"I actually..."
Yun Yun clutched the blanket, overwhelmed with both embarrassment and frustration, wishing she could disappear into thin air.
"Teacher..."
"Yanran, return to your quarters for now. I will find you later," Yun Yun instructed, striving to maintain her composure.
"Yes, Teacher!"
Although puzzled, Nalan Yanran didn't dare to question her and obediently left.
Only after sensing Nalan Yanran's departure did Yun Yun heave a sigh of relief. She quickly stowed the blanket into her spatial ring and changed into a fresh set of clothes. After washing up, she went to find Nalan Yanran, though her long legs felt oddly out of sync.
"Hu~"
Pausing, Yun Yun took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling, and finally calmed herself after a long moment.
Zhou Manor.
Early in the morning, Yun Shan arrived at Zhou Yi's residence for a visit. However, Zhou Yi had a habit of not waking up before mid-morning, leaving Yun Shan to wait.
Much later, Zhou Yi finally arose, aided by Qing Lin's meticulous care as he dressed, washed, and ate before meeting Yun Shan.
"Yun Shan greets Master Zhou!"
Facing Zhou Yi, a Dou Venerate powerhouse and a seventh-tier alchemist, Yun Shan was all humility, his face adorned with a flattering smile.
"There's no need for formalities, Sect Master Yun," Zhou Yi said, gesturing casually. Yun Shan felt an overwhelming force lift him effortlessly, increasing his awe.
Once Yun Shan was seated, Qing Lin served tea. Taking a small sip, Yun Shan broached the purpose of his visit:
"Master Zhou, I must apologize for the sudden visit. It concerns my disciple, Yun Yun."
"Since meeting you, she has been deeply captivated by your heroic demeanor, to the point of being unable to eat or sleep properly!"
Zhou Yi chuckled inwardly. While he knew he was charming, he doubted Yun Yun was truly so lovesick. Nevertheless, he chose not to expose Yun Shan's flattery. He already guessed the real reason for Yun Shan's visit and was inclined to oblige.
"As her teacher, I couldn't stand idly by. I've come today, hoping to arrange a marriage between Yun Yun and Master Zhou. What is your opinion on the matter?"
Yun Shan's eyes were filled with anticipation, though his heart raced nervously. Despite his confidence, he knew rejection was still a possibility.
"Yun Yun is a peerless beauty, unmatched in grace. How could I bear to refuse such a proposal?" Zhou Yi readily agreed.
He then retrieved a Boundary-Breaking Pill as a betrothal gift and handed over a spatial ring.
"This is a token of my regard for Yun Yun. Please deliver it to her on my behalf, Sect Master Yun."
"Rest assured, Master Zhou, I will personally give it to her!" Yun Shan accepted the items with both hands, his tone firm with assurance.
The two men discussed and settled the wedding date for one month after Yao Ye's. Satisfied with the outcome, Yun Shan left Zhou Manor in high spirits.
Outside Zhou Manor.
"Yun Shan, what's the good news?"
Gu He encountered Yun Shan at the gate, his curiosity piqued.
"Of course, it's about Yun Yun and Master Zhou's engagement. The wedding is set for the month after next," Yun Shan replied, brimming with joy.
Gu He was thunderstruck.
"Yun Yun and Zhou Yi... engaged? Next month?"
His face turned pale, his body swaying as disbelief overtook him.
The goddess he had pursued for years was getting married?
"Impossible..." Gu He's voice trembled with emotion. He glared at Yun Shan.
"You must have forced Yun Yun into this! You're trading her for a Boundary-Breaking Pill, aren't you?"
"Outrageous!" Yun Shan roared in anger.
"Gu He, I know you have feelings for Yun Yun, but know your place! She agreed to this herself!"
"Master Zhou is unparalleled in might, alchemy, and looks. What woman wouldn't fall for him?" Yun Shan's words were sharp.
"If not him, should she marry you? What do you have to offer?"
"I..."
Gu He's defiance crumbled instantly.
In terms of strength, he was only a Dou Emperor, relying on Zhou Yi's pills.
