Although Xu Binglan spoke lightly, Ye Yun gasped in shock.
Even when he looked at her again, a hint of apprehension entered his eyes.
Could this seemingly simple-minded person in front of him be a wolf in sheep's clothing?
After all, what normal person would conceive of launching a disciple into outer space as a punishment?
Ye Yun also considered another point. He had initially thought her personality was very pure.
However, the fact that she immediately grasped the implication of Gu Shuai's earlier remark showed that this woman was not entirely ignorant of certain matters.
"Elder Xu, you are truly formidable..."
After a while, Ye Yun took a deep breath and uttered a heartfelt exclamation.
Xu Binglan smiled faintly and then extended her delicate, jade-like hand towards him.
"Don't mind Shuai Shuai. I am very pleased to meet you, Elder Ye."
Seeing this, Ye Yun paused.
Although several gazes behind him made him feel as if thorns were pricking his back, out of politeness, he reached out and shook her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine... I am also very pleased to meet you."
Of course, Ye Yun's "pleasure" was tinged with a degree of apprehension.
After all, this was a ruthless individual who could casually send someone to outer space. It was best to avoid provoking her if possible...
As expected, her hand was soft and warm, with a hint of coolness.
"So, Elder Ye, don't forget what we discussed earlier."
Xu Binglan gazed at him and said softly.
Ye Yun blinked, only then remembering their prior conversation.
"Oh right, you had something you wanted to discuss with me?"
"Mm..."
"Can't you say it here?"
Hearing this, Xu Binglan fell silent for a moment before finally shaking her head.
"With so many people around, I would feel shy..."
Qian Hong: ???
Ye Yun: ???
Lin Xueyan, Bai Xiaoxiao, Chen Lingyi, Chen Lingxin, Fang Zhiwei, Ye Yao: ???
Ye Yun had only asked casually, as there were indeed things that needed to be discussed privately.
However, he hadn't expected such a response, which almost made him suffocate.
At this moment, even Qian Hong could no longer hold back and walked over, saying in a deep voice,
"Elder Xu, you're not planning to make him your immortal companion, are you?"
This direct question made Ye Yun's mouth twitch.
Good heavens, no wonder you can't win her over. Is your emotional intelligence negative?
She clearly indicated that it was inconvenient to speak in public, yet you asked such a question. Unbelievable...
However, Ye Yun was very curious about the answer to this question.
"This matter does not concern you."
Xu Binglan's reply was blunt, showing no consideration for his feelings.
As expected, this answer enraged Qian Hong, but he dared not vent his anger on Xu Binglan, as he would be utterly defeated even if they fought...
Ultimately, he decisively chose the other party and shot Ye Yun a fierce glare.
"I advise you, if you dare to do anything improper to her, I will kill you!"
Although Ye Yun had no such intentions, he glanced coldly at Qian Hong's threat.
"Whatever I do is none of your business to dictate."
"You!"
Qian Hong became even more furious, wishing he could slay Ye Yun on the spot.
But the moment his killing intent emerged, he felt a terrifying pressure descend, directly suppressing his exposed killing intent and restless profound energy.
Qian Hong's expression changed. There was no doubt that whoever could so silently suppress him here on Chaofeng Mountain could be no one else.
"Empress Tianfeng..."
It was clear that this was a warning. If he dared to do anything, he would likely be annihilated on the spot.
Of course, he wouldn't be so foolish. Daring to harm the Empress Tianfeng's husband on Chaofeng Mountain would leave Qianxun Mountain with no justification to seek revenge, even if he were killed.
"Hmph, you're in such a hurry!"
Qian Hong snorted and finally retreated.
However, even so, Xu Binglan delivered another blow.
After Ye Yun was threatened, Xu Binglan slowly looked up in Qian Hong's direction and said in a gentle tone,
"If you kill him, I will kill you too."
"..."
Her voice was calm, very gentle, and there was no trace of killing intent. It was as if she were merely stating a fact.
Yet, everyone present who knew her did not doubt the truth of her words.
She was the foremost figure below the Emperor rank in all the states of the Heavenly Domain. In the thousand years since her rise, no one had ever escaped her grasp.
"Elder Xu, you..."
Qian Hong looked deeply at Xu Binglan. Compared to Empress Tianfeng's threat, her words held more weight.
After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said,
"Fine... In that case, I promise not to kill him."
Hearing this, Xu Binglan's expression remained unchanged, and she simply stopped looking at him.
As for Qian Hong, his promise meant little. He had only said he wouldn't kill Ye Yun, not that he wouldn't torment him.
Killing him would be too easy. He had to make Ye Yun wish he were dead but unable to die!
Ye Yun could clearly sense Qian Hong's intense malice towards him and couldn't help but sigh.
"Alas, simps are truly terrifying... It seems I need to improve my strength as soon as possible."
As he sighed, he looked at Xu Binglan again, feeling truly perplexed.
Could this woman really be planning to make her immortal companion? It didn't make sense. Even if he was indeed handsome, that couldn't be eaten as food, right?
Looking at Xu Binglan, who was as still as a tranquil pool, Ye Yun felt a headache coming on.
"This woman... I can't quite figure her out. Another eccentric woman..."
Compared to Xing Wu, at least Xing Wu would say what she meant, at most being a little proud.
But this woman's words and actions completely baffled him.
Finally, Ye Yun sighed and said to Xu Binglan,
"Alright, let's find a place to talk later then."
"Okay."
Xu Binglan nodded quietly.
After that, Ye Yun also nodded and said,
"For now, let's prepare and complete this Three Mountains Exchange Meet."
"Mm."
"Then, Elder Xu, please come with me."
"Mm."
"The battlefield for this exchange meet is chosen as this ancient coliseum. Any problem with that?"
"No."
As it turned out, this Elder Xu was indifferent to everyone, except when necessary.
Or perhaps... she simply felt there was no need for further conversation?
Ye Yun speculated inwardly, but the truth of the matter would likely only be understood by someone who spent a long time with her and developed feelings.
He decided not to dwell on her matters any longer and, along with the people from Hongchen Mountain and Qianxun Mountain, entered the ancient coliseum.
As they arrived, the delegates from the other eight sects and sixteen cities also began to arrive, and the coliseum grew increasingly lively.
An hour later, the guest reception time concluded.
The person behind Ye Yun, responsible for registering guests, nodded and said,
"Elder Ye, the esteemed guests from all eight sects and sixteen cities have arrived, and all other guests have entered. The Three Mountains Exchange Meet can now begin."