“Everyone, please.”

The people of Yunhua Sect stepped into the hall and discovered inside many decorative items in the Yong City style. The servants spoke gently and softly, so gentle they didn’t seem like Liuguang Sect cultivators at all.

Lin Hu didn’t enter the rear hall. He stood at the entrance of the Nine-Curved Corridor and said: “Please, honored guests, rest well. This one will not go in to disturb you.”

“Thank you for your trouble.” Qiu Shuang had to admit that in terms of reception, Liuguang Sect was very enthusiastic and meticulous, even considering every flower, grass, and tree. The so-called “feeling at home” was probably just like this.

Kong Hou winked and smiled at Lin Hu, then followed behind Qiu Shuang into the inner hall. Lin Hu stood in the corridor, watching them until they walked far away.

He wondered—Young Master and Young Lady Kong Hou had spent so much time alone together, had they mutually revealed their feelings? Now with so many people around, even if he wanted to ask, it wouldn’t be appropriate to broach the subject.

On the main hall’s side, Huan Zong briefly told Jin Yue about what he had seen and heard outside over the past year or more. When mentioning Yunhua Sect, his expression became gentle: “This sect appears lazy and scattered, and their way of doing things seems without order, but in fact it’s not like that at all.”

Jin Yue saw that just mentioning Yunhua Sect made him show such a gentle appearance. He couldn’t help sighing inwardly—the so-called “love me, love my dog.” His disciple had fallen in love with one person and ended up loving an entire sect.

“They teach their disciples with a loose hand but don’t indulge them, they protect their own but don’t make unreasonable trouble. It’s a… sect that’s lazy yet clear-minded.” Huan Zong said, “The most formidable thing is that people always think this sect is the easiest to talk to, the easiest to bully. But in fact, those who offend Yunhua Sect never come to a good end. All these years, Yunhua Sect has always been this way—they haven’t advanced further, but they also haven’t fallen.”

Jin Yue slowly nodded. He had never dared to underestimate Yunhua Sect. Over all these years, there had always been great sects that rose suddenly, but then fell within just two hundred years. Yunhua Sect was different—seemingly not ranking at the top in any particular way, yet absolutely not to be underestimated.

This was a sect that seemed mysterious and blessed by the Heavenly Dao, but in reality all their good fortune came from themselves. If one attributed everything Yunhua Sect obtained to the Heavenly Dao, it only showed that person’s vision and mindset were still insufficient.

This was a clever and rational sect, also possessing a broad and magnanimous heart.

Jin Yue still remembered—when he was still young, hearing outsiders joke about Yunhua Sect, the Yunhua Sect disciple sitting with him actually laughed along with the many common people, slapping his thigh while telling some inconsequential sect jokes.

At that time he didn’t understand, so he asked that Yunhua Sect Daoist friend why he did this.

That friend said, ordinary mortals only have a lifespan of a few short decades. Cultivation is a distant and unreachable dream in their hearts. Privately making jokes about them and finding some happiness—it’s not a big deal. It’s not like they’re saying Yunhua Sect has done nothing but bad deeds and has corrupt character. As for the rest, let them be.

Back then, he had only thought that friend was too casual, not even caring about the sect’s reputation. Later he also often heard common people talking about Yunhua Sect. Though they teased them, their tone carried a bit of affection. If Yunhua Sect had a conflict with some other sect, those ordinary common people would unconsciously side with Yunhua Sect.

Yunhua Sect’s indulgence and respect toward common people made the short-lived common folk naturally protective of them.

From that point on, he suddenly understood—Yunhua Sect actually wasn’t wrong. The one who was wrong was him. He was too “arrogant.” Because he could cultivate, could possess a long lifespan, he unconsciously placed common people in an inferior position, moreover without any compassion.

After understanding this principle, he broke through the Core Formation Great Perfection cultivation level and leaped to become a Nascent Soul cultivator. So even though he later became Liuguang Sect’s sect leader, and Liuguang Sect and Yunhua Sect were very far apart, he still held a natural fondness for Yunhua Sect.

