"Senior Sister?"
Gu Han calmly met Yun Yun's gaze, noticing her normal expression while his mind raced rapidly.
"Is the former sect master emerging from seclusion and planning to take me as his disciple?" Gu Han proposed a reasonable guess.
But knowing full well that Yun Shan was still in closed-door cultivation, he understood Yun Yun likely intended to accept a disciple on her master's behalf.
"The master hasn't emerged from seclusion yet." As Gu Han expected, Yun Yun gave a negative answer and stated directly: "This sect master wishes to accept a disciple on my master's behalf."
So it really was accepting a disciple on behalf of the master. To come up with such a method, Yun Yun had indeed put considerable thought into it.
"Since you can accept disciples on behalf of the master, could you have the founding ancestor take me as his disciple?" Gu Han inquired: "I'd like to be of the same generation as the various elders."
Yun Yun: ?
What nonsense are you spouting.
"Would you be the one responsible for teaching me?" Gu Han asked.
"Correct." Yun Yun nodded slightly: "Henceforth, your status will be my junior brother. Although you are an Ice-attribute Aura practitioner, this sect master is a Dou Emperor and can instruct you in many aspects."
"You are a genius, actually not lacking this sect master's guidance. What you lack are resources. After your status is elevated, you will become a Cloud Mist Sect direct disciple. It's only natural for this sect master to take care of her own junior brother, and no one can find fault with it."
This was a grand promise. If Gu Han were an ordinary genius, he would certainly accept it, since his primary concern would no longer be an issue.
But he knew he would eventually leave the Cloud Mist Sect. While repaying kindness was one thing, he didn't want to become too deeply bound, nor did he want to acknowledge "Yun Tian Emperor" as his master.
"Then let's discuss this another day." Gu Han pondered briefly before speaking: "For now, could you allow me some more time to consider?"
"Becoming a direct disciple would significantly improve your treatment." Yun Yun was surprised Gu Han would refuse: "You could cultivate in the mountaintop training hall, freely access the first two floors of the Cloud Mist Sect's scripture repository, seek guidance from Dou King Elders at any time, and mobilize numerous resources."
"Treatment?" Thinking of his Century Cold Jade and Essence Crystal Jade Marrow, a Near Earth-rank cultivation method and a Near Earth-rank Aura Skill, along with the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm and more, Gu Han calmly shook his head: "Sect Master, I currently don't lack such treatment."
"In terms of cultivation methods, I was fortunate to gain the regard of a Dou Emperor senior who passed down a High-level Mysterious-rank Ice-attribute Aura Skill and cultivation method."
"Regarding resources, as long as I methodically participate in the Outer Sect Disciple Competition, followed by the Inner Sect Disciple Competition, I won't lack for anything."
"If absolutely necessary, I can still perform tasks for you, Sect Master, exchanging merit for benefits."
"I truly don't wish to find myself a nominal teacher."
At this point, Gu Han's gaze suddenly became serious and resolute, staring directly at Yun Yun: "Sect Master, I remain in the Cloud Mist Sect because I wish to repay kindness. If I sought resources, I might as well take as master that Dou Emperor senior from Central Region."
"In this vast Cloud Mist Sect, there is only one precious thing that can move my heart, that I wish to obtain."
Yun Yun felt scalded by Gu Han's undisguised meaningful gaze and instinctively averted her eyes.
Since their first meeting, she had sensed that Gu Han looked at her differently than other disciples in the sect.
His refusal to call himself "disciple," his insistence on taking an elder of his master's generation as teacher—all confirmed her suspicions.
But she never expected Gu Han to so brazenly reveal that meaning now, truly, truly...
"Sect Master."
Seeing Yun Yun's expression constantly changing, Gu Han knew when to stop to avoid pushing her to the point of shame-induced anger. He shifted the topic: "This trip to the Xiao Family has truly broadened my horizons."
"The Jia Ma Empire is small, and the Northwestern Continent is nothing significant among the many regions of the Dou Qi Continent. My goal is to conquer the entire continent."
"Sooner or later, I will leave the Cloud Mist Sect. I cannot stay here forever."
Yun Yun was astonished by Gu Han's ambition.