In alchemy, he was merely a sixth-tier alchemist, far below Zhou Yi's seventh, possibly eighth-tier.
In appearance, he had once been confident, but meeting Zhou Yi shattered that.
And in background?
Even his recently acknowledged master worked for Zhou Yi.
At that moment, Gu He felt utterly defeated. Zhou Yi was simply leagues beyond him. Yun Yun's choice seemed only natural.
"There are countless women in the world, Gu He. With Master Zhou's favor, your future is limitless. Don't dwell on what's lost." Yun Shan patted Gu He's shoulder before walking off, elated.
Yun Shan delivered Zhou Yi's gifts to Yun Yun, reassuring her before retreating to his own chambers to cultivate.
Yun Yun gazed at the spatial ring, her emotions complex. After a long time, she finally opened it to find a bottle of Huangji Pills, capable of raising a Dou Emperor's power by one star, alongside a fine sword and an exquisite soft armor. Both were far superior to her current equipment.
Still, she hesitated to use them.
That night, she dreamed again...
...
Tager Desert.
In the Serpent Kingdom's palace, Queen Medusa held a report detailing Zhou Yi's deeds.
A Dou Ancestor powerhouse.
A seventh-tier alchemist.
And most tempting of all—a Boundary-Breaking Pill!
She had been stuck at the peak of Dou Emperor for years, desperate for a breakthrough. If even Jia Xingtian could ascend to Dou Ancestor, she was certain she could with the pill.
However, obtaining a Boundary-Breaking Pill was no easy feat. Zhou Yi's strength made her wary, and with Jia Xingtian also recently advancing to Dou Ancestor, visiting Zhou Yi directly seemed like walking into a trap.
Still, the lure of the pill was hard to resist.
After careful thought, Medusa summoned Yue Mei, a Dou King and the most seductive among the serpent tribe leaders.
"Zhou Yi seems fond of beautiful women," Medusa mused. "You stand the best chance of success. Go."
Without delay, Yue Mei set off for the Jia Ma Empire, cautiously making her way toward Zhou Yi.
However, despite her efforts, she was eventually discovered by the Empire's strong practitioners.
Given her Dou King-level strength, ordinary individuals could not restrain her.
The Jia Ma Empire's experts, realizing Yue Mei's intent to visit Master Zhou Yi, dared not act rashly and escorted her directly to him.
Zhou Yi received the news and instructed his people to bring Yue Mei in.
As she entered, a faint fragrance wafted through the air. A strikingly alluring figure swayed her slender waist as she approached. Her gaze landed on Zhou Yi, and her enchanting eyes flickered with awe.
"What a handsome man!"
It was Yue Mei's first time seeing someone as mesmerizing as Zhou Yi. The sight left her heart racing.
"Leader Yue Mei of the Snake-People pays respects to Master Zhou Yi!" Yue Mei respectfully bowed to Zhou Yi after overcoming her initial astonishment. She remained keenly aware of his stature—a Dou Ancestor powerhouse and a seventh-tier alchemist.
Zhou Yi's eyes appraised her. Her hair cascaded like a waterfall over her smooth, snow-white shoulders. Her skin was flawless, seemingly carved from jade, and her figure exuded grace. Her slender waist seemed impossibly flexible, a thought-provoking detail of her charm.
"Rise," Zhou Yi said casually with a wave of his hand.
Straightening her posture slightly, Yue Mei's voluptuous silhouette became even more pronounced. With a faint smile and a soft voice, she said, "Thank you, Master Zhou Yi."
"The Queen has heard of your impending marriage and has sent me with a congratulatory gift to celebrate the joyous occasion," Yue Mei continued, presenting a gift box.
"Her Majesty Queen Medusa is too kind. Please convey my thanks to her," Zhou Yi said with a polite smile. Observing Yue Mei's captivating demeanor, his thoughts wandered briefly to the Queen herself. If Yue Mei is this enchanting, what kind of presence must Queen Medusa command?
He had always been curious about the infamous beauty.
