Chapter 172: Gate of Life and Death, Inheritance of Dou Venerate Experts!

The three-year agreement came to an end.

Xiao Yan's personal information has also been thoroughly investigated by various forces.

At the age of four, he practiced Qi Cultivation; at ten, he reached the Ninth Stage of a Dou Disciple; at eleven, he successfully condensed a Dou Qi Vortex, becoming the youngest Dou Practitioner in the history of the Jia Ma Empire. Then he fell to the Third Stage of a Dou Disciple; at fifteen, he restored his talent. In just three years, he broke through from the Third Stage of a Dou Disciple to the realm of Dou Grandmaster!

Such ups and downs in life experiences can't help but make people wonder if Xiao Yan has obtained the "protagonist script".

However, much to his regret, he encountered Nalan Yanran.

Nalan Yanran's life experience isn't as rich; her cultivation journey has been smooth sailing all the way. By the age of eighteen, she reached the Dou Spirit Realm, truly a genius among geniuses. 

Thinking back, it is said that the first generation Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect, Yun Po Tian, also reached the Dou Spirit realm at the age of eighteen, traveling across the Dou Qi Continent and making a name for himself.

The elders of the Misty Cloud Sect are full of expectations; perhaps Nalan Yanran will revive the former glory of the first generation Sect Master and lead the Misty Cloud Sect back to the Central Plains!

"This battle is a friendly exchange between my Nalan Family and the Xiao Family."

"Winning or losing is not important; undoubtedly, both of you are the most outstanding talents among the young generation of the empire!"

"Let's give a warm round of applause to these two outstanding young talents!"

Nalan Jie walked up to the crowd, looking pleased with himself.

"Clap, clap, clap, clap~"

Under Nalan Jie's rhetoric, the people on the field couldn't help but applaud, including Mu Zhan and Liu Ling. One acknowledged his inferior strength, while the other admitted defeat in alchemy; both paid their respects.

"Tsk, Nalan Jie, this cunning old fox, putting on airs like this."

"If Nalan Yanran loses today, I bet he won't be wearing this smug expression."

Mu Chen sneered, showing his disdain. Having known Nalan Jie for many years, he was well aware of the latter's tendency to double standards.

"Hehe, as they say, winners are kings, losers are bandits."

"As long as Nalan wins, everything said will be right."

Tengshan chuckled with narrowed eyes.

"Important plotlines have changed, huh."

"I wonder how big the impact will be."

Yun Tianming looked at the unconscious Xiao Yan, being carried by a mysterious figure in a black robe with a masked face. His eyes narrowed slightly, and with a slight concentration of Soul Power, he saw through the identity of the latter.

This person was none other than Ling Ying, the pinnacle expert of the Dou Emperor level who had been hidden in the Xiao Family three years ago under Xun'er's command!

Seeming to sense his Soul probing, Ling Ying glanced deeply in Yun Tianming's direction.

'Yun Tianming. This kid is indeed extraordinary; no wonder even Miss regards him as an opponent!'

Then Ling Ying looked at Xiao Yan, who was barely alive on his shoulder, and couldn't help but sigh deeply: Xiao Yan, oh Xiao Yan! The three-year agreement was the first hurdle set for you by Miss. Although the opponent is very strong, losing means losing.

"A pinnacle expert of the Dou Emperor level?"

"It seems that behind this Xiao Yan, there is indeed a master."

Yun Yun raised an eyebrow slightly, thinking it fortunate that she had Yun Tianming accompany Nalan Yanran to the Xiao Family back then. Otherwise, with Yanran's impulsive nature, she might have offended the Xiao Family to the point of becoming a dangerous enemy for the Misty Cloud Sect!

"No harm done."

"Everything has ended. From now on, Xiao Yan and the Misty Cloud Sect have no more grievances."

Yun Tianming calmly watched Ling Ying's departing figure.

...

The outcome of the three-year agreement made Nalan Yanran famous, confirming her position as the most outstanding young woman in the Jia Ma Empire! 

Yun Tianming, on the other hand, was the most outstanding young genius, not only possessing the strength of a Dou Spirit expert but also being the youngest Fourth Grade Alchemist in the empire. Therefore, in the eyes of others, the two were a perfect match in both talent and appearance.

In the following period, Yun Tianming and Yun Yun spent peaceful and harmonious days at the Sect Master's Residence.

The only downside is that the junior apprentice sister is a bit clingy, even showing some signs of throwing herself at someone's arms.

Well, she's just eighteen, in the spring of her youth, so it's understandable.

Even Yun Tianming felt a slight flutter in his heart, but he politely declined her advances.

After all, things like a master-disciple relationship are too stimulating for Yun Yun at the moment and need careful consideration.

Coincidentally, one day, Nalan Yanran suddenly sensed the call of the Gate of Life and Death.

The Gate of Life and Death is a forbidden place where the past Misty Cloud Sect Masters rest eternally. It is said to hide some powerful inheritance, but the conditions for obtaining it are extremely harsh.

"No!"

"Stepping into the Gate of Life and Death means at least several years before coming out."

"Unless... Brother Tianming goes in with me!"

Nalan Yanran's eyes flickered, and at the end, there was a hint of anticipation in her gaze.

"What are you thinking? Only those who resonate with the Gate of Life and Death can enter."

"I cultivate fire attribute Dou Qi, which is incompatible with the inheritance of the Gate of Life and Death. I'm not qualified to go in."

Yun Tianming once tried to use Soul Power to explore the Gate of Life and Death but was blocked by some mysterious force.

This is a prohibition left by the first-generation Sect Master Yun Po Tian, which can isolate Soul Power below the Spirit Realm.

In the original work, Nalan Yanran, after entering the Gate of Life and Death for three years, emerged as a pinnacle Dou King, benefiting greatly.

"In that case, I won't go!"

"I can't go years without seeing Brother Tianming, how could I?"

Nalan Yanran pursed her lips, looking at Yun Tianming with a face full of resentment.

"Yanran, don't be reckless."

"The fact that you can resonate with the Gate of Life and Death is a great opportunity. How could you miss it?"

"Besides, you don't want to fall too far behind Tianming, do you?"

Yun Yun advised earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Nalan Yanran lowered her head and bit her lip. She knew her teacher meant well. Tianming's talent far surpassed hers, and with normal cultivation progress, the distance between them would only widen. This made the naturally strong-willed Nalan Yanran feel a wave of inferiority, feeling like she couldn't reach his level.

"But, I'm really worried."

"Worried about what?"

"Tianming's popularity with women is just too good!"

"Well, that's true."

Yun Yun frowned and shot Yun Tianming a fierce glance.

"Cough~ I don't think there are that many, though?"

Yun Tianming chuckled awkwardly.

"Hmph~ There are too many philandering cats out there!"

"While I'm away, they will definitely cling to Brother Tianming."

Nalan Yanran's first thought was of Ya Fei from the Miteer Family, known for her charm. She heard even the two princesses of the royal family favored her Tianming, which made her even more anxious!

Her eyes shifted to Yun Yun, who exuded righteousness. It seemed like she had an idea. Nalan Yanran's eyes lit up.

She grabbed Yun Yun's hands, her expression earnest as she pleaded, "Teacher, when Yanran is not around, please take good care of Brother Tianming for me, please! This is a lifelong request from your disciple!!"

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