Around fifteen minutes later.
Two figures flickered into existence simultaneously above the square. It was Queen Medusa and Yun Shan.
Compared to before, neither seemed to have changed much. However, if one observed carefully, they would notice that Yun Shan's originally fair face now held an imperceptible trace of pallor, and his aura was somewhat unstable.
In contrast, Medusa remained as bewitching and cold as ever, her aura without the slightest fluctuation.
Yun Leng and the others from the Misty Cloud Sect, lacking sufficient strength, did not notice this. The only ones present who could perceive this subtle change were the peak Dou Emperors Jia Xing Tian and Yao Lao, as well as Zhou Changqing, whose soul perception was exceptionally strong.
"That woman is becoming more and more terrifying. Even though that old fellow Yun Shan broke through that barrier, he still suffered a loss at her hands..."
"Something's wrong. There's something off about Queen Medusa..."
Zhou Changqing didn't know what the others were thinking, but he felt this result was only natural. Because of his Lightning Qi, Medusa's spirit evolution had been smooth and seamless, preventing the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python spirit from suppressing her soul. Coupled with that mysterious Serpent-Person bloodline, was it really strange for Queen Medusa to have such strength?
He even felt that if this woman got serious, Yun Shan would probably be defeated in a short time. Why should a one-star Dou Ancestor who advanced through shortcuts, with an unstable foundation and vain combat power, compare to Queen Medusa, who possessed the dual bloodlines of the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python and the Serpent-People?
"Today's matter is written off. You may leave," Yun Shan said softly, suppressing the pain from the shock to his internal organs and maintaining the demeanor of a grandmaster as he glanced indifferently at Zhou Changqing and the others.
Zhou Changqing smiled and cupped his hands. "We have disturbed Sect Master Yun Shan. Farewell."
With that, he waved his hand and led Xiao Yan to fly down the mountain.
Medusa glanced at Yun Shan, a hint of disappointment in her beautiful eyes, before her figure flashed and vanished.
Yun Shan felt Medusa's gaze. The corner of his eye twitched involuntarily, and a deep fear surfaced in the depths of his eyes.
"Old Sect Master..."
At this moment, Yun Leng looked at the departing Xiao Yan and the others with unwillingness, wanting to say something.
Yun Shan turned his head, his gaze piercing the wretched Yun Leng like a sharp sword, and said coldly, "Still not enough disgrace? This old man said, this matter ends here."
Yun Leng's body trembled, and he lowered his head, daring not to speak again. This also prevented Yun Shan from seeing the flash of resentment and malice in the former's eyes.
"Hmph!"
With a cold snort, Yun Shan ignored him. Without greeting Jia Xing Tian and the others, he vanished.
With Yun Shan's departure, this farce was declared over. Seeing there was no more show to watch, Jia Xing Tian and the others also left in a hurry. Yun Shan breaking through to Dou Ancestor was not good news for the Imperial Family.
As for Hai Bodong, he didn't leave with Xiao Yan and the others. He feared Medusa like a snake or scorpion; running away was already good enough, how could he possibly join them?
...
After leaving the Misty Cloud Mountain.
Zhou Changqing and the others returned to the Primer Clan.
Medusa took her daily dose of Lightning Qi and left the small courtyard where Zhou Changqing lived, leaving only the latter and Xiao Yan.
Beside the stone table, the two drank and chatted, much like they had in the small courtyard in Wu Tan City back then.
Zhou Changqing hooked his arm around Xiao Yan's neck and asked, "Old Xiao, the Three-Year Agreement is over. What are your plans now?"
"What plans can I have? Go report to Jia Nan Academy, of course. Old Zhou, want to come along?" Xiao Yan put down his teacup and said as if it were obvious.
"Heh, you just miss your little girlfriend, don't you?" Zhou Changqing gave a teasing smile, a look of 'I understand' on his face, then shook his head. "I won't be going to Jia Nan Academy."