When hearing his disciple had romantic feelings for a Yunhua Sect disciple, Jin Yue had never worried. He was even happy for him. Yunhua Sect disciples possessed a spirit and vitality that Liuguang Sect disciples couldn’t have.

“How are things between you and Young Lady Kong Hou?” Jin Yue asked. “As a man, and being over three hundred years older than her, you must be magnanimous in your actions and know how to make the girl happy.”

Huan Zong looked at Jin Yue with a teasing gaze. Master had never been close to women his entire life, yet he actually had experience in this matter?

“What’s with that look?” Jin Yue widened his eyes. “Going out for a while, you’ve even learned to joke with your master?”

Huan Zong made a fist with one hand and placed it by his lips, lightly coughing: “Master, you saw wrong. This disciple’s expression is one of admiration.”

Jin Yue looked shocked. This disciple of his who didn’t even like to talk could actually say such playful words? It seemed the previous rumors weren’t wrong—Yong City was a place with magical enchantment. People who went in didn’t want to come out again, and even if they did come out, they would pick up some of Yong City’s habits.

“No respect for elders.” Jin Yue laughed and scolded. “Knowing you made plans to meet with the young lady later, go on, go on. This master’s old face can’t compare to the young lady’s fresh and tender one.”

Huan Zong smiled faintly, took two steps back, and knelt down before Jin Yue: “This disciple wishes Master’s cultivation to greatly increase. All these years, this disciple has been disappointing and made you worry.”

Light streamed through the doorway, falling on Huan Zong’s back and casting a black shadow.

Jin Yue stood with his hands behind his back, his expression gradually softening: “Rise.”

“Yes.” Huan Zong cupped his hands and withdrew from the great hall. His robes swayed lightly as he stepped onto the back of an immortal crane and flew through the clouds. Jin Yue looked up at the thick cloud layer and suddenly laughed aloud.

Zhaohan Sect, which had arrived relatively early, heard that Yunhua Sect disciples had already arrived and been arranged on the mountain peak under Zhenren Zhong Xi’s jurisdiction. Some disciples couldn’t help but sigh—it seemed Liuguang Sect and Yunhua Sect’s relationship was truly very close. They heard that in the past, the mountain peak where Zhenren Zhong Xi lived had never been arranged for outside guests.

Sword cultivators liked quiet. Zhenren Zhong Xi was immersed in cultivation, so he didn’t like outsiders disturbing him. This time they actually arranged the pleasure-loving Yunhua Sect on this peak—one could see the intimacy in this.

“Senior Brother, do you think Liuguang Sect and Yunhua Sect might be forming a marriage alliance?” Lingbo said softly to Chang De. “Last time Jiufeng Sect wanted to establish a connection with Liuguang Sect but was badly rejected, losing quite a bit of face. Could it be because Liuguang Sect didn’t fancy them, but fancied Yunhua Sect instead?”

The matter of Jiufeng Sect wanting a marriage alliance with Liuguang Sect was treated as mere rumor by outsiders, but she knew it was true—just that Jiufeng Sect hadn’t been able to fulfill their wish.

“I don’t know when Jiufeng Sect will arrive. I really want to personally go welcome them.” Lingbo held her teacup and smiled very smugly. Knowing they weren’t doing too well made her happy.

“Don’t make trouble.” Chang De laughed helplessly. “We came for the exchange conference, not to participate in a competition conference.”

Lingbo stood up: “I’m going to visit Kong Hou.”

“What are you going to see her for?” Chang De also stood up, afraid Lingbo and Kong Hou would start arguing again.

“To say hello.” She absolutely had to find out clearly what Kong Hou’s recent clothing style was. She couldn’t let herself be outshone. Chang De hesitated for a moment but still followed after her.

