"S-Senior Brother Gu, can I?"
Xiao Mei's pretty face, a mix of innocence and charm, instantly flushed red.
The Cloud Mist Sect was the number one power within the Jia Ma Empire, second only to the imperial family, and they were best known for cultivating Wind Attribute Dou Qi practitioners.
She had always dreamed of becoming a disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect!
"You've already called me Senior Brother Gu, so of course you can." Gu Han nodded slightly. Although his face was as cool and detached as ever, he gave off a hint of gentleness.
"As long as Xiao Yan agrees to this, you will have the qualification. This is another gift from my Sect Master to Xiao Yan and Miss Nalan Yanran."
A strange look flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. He knew this wasn't a gift, but rather a form of compensation.
It was a respectable compensation for him and the Xiao Family because he had been sensible enough not to get entangled with Nalan Yanran.
After all, on the surface, he had been reduced to a good-for-nothing who could no longer cultivate.
He had used no small amount of the family's resources over the years and had to repay them in some way.
If it weren't for the many outsiders present, he felt that those elders would have cast aside their image to persuade him and his father.
"Furthermore, after joining the sect, you can be taken in as a nominal disciple by a Dou King Elder. If you perform well, you can be promoted to a direct disciple," Gu Han continued.
Everyone present: !!!
Didn't this mean that the Xiao Family would suddenly gain two Dou Kings as backers?
And that the Cloud Mist Sect would also become the Xiao Family's backer?
Why did it feel like Yun Yun wanted to be the Xiao Family's backer?
Giving so many benefits... could it be that this Xiao Yan was Yun Yun's illegitimate son, fostered by the Xiao Family?!
"Achoo!"
On Cloud Mist Mountain, Yun Yun felt her nose itch and subconsciously rubbed it.
"Teacher, I'm here."
Nalan Yanran walked into the inner hall with light steps, a relaxed smile on her face.
Successfully resolving the matter of her marriage while taking everyone into consideration had lifted a great weight from her heart, as if clearing away a gloomy haze.
"It seems you've already received the news." The corners of Yun Yun's lips curled up slightly.
"I received Father's message by flying eagle the very next day." Nalan Yanran came to Yun Yun's side and affectionately held her arm.
In front of others, they were master and disciple, but when no one else was around, they were more like sisters.
"Teacher, what did you want to discuss with me?" Nalan Yanran asked proactively.
Originally, Yun Yun had arranged for her to go to a place in the back mountains where wind and clouds converged to temper her Dou Skills.
"I'm sure you'd be unwilling to enter a marriage alliance with Gu Han, right?" Yun Yun's eyes held a smile.
"Huh?" Nalan Yanran was taken aback, then her pretty face turned red as she shook her head. "I'm not willing!"
Junior Brother Gu Han had an outstanding appearance and temperament, his talent surpassed her own, his background was clean, and he was quick-witted; his good qualities were innumerable.
If she needed to find a Dao companion in the future, Junior Brother Gu Han was indeed an excellent choice.
But right now, she only wanted to cultivate and become stronger, to become a powerful woman like Yun Yun.
An engagement, to her, was merely a restraint.
"Then there are only two ways." Yun Yun was not surprised, her tone leisurely. "I'm going to accept a disciple on behalf of my master."
Nalan Yanran: ?
If she accepted a disciple on behalf of her master, wouldn't Gu Han become her Junior Uncle?!
"Teacher, did something happen?!" Nalan Yanran asked urgently.
"A Dou Emperor expert is trying to poach from our Cloud Mist Sect. Two of them, in fact." A peculiar light entered Yun Yun's eyes. "Their strength is above mine. They are from a first-rate power in the Central Plains, and they are ice-attribute cultivators. They wanted to take Gu Han as a disciple, but he refused."
"His reason for refusal was that he has yet to repay the three great kindnesses of the Cloud Mist Sect and wants to fight for the sect in the Sect Tournament two and a half years from now!"
"What?!" Nalan Yanran was extremely shocked.
If what Yun Yun said was true, then Gu Han was a bit "foolish."
