Xiao Yan nodded. "I plan to create a force that will alter the entire power structure of the Northwest Continent. If your sect joins early, you could secure a prominent position as one of the founding members."
"A force that could dominate the Northwest Continent? Xiao Yan, you're quite ambitious," Yun Po Tian said with a wry smile.
As a former Dou Zun, Yun Po Tian was well aware of the strength required for such an undertaking. Though he didn't know the full extent of the Xiao Clan's ancient power, he understood that such an endeavor would require immense resources and skill.
Internally, Xiao Yan smirked. "I just need a place to keep my growing harem in harmony. If I'm going to have this many women, they can't be fighting all the time. A united organization is the perfect solution."
Unbeknownst to the others, Xiao Yan was already envisioning separate factions for his Northwest and Central Plains companions. Coordinating the two groups without sparking conflict would be crucial, but it was a challenge he was prepared to face.
"If I can promise a better life for all of them, they'll follow me anywhere," Xiao Yan thought confidently.
Out loud, Xiao Yan added, "The alliance I envision will one day boast no fewer than ten Dou Zun level experts."
His declaration sent a ripple of shock through the gathered crowd. Ten Dou Zuns? The entire Northwest Continent didn't have that many.
Ignoring their stunned reactions, Xiao Yan turned to Yun Po Tian. "Elder Yun, would you be willing to serve as the alliance's first Dou Zun representative?"
"Me?" Yun Po Tian shook his head with a bitter smile. "In my current state, I can barely wield the strength of a Dou Zong. How could I serve as a Dou Zun?"
"Even if the Yun Lan Sect joins, my role would be limited to mentoring younger disciples."
Xiao Yan swirled his wine glass and said nonchalantly, "What if I told you I could restore you to life?"
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