Looking for the Xiao family?
They were probably searching for descendants of the destroyed Xiao clan. A strange light flashed in Yao Lao's eyes. In a calm tone, he said, "The Hall of Souls has existed for thousands of years and has always been searching for something. No one knows what they are looking for or what they intend to do."
"The Hall of Souls commonly targets alchemists with exceptional soul talent—that is their method. Therefore, the alchemist holy land, Pill Tower, stands in opposition to the Hall of Souls."
"However, this is the first time I've heard they are searching for the Xiao family or talented Xiao clan cultivators."
"This is absolutely true," Yun Shan said immediately. "I still have the communication jade slip left by the Hall of Souls protector. He instructed me to notify him immediately if I found any Xiao family members or fallen cultivators who met the criteria."
"There is no doubt. The Hall of Souls' actions are inscrutable, and it is not surprising to be shocked by them."
Yao Lao signaled Yun Shan not to explain further and said in a joking tone, "I can roughly guess what help you came seeking. You noticed the Hall of Souls protector interfering with you and want my help to resolve it, right?"
"How did you know?" Yun Shan asked involuntarily, then immediately realized, "Right, since Medusa can sense it, you naturally can too."
"No, not at all." Yao Lao quietly shook his head. "If you allow me to examine your body with my soul power, I may be able to identify the cause. Right now, I am only speculating."
"Everyone says there is no free lunch in this world, yet some people gain opportunities through luck. However, it is absolutely impossible for you to obtain any benefits from the Hall of Souls."
"The things the Hall of Souls protector openly asked of you are indeed the simplest. He has already secretly devised a plan for you."
"Senior is correct. That Hall of Souls is truly despicable." Yun Shan immediately agreed. "That protector left a mark on my soul, subtly altered my personality, made me greedy and ambitious, and ultimately intends to devour my soul."
"Only today did I learn that even the founder of my Misty Cloud Sect died at the hands of the Hall of Souls."
As he spoke, Yun Shan recounted part of the Life and Death Gate story. Finally, he stated firmly, "My Misty Cloud Sect and the Hall of Souls are mortal enemies."
"Senior, if you help me, I promise to lead the Misty Cloud Sect—just like the Miteer Family from Hai Bodong—to protect the Xiao family to the end."
"If you have any other requests, please speak freely. I will do my utmost to fulfill them."
Hearing this, Yao Lao did not reply. Instead, he looked toward Xiao Ting.
"Yao Lao, the Hall of Souls is targeting my Xiao family. If Elder Yun Shan's words are not false, then the Misty Cloud Sect is naturally our Xiao family's ally." Xiao Ting clasped his hands in respect to Yao Lao.
"This is definitely not false. I can shatter the communication jade slip given by the Hall of Souls protector Wu right now," Yun Shan stated immediately.
"Then we have an agreement." Yao Lao nodded lightly. "I can refine a high-level sixth-tier pill called 'Soul Purification Pill.' Its effect is to remove all foreign energy from the soul and nourish it. If you can find the required spiritual herbs, I can assist."
"As for collecting a fee—that is the price for obtaining cooperation…" Yao Lao looked at Xiao Ting again and signaled him to set the price.
"This young one wishes to enter the Life and Death Gate to see what it is like. Is that permitted?" Xiao Ting asked Yun Shan.
"Of course." Yun Shan agreed without hesitation. "There is an altar inside the Life and Death Gate where Hall of Souls members offer sacrifices. It absorbs the cultivation of the sacrifices and converts it into energy that can be directly absorbed. We can share it."
"Does the Misty Cloud Sect's Life and Death Gate actually have such a function?" Xiao Ting was surprised and showed great interest. "In that case, two mortal enemies can indeed form a mutually beneficial alliance."
"With the Life and Death Altar functions, no other reward is needed. When the time comes, finding Hall of Souls soul envoys or protectors will cause your cultivation level to skyrocket."
"Then, shall I accompany you to Jia Nan Academy as your maid?" Yun Yun asked involuntarily.
After all that discussion, why was she allowed to regain her freedom and leave?
She also wanted to appear beside Xiao Ting in a reasonable way and have him record her story in his diary every day. The benefits gained from Plane Blessings were far greater and more advanced than those from the Life and Death Gate.
"You?" Xiao Ting looked puzzled. "Since we have become allies, it wouldn't be appropriate to keep you as my exclusive maid. You don't need to ask me about such things, do you?"
Xiao Ting added in a teasing tone, "Or has Sect Leader Yun Yun grown fond of this identity after serving as a maid for a few days?"
"This sect leader only values the spirit of contracts!" Yun Yun stubbornly retorted.
"Hahaha." Yun Shan suddenly laughed loudly and said with an unreadable expression, "In a few days, young friends Xiao Ting and Xiao Yan will go to Jia Nan Academy. Yao Lao will probably go too. Even just searching for the herbs needed to refine the Soul Purification Pill, let alone refining it, two days won't be enough."
"Yun Er, in my opinion, why don't you pretend to be maidservant and go to Jia Nan Academy with friend Xiao Ting? This academy is famous across the continent, so you're sure to gain something. As a sect leader, you can learn something there."
"Once the herbs are gathered, I'll have someone send them to Jia Nan Academy. There, Yao Lao will refine the Soul Purification Pill. Afterward, Yun Er, you can personally escort it back to Misty Cloud Sect."
Hearing these words, Yun Yun was overjoyed. Now she could legitimately follow Xiao Ting.
"Sending your disciple to someone else as a maid—Master, you're really something!" Yun Yun teased Yun Shan. Then, with a reluctant expression, she said to Xiao Ting, "Since you say so, I'll pretend to be your exclusive maid for a while."
"But I won't do housework. I can help if you encounter difficulties and need assistance."
Xiao Ting actually wanted to say, "If you don't want to be my exclusive maid, you don't have to." However, he feared that if he said so, Yun Yun would be unable to continue the act and might burst into tears on the spot. In the end, he shrugged and said, "Fine, I'll reluctantly take you along, maidservant Little Yun Er."
"What did you just call me?!" Yun Yun was momentarily stunned, then her beautiful face turned bright red. She glared at Xiao Ting with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
"Little Yun Er," Xiao Ting said with a troubled expression. "Since you are my maid, I can't call you Senior or Sister Yun Yun."
"If I called you by your full name, Yun Yun, and someone at Jia Nan Academy heard it and happened to know the name of Misty Cloud Sect's leader, they might joke that my maid has the same name as the sect leader. Wouldn't that be problematic?"
"That would really be bad!" Yun Shan nodded in agreement. "Yun Er must never reveal her identity. Calling her 'Little Yun Er' is just right."
Yun Yun: ? ?
Destroy the Battle Qi Continent!
I'm tired of this!
…