Chapter 26: Returning to Yunlan Sect

“Speak, what conditions do you require for Xun’er to not follow you to the Cloud Mist Sect and become your servant girl?”
Xiao Yan responded with a sense of responsibility, “As long as it’s within my ability, I will agree to everything unconditionally.”
Lin An replied impatiently, “Not interested.”
“Brother Xiao Yan, please go back. In three years, I will be free. Then, I’ll watch you defeat Lin An at the Cloud Mist Sect, and afterwards, I’ll leave the Sect with you. Is that alright?”
Xun’er did not want her presence to hinder Xiao Yan, who had finally regained his cultivation talent, from achieving greatness.
“No, this matter began because of me. I absolutely cannot let you go to the Cloud Mist Sect and endure such humiliation,” Xiao Yan said resolutely.
“Brother Xiao Yan, Xun’er has never asked you for anything, but this time, I am begging you. Please, go back!”
“You don't need to worry about my safety. The Cloud Mist Sect wouldn't dare to do anything to me,” Xun’er continued.
Hearing Xun’er’s words, Xiao Yan grunted coldly, then strode toward Lin An.
“If I ever find out you’ve done anything outrageous to Xun’er, don’t blame me for tearing you apart!”
With that, he left without looking back.
He was truly afraid he would lose control and attack Lin An.
He had finally acquired a fateful opportunity—if he followed the path step by step, he would only grow stronger.
In three years, he believed that not only Lin An, but even the Cloud Mist Sect itself would be beneath his notice.
Seeing Xiao Yan leave, Xun’er finally relaxed. She had been truly worried that, given Xiao Yan’s temperament, he might do something reckless in the middle of the street.
The crucial point was that, right now, Brother Xiao Yan was no match for Lin An.
“Did you already predict Brother Xiao Yan would come to find you?” Xun’er asked.
“Is this how you speak to your master?” Lin An replied coldly.
Without another word, he walked toward the inn.
Xun’er, knowing she would get no answers, followed Lin An inside.
The next morning, Xun’er really did act like a servant, preparing all the toiletries and entering Lin An’s room to attend to his needs.
Lin An accepted her service with perfect composure, feeling not the slightest pressure.

Soon, Ge Ye led Lin An and the others toward the Cloud Mist Sect.
Though the so-called three-year agreement had been made, all in all, things had gone well.
...
Back at the Cloud Mist Sect, Qian Qixian, having somehow learned that Nalan Yanran would return, waited early on her path.
As soon as she stepped off the carriage, Nalan Yanran and Lin An were preparing to pay respects to their master Yun Yun. Before they had gone far, they encountered Qian Qixian, whom Nalan Yanran found extremely irritating.
“Sister Nalan, it’s been so long. I spent a fortune to have a third-grade alchemist make these pills—they enhance beauty and youth. I’m sure you’ll like them,”
As he spoke, Qian Qixian handed her a jade bottle.
He thought Nalan Yanran would be delighted, but she merely glanced at him, then walked past, heading straight toward the Cloud Mist Sect’s main hall.
Seeing that Nalan Yanran wouldn't even exchange a word, Qian Qixian’s face flushed, his fists clenched so tight they creaked.
He had never suffered such humiliation!
“Save your effort. Sister Nalan will never take a liking to trash like you,” Lin An taunted as he left.
“Lin An, don’t rejoice too soon. Let me be honest: recently, I was found to have strong spiritual power—an ideal candidate to become an alchemist. After some study, I will soon become an apprentice, and before long, a full-fledged alchemist. By then, even as the Sect Master's disciple, you’ll have to step aside!”
Qian Qixian said angrily.
Everyone knew that alchemists were highly esteemed on the Continent of Dou Qi. If he possessed the gift, he would easily surpass most warriors.
Ya Chen, upon hearing Qian Qixian’s words, scoffed—at his age, he wasn’t even a first-grade alchemist. Even if he became one, he would get nowhere.
Lin An did not look back, and before long, his group disappeared from Qian Qixian’s sight.
...
“Greetings, Master!”
Nalan Yanran and Lin An bowed to Yun Yun.
Yun Yun nodded, then asked Nalan Yanran to report the outcome of the journey.
When Yun Yun learned that Lin An had already broken through to the level of One-Star Dou Practitioner, she was astonished.
Such rapid progress was truly extraordinary.
“Excellent. No wonder my master Yun Shan values you so highly. Since you made a three-year agreement with Xiao Yan, though your realm far surpasses his, you must not be complacent in these three years!”
“If you need anything for your cultivation, you may request it from the elders. I will order them to provide for you as much as possible!”

“You may freely choose from the Cloud Mist Sect’s Dou Techniques, including those of earth rank, if you wish.”
...
Yun Yun’s promises of privilege to Lin An left many below envious.
Clearly, he was being groomed as the next Sect Master.
Upon hearing Lin An had already broken through to One-Star Dou Practitioner, everyone was amazed.
No wonder Yun Yun and Yun Shan valued him so much.
After a few more casual remarks, Lin An and his companions left the main hall.
Next, Lin An planned to carefully map out his cultivation path.
Cultivation could wait. After all, as long as he defeated masters, he could receive rewards and advance, but his means of self-preservation were still too few.
Now, he was already a first-grade alchemist, but he had yet to touch a pill cauldron—something that needed to change.
Lin An had no intention of neglecting alchemy, knowing it would be useful in the future.
Very soon, he decided to first train in some Dou Techniques, then practice alchemy, making full use of his time.
As Yun Yun’s disciple, Lin An naturally had comfortable lodgings.
Arranging for Ya Chen and Xun’er was no problem at all.
Once everything was settled, Lin An called Ya Chen over.
“Tomorrow, I intend to begin practicing alchemy and become an alchemist. Prepare everything for me, so I can start in the morning,” Lin An said.
“Young Master, have you ever practiced alchemy before?” Ya Chen asked, puzzled.
“No. I just feel I should be able to do it,” Lin An replied.
Ya Chen was speechless. To attempt alchemy simply because he thought he could—he had never heard a more absurd reason!