Inside the main hall of Youyue Valley, spiritual energy swirled.
Yuyi sat cross-legged in a quiet chamber, with an ancient jade slip floating before him. The jade slip circulated with a faint green light, recording an ancient supreme art that had been lost for a long time. He had been comprehending it for three full days, yet still couldn't grasp its essence.
"This technique is extraordinarily mysterious, as if something crucial is missing." Yuyi frowned slightly, his fingertips lightly stroking the jade slip, sensing the spiritual power fluctuations contained within.
Just as he was about to try again, light footsteps came from outside the hall.
"Yuyi, how do you like this dharma robe?"
Shaying pushed open the door and entered, wearing a light purple flowing cloud dharma robe, her sleeves fluttering, like a fairy descending to the mortal world. She usually dressed simply and elegantly, but today she had put extra effort into her appearance, even restyling her hair, with a jade hairpin inserted.
Yuyi looked up, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes, then smiled: "Very beautiful. But, with such careful dressing today, where are you going?"
Shaying's cheeks slightly reddened, and she said softly: "Youying and Lingxiao invited me to visit Lingbao Pavilion and Tianbao Pavilion, saying there are some newly arrived dharma treasures and pills."
"Lingbao Pavilion?" Yuyi stood up, walked in front of Shaying, and adjusted her collar for her, "Then this dharma robe is a bit plain. Why not change into the Golden Thread Immortal Robe? That one is more eye-catching."
Shaying was stunned, then glared at him in mock anger: "Are you trying to make me show off?"
"Why not?" Yuyi smiled, "You are already beautiful and moving. Wearing that dharma robe will surely make the entire Lingbao Pavilion turn their heads."
Shaying's heart warmed, but she also felt hesitant. She knew Yuyi was caring for her, but the Golden Thread Immortal Robe was too eye-catching. If Lingxiao noticed something...
"Never mind, I'll do as you say." Shaying finally nodded and turned to change clothes.
Moments later, she returned wearing the Golden Thread Immortal Robe. The dharma robe shimmered with flowing light, making her skin appear like snow, and her temperament even more extraordinary. Yuyi nodded with satisfaction, watching her leave the main hall.
Inside Lingbao Pavilion, a dazzling array of items.
Various dharma treasures, pills, and spiritual materials filled the counters, with spirit merchants enthusiastically greeting the passing cultivators. Shaying walked into the pavilion with Youying, Lingxiao, and others, immediately attracting countless gazes.
"Shaying, this dharma robe is absolutely stunning!" Youying exclaimed, "Golden Thread Immortal Robe, this is a Heaven-grade dharma robe!"
Lingxiao looked at Shaying, a hint of infatuation flashing in his eyes, then quickly looked away as if to hide it: "Lingbao Pavilion has many good things today, let's go take a look."
Shaying nodded slightly, leading everyone toward the counter. She was obviously very familiar with the spirit merchant at Lingbao Pavilion. When the merchant saw her arrive, he immediately came forward.
"Miss Shaying, what a rare guest today!" The spirit merchant greeted warmly, "The items you ordered are ready, please follow me."
Shaying followed the spirit merchant to the inner hall, with Youying and Lingxiao following closely behind. The inner hall displayed various rare dharma treasures. The spirit merchant took out an exquisite wooden box from under the counter and handed it to Shaying.
"This is the Emerald Sea Pearl you ordered last time, top quality. Please see if you're satisfied."
Shaying took the wooden box and opened it. Inside lay a sapphire-blue pearl, emitting a soft glow. She nodded with satisfaction and handed her identity token to the spirit merchant.
"Pay with Little Fox's token."
The spirit merchant took the token and skillfully began processing. Lingxiao watched from the side, confusion flashing in his eyes: "Little Fox? Who is this?"
Shaying's heart tightened, but her expression remained calm: "A friend. Her token is with me."
Lingxiao nodded thoughtfully, not asking further.
After the transaction was completed, Shaying led everyone away from Lingbao Pavilion and went to Tianbao Pavilion. Along the way, she maintained an elegant and composed demeanor, but felt somewhat uneasy inside. She knew that hiding Yuyi's existence was not a long-term solution.
At dusk, Shaying returned to Youyue Valley.
Yuyi was waiting for her in the main hall. Seeing her return, he asked: "How were the gains today?"
Shaying took out the Emerald Sea Pearl and handed it to Yuyi: "The quality of this pearl is good, it can be used to strengthen dharma treasures."
Yuyi took the pearl but noticed the worry between Shaying's brows, asking softly: "What's wrong?"
Shaying hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn't tell the truth, only shaking her head: "Nothing, just a bit tired."
Yuyi didn't press further, only gently holding her hand: "Rest early, tomorrow there's a Nitian Alliance meeting."
Shaying nodded, but guilt surged in her heart.
The next morning, Nitian Alliance deliberation hall.
In the solemn hall, the four alliance leaders sat in four directions, the atmosphere grave. Yuyi, Bingxin, Xueying, Qingshen Zhenren, and others took their seats in turn. Duan Changjian sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone.
"Today I've gathered you all to discuss the matter of regional elder candidates." Duan Changjian said solemnly, "The Cangqiong Alliance is in turmoil, and Zixiao has been exposed for selling sect dharma treasures. This matter must be handled quickly."
Xuantie Alliance Leader continued: "The Cangqiong Alliance's turmoil requires a highly respected person to serve as regional elder to stabilize the situation."
Shuanghan Alliance Leader nodded: "This person must be fair and selfless, and have sufficient strength and prestige."
Shuangtong Alliance Leader looked at Yuyi, a deep meaning flashing in his eyes: "Valley Master Yuyi, what do you think?"
Yuyi's heart tightened, vaguely feeling something was wrong. He pondered for a moment, then said: "In my opinion, why not establish an honorary elder position, with regional elders served by representatives from each gang. This way, we can balane various forces and avoid arbitrary decision-making."
The four alliance leaders exchanged glanes. Duan Changjian nodded slightly: "This proposal is good. However, the regional elder candidate still needs careful consideration."
Xuantie Alliance Leader suddenly said: "Valley Master Yuyi, as the master of Youyue Valley, you have strong strength and high prestige. Why don't you serve as regional elder?"
Yuyi was stunned, about to decline, when Shuanghan Alliance Leader already spoke: "Excellent proposal! Valley Master Yuyi is fair and selfless, surely able to convince everyone."
Shuangtong Alliance Leader also nodded in agreement: "I also agree. Valley Master Yuyi, you should serve as regional elder."
Yuyi sighed inwardly. These four alliance leaders clearly had premeditated this, joining forces to scheme against him. He looked at Xueying, seeing her slightly rubbing her nose, obviously hiding something.
"Since the four alliance leaders trust me so much, I'll humbly accept." Yuyi said calmly, his face showing neither joy nor anger.
Duan Changjian nodded with satisfaction: "Good, then it's decided. Valley Master Yuyi, from today, you are the Nitian Alliance regional elder, responsible for handling the Cangqiong Alliance turmoil."
After the meeting ended, Yuyi walked out of the hall, thinking to himself. These four alliance leaders joining forces to scheme against him must have deep meaning. Although he was forced to accept this position, he wouldn't be easily manipulated.
"Yuyi, are you alright?" Xueying walked up, asking with concern.
Yuyi shook his head, saying calmly: "It's fine. Just a bit unexpected."
Xueying wanted to say something but stopped, finally only sighing: "Be careful. These four alliance leaders have very deep schemes."
Yuyi nodded, his gaze looking into the distance, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.
The cultivation world has always been about the weak being prey to the strong. Since he was pushed to this position, he must be prepared to welcome the coming storm.