In the back mountain of the Cloud Mist Sect, Yun Shan, who had been in secluded cultivation inside a mountain cave, suddenly opened his eyes. He had sensed a familiar aura.
"Is that brat finally here?"
Yun Shan narrowed his eyes slightly. Without hesitation, he stood up and prepared to leave the cave.
"Are you going out?"
A sinister voice suddenly echoed within the dimly lit mountain cave.
"It's none of your business. I won't expose your existence either," Yun Shan replied indifferently. He waved his sleeve, and his figure vanished from the cave in an instant.
Yun Shan soon arrived at the main reception hall, where he saw Xiao Tian sitting leisurely in a chair, sipping tea.
"Oh? I didn't expect Sect Leader Yun to personally come and receive me," Xiao Tian said with a faint smile as he watched Yun Shan walk in through the open door.
"With such a distinguished guest visiting, it's only natural that I come to greet you personally. Otherwise, people might say the Cloud Mist Sect lacks proper etiquette," Yun Shan replied calmly. In the blink of an eye, he appeared beside Xiao Tian and sat down in the adjacent chair.
"Where's Yun Yun? Why haven't I seen her?" Xiao Tian asked, scrutinizing Yun Shan.
"Yun'er is currently out on a mission and isn't in the sect right now. Do you need something from her? I'm quite busy at the moment and don't have much time to chat," Yun Shan said, picking up a teacup and taking a small sip. A meaningful glint flashed in his eyes.
Xiao Tian immediately understood the hidden meaning behind Yun Shan's words. Protector Wu was likely spying on them. After all, that old man didn't fully trust Yun Shan.
"Then when will she return? I have an agreement with her," Xiao Tian said.
Upon hearing the word "agreement," Yun Shan instantly grasped Xiao Tian's true intention.
"Based on past situations, she should be back tonight. You can come over then," Yun Shan replied after pretending to ponder for a moment.
"Alright. Then please inform Yun Yun tonight. I'll probably arrive around the beginning of the Hai hour," Xiao Tian said directly, subtly emphasizing his words as he set the time.
"Understood. She will definitely be here. Just come over," Yun Shan replied.
Having caught the emphasis on the word "inform," Yun Shan, being the old fox he was, naturally understood the underlying message. Although he felt somewhat unwilling, he still agreed.
As for whether the agreed time was truly for meeting Yun Yun or for something else entirely, only the two of them knew.
Just then, the door of the main hall suddenly opened, and an old man walked in. It was the Cloud Mist Sect's Great Elder, Yun Ling.
The mountain-guarding disciples, unable to locate the Sect Leader, had no choice but to report the matter to the Great Elder instead.
Yun Ling had been extremely curious when he heard that a young man had arrived carrying the Sect Leader's personal token. Yun Yun had always remained indifferent toward men, yet her personal token was now in the hands of one.
"Greetings, Old Sect Leader and this esteemed guest," Yun Ling said as he entered. He was momentarily stunned upon seeing Yun Shan, who was supposed to be in seclusion, already present. He quickly recovered and bowed respectfully.
"You may withdraw. I will handle things here," Yun Shan said calmly.
"Yes."
As Yun Ling turned to leave, he deliberately took a deep look at Xiao Tian. This incredibly handsome young man not only possessed the Sect Leader's token but had also prompted the Old Sect Leader to personally come out and greet him. His mind couldn't help but race with various thoughts.
"Since Yun Yun isn't here and I still have matters to attend to, I won't disturb Sect Leader Yun any further. I'll take my leave now and return tonight," Xiao Tian said. He put down his teacup, stood up, gave Yun Shan a casual wave, and walked out of the hall.
Yun Shan also vanished from the main hall in an instant, returning to his secluded mountain cave.
"Hehehe… That person's soul was quite good. I like it very much."
A ball of black mist suddenly appeared in front of Yun Shan, accompanied by a strange, eerie laugh.
"This person won't do. He is a distinguished guest our sect intends to recruit, and he is also the current Sect Leader's good friend," Yun Shan replied.
"If you bring him here and I take his soul, I can help your sect gain at least two additional Dou Emperors," the voice from the black mist offered.
Upon hearing this tempting condition, Yun Shan sneered inwardly. If he hadn't known about the soul mark beforehand, he might have been tempted. But now, he knew that any Dou Emperors created this way would likely end up just like him—their souls eventually harvested by this mysterious entity.
"I'll consider it. He is an alchemist, and quite useful for the sect's future development," Yun Shan said, choosing not to refuse outright. He needed to stabilize the black mist for now. A strong refusal might not align with his previous behavior and could arouse suspicion.
"You can contact me once you've made your decision. I await your good news… hehehe."
The black mist gradually faded away, leaving only a trail of sinister laughter echoing in the cave.
"That dog's laughter is truly unpleasant," Yun Shan thought coldly. "Laugh all you want while you still can. You might not get another chance later."
…
Xiao Tian, now a considerable distance away from the Cloud Mist Sect, moved his thoughts and instantly returned to his training room within the Eternal Dream Realm.
Seeing that there were still four hours until the agreed time, Xiao Tian reached into his Demon Flame Ring and took out a herb.
A peculiar plant appeared in his hand. The entire herb was gray in color, emitting a faint blue-white glow. It was a small grass plant, roughly several feet tall, with one main stem and five leaves. At the top grew numerous heart-shaped fruits, each the size of a rice grain.
This was the Heavenly Heart Soul Grass he had obtained from the Snake-People Clan. It was a rare treasure capable of enhancing one's soul power.
Heavenly Heart Soul Grass: Upon consumption, it can directly raise one's soul by a small level.
Xiao Tian first checked the method of use. It was very simple and crude—just chew and swallow it directly.
Without hesitation, he took two bites and swallowed the Heavenly Heart Soul Grass. Immediately, a nauseating, fishy, and foul-smelling taste surged up his throat.
Xiao Tian forcefully suppressed the strong urge to vomit and began refining the medicinal power. As the energy was absorbed by his soul, a wave of comfort washed over him—like returning home after enduring the bitter cold of winter and then soaking in a warm hot spring.
"Ugh…"
Xiao Tian involuntarily let out a low, comfortable groan. If there had been outsiders present, they might have easily misunderstood the sound.
His soul power continued to rise steadily. Just as the medicinal power was fully absorbed, a powerful surge of soul energy suddenly erupted from Xiao Tian's body.