Chen Nan was depressed.
He had intended to kill Jiang Ye directly, nipping all potential threats in the bud.
However, he hadn't expected a hawk to be circling overhead.
Judging by its aura, it must be a demon beast.
After all, normal birds wouldn't possess such immense size and presence.
Half an hour later.
Chen Nan carried Jiang Ye to Taibai Peak.
He had assumed the disciples of Huoyun Cave were all cultivating inside their cave dwellings. Upon arrival, he discovered a hidden world, a complex of ancient buildings nestled on the mountainside.
While not grand or magnificent, it possessed a breathtaking and unique charm.
It felt like a secluded paradise, hidden from the mundane world.
"How did Uncle-Master Jiang Ye get so severely injured?"
"Damn it, who dared to inflict such brutal harm?"
Upon seeing Jiang Ye's grave injuries, the disciples of Huoyun Cave were enraged.
They wished they could find the perpetrator and tear them limb from limb!
Little did they know, the true culprit stood before their very eyes.
"Elder Wu, this young man's name is Ye Ce. I went down the mountain earlier to rescue Senior Brother Jiang, and only Ye Ce, unaware of the danger, stepped forward to serve our Huoyun Cave." The middle-aged man, named Qian Yun, spoke of Chen Nan's actions.
"This is a promising talent, one who should be nurtured."
Elder Wu nodded with satisfaction. "Since that is the case, you shall stay on the mountain and become a disciple of Huoyun Cave!"
Chen Nan bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Elder, for your cultivation!"
"First, escort Jiang Ye back to his room and attend to him carefully. We will inquire about what happened once his injuries have healed," Elder Wu waved his hand.
"Yes!"
Several disciples responded and carried Jiang Ye to his residence.
Elder Wu's gaze turned to Chen Nan. "Our Huoyun Cave has five halls: the Alchemy Hall, the Enforcement Hall, the Talisman Hall, the Artifact Forging Hall, and the Spirit Medicine Hall. Choose one for yourself."
Chen Nan remained bowed. "To be a disciple of Huoyun Cave is already the greatest fortune of my life. Now that my dream is realized, I dare not ask for more!"
"The disciple's placement is entirely up to the Elder's judgment!"
The disciples on the mountain were stunned!
Holy cow!
Is this guy a sycophant?
Why do his words feel so comforting?
If ordinary disciples felt comfortable, Elder Wu was ecstatic. He pondered for a moment and said, "Since that is the case, then you shall go to the Alchemy Hall."
Chen Nan: "I will strictly obey the Elder's decree!"
Holy cow!
He even used the word "decree"?
This guy is so good at flattering!
The disciples of the Enforcement Hall looked at Chen Nan with reverence.
Elder Wu projected his voice with spiritual power. "Compared to other halls, the Alchemy Hall carries significant risks, but I believe you can handle it. I hope that when you achieve great success in the future, you will not forget this old man!"
Chen Nan felt puzzled.
He had expected to thrive in the Alchemy Hall, but Elder Wu's words held a deeper meaning.
"Junior Brother Ye, I'll take you to the Alchemy Hall!" a young man said.
He led Chen Nan towards the back of the mountain, speaking as they walked. "I don't know why Elder Wu arranged for you to go to the Alchemy Hall. It seems like a good position, but the situation in our Huoyun Cave is a bit peculiar."
Chen Nan replied with feigned humility. "Please enlighten me, Senior Brother!"
The young man continued, "The reason is simple. The head of our Huoyun Cave's Alchemy Hall is the Cave Master's beloved daughter, Nangong Wan."
"How should I put it, the young lady is very beautiful, a peerless beauty, and the object of affection for countless cultivators in Zhongnan Mountain."
"She is also highly skilled in alchemy, capable of refining Qi-Condensing Pills! However, she has a fiery temper and is notoriously spoiled and overbearing."
"All the junior brothers who went to the Alchemy Hall before... all of them were so terrified they ran out crying."
