You can call me Yunzh

"If that's your wish, I will respect it. After all, you've saved my life," Lu Yunxiao said sincerely.

"Do you not want to join Yunlan Sect?" The woman in blue frowned slightly, her voice soft as she asked. She understood the deeper meaning behind Lu Yunxiao's words.

Lu Yunxiao hesitated for a moment before nodding.

The main reason for not wanting to join Yunlan Sect was that it's best not to court danger. Yunlan Sect was connected to the Soul Hall, and at the moment, he didn't want to get involved with anyone related to the Soul Hall. Revealing his identity due to some mishap would be risky. Moreover, he was still too weak. Confronting the Soul Hall with his current abilities would be a reckless move, especially considering the powerful Soul Race that backed the Soul Hall.

Additionally, Yunlan Sect's cultivation techniques might not be as good as the ones he was practicing currently.

He did want to get close to Yun Yun and even join Yunlan Sect, perhaps becoming Yun Yun's disciple. But safeguarding his own life was of paramount importance at this stage. Fang Chang was heading to Yunlan Sect, and there would be chances to meet Yun Yun again in the future.

However, if Yun Yun insisted that he join Yunlan Sect, he wouldn't refuse. After all, Yun Yun had saved him, and he felt obliged to repay her. Although Yun Yun didn't seem like someone who would explicitly ask for gratitude, if she did, he would accept it.

"Why? Canaan College doesn't interest you?" Yun Yun asked in confusion. Canaan College was the top university on the mainland, and countless people dreamed of being accepted there. Yet the person in front of her was declining, which puzzled her.

"I've decided to participate in the entrance exam for Canaan College this year," Lu Yunxiao said softly.

Based on previous years, the enrollment period for Canaan College should be approaching. He had the idea of joining Canaan College, not just because Fallen Heart was there, but also because being a student at Canaan College would make things easier when he needed to rescue Fallen Heart in the future.

"Canaan College!" Yun Yun muttered, falling into silence for a moment.

Canaan College was a prestigious institution with formidable teachers and exceptional facilities, making it far superior to Yunlan Sect in terms of resources. If Lu Yunxiao declined her offer to join Yunlan Sect in favor of Canaan College, it was understandable.

"Well, if you've made up your mind, I won't press you. With your talent, you'll surely shine even at Canaan College. I wish you a smooth journey ahead," Yun Yun said with a smile.

Since Lu Yunxiao was unwilling, she had no intention of forcing him into joining Yunlan Sect. If he chose to voluntarily not join, that was his prerogative.

"Thank you for your understanding, Sister Yun Yun!" Lu Yunxiao quickly expressed his gratitude.

"No need. Work hard. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave," Yun Yun said as she waved gently.

She had originally intended to return to Yunlan Sect, but then she had stumbled upon Lu Yunxiao's predicament. Now that the situation had been resolved and Lu Yunxiao wasn't interested in joining Yunlan Sect, there was no point in her staying any longer.

"Take care, Sister. May I ask for your name? Sister, you saved my life, and I feel deeply grateful," Lu Yunxiao said quickly as Yun Yun was about to depart.

Despite knowing Yun Yun's identity, he still needed to ask for her name, be it her real name or an alias. Knowing her name would help their interactions in the future.

"Call me Yunzhi," Yun Yun hesitated for a moment, then gently said, before unfurling a pair of cyan wings and soaring into the sky, disappearing quickly into the horizon.

"Yunzhi? That's so like you. Some things never change over time," Lu Yunxiao smiled faintly, a gentle expression in his eyes.

As he expected, Yun Yun remained the person he remembered—reasonable, gentle, and generous.

"You're the one, my future wife," Lu Yunxiao murmured softly as he turned away slightly. He was going to search for magic cores. Given the number of mud spiders he had slain, magic cores would undoubtedly be abundant—a substantial amount of wealth, and he still needed a little more of that!

...

Desert City, Wanbao Pavilion!

Lu Yunxiao had essentially sold off all the magic cores he had collected during this adventure, keeping only the second-order magic core from a mud sand spider. It served as a memento, as it was because of this mud sand spider that he had crossed paths with Yun Yun. It held a special significance.

"Inventory's complete, Mr. Lu. The total value of the magic cores you provided this time amounts to 299,997 gold coins. We'll round it down to 210,000 gold coins. Please collect it," the middle-aged woman in charge of Wanbao Pavilion said as she handed a golden card to Lu Yunxiao.

"Thank you!" Lu Yunxiao took the card and smiled appreciatively.

This time, he had gathered over two hundred first-order magic cores, largely thanks to the sand spiders.

Thousands of sand spiders had fallen, and while the rate of magic core drops wasn't high, he still managed to collect over a hundred magic cores. Together with the results of his two months of hard work, he had accumulated quite a stockpile.

"This windfall makes me feel like I have assets now," Lu Yunxiao grinned. With over two hundred thousand gold coins, he had achieved a semblance of financial freedom— at least for now, he wouldn't have to worry about money.

"Off I go, boss!" Lu Yunxiao beckoned and walked out of the shop.

"Take care, Master Lu. Feel free to visit us whenever you can," the middle-aged woman said politely. Lu Yunxiao had brought a significant amount of business to the shop on both occasions.

"No worries!" Lu Yunxiao responded casually. He bought some ingredients and strolled toward Gutu Shop.

On the way, he observed the bustling street, occasionally hearing people cheer. Lu Yunxiao realized that the Canaan College admissions team must have arrived. Regardless, he resolved to head back and tidy up, then check things out tomorrow.

"Seems like the Canaan College recruitment is in progress. Regardless, I should get back, clean up, and check it out tomorrow," Lu Yunxiao thought, quickening his pace to return to Gutu Shop.

As he reached the shop's entrance, he spotted several burly men stationed there, ensuring strangers were kept at bay.

"Master Lu!" Several of the burly men bowed slightly in respect.

"Is your missus here again?" Lu Yunxiao raised an eyebrow and spoke lightly.

"Yes, Master Lu. The young lady is inside," one of the men replied softly.

"I see." Lu Yunxiao nodded gently and made his way into the shop.

Just as he stepped inside, a beautiful figure caught his eye. She looked up at him with a hint of joy in her eyes.

"Brother Yunxiao, you're back?"