Female Protagonist Assistance System

Chapter 103 : . The Approaching Storm

Yun Yun's smooth ascension to the position of Flower Sect Master and the support she received from the sect's elders and disciples wasn't solely due to her own strength. In the original storyline, after she became the Flower Sect Master, there were many who didn't accept her. Without Xiao Yan's support, Yun Yun might have been schemed against and suppressed early on.

This time, her support came from Medusa, an ancient, and the Heavenly Snake Mansion where Qing Lin resided. The Poison Sect, interested in recruiting Xiao Yi Xian who possessed the Calamity Poison Body, also provided some protection to Yun Yun upon learning of her connection with Xiao Yi Xian. Thus, Yun Yun's ascension to Flower Sect Master was quite smooth, unlike the twists and turns in the original storyline.

Old friends reuniting seemed to have endless topics to discuss. The group stayed in Nalan Yanran's private courtyard from dawn till dusk, emptying several jars of wine. Although Xiao Han spoke little, mostly listening quietly to Yun Yun, Gu Xun'er, and the others chat.

Seeing that it was getting late, Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er decided to stay overnight at the Cloud Mist Sect. Their friends were naturally delighted, and Nalan Yanran quickly called a menial disciple to arrange a separate courtyard for the two.

On the way to the courtyard, they encountered Gu He. The current Gu He wore a gray robe, the impatience in his brow had disappeared, and his whole person seemed to have settled down.

Seeing Xiao Han's group, Gu He merely smiled faintly, greeted them, and then left. His gaze only lingered on Yun Yun for a moment before he withdrew it, seemingly no longer harboring the attachment to Yun Yun he had in previous years.

"What's with him...?" Gu Xun'er was curious.

Nalan Yanran glanced in the direction Gu He had left, saying with some emotion: "A few years ago, after he caused a commotion at the Cloud Mist Sect and drove away Master, he sent all his accumulated medicinal pills to the Cloud Mist Sect as an apology. Then he went into seclusion for a full two years without appearing. When he came out, he seemed to have come to terms with things. He personally came to the Cloud Mist Sect to apologize, and his whole person seemed different. Last year he got married to the daughter of the Alchemist Association's president. They seem to treat each other with respect."

After listening quietly to Nalan Yanran, Yun Yun suddenly said: "It's not too late that he could understand."

After all, as the highest-ranked alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire, for the sake of the empire, this was already the best outcome.

Medusa snorted coldly, obviously still remembering the grudge from years ago.

The Queen Snake might not have many virtues, but her ability to hold grudges was certainly not inferior to anyone's.

"Speaking of this," Nalan Yanran suddenly said, "The reason Gu He lost his mind and did such a thing back then was because of Mu Qian's instigation."

"Mu Qian?" Xiao Han didn't know this person. When Yun Yun had briefly mentioned the incident at the Cloud Mist Sect years ago, she had only touched upon it lightly, without describing the details.

Nalan Yanran frowned slightly, a trace of disgust flashing in her eyes: "Mu Qian was originally one of the Guardian Elders of the Jia Ma Empire. Later, he betrayed the empire and joined Soul Hall. Back then, it was he who instigated Gu He to cause trouble at the Cloud Mist Sect, and also slandered Master of joining the Snake People, causing Elder Jia to come to the Cloud Mist Sect to apprehend her."

"In the recent battle, he ambushed Elder Jia from behind," Nalan Yanran paused, her tone carrying a hint of regret and sorrow. "Under severe injury, Elder Jia self-detonated, injuring many from Soul Hall, which gave the empire a chance to breathe."

Jia Xing Tian was a somewhat stubborn old man, wholly devoted to the empire. Nalan Yanran wasn't surprised by Jia Xing Tian's self-detonation, but still sighed at the sacrifice of this Guardian Elder.

Xiao Han had heard of Jia Xing Tian's name before, but didn't know much about him, let alone someone like Mu Qian. So when she heard Nalan Yanran's words, she merely nodded in agreement, without saying anything.

