Upon hearing Gu He's words, Xiao Yi Xian instinctively looked up at Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran, confirming that they were indeed watching her. She couldn't help but exclaim in surprise before covering her face and leaving.

"This girl..." "The disciple misbehaved. I hope the Sect Master won't take offence," Gu He said apologetically to Yun Yun.

"I must say, Elder Gu He, you truly are an exceptional teacher." Observing the deep master-disciple bond before her, Yun Yun couldn't help but sigh.

To give even the Heavenly Flame to a disciple, what else couldn't he give? Gu He's spirit was something she could learn from. However, thinking about the Heavenly Flame, Yun Yun's expression turned serious.

She looked at Gu He and asked, "Elder Gu He, do you need our sect to accompany you on your journey to the Tagre Desert?"

The Tagre Great Desert was the territory of the serpent folk, and their queen had a fearsome reputation. Gu He entering the desert alone could be quite risky, something Yun Yun wanted to avoid.

After all, he was an esteemed Elder of Cloud Mist Sect, and a sixth-grade alchemist at that. If he were to encounter danger in the Tagre Desert, it would be a significant loss for the sect.

Furthermore, regardless of his status, Yun Yun didn't want to see Gu He put himself in danger. Even leaving aside the previous encounter with the Gathering Qi Pill, just with this time's Green Core Lotus Flame, Yun Yun already owed Gu He a favor.

Especially now, knowing that Gu He was taking risks for his disciples, Yun Yun felt even more inclined to help him. With a myriad of thoughts in her mind, Yun Yun's expression turned complex.

On Gu He's side, he was slightly surprised by Yun Yun's question. He recalled that in the original story, Gu He had also invited Yun Yun to join him in obtaining the Heavenly Flame from the Tagre Desert.

However, back then, Yun Yun had only helped him reluctantly, out of obligation rather than sincere intent. But now, Yun Yun was voluntarily offering to help him.

Comparing her current attitude to her past one, Gu He sensed a significant change in Yun Yun's attitude towards him. Being able to make such a request on her own initiative indicates that Yun Yun has developed a slight fondness for him.

Thinking this, Gu He couldn't help but reveal a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth. However, Gu He knew that this was only the beginning.

If he wanted to truly win over Yun Yun, he would need to use more persuasive methods. The revolution is not yet successful; comrades still need to work hard!

Gu He hesitated for a moment, his words revealing a touch of concern. "The Tagre Great Desert is treacherous, and with the Queen Medusa guarding it, I really don't want the Sect Master to endanger herself for personal desires."

Hearing Gu He's words, a subtle movement stirred within Yun Yun. Her eyes unconsciously swept over Gu He's handsome face. Elder Gu He, are you worried about my safety?

"It's alright. While Yun Lan Sect might not be able to defeat Queen Medusa, with the agility of wind attributes, it won't be so simple for her to catch me," Yun Yun suppressed the budding emotion in her heart and replied with a smile.

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"In that case, I appreciate the Sect Master's company." A hint of helplessness appeared on Gu He's face, followed by a solemn tone.

"However, if danger arises, I hope the Sect Master will prioritize the bigger picture and ensure her own safety." "After all, Yun Lan Sect can do without me, Gu He, but it cannot do without its Sect Master!"

Hearing this, Yun Yun nodded gently and said, "I will do my best to ensure Elder Gu He's safety." "Thank you in advance, Sect Master," Gu He said with a warm smile.

"In fact, the reason I came to find Elder Gu He this time is for another matter. I would like to hear Elder Gu He's opinion on it," Yun Yun hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking.

"If the Sect Master has something to say, please don't hesitate. I am all ears," Gu He replied calmly. "In three months' time, Yun Lan Sect's annual Inner Sect Grand Competition will take place."

As Yun Yun mentioned, she looked at Gu He with her beautiful eyes. "For this upcoming Inner Sect Grand Competition, I would like to invite Elder Gu He to preside over it. I wonder if Elder Gu He is willing?"

The Inner Sect Grand Competition? Upon hearing this, Gu He was slightly taken aback. In Yun Lan Sect, an Inner Sect Grand Competition was held every year.

The top three participants would receive decent rewards. Moreover, some elders would be present to observe and select talented disciples to take under their wing.

However, Gu He was a bit puzzled. He looked at Yun Yun and asked, "Wasn't it the Sect Master who personally presided over it in the past? Why this change..."

A bitter smile appeared at the corner of Yun Yun's mouth, and her tone carried a touch of helplessness. "Elder Gu He might not be aware, but in the past, during each Inner Sect Grand Competition, many elders took advantage of the opportunity to introduce their own disciples to the sect, hoping to have them accepted."

"However..."

At this point, Yun Yun's gaze turned to Nalan Yanran by her side, and she expressed a sense of contentment. "With Yanran by our side, our sect no longer has the intention to accept new disciples."

"But these elders were once the seniors of our sect, and many of them even watched over me as I grew up." "There are some matters that are hard for me to address..."

"So, for this Inner Sect Grand Competition, our sect had no intention of making an appearance at all."

With these words, Yun Yun looked at Gu He, her tone carrying a hint of request. "I hope Elder Gu He can understand the difficulties

I face."

Upon hearing this, Gu He already understood Yun Yun's intention. She was using him as a shield. Gu He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Yun Yun was still too softhearted. This kind of matter, if avoided once, could be avoided forever. If you don't want disciples, why not just be straightforward? Can those old fellows really force you?

With Yun Yun's current strength, she no longer needed to consider the opinions of those old fellows. Gu He had interacted with several elders of the Cloud Mist Sect as well.

Those old folks liked to act all senior and authoritative. They often relied on their previous association with the former Sect Master Yun Shan and their seniority to impose their will.

Back when Gu He had just entered Cloud Mist Sect, he had experienced their methods firsthand. However, after Gu He advanced to the rank of a Sixth Grade Alchemist, no one dared to act presumptuously in front of him.

After all, a Sixth Grade Alchemist's status surpassed that of even Dou Emperor-level experts. Such an esteemed position couldn't be criticized by just anyone.

Additionally, as a Sixth Grade Alchemist, Gu He held a certain level of arrogance and didn't tolerate the elders' condescending behaviour.

This left those old men with no way to deal with him. Facing Yun Yun's request at the moment, Gu He's mind raced with various thoughts, contemplating what benefits he could gain if he agreed to oversee the Inner Sect disciple competition.

After a moment, Gu He had made up his mind. He smiled and nodded at Yun Yun. "Since you're facing difficulties, I am naturally willing to help you."

Gu He had his own plan in mind. During the Inner Sect disciple competition, each disciple would display their strength.

Perhaps he could identify some exceptionally talented disciples. If they could achieve a rating of eight points according to the system's evaluation, Gu He wouldn't mind taking them as his disciples.