"Yes, Teacher!"
Nalan Yanran cupped her hands respectfully and cheerfully accepted the errand.
Thanks to Gu Han, she had finally achieved her wish. From now on, she could focus on cultivation, wholeheartedly pursuing strength to behold the grand vistas atop the Dou Qi Continent.
Knock, knock, knock!
Nalan Yanran raised her hand and rapped on the gate of Gu Han's small courtyard.
"Please come in."
A cool voice drifted from beyond the gate, as if separated from the entire world by an invisible barrier.
Pushing the door open, Nalan Yanran entered the courtyard and saw a youth in a pale blue robe seated on a stone stool. His delicate features appeared sharply defined in the sunlight, his fair skin and ink-black eyes giving off an aloof impression.
On the stone table before him sat a tea stove, from which a wisp of white steam rose from the teapot.
"Junior Brother Gu Han, you have refined tastes," Nalan Yanran said with a bright laugh, walking directly to sit opposite him.
"Senior Sister, is there something you need?" Gu Han set down his teacup and met Nalan Yanran's gaze.
"I came to thank you," she said sincerely. "Grandfather has agreed to annul my engagement, and my cousin will take my place. She herself is willing to marry."
"That day, you said, 'What is poison to one may be honey to another.' I think I understand that a little better now."
Nalan Yanran had also come to realize the importance of empathy and considering others' perspectives in life and actions.
"Senior Sister, you're too kind." Gu Han picked up the teapot, poured a cup, and handed it to Nalan Yanran. "I was merely completing the task assigned by the Sect Leader."
His implication was clear: this was merely a transaction, not an act of grace.
After all, Yun Yun would reward him.
"As the person involved, it may have been a task to you, but it holds a different meaning for me." Nalan Yanran accepted the teacup with both hands and drank it in one gulp. "Verbal thanks are meaningless; this is my token of gratitude."
Setting down the cup, she flicked her wrist and presented a box to Gu Han.
"This is a Grade Four Dou Fighter Pill. It can elevate a Dou Fighter by one star in cultivation, but it can only be taken once during the Dou Fighter stage."
A flicker of interest passed through Gu Han's eyes as he reached out to take the box. Without even glancing at it, he stored it in his Storage Ring and said solemnly, "I accept your gratitude. There's no need for further thanks regarding this matter in the future."
A trace of surprise flashed in Nalan Yanran's eyes, and she smiled. "Junior Brother is straightforward. I came here on Teacher's orders to invite you to the main hall, where she will grant you the promised reward."
"Senior Sister, please lead the way." Gu Han promptly put away the tea set, stood up, and gestured toward the door.
Nalan Yanran: "..."
In the past, peers she encountered would cling to every opportunity to speak with her.
Yet Gu Han gave her the impression of maintaining a respectful distance.
"Perhaps Junior Brother is just naturally reserved."
Nalan Yanran rose to lead the way, a hint of pride surfacing on her face.
The two walked together toward the Cloud Mist Sect's main hall, drawing numerous gazes along the way.
"Outer Sect disciple Gu Han pays his respects to the Sect Leader."
Entering the inner hall, Gu Han performed a meticulous, cupped-hand salute.
Seated in the main seat with one leg crossed over the other, Yun Yun wore a faint smile on her exquisitely beautiful face. "Gu Han, in private meetings, there's no need to be so formal every time."
"Propriety must not be neglected; hierarchy must be respected," Gu Han replied earnestly as he lifted his head.
Propriety must not be neglected?
Yun Yun thought to herself, Then why can't you drop the 'Outer Sect' prefix?
But as the Sect Leader, she naturally couldn't press such a trivial matter. With a casual wave of her hand, she produced three items and placed them on the table. "The matter concerning Yanran has been settled. In accordance with our agreement, I shall reward you. Step forward."
"These three items..."
"Many thanks for the generous reward, Sect Leader." A faint glimmer flashed through Gu Han's dark pupils. He quickly stepped forward when Yun Yun mentioned approaching, arriving before the desk.