Medusa didn't have a good impression of Jia Xing Tian, after all, it was this old man who had pressured Yun Yun in public back then.

"Elder Jia was the strongest among the empire's Guardian Elders," Yun Yun's voice became slightly heavy. "Without Elder Jia, the empire..."

"Don't worry too much," Xiao Han's gaze deepened slightly as she looked into the distance, her words light, scattering in the air:

"That guy won't be able to stir up trouble for much longer."

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Central Plains, Soul Hall.

In the spacious hall, black chains were visible everywhere. The expensive jade floor tiles had faint traces of blackness, seemingly dried and blackened bloodstains. The air was permeated with an indelible bloody smell, adding an extra touch of evil to this already oppressive and terrifying place.

At the top of the hall, a person entirely wrapped in black robes stood respectfully, speaking in a hoarse voice:

"...That's how things stand. Most of the forces in the Central Plains, under the leadership of several other major families, have formed an alliance to resist our Soul Clan. A small portion of the forces are currently in a wait-and-see state, while those choosing to rely on and join us are very few."

In front of the black-robed person, a luxurious throne wrapped in an evil aura stood brazenly in the most conspicuous position. The throne was made of the finest jade, inlaid with priceless high-grade magic cores and rare crystals used to aid cultivation.

"Oh, is that so?"

As his words fell, an androgynous voice slowly sounded, seemingly somewhat careless, but hiding a bone-chilling ruthlessness.

On the throne, a slender figure reclined. His skin was an unhealthy pale, but his lips were as bright red as if he had just drunk fresh blood.

The man's pitch-black eyes contained a bloodthirsty madness as they carelessly swept over the person below the throne. That person instantly felt a chill run down his spine, as if being stared at by a venomous snake.

"Just a bunch of rabble, not worth mentioning."

If Xiao Han and Gu Xun'er were here, they would recognize this person as Xiao Yan, the one whose manhood had been destroyed by Gu Xun'er.

A few years ago, Xiao Yan led Soul Hall members to exterminate the Medicine Clan and confronted the Ancient Clan's powerful experts led by Gu Xun'er. Due to his nonsensical words, he angered Gu Xun'er, who disabled his legs and manhood. After that, he frantically ordered Soul Hall members to find a way to heal his body. But it's worth noting that Gu Xun'er had used Heterogeneous Flame to disable him. As the most mysterious and powerful natural energy on the Dou Qi Continent, the injuries caused by Heterogeneous Flame were not something just anyone could treat, let alone the fact that Gu Xun'er had used three different Heterogeneous Flames at the time.

Finding no solution, Xiao Yan's already poor temper became even more erratic, becoming more brutal and tyrannical. It wasn't until Heaven's Path in his mind warned him that continuing like this would arouse suspicion from Soul Hall that he finally restrained himself.

Whether it was because of losing the most important part of a man or not, after failing to vent his frustrations, Xiao Yan's entire person changed. From his original arrogance and tyranny, he became gloomy and unpredictable, his methods becoming increasingly bloody and cruel.

Seated on the throne, Xiao Yan lightly tapped his index finger on the armrest. His black eyes were deep, permeated with the aura of death. Suddenly, he spoke: "What does Father think?"

The black-robed person respectfully replied: "The Clan Leader also believes these people are just grasshoppers after autumn, but... the Clan Leader also thinks that the night is long and dreams are many."

Xiao Yan laughed twice and said: "Father's thoughts are exactly in line with mine!"

The black-robed person licked his lips and cautiously asked: "Then the Young Clan Leader's meaning is..."

Xiao Yan revealed a vicious smile and slowly said: "That plan can begin to be implemented. Once successful, this entire world will be in our Soul Clan's grasp!"

Hearing this, a flash of excitement passed through the black-robed person's eyes. He knelt on one knee, his voice resounding: "The Young Clan Leader is wise!"

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Xiao Yan asked: "How is that old thing Hun Xun doing?"

