"And what is this second matter?"
Yun Shan straightened his posture, his interest piqued.
"I fell in love with your esteemed sect's leader, Yun Yun, at first sight, and we have secretly pledged ourselves to each other. I have come this time to request that Sect Leader Yun betroth Yun'er to me."
Xiao Tian understood that Yun Yun had always held reservations. That was precisely why she had never dared to fully accept him. Only with the elders' approval would Yun Yun completely release her concerns.
"Hmm? No wonder Yun'er has been so fixated on your information ever since she returned to the sect. So this is the reason."
Yun Shan reflected on Yun Yun's recent unusual behavior—her clear and heightened attention to Xiao Tian's every piece of news. At first, he had attributed it to past events.
It turned out they had secretly harbored feelings for one another.
Now, thinking back to the peculiar look in Yun Yun's eyes whenever she so much as glanced at Xiao Tian, that had clearly been the sickeningly sweet scent of romance!
Was she bullying this old man for never having experienced love himself?!
"I cannot make this decision for Yun'er. I will summon her and ask her opinion."
Yun Shan feigned an expression of great difficulty.
Seeing Yun Shan act this way, Xiao Tian felt the urge to punch this old fossil twice. He could not make the decision? Who was he trying to fool? Xiao Tian was not ignorant of Yun Shan's past history of coercion.
Approximately ten minutes passed.
"Teacher, did you summon me?"
A clear, cool voice drifted in from outside, and Yun Yun slowly walked into the cave dwelling.
She spotted a familiar figure with his back to her, seated across from Yun Shan.
When Xiao Tian turned around, revealing the face etched deeply into her memory—the very face she occasionally thought of in secret—she was momentarily lost in a daze.
Seeing Yun Yun again, Xiao Tian looked at her with tenderness.
"Cough, cough… Yun'er, come and sit. Everyone here is already acquainted."
Yun Shan coughed a few times, signaling Yun Yun to take a seat.
"Yes, Teacher."
Hearing this, Yun Yun immediately snapped back to reality, secretly scolding herself for becoming so flustered. Her teacher had probably noticed everything.
She lowered her head and sat at the stone table, seated upright and respectful.
"Yun'er, I called you here this time to discuss something with you."
Yun Shan looked at the restless Yun Yun and smiled.
"Teacher, please speak."
Upon hearing this, Yun Yun's expression instantly grew serious.
"I will not beat around the bush. I presume you are well acquainted with Young Friend Xiao Tian. He came to me today to request that I betroth you to him."
"For a woman, the most important thing in life is to marry a good husband. From my observations, Xiao Tian is not only exceptionally handsome but also possesses outstanding talent. I believe he is a fine match for you. Are you willing?"
Yun Shan spoke bluntly.
After hearing this, Yun Yun looked at Yun Shan with a shocked expression, then turned her gaze toward Xiao Tian.
Xiao Tian secretly winked at her, his face brimming with anticipation and warmth.
Yun Yun immediately dropped her head, her face flushed crimson, burying her face in her chest. Her heart raced, and her thoughts tangled into a chaotic mess.
She felt a mixture of shyness and nervousness, along with an indescribable excitement spreading through her.
Her face was so red it seemed as though water might drip from it. Stammering, she said,
"This disciple will follow Teacher's arrangements."
"Good, good, good. Then it is settled."
Seeing that Yun Yun did not object, Yun Shan smiled and made the final decision.
Yun Shan was also extremely eager to establish a connection with Xiao Tian. Such an exceptional young man naturally had to be one of their own to feel at ease. Otherwise, he would be forced to live on tenterhooks every single day.
He also did not know whether Xiao Tian harbored ambitions of dominance. If he did, his Misty Cloud Sect would be something he would inevitably have to contend with.
"Yun'er, you may leave now."
"Yes."
Yun Yun walked out with her head lowered and her face flushed, her heart unable to settle for a long time. Yet the faint smile gracing her lips and her somewhat buoyant, floating steps already betrayed her true mood.