Without waiting for Yun Yun to finish speaking, he stored all three items in his Storage Ring, then clasped his fists in a pledge of loyalty: "I will serve you with utmost dedication."
Yun Yun's expression froze momentarily: ?
Had she said all three items were meant as rewards for Gu Han?
"Senior Sister Nalan, I truly envy you for having such a good teacher," Gu Han suddenly cast an envious glance toward Nalan Yanran.
"Teacher, you're truly wonderful," Nalan Yanran looked at Yun Yun with moved expression, "This disciple will devote my entire life to serving the sect diligently and attending to you faithfully."
Whether it was the resources given to the Nalan family or these rewards for Gu Han, she believed Yun Yun's generosity was entirely for her sake as a disciple.
Gu Han was right - she had the best teacher in the world, absolutely the finest!
Yun Yun: "..."
Who am I? Where am I? What should I do!?
The moment Nalan Yanran spoke those words, she found herself completely cornered.
To explain now that she had only intended for Gu Han to choose one of the three items would embarrass both talented disciples.
If she had known this would happen, she wouldn't have tried to be clever by having Gu Han choose blindly, but would have directly asked which of the three items he wanted.
What's done was done, and regret was useless - she could only swallow this bitter pill.
Mainly because these three items weren't particularly precious to her, the Cloud Mist Sect Leader and a Dou Emperor powerhouse, even when combined.
"Mmm."
Though the thought process seemed long, Yun Yun's consideration lasted only an instant before she smiled and nodded: "Gu Han, having received these items, you must train well and repay the sect with your strength when you become powerful."
"These three items are respectively: a Profound Rank Low Level Ice Attribute Dou Skill, a Grade Four Snow Lotus Pill, and the natural treasure Ice Toad Snow Pearl."
"You may cultivate the Dou Skill yourself first. If there are aspects you don't understand, you can consult your future teacher after formally becoming a disciple."
"As for the Snow Lotus Pill and Ice Toad Snow Pearl, do you know their effects?"
"Reporting to Sect Leader, I do know." Gu Han clasped his fists in response: "During rest periods after cultivation, I enjoy reading miscellaneous books and records of strange tales. The Snow Lotus Pill..."
Gu Han proceeded to explain the effects of both the Snow Lotus Pill and Ice Toad Snow Pearl.
Yun Yun discovered he indeed knew about them, a peculiar light appearing in her eyes.
If not for the fact that only she herself knew what rewards she had prepared, she would have suspected Gu Han had prior knowledge and that this was intentional.
"Since you know, use them well to enhance your strength." Yun Yun collected her emotions and smiled: "Having received so many good things from this Sect Leader, as a disciple, shouldn't you share some additional burdens?"
"Whatever the mission, please speak, Sect Leader." Gu Han knew this was Yun Yun's "retribution" for not wanting to swallow her losses silently.
"In seven days, Yanran's father Nalan Su will bring her younger sister Nalan Yanyun to the Xiao Family in Wutan City to discuss marriage arrangements in detail." A smile appeared on Yun Yun's face: "This trip will be primarily handled by the Nalan family. You're just representing our Cloud Mist Sect to observe."
"If the outcome is favorable, find an appropriate moment to present congratulations gifts. Do you understand?"
Regarding Nalan Yanran's marriage matters, even she as teacher had headaches for quite some time, yet Gu Han could devise solutions - his intelligence was undeniable.
Sending Cloud Mist Sect representatives to observe required careful balance - sending someone too powerful might create pressure, while sending someone too weak might invite disrespect.
Sending a talented disciple was just right.
"Gu Han accepts the mission." Gu Han responded solemnly.
Unexpectedly, there was no scene of Nalan Yanran breaking off the engagement. Instead, I ended up witnessing the scene of a marriage exchange.
Might as well go see that future Yan Di.
Perhaps I could even gain some opportunities through the Black Tortoise Shell.
"But, I have one condition."
Another condition!?