Mentioning Hun Xun, the black-robed person frowned slightly and said with some disgust: "That traitor has already been subdued by the Clan Leader. He's currently locked in the blood pool, just waiting for the Young Clan Leader to go and refine him."

Hearing this satisfactory answer, Xiao Yan chuckled lightly, appearing somewhat careless: "This old thing, betraying his own family for someone who died long ago, tsk tsk, it's a pity to waste such a seven-star Dou Saint. If only he could contribute his strength to the Soul Clan..."

"To be able to contribute to the Young Clan Leader's cultivation is Hun Xun's honor," the black-robed person said.

Xiao Yan smiled without responding further. Instead, he changed the subject, saying: "If that's the case, then let's proceed to the blood pool. If I can break through to nine-star Dou Saint, it will be smoother when activating the grand array."

The black-robed person nodded and was about to withdraw when he suddenly stopped and said: "Young Clan Leader, Mu Qian from the Jia Ma Empire wishes to see you."

"Mu Qian?" Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and finally dug out this person from some corner of his memory: "Oh, the one who ambushed Jia Xing Tian and defected to our Soul Hall, the former Guardian Elder of the Jia Ma Empire?"

"That's him."

Xiao Yan chuckled twice and said: "Having rendered such a great service, it's indeed time to see him. Call him in."

The black-robed person accepted the order and left. When he returned, an elderly man in fine clothes followed behind him.

Looking at Xiao Yan on the throne, a flash of greed passed through Mu Qian's eyes. The Soul Clan was one of the eight great families renowned throughout the Central Plains, their status and strength incomparable to a mere Jia Ma Empire. He was immensely grateful that Soul Hall had chosen him to cause trouble for the Cloud Mist Sect a few years ago, allowing him to seize the opportunity to latch onto this powerful backer.

As long as he could please the young man before him, he believed it wouldn't be long before he could obtain vast resources he had never dared to imagine before.

Thinking this, Mu Qian put on a cautious and ingratiating expression.

"This one, Mu Qian, pays respects to the Young Clan Leader."

Mu Qian knelt on both knees, speaking with utmost respect.

Xiao Yan's gaze towards Mu Qian deepened slightly, but soon he concealed the depth in his eyes, replacing it with an ambiguous smile: "So it's our Soul Hall's meritorious official. This Young Master has been remiss in not welcoming you personally."

Mu Qian seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the favor, hurriedly lowering his head and feigning trepidation: "The Young Clan Leader's words are too kind. How could someone as lowly as I be worthy of such honor from one as exalted as yourself?"

In just two sentences, Mu Qian had lowered his self-address from "this one" to "someone as lowly as I," causing even the black-robed person beside him to marvel at his flattery.

As the Young Clan Leader of the Soul Clan and the Young Hall Master of Soul Hall, Xiao Yan had seen no shortage of sycophants, but someone as humble and fawning as Mu Qian... this was indeed his first encounter.

Where in Mu Qian's demeanor was there any trace of a Dou Emperor's pride?

Seeing Mu Qian in this state, a flash of boredom passed through Xiao Yan's eyes. He lightly tapped his index finger on the armrest and slowly said: "As a meritorious official of our Soul Hall, Elder Mu naturally deserves appropriate rewards. Ci Yan, take Elder Mu down to receive his reward."

Hearing this, Mu Qian's face showed excitement, while the black-robed person beside him revealed a hint of malice. Unfortunately, Mu Qian was too preoccupied with his joy to notice.

After the two left the hall, Xiao Yan slowly revealed a smile, cold and terrifying like a snake.

"Betrayal, once done, can be done again. Our Soul Hall has no need for such traitors."

"Letting you become part of the blood pool, contributing your meager strength to this Young Master's grand plan, I'm sure you'll be eternally grateful."

A low laughter echoed through the dark hall, inexplicably causing one's hair to stand on end.

Placing his hand on his numb legs, Xiao Yan revealed a sickly smile.

"Someone has to pay the price for their actions..."

"Don't you agree, my dear sister...?"