In a pavilion within the sect, several individuals sat facing each other. "An unexpected visit from the Sect Master. May I ask the purpose?"

Gu He looked at Yun Yun before him with a refined expression. Beside Yun Yun sat a girl in white attire, Nalan Yanran. Gazing at the refined and handsome Gu He before her, Yun Yun couldn't help but recall the infatuated scene during the previous alchemical session.

Her heart stirred slightly, but a serene smile graced her face. "Elder Gu He, the main reason for our sect's visit this time is to express gratitude for Yanran."

After speaking, Yun Yun whispered to Nalan Yanran by her side, "Yanran, regarding this broken engagement, Elder Gu He personally concocted the Gathering Qi Pill for you. You should remember this sentiment."

Upon hearing Yun Yun's words, Nalan Yanran quickly stood up, bowed slightly to Gu He, and respectfully said, "Thank you, Elder Gu He."

"No need for excessive courtesy," Gu He nodded gently, his smile casual. "I watched Yanran enter the sect with my own eyes. I naturally cannot stand by passively in her matters."

Upon hearing this, a hint of a smile also appeared on Nalan Yanran's pretty face. In her heart, she had always held a favorable impression of Gu He.

Back when she broke through to the Dou Zhe realm, she had consumed the Gathering Qi Pill crafted by Gu He's own hands. Gu He's predecessor had been interested in Yun Yun, and his attitude toward Nalan Yanran had always been courteous and gentle, never a reprimand.

Undoubtedly, this had also heightened Nalan Yanran's fondness for Gu He. She lifted her gaze slowly, her beautiful eyes meeting Gu He's. Her eyes held a trace of distraction.

After merging with the ethereal charm of the Zhe Xian state, Gu He's presence was extraordinary. Every action, every word and smile, exuded a unique charm.

This was the first time Nalan Yanran had seen Gu He in this light, and she was momentarily entranced. Elder Gu He, when did you become like this... Good-looking, isn't it?

"Yanran, refrain from being impolite!" Seeing Nalan Yanran continuously staring at Gu He, Yun Yun's brows lightly furrowed, her voice chilly.

Upon hearing Yun Yun's voice, Nalan Yanran snapped out of her reverie. Realizing her previous behavior, a faint blush colored her cheeks as she hurriedly apologized, "I apologize, Elder Gu He. Yanran was impolite."

Gu He didn't think much of it, assuming the young girl had gotten lost in thought for a moment. He maintained a genial expression. "No harm done."

Observing Nalan Yanran's shy expression, Gu He suddenly thought of Xiao Yan. He nonchalantly asked, "Yanran, was the matter of travelling to the Wu Tan City for the broken engagement smooth?"

"Did the Xiao Clan agree to the annulment?" At Gu He's words, Nalan Yanran's mind immediately recalled her experience at the Xiao Clan, her expression subtly darkening.

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"The Xiao Clan is unwilling to dissolve the engagement!" After a moment of silence, Nalan Yanran's tone grew somber.

"They refuse to annul the engagement? The Xiao Clan truly doesn't know their place," Gu He naturally knew of this outcome and pretended to be annoyed.

"He's not afraid that our Cloud Mist Sect would annihilate them? A mere Xiao Clan waste, how can he be worthy of Yanran?" Hearing Gu He's protective tone in his words, Nalan Yanran's heart warmed. Recalling the humiliation she endured in the Xiao Clan, she felt a bit aggrieved.

"Not only did the Xiao Clan reject the annulment, he also... he personally tore up the marriage contract and dismissed me..." "What?"

"The Xiao Clan dares to dismiss Yanran!" Hearing this, Gu He seemed even more "angry," his face showing a "dark" expression. "In my opinion, the Xiao Clan has no reason to stay in the Jia Ma Empire."

"Elder Gu He, please don't act impulsively!" Hearing Gu He's words, Yun Yun's expression changed. She was afraid that Gu He would directly take action to annihilate the Xiao Clan.

If that happened, the reputation Cloud Mist Sect had accumulated over so many years would be ruined. However, considering that Gu He was also trying to protect his disciple, Yun Yun didn't feel any resentment.

Her gaze toward Gu He became even more affable. To prevent Gu He from targeting the Xiao Clan, Yun Yun promptly recounted everything that Nalan Yanran had experienced in the Xiao Clan.

"So, as long as Yanran defeats Xiao Yan openly and fairly within three years, this engagement will be officially dissolved?" After a

moment, Gu He said in a calm tone after listening to Yun Yun's detailed explanation of the situation.

"That's correct." Yun Yun nodded slightly. "He's just a waste like Xiao Yan. In three years, he will only be bringing disgrace upon himself," Gu He chuckled lightly, showing remarkable confidence in Nalan Yanran.

However, in his heart, he was contemplating how to ensure that Xiao Yan would lose to Nalan Yanran in three years' time.

In the original story, during the three-year agreement, Xiao Yan defeated Nalan Yanran in front of everyone and gained a lot of attention.

This time, Gu He naturally wouldn't let that happen. He wanted to see what scene would unfold when, after the three-year agreement, Xiao Yan suffered a miserable defeat at the hands of Nalan Yanran.

Yet, to achieve this goal, he needed to enhance Nalan Yanran's strength. Did that mean he had to bestow her the Dou Qi Infusion?

The system did not stipulate that only disciples of Gu He could receive the essence transmission. However, by doing so, it wouldn't trigger the system's reimbursement mechanism, and he wouldn't gain any benefits.

This left Gu He feeling a bit cheated. "If only I could have Nalan Yanran become my disciple." Looking at Nalan Yanran before him, this thought suddenly emerged in Gu He's mind.

However, Nalan Yanran was already Yun Yun's disciple, a direct disciple of the Sect Master. How could she possibly become his disciple too?

With this in mind, Gu He felt a bit helpless and was about to give up on the idea. But just then, a spark of inspiration flashed through Gu He's mind.

His gaze shifted to Yun Yun sitting across from him, and an unconscious smile formed at the corners of his lips. If he could win Yun Yun's affection, wouldn't that make him Nalan Yanran's Master Uncle?

Uncle Master and Master, should be quite similar, right? If all else failed, he could make this young lady address him as her Master, and that shouldn't be too difficult.

This idea took root, and Gu He became more convinced of its feasibility.

What's more, this approach aligned well with his desires. As his gaze swept over Yun Yun's delicate and charming face, Gu He's determination to pursue this plan grew stronger. Taking Nalan Yanran as a disciple, starting by winning Yun Yun over! Feeling

Gu He's gaze occasionally brushed over her, Yun Yun couldn't help but feel uneasy all over. Pretending not to notice, she subtly adjusted her posture, sitting more upright, and slightly leaned forward to accentuate her figure.

Catching a glimpse of Gu He's assessing gaze, Yun Yun's heart began to beat faster. She dared not meet his eyes. Why does Elder Gu He keep staring at me? Could it be... he's interested in me?

With such thoughts flashing through her mind, a barely noticeable blush spread across Yun Yun's face.

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