"I suspect Elder Wu sent you to the Alchemy Hall because he values your talent for speaking so well!"
"If, by chance, you can please the young lady, you will surely rise to prominence."
"You might even become the son-in-law of Huoyun Cave!"
"At that time, Junior Brother, don't forget your Senior Brother!" he said, giving Chen Nan a knowing wink.
Chen Nan felt a chill down his spine!
Does Elder Wu think so highly of me?
Besides, I only came here to find an opportunity to kill Jiang Ye!
I never intended to become the son-in-law of Huoyun Cave!
In the course of their conversation, they arrived at the bamboo forest on the back mountain.
A gentle breeze rustled through the bamboo, creating a soft, whispering sound.
"Junior Brother, the Alchemy Hall is just ahead. No one can enter this bamboo forest without the young lady's permission! I'll be going now. I hope you can establish yourself here!"
After the young man departed.
Chen Nan looked towards the bamboo house nestled deep within the bamboo forest and respectfully said, "Disciple Ye Ce reports to the Alchemy Hall, as ordered by Elder Wu."
"Come in!"
A lazy, seductive voice emanated from the bamboo house.
Chen Nan entered the bamboo forest.
He approached the bamboo house!
He then straightened his clothes and pushed open the two doors.
The moment he opened the doors, a stunning figure appeared before his eyes.
With bright eyes and pearly teeth, she was incomparably beautiful.
She lay on the bed, her demeanor elegant, as pure and sacred as a blooming lotus.
Especially her white dress, which seemed like a celestial maiden descending to earth.
At this moment.
Nangong Wan was gently swaying a fragrant fan in her hand, a captivating smile gracing her luminous eyes.
Her smile was alluring, capable of stealing one's soul.
"Staring at someone like that incessantly is a bit impolite, wouldn't you say?" Nangong Wan spoke, her voice soft and pleasant.
Chen Nan quickly averted his gaze, which had become somewhat aggressive. "Replying to the Young Lady, it's not that your disciple is rude, but rather that your beauty is unparalleled, your grace is peerless, making your disciple feel as though he has encountered a heavenly being, which has unsettled my mind."
"I beg for your forgiveness for any offense, Young Lady!"
A flicker of surprise crossed Nangong Wan's beautiful eyes.
In the past.
Those disciples would have been so terrified they would have fallen to their knees and begged for mercy.
This person, while respectful and measured, did not lose his composure.
Not bad.
He's much more promising than those useless fools before!
Nangong Wan asked, "What is your name?"
"Disciple Ye Ce!" Chen Nan replied, lowering his head.
This woman's strength was formidable, likely reaching the sixth level of Qi Condensation or higher.
Even he dared not underestimate her.
"I just finished refining pills and feel a bit unwell. Come, help this young lady with a shoulder massage!" Nangong Wan said languidly.
Chen Nan's heart skipped a beat.
Holy cow!
Am I walking into such a melodramatic scene the moment I arrive at the Alchemy Hall?
Although a little embarrassed!
He still walked in front of Nangong Wan. The instant he reached out his hand.
Nangong Wan's eyes suddenly turned sharp. "You wretch, don't you know the distinction between men and women? Did you come to the Alchemy Hall with impure intentions towards me?"
"Young Lady, why do you say that?" Chen Nan feigned panic. "Your disciple harbors no disrespect towards you. Rather, as a disciple of the Alchemy Hall, one should obey the Young Lady's commands without question!"
A hint of disdain curved Nangong Wan's lips. "If I told you to die, would you do it?"
Chen Nan smiled. "This is our first meeting, Young Lady. We have no past grievances, nor any present enmity. Why would you ask me to die? You must be joking!"
"You are correct, I naturally would not ask you to die!" Nangong Wan took out a foul-smelling pill from her embrace. "However, if you wish to become mine, you must swallow this Hundred Poisons Pill to prove your resolve!"
"Do you... dare to swallow it?"