If it were anyone else—a mere Dou Fighter with just a bit of talent—she would have dismissed it as overambitious, ignorant of the difficulties of becoming a true expert.
But the speaker was Gu Han, who had risen from a one-star Dou Fighter to a seven-star in less than two months and had caught the attention of two high-level ice-attribute Dou Emperors seeking to take him as a disciple (as mentioned in Zhang Chuchen's letter).
Even if they couldn't successfully recruit him as a disciple, those Dou Emperor experts had still gifted him a Mysterious-rank cultivation method and Dou Skills, showing great confidence in his future.
As the sect master of the Cloud Mist Sect, she couldn't lack such discernment.
"Understood. Then think it over carefully. You can come to me anytime once you've made up your mind." Yun Yun took out two boxes from her Storage Ring and tossed them to Gu Han. "Since the Dou Emperors from the Central Region are generous, I, as the sect master, won't be stingy either. Inside are an Ice Heart Pill and a One-pattern Azure Spirit Pill. You can take them before and after your breakthrough to Dou Master."
Ice Heart Pill: A Fourth-Grade Pill. When taken by a nine-star Dou Fighter, it offers a 30% chance of breaking through to Dou Master. For practitioners with Yin attributes, the chance increases to 50%, while ice-attribute practitioners are guaranteed a 100% breakthrough. If taken by a Dou Master, it can increase cultivation by one to two stars with minimal resistance buildup.
One-pattern Azure Spirit Pill: When taken by a peak Dou Master, it increases the breakthrough chance by 50%. If taken by a Dou Fighter, it can raise cultivation by one to three stars but carries the risk of regression.
Gu Han planned to save them until he reached the Dou Master level.
"Thank you, Sect Master." Gu Han stored the two pills without hesitation.
Compared to the benefits he had brought to the Cloud Mist Sect, this was nothing.
"Dismissed." Yun Yun waved her hand as if impatient.
"Sect Master, may I come for your guidance every day from now on?" Gu Han remained unmoving, his gaze fixed on Yun Yun.
"That privilege is reserved for my disciples and junior apprentices. You can't have everything." Yun Yun put on a stern face, feigning seriousness. "If you encounter any cultivation issues, go to the Punishment Elder."
"Hah!" A faint smile appeared on Gu Han's usually cold expression.
Yun Yun, are you even listening to yourself? Criticizing me and then telling me to seek guidance from a Dou King.
"What are you laughing at?" Yun Yun clenched her fists, feeling her face grow warm.
"Just thought of something amusing." Gu Han schooled his expression.
You were clearly laughing at me.
Yun Yun snorted inwardly. "I will be away from the sect for some time and will return before the outer sect competition. I hope your performance then won't disappoint me."
So this was her way of explaining why she couldn't personally instruct him.
"I await your review, Sect Master." Gu Han promptly took his leave.
Once the inner hall was empty, Yun Yun covered her cheeks with her hands, revealing a girlish demeanor she hadn't shown since becoming the Young Sect Master.
"That little rascal... so arrogant, bold, and insolent..."
"I must be going mad!"
Time flies like an arrow, days and months like a shuttle.
In the blink of an eye, two months had passed since Gu Han returned to Cloud Mist Mountain.
During these two months, Gu Han maintained a rigid routine: switching to the Ice Soul Mystic Classic, improving his cultivation, condensing Ice Soul, honing Dou Skills, practicing secret arts, meditating on the Black Tortoise Shell to enhance his soul power, and using opportunities to gather various resources.
"Condense!"
Within the Black Tortoise Mystic Realm, Gu Han sat upon the Essence Crystal Jade Marrow, with Century Cold Jade resting on his lap and the Ice Toad Snow Pearl held between his fingers. He fully activated the Ice Soul Mystic Classic, which had long reached its perfected stage.
His soul force surged forth, guiding countless streams of ice-attribute Heaven and Earth Energy to seep through every pore of his body and converge at his heart. Simultaneously, vast amounts of Dou Qi surged from the Qi Cyclone in his Dantian, also gathering at the same location.
Finally, a pure white crystal brimming with condensed energy, its cold aura completely restrained, took form within his heart.
"It's done."
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "QueenTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!