Chapter 782

Chapter 782: Reunion with Shui Lingling

"Are you close with Ling’er and Yingying?" The woman suddenly inquired after letting out a relieved breath.

"We spent time together on the Celestial-Demon battlefield. I suppose we’re close enough to share secrets." Ye Yun chuckled, avoiding mention of their initial sword-crossed meeting. That past encounter mirrored the current situation – back then he’d intentionally exposed flaws to catch Shui Lingling’s attention, while now he genuinely wished to avoid detection, though unsuccessfully.

"So it’s you!" The woman’s guarded expression softened. "No wonder Ling’er wouldn’t stop chattering about you after returning. My ears nearly grew calluses from her constant talk."

"Are you their Master?" Ye Yun seized the opportunity to ask.

"You truly lack tact!" She glared, brows knitting. "Do I appear so aged to you?"

"Visually, you do seem slightly older than Shui Lingling and Shui Yingying." His amused response drew an indignant huff.

"I’m barely thirty!" She snapped before correcting herself with flushed cheeks. "Thirty-seven! But my appearance hardly shows it. I maintain myself well despite… certain cold tendencies."

"My apologies." Ye Yun gestured behind him. "Though you’ve frightened my companion here."

"Companion?" The woman blinked in surprise as Qing Li peeked out. Her confidence wavered at the pink-haired girl’s timid gaze. "How did I miss her presence? Do you both possess concealment methods?" Swallowing her questions, she turned back to Ye Yun. "Why seek them out? Ling’er claimed you’d parted ways."

"I aim for the Immortal Dao Sect’s elder position." Ye Yun shrugged. "Their Invited Elder status holds weight, enough to deter most conflicts."

"True enough." She nodded. "The sect’s reclusive nature matters little when its name commands respect. Many covet that privilege."

"Might I know your name, elder sister?" Ye Yun tested the address cautiously.

"An Shuiyan." Her eyes narrowed at the implied age reference. "Since you’re their friend, Shuiyan suffices. Not that many dare call this ‘old woman’ by name!"

Ye Yun’s suppressed smile didn’t escape her notice. At thirty-seven, she nearly doubled his twenty-something years, explaining her prickliness. Behind him, Qing Li studied An Shuiyan’s water-ripple aura and the vanished dragon-like creature, equal parts awed and apprehensive.

"Your shy companion…" An Shuiyan mused, eyeing Qing Li. "At her age, I scrambled for Immortal Spirit Stones. She’s fortunate as your sister."

"Servant!" Qing Li blurted, bowing hastily. "This humble one is Qing Li, my lord’s attendant."

"Servant?" An Shuiyan’s gaze turned frosty. "Preferring little girls? I should warn Ling’er and Yingying."

"Your assumptions entertain." Ye Yun waved dismissively, attention snagged by approaching celestial energy. His original errand to Lingxiao City for materials had diverted upon learning the Immortal Dao Stone required elder status. The Thunder Spirit’s absence would cripple his Thundercloud Lightning Sword’s Fifth Level execution. Though he’d gathered premium heavenly materials, securing the sect’s resources remained crucial.

Observing the star-engulfed tower ahead, its white pinnacle stone drinking constellations’ power, Ye Yun moved toward the hundred-zhang structure.

"Remember – tonight never happened." An Shuiyan’s voice halted him, carefully casual.

"Random encounters slip my mind easily." His grin acknowledged her unspoken embarrassment.

"Hmph. Recent demonic alliances trouble me regardless." Her parting mutter carried clearly. "Strange movements…"

"Demon alliances?" Watching her leave, Ye Yun felt unexpected respect. With her cultivation level, she could enjoy sect leadership comforts like Hong Qianji, yet chose vigilant service.

"Master," Qing Li whispered, "those demons… like the dragon-sheep creature we saw?"

"Are you a bit scared? After all, very few ancient exotic beasts can reach that level. In Lingyao Continent, I’ve only encountered a handful," Ye Yun nodded, realizing he hadn’t seen many ancient species. The self-proclaimed Lava Sea King ranked among the most formidable.

"An Shuiyan’s Water Spirit Dragon must have reached Eighth Level Earth Immortal realm, Ancestor. How was it even subdued?" Ye Yun recalled the massive water dragon enveloping An Shuiyan when they first met. "I assumed all spirit beasts became weapon spirits after capture."

"Each serves different purposes. Weapon spirits aren’t inherently superior. Loyal spirit beasts often prove more useful," the Ancestor chuckled.

"The Fire Dragon Whip contains Fire Spirit Dragon, yes? If we gather all five elemental spirits from Spirit Herb Continent into supreme Immortal artifact, what might happen?" Ye Yun asked, examining his whip.

"Collecting the strongest elemental spirits could forge peerless artifact. But you know their scarcity and overwhelming power. That Water Spirit Dragon you saw – except for Xumi Treasure’s restricted one, how’s its cultivation now?"

The Ancestor didn’t share Ye Yun’s enthusiasm. Capturing these beasts rivaled crafting multiple supreme Immortal artifacts in difficulty. They needed voluntary submission – forceful suppression required overpowering all five simultaneously with soul power, else it remained fantasy.

Seeing Ye Yun enter, the Ancestor grinned: "Go capture them if you wish. Troublesome, but I’ve methods."

"You always surpass expectations," Ye Yun smiled.

Inside the pavilion, two cross-legged figures overlapped, radiating star power while projecting ancient celestial scenes. Two star rivers swirled around them, enhancing the mystique.

Qing Li gazed warily, beautiful yet apprehensive. As Ye Yun approached, the figures separated, starlight dissipating.

Shui Lingling’s eyes sparkled at Ye Yun: "What brings you here? Ling’er prepared for long cultivation before seeing you again!"

"Missed you both. Glad you’re settled comfortably," Ye Yun replied.

"Don’t be fooled! We only got Star God Hall after Pei Yunshan died. Sect Leader wouldn’t grant this earlier," Shui Lingling boasted, clearly pleased.

Shui Yingying opened her eyes: "Ling’er kept pining after you. Did her wishes summon you back?"

"Perhaps," Ye Yun shrugged.

Shui Lingling peered at the pink-haired girl: "Who’s this? She carries intriguing scent, but my Stellar Body repels it."

"You sensed that?" Ye Yun raised eyebrