Chapter Nine: The Threat of Cloud Mountain

Lin An surveyed his surroundings. Nalan Yanran truly lived up to her title as Yun Yun’s disciple. Not only did she have the privilege of training alone in the spacious rear mountains, but resources beneficial to cultivation were scattered everywhere. Lin An could clearly sense that his training here progressed far more rapidly than anywhere else.

To be honest, Lin An had little desire to train in this place. For Nalan Yanran and other disciples of the Cloudmist Sect, this area was indeed ideal. But Lin An possessed a better option—the system space. Nevertheless, at this stage, he decided to train diligently for now, planning to seek out a more secluded spot for solitary cultivation when the opportunity arose.

Nalan Yanran sat cross-legged and began her training. Lin An imitated her, assuming the same posture. In the blink of an eye, half a month passed by.

Initially, Lin An had worried that Sect Leader Yun Yun might have ulterior motives in recruiting new disciples. But, as time went on, nothing suspicious transpired.

By now, Nalan Yanran was preparing to break through to the rank of One-Star Fighter. She seldom returned to the rear mountains, fully focused on her breakthrough. Lin An was left with several rare days of leisure, affording him time to train within the system space.

His own cultivation had reached the ninth stage of Battle Qi, and it felt as though a breakthrough was just days away.

Yet, for reasons unknown, Lin An felt as though he was constantly being watched from the shadows. Every attempt to locate the observer proved fruitless, leaving him unsettled.

“You must be Lin An, the new disciple Yun Yun just accepted?” A voice sounded suddenly behind him, startling Lin An from his meditation. He opened his eyes and turned, only to see an elderly man standing behind him.

The old man’s kindly face did little to allay Lin An’s growing sense of foreboding.

“Disciple Lin An greets you. May I ask who you are?” Lin An asked with feigned respect.

“I am Yun Shan. Do you know who I am?” the old man replied.

“So, you are the former Sect Master. May I ask what brings you to the rear mountains?” Lin An’s heart sank. He had heard that Yun Shan had established contact with the Soul Hall at some point. Since joining the sect, Lin An had inquired about Yun Shan, learning that after relinquishing leadership to Yun Yun, he had secluded himself in the rear mountains for training and had not appeared since.

Now, Yun Shan had suddenly sought him out here. If he claimed it was a mere coincidence, no one would believe it.

“It is well that you know. As the former master of the Cloudmist Sect, I am always eager to nurture talent. Seeing you on the verge of breaking through to the Fighter rank, I have prepared some treasures for you, kept here in my retreat. Will you return with me to accept my aid in reaching the rank of One-Star Fighter?” Yun Shan said with a gentle smile.

“Well…” Lin An had intended to politely refuse, but before he could finish, Yun Shan’s expression grew instantly cold. Lin An did not doubt that if he rejected the invitation, Yun Shan might act against him on the spot.

“Since it is your wish, Master Yun Shan, I am honored,” Lin An replied, forcing himself to accept.

After all, he was now recognized as Yun Yun’s disciple in front of the entire sect. As long as Yun Shan brought him back in view of others, his life would not be in immediate danger.

“Good. You are truly a worthy disciple. Come, I will not treat you unfairly,” Yun Shan said. Without giving Lin An a chance to resist, he whisked him away from the rear mountains.

This turn of events was not what Lin An had expected. Yun Shan moved with such urgency, taking him directly to his secluded cave dwelling, offering no chance for others to see them together.

“Master Yun Shan, why the hurry?” Lin An asked weakly.

“You’ll understand soon enough,” Yun Shan replied, clearly uninterested in further conversation. He led Lin An through remote paths, returning to his cave.

Upon entering, a wave of cold struck Lin An, chilling him to the bone. If not for his training in the netherworld, where yin energy was overwhelming, his body might have collapsed into unconsciousness the moment he crossed the threshold.

“Oh? You didn’t faint instantly? It seems your constitution truly is different from the others,” Yun Shan remarked with surprise, his gaze growing all the more excited as he studied Lin An.

Perhaps, he mused, the appearance of this young man would finally grant him the advancement he sought.

At this point, if Lin An could not sense Yun Shan’s intentions, there would be something wrong with him.

“What is it you really want?” Lin An demanded.

“Do not worry. As long as you satisfy me, your life is safe—at least for now,” Yun Shan replied, then walked deeper into the cave.

At first, Lin An had genuinely feared for his life. But after confirming that he could retreat into the system space at any moment, his terror faded. If Yun Shan tried anything, he could escape instantly. Anticipating such a situation, Lin An had also stocked the Hall of Yama with a month’s worth of provisions.

“You were right; there’s indeed something unusual about this boy,” a voice said after a while.

From a dim and hidden corner, strange black mist began to ripple, slowly forming a shadowy figure, insubstantial and eerie.

Yun Shan was engaged in conversation with this newcomer.

“Naturally. With the methods of my Soul Hall, there is no way a mere child who hasn’t even reached the rank of Fighter could conceal anything from me,” the shadow responded.

Listening to the exchange, Lin An was deeply shocked. He now understood that the mysterious figure he had sensed earlier was likely from the Soul Hall. He was also surprised that Yun Shan had already established contact with them at this stage. From what Lin An could tell, their alliance was still in its infancy.

Given how openly they discussed their plans, it was clear they didn’t intend for him to leave alive.

“What do you intend to do next?” Yun Shan asked.

“There is a mysterious power within him, somewhat similar to the strength we cultivate in Soul Hall. Had I not been so close, I might not have detected it. But his level is still too low. I want to see what happens when he advances to Fighter, Battle Master, or even higher ranks,” the shadowy figure answered, scrutinizing Lin An intently.

He hadn’t expected to find such a promising talent in this remote corner of the Jama Empire.