Chapter 189: Chapter 189: Winning Over Xiao Yan

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    Seeing Yun Shan stepping through the air with ghost-like speed-one moment just a black silhouette on the horizon, and with just a single step arriving at the Misty Cloud Sect''s square -everyone present was shocked, their pupils dilating and faces turning pale.

    "Walking through the air, an elite Dou Ancestor!" Mu Zhan exclaimed from atop a large tree upon witnessing Yun Shan''s seemingly teleportation-like ability.

    Like Dou Emperors, Dou Ancestors could also condense Dou Qi into wings. However, Dou Ancestors generally didn''t use Dou Qi wings to fly because they could already manipulate subtle Spatial Strength, allowing them to shorten distances between spaces and achieve traveling a thousand miles in a single step.

    Advancing from a Dou Ancestor to a Dou Venerate was a process of continuously mastering Spatial Strength.

    "A Dou Ancestor, huh..." Xiao Yan muttered as he sat on the palanquin, his fingers tapping lightly on the wooden frame, producing a crisp sound.

    He had been almost certain that Yun Shan wasn''t dead. Just as he had deduced earlier, Yun Leng''s ability to wield power wasn''t due to his impressive methods, nor was it because Yun Yun, a Dou Emperor, was foolish. Rather, Yun Shan had never relinquished the position of Sect Leader from the very beginning.

    The power of the Misty Cloud Sect had always been in Yun Shan''s hands. Yun Leng was merely a puppet during Yun Shan''s secluded cultivation.

    This hadn''t been just his speculation. He could be so certain because, having joined the Hall of Souls himself, he understood their way of doing things very well.

    To put it bluntly, an old thing like Yun Leng who lacked both strength and talent wasn''t qualified to join the Hall of Souls at all.

    If the Hall of Souls wanted to infiltrate the Misty Cloud Sect, they would naturally start with the Sect Leader. But from the earlier conversation, Xiao Yan had confirmed that Yun Yun, the strongest Dou Emperor and current Sect Leader, was actually unaware of the Hall of Souls'' existence.

    Therefore, there was only one answer. Not only was Yun Shan not dead, but he was also the first to join the Hall of Souls. Yun Shan had always been the true controller of the Misty Cloud Sect.

    However, Yun Shan reaching the Dou Ancestor realm was something he hadn''t wanted to see, as it would make things much more troublesome.

    He might even have to stand up now.

    Yun Shan was dressed in an extremely plain white robe. His robe fluttered as a gentle breeze blew, giving him a rather transcendent and ethereal air. His appearance didn''t seem at all like someone from the same generation as Jia Xing Tian and Hai Bodong.

    There were no wrinkles that an old man should have on his face. Instead, he looked no more than thirty.

    "This old fellow''s lifespan has been extended after breaking through to the Dou Ancestor realm, making his body younger," Hai Bodong couldn''t help but click his tongue as he looked at Yun Shan''s appearance, not bothering to conceal the envy in his voice.

    Hai Bodong didn''t dare to continue suppressing Yun Leng. He flew to Xiao Yan''s side, planning to take him and escape immediately if things really went south.

    In the square below, Yun Leng got up from the ice shards upon hearing Yun Shan''s questioning and knelt on the ground with a thud. Tears streamed down his face as he cried out, "Sect Leader! If you hadn''t come, the Misty Cloud Sect would have been destroyed by this traitor Yun Yun colluding with outsiders!!"

    Yun Leng knelt on both knees; his tear-streaked old face and disheveled hair made him look particularly miserable, like a pitiful old man abandoned by his children with no one to rely on. Yun Shan glanced at Yun Yun, then at the square that looked like ruins, and finally locked his gaze on Xiao Yan''s palanquin.

    At this moment, Xiao Yan slowly put down the wine cup and wine pot in his hands. Sitting on the palanquin, he cupped his hands toward the white figure in the sky and calmly said, "This junior Xiao Yan pays his respects to Old Sect Leader Yun Shan."

    be the host?"

    "I think I can be."

    The atmosphere instantly grew tense. Not only Yun Shan but everyone present was

    astonished, unsure of what Xiao Yan was up to!

    Hai Bodong transmitted his voice, "Xiao Yan, although that trump card of yours is powerful, you''re still only at the Dou Grandmaster realm. Yun Shan could kill you with just a flick of his finger. Even if that old thing Jia Xing Tian and I join forces, we can''t stop Yun Shan!"

    Xiao Yan chuckled, "Old Hai, you''re overthinking it. I hope you can help me hold back Sect Leader Yun Yun, that''s all."

    Hai Bodong was momentarily stunned. Nalan Yanran beside him was also dumbfounded. Why hold back Yun Yun? Even if she doesn''t help you, she wouldn''t attack you... probably.

    But soon, the two of them understood. Xiao Yan didn''t want Sect Leader Yun Yun to be caught

    in a difficult position, torn between two sides. By having Hai Bodong hold her back, then no matter what, she wouldn''t be able to intervene.

    Hai Bodong gave Xiao Yan a sidelong glance. You''re being so considerate I could cry. When have

    you ever been this gentle with me?

    "Are you sure about this?" Hai Bodong couldn''t help but ask.

    "When have I ever lied?" Xiao Yan replied with a soft laugh.

    Nalan Yanran furrowed her delicate brows slightly beside him. It seemed he indeed hadn''t.

    Hai Bodong slowly moved away from Xiao Yan''s palanquin and approached Yun Yun, not in a hurry to attack. Everyone''s attention was focused on Xiao Yan, eager to see what other trump cards he had that made him dare to challenge Yun Shan, an elite Dou Ancestor!

    "If you''re trying to buy time, there''s no need. You''ll have plenty of time at the Misty Cloud Sect," Yun Shan said as he instantly gathered the surrounding clouds and mist to form a giant hand, reaching out to grab Xiao Yan.

    Just as the giant hand was about to seize him, a green lotus floated up in front of him. Xiao Yan transmitted his voice, "Queen, if you still want me to use the Ten Thousand Beast Flame to help you refine your body, consolidate your bloodline, and assist in refining the Spirit Fusion Pill, now is a good opportunity to win me over."

    A voice that could make one''s bones go weak emanated from within the green lotus, "One

    year. I want to see the Spirit Fusion Pill within one year."

    Xiao Yan smiled knowingly.

    "Deal."