"Thank you, Sect Leader Yun, for your generous blessing."
Xiao Tian picked up the teapot and poured Yun Shan a cup of tea.
"Still calling me Sect Leader Yun?"
Yun Shan took the teacup and drained its contents in one gulp.
"And do you think I am unaware of what you are thinking, young man? You two are genuinely in love. If I dared to obstruct you, you would probably just snatch her away directly. This old body of mine cannot withstand such an upheaval."
"Teacher, you misjudge me. I am the most honest of men. How could I ever do such a thing?"
When Xiao Tian had come to find Yun Shan earlier, he had indeed planned to use a Soul Control Talisman on him had Yun Shan proven unreasonable.
Such a pity. He had not expected Yun Shan to agree without a moment's hesitation.
"You are not one of those old-fashioned sorts. In my eyes, you are a most enlightened person, truly a role model for all."
"A junior like myself ought to learn more from a senior such as yourself, Teacher, to broaden my horizons."
Xiao Tian's barrage of flattery nearly made Yun Shan float away.
"You exaggerate. I am not that impressive."
Yun Shan waved his hand dismissively, but the smile on his face grew ever brighter, and he exuded an air of utter contentment.
"You, young man, should not spend too much time on an old fossil like me. Go find Yun'er and nurture your relationship."
"Then I shall take my leave. Until we meet again."
Xiao Tian turned and departed directly, his steps swift yet steady.
Stepping out of the cave dwelling, Xiao Tian looked up at the sky. Across the azure expanse, strange white clouds drifted, and among them, a tiny black cloud lingered, as though foretelling his future path.
Drawing a deep breath, he rushed toward Yun Yun's location.
Xiao Tian's figure materialized within a room dominated by green with white accents. The interplay of green and white was perfectly balanced, showcasing tranquility without sacrificing elegance and refinement.
The arrangement of the entire room unmistakably revealed the character of its owner.
Upon entering this room, one could even feel an inner sense of peace and joy.
Inside, Yun Yun rested her chin upon her hand, lost in thought. Her eyes were hazy, as though immersed in her own musings, utterly unaware of Xiao Tian's arrival.
Xiao Tian lightened his steps and came to her side, his gaze falling upon her delicate features, a trace of tenderness in his eyes.
At last, the pensive Yun Yun seemed to sense something. She slowly raised her head and saw Xiao Tian standing beside her.
"When did you arrive?"
Yun Yun asked gently. Although a measure of joy stirred within her heart, she revealed no emotion on her face.
This scoundrel had not visited her in so long, and now he suddenly appeared, dropping such a colossal bombshell. She had nearly been stunned speechless at the time.
According to prior intelligence, this rascal had a number of women around him with whom he was exceedingly intimate.
As she pondered this, her joy and anticipation gradually transformed into a trace of displeasure.
She was worrying herself sick over him, while he was out having a splendid time.
"Finally decided to abandon those vixens?" Yun Yun said coolly, turning her head away, her tone laced with a hint of dissatisfaction.
Xiao Tian smiled faintly, leaned closer to Yun Yun, and gently sniffed. "Do you smell anything?"
Yun Yun was somewhat taken aback by Xiao Tian's sudden question. She furrowed her brow in confusion and carefully sniffed the air around her. "There is no smell at all."
Xiao Tian observed Yun Yun's utterly adorable reaction, entirely out of character for her, and could not suppress a laugh. He whispered in her ear, "Such a strong scent of vinegar. So very sour."
"Get lost! Me? Jealous of you? You wish!"
Feeling Xiao Tian's words and the warmth of his breath against her ear, her face flushed scarlet, yet she still feigned anger.
Xiao Tian burst out laughing and pulled Yun Yun into his embrace.
Sensing her body drawn into a warm hold, Yun Yun offered a few token struggles before finally nestling quietly against his chest. A blissful smile graced her lips as she savored the cozy warmth.
The two simply held each other like that, neither choosing to speak, quietly relishing this rare and tender moment.
"I brought you a gift this time."