Huan Zong left the main hall and rode the immortal crane directly rushing toward the peak. Halfway there, a disciple encountered him. Before having time to excitedly salute, he saw him disappear into the cloud layer like a gust of wind.

“Uncle-Master Zhong Xi seemed to be in quite a hurry…”

“I heard this time Uncle-Master’s Mingjian Peak has guests. He’s probably rushing back to attend to them.”

“Uncle-Master’s Mingjian Peak admitted outside guests?!”

Passing through the cloud layer, Huan Zong saw a pink-clothed young girl sitting on a giant boulder. As if sensing his gaze, the pink-clothed girl looked up at him, revealing a big smile. She stood up on the spot and bounced twice on the stone: “Huan Zong, over here.”

Huan Zong flew down from the immortal crane’s back onto the giant boulder and touched her hand: “The wind is strong here. Why are you here?”

“I was afraid when you came back you wouldn’t find me, so I just waited for you here.” Kong Hou grasped his hand, her eyes curving into crescents. “Your honorable sect’s buildings are all so beautiful.”

“Is that so?” Huan Zong had long been accustomed to Liuguang Sect’s architecture and didn’t think they were anything special. Hearing Kong Hou say this, he asked: “Then when you’re free, would you be willing to stay at Liuguang Sect with me for some time?”

Kong Hou pretended to cough, looking at the sky and the ground—just not looking at Huan Zong. Her cheeks showed white with a hint of red, like crystal-clear spiritual fruit, also emanating a sweet fragrance. Huan Zong lowered his head and quickly, lightly stole a kiss on her cheek. Then swiftly turned his head away, pretending nothing had happened as he looked at the sea of clouds, his face flushing red all the way to behind his ears.

“Someone here secretly took advantage and then ignores people.”

“Bullying a young lady, kissing then refusing to acknowledge it…”

“You.” Huan Zong helplessly smiled and turned to Kong Hou. Seeing her eyes bright and shining, where was there any sadness or anger? All of it was the joy of a successful prank. He bent down, bringing his face flushed like the evening clouds close to Kong Hou. “Here, let you get even.”

Kong Hou blinked her eyes, slowly moved closer to Huan Zong’s face, and kissed his beautiful eyes.

This action was very light, as light as a spring breeze brushing the face. Huan Zong’s eyelids trembled lightly as his eyes met Kong Hou’s.

“Huan Zong, there are stars in your eyes.” Kong Hou said softly. “Very beautiful.”

Huan Zong slowly broke into a smile, reaching out to pull Kong Hou into his embrace. Her body was soft and petite. Holding her in his arms was extremely comfortable. She filled his entire heart, not leaving a single gap.

Kong Hou wrapped her arms around Huan Zong’s neck, lying on his shoulder and laughing happily.

Suddenly, Huan Zong picked her up in a princess carry.

“Where are we going?” Kong Hou held tight to Huan Zong’s neck. Feeling that being carried like this was quite comfortable, she decided to shamelessly stay in Huan Zong’s arms.

“Taking you to see our treasury.” Huan Zong lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

“Our treasury?” Kong Hou was stunned. When did she get a treasury?

“Yes, our treasury.” Huan Zong laughed softly, his laughter full of tenderness. “What’s mine is yours, so this is ours.”

In the corner, pressed into the grass by Lin Hu and unable to move, a Liuguang Sect disciple spoke with difficulty: “Senior Lin, Uncle-Master and the others went to the treasury…”

Please let this junior get up from the ground.

Lin Hu released his hand pressing down the young disciple and stood up from the ground, slowly saying: “Interrupting others’ romance will get you struck by lightning. I’m doing this for your own good.” Moreover, with Young Master’s cultivation level, it was impossible for him not to know they were hiding here, and impossible not to know that there were still two people in the clouds secretly watching.

He looked up at the cloud layer, wondering who the visitors were?

—

**Author’s Note:** Huan Zong: Come, come, come, little lady, let me take you to see our treasures.