However, Yue Mei herself was a tempting prospect. In the original timeline, Yue Mei's bold and flirtatious demeanor toward Xiao Yan left a lasting impression. Zhou Yi had initially assumed her to be a licentious woman with countless lovers, but upon closer observation, he realized he had misjudged her. Yue Mei was, in fact, still a virgin.
Considering her position as one of the eight Snake-People leaders and her Dou King strength, it made sense that few would dare approach her, let alone capture her heart.
Satisfactory, Zhou Yi thought as he assessed her.
Feeling his gaze linger, Yue Mei subtly accentuated her charms, exuding a languid grace that emphasized her alluring figure. Her every movement was deliberate, embodying the perfect blend of elegance and seduction.
"Master Zhou Yi," Yue Mei began, her voice soft yet suggestive, "apart from extending the Queen's congratulations, I have another request to make."
She delicately tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and met Zhou Yi's gaze. "Her Majesty wishes to purchase a Boundary-Breaking Pill from you. May I ask if you have any requirements for such a transaction?"
Zhou Yi shook his head lightly and sighed. "Unfortunately, I no longer have any Boundary-Breaking Pills in my possession. The last one was recently given to Yun Shan of the Misty Cloud Sect as a betrothal gift."
"Yun Shan?" Yue Mei's expression shifted. The name was not unfamiliar to her. Yun Shan, the former sect leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, was also Yun Yun's mentor. If what Zhou Yi said was true, the Misty Cloud Sect was poised to produce a Dou Ancestor powerhouse soon.
The realization only deepened her anxiety. A rise in human powerhouses posed a greater threat to the Snake-People.
"Master Zhou Yi," Yue Mei said earnestly, "if we were to gather the necessary materials, would you consider refining a Boundary-Breaking Pill for Her Majesty? Whatever conditions you have, please let us know."
"I've long admired Queen Medusa's renowned beauty and strength," Zhou Yi said with a faint smile. "If you can gather these materials,"—he handed her a list—"I will gladly refine a Boundary-Breaking Pill for Her Majesty."
Yue Mei's eyes scanned the list. While the required materials were numerous and precious, she felt hopeful. The combined strength and resources of the Snake-People might just suffice.
If this effort could help Queen Medusa ascend to the Dou Zong level, it would all be worth it.
"Thank you, Master Zhou Yi. I will relay your words to Her Majesty," Yue Mei said, brimming with determination.
After Yue Mei's departure, Zhou Yi resumed his tranquil routine, leisurely refining pills and preparing for his wedding with Yao Ye. The thought of Queen Medusa lingered in his mind.
"She won't escape me," Zhou Yi mused with a sly smile. "Tonight, perhaps I'll visit her in her dreams."
...
Under the starry sky, Yao Yue clung to her elder sister Yao Ye's arm, suddenly reaching out to tease her with a playful gesture.
"Ah! What are you doing?" Yao Ye exclaimed, glaring at Yao Yue.
"Big Sister, you're so beautiful!" Yao Yue giggled, her eyes curving into crescent moons as she teased, "Master Zhou Yi is going to be absolutely enchanted by you!"
"You little troublemaker, what nonsense are you spouting now?" Yao Ye scolded, her tone half-annoyed, half-amused.
"Big Sister, I heard Master Zhou Yi is exceptionally powerful. Is it true? Even Ya Fei, that seductress, seems impressed..."
"You little rascal! What do you know? Keep it up, and I'll smack you!"
"I'm not a little kid anymore!"
"And yet you dare talk back?!"
"Ah!"
The two sisters continued their playful banter, with Yao Yue eventually drifting off to sleep. Yao Ye, however, remained awake.
With only a few days left before her wedding to Zhou Yi, her heart was a mix of excitement and anxiety.
During this time, she had paid particular attention to Zhou Yi. From what she had observed, Ya Fei seemed to be living comfortably in the Zhou residence, and aside from Zhou Yi's well-known fondness for beauty, he appeared to have no other vices.
He was, in a word, perfect.
But as her thoughts wandered further, Yao Ye couldn't help but wonder.
"Is Zhou Yi really as remarkable as they say?"
-------
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