"I also find it incredible, but it is the truth." Yun Yun's fingers tapped a rhythm on the table. "A few days ago, when I was inspecting the Sect Grand Array, I accidentally discovered an eight-star Dou Emperor who had snuck in. He had no ill intentions and said he was here to investigate Gu Han."
"Yesterday, Zhang Chuchen sent a message by carrier pigeon, mentioning that a Dou Emperor expert wanted to take Gu Han as a disciple, but he refused."
"You should know that Zhang Chuchen is the disciple of the Punishment Elder and a supporter of our Sect Master's faction. For some unknown reason, his cultivation couldn't advance an inch, and even Alchemist Gu He couldn't find the cause."
"But not long ago, that Dou Emperor from the Central Plains saw that Zhang Chuchen was afflicted with a special Snake Venom. As a favor to Gu Han, he resolved it for him. Now, he has already broken through to the Dou Spirit level."
"Gu Han is so loyal to the Cloud Mist Sect, and he's being fought over by two Dou Emperor experts. Of course I must take this seriously, don't you think?"
Nalan Yanran felt like her brain wasn't working: !
To be recruited by a Dou Emperor expert from the Central Plains, just how strong must his talent be?
Moreover, these experts would certainly conduct an investigation before accepting a disciple. Gu Han was not only strong in talent, but also in character and disposition.
It was no wonder Yun Yun valued him so much, even to the point of considering a marriage alliance for her.
"Teacher, the Sect Master naturally cannot treat Junior Brother unfairly." Nalan Yanran nodded, but then asked in confusion, "It would be fine for you to take him as your disciple personally. Why accept him on behalf of your master?"
"If I take him as my disciple, what can I teach him?" Yun Yun had clearly given this deep thought and shook her head. "It would only give him the status of a direct disciple and allow him access to some resources for direct disciples."
"But if I accept him on behalf of my master, he will be my junior brother. While still receiving the treatment of a direct disciple, his status within the sect will be higher. Those young elders will be his peers in terms of seniority."
Yun Yun was Yun Shan's disciple, a Dou Emperor expert, and the Sect Master. Logically, her word should be law within the sect.
But in reality, many elders in the sect would act their age, using their seniority to say things that were plausible but not quite right.
If he became Yun Yun's disciple, his status would be a generation lower.
Nalan Yanran: "..."
Seniority was a good thing. In that case, could she become Yun Yun's junior sister?
Gu Han was unaware of the conversation between the master and disciple.
At this moment, he was waiting for Xiao Yan to make a decision.
The latter did not ponder for long before nodding. "I agree."
He had no objection to the family gaining a nominal disciple of a Cloud Mist Sect elder.
With a mission like becoming Yao Lao's disciple, he was bound to have a broader future.
With a Cloud Mist Sect disciple in the family, he could be more at ease when he was away from home.
"Good." Gu Han was not surprised by Xiao Yan's decision. He looked at Xiao Mei. "Then tomorrow, when I return to the sect, you will come with me."
"Yes." Xiao Mei eagerly agreed.
She believed that not a single elder in the clan would refuse.
And that was indeed the case. Xiao Mei's biological grandfather, the Xiao Family's Second Elder, was so happy he nearly tore off his own beard.
His gaze towards Xiao Yan also became extremely benevolent, and he thought that he must cooperate more with the Clan Head in the future.
The First Elder and Third Elder were very envious, but that was all.
It couldn't be helped that their descendants' talents were lacking, nor were they Wind Attribute Dou Qi cultivators.
"The ceremony is complete." Gu Han announced the completion of Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's engagement.
After they came of age, the two could hold a wedding ceremony and become a legitimate married couple.
Xiao Zhan stood up with a broad smile, announced the start of the banquet, and invited everyone to take their seats.
Gu Han was naturally seated at the head table, with Miteer Yafei arranged to sit beside him.
"Young Master Gu, I've heard so much about you." Ya Fei raised her delicate little wine cup and took the initiative to greet him.
Gu Han raised his cup and clinked it against hers. "Miss Ya Fei, I happen to have something to ask you."
Ya Fei: ?
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