"Heh, I think you're just jealous. But it makes sense. With your current strength, you wouldn't learn much at Jia Nan Academy. Being a student would be ridiculous, and being a mentor... I assume you don't have the interest."
Xiao Yan let out a proud chuckle, then sighed.
Then, he asked, "But if you're not going to Jia Nan Academy, do you plan to stay in the Jia Ma Empire?"
"Not likely. The Jia Ma Empire is too small. If I want to go further, leaving is inevitable. As for where to go, I'll figure it out as I go."
Xiao Yan nodded, not saying anything like 'why not come with me to the Black Corner Region.'
Although the two were good brothers, they each had their own lives and paths. sticking together might not be for the best. Besides, if Old Zhou followed him, wouldn't he have another backer like his teacher? While that feeling was cool, he had to grow eventually. Being protected by his teacher and his best friend all the time meant he would never grow up.
What he, Xiao Yan, wanted to do was not be Old Zhou's foil, but a fellow traveler who could walk side by side with him! If Old Zhou had to admire the higher scenery alone, wouldn't he be very lonely?
"By the way, what exactly is going on between you and Queen Medusa? That fierce woman..."
"Holy crap! Do you want to die?!"
"Pui pui pui, you brat, did you wash your hands after using the toilet?!"
"No."
"Damn it!"
"I'm serious, Old Zhou. I never noticed before that you had the potential to be a scumbag?"
"Hey hey hey, don't think just because we're close you can slander me. I'll sue you for defamation all the same!"
"Heh, you still say you aren't? You clearly have Sister Ya Fei, yet you still mess with Queen Medusa..."
"Cough cough! Get lost! You're not a good person either. Besides, the Queen and I just have a pure transactional relationship. Don't talk nonsense, aren't you afraid she'll scatter your ashes?"
"Uh... no way, she can hear even here?"
"Do you know the gold content of a Dou Ancestor?"
"...Farewell!"
"Screw you, you're too cowardly. Weren't you pretty brave just now?"
...
The second day.
Zhou Changqing found the busy Ya Fei at the Primer Clan headquarters.
"What? You're leaving?"
In the room, Ya Fei, who had been smiling, froze upon hearing Zhou Changqing's words, her expression visibly dimming.
Seeing the beauty like this, Zhou Changqing's heart softened. He said gently, "Mm. My cultivation is somewhat special; the Imperial Capital isn't suitable, so I must leave."
Although he was indeed reluctant to part with Ya Fei. But cultivation was the most important thing. He couldn't stay just for Ya Fei and delay his own cultivation.
Ya Fei was sensible. She immediately restored her smile, looking at the young man before her with tender eyes. "True. For you, Little Changqing, the Jia Ma Empire is indeed a bit too small."
"Back in Wu Tan City, Big Sister knew you were no ordinary thing in the pool. Sooner or later, you would soar into the nine heavens. I just didn't expect it to be so soon."
"With you leaving, I don't know when we'll meet again. Outside is not like Jia Ma. Be careful in everything. If you encounter any danger, don't be brave, just run..."
As she spoke, Ya Fei reluctantly straightened Zhou Changqing's clothes, instructing him softly.
Zhou Changqing didn't feel annoyed; he listened quietly.
After Ya Fei finished speaking, he suddenly reached out and pulled the beauty into his embrace.
Feeling that warm softness and smelling the waves of fragrance surrounding his nose, Zhou Changqing leaned close to Ya Fei's translucent earlobe and whispered, "Sister Ya Fei, when I return, how about I propose to the Primer Clan?"
The warm breath on her earlobe made Ya Fei's delicate body go soft, leaning weakly in his arms. That gentle whisper made her mind go blank for a moment. It took a while for her to recover, and she couldn't help but gently thump Zhou Changqing's chest, saying coquettishly.
"W-what nonsense are you talking about? Alright, Little Changqing, you've gone bad. You even dare to tease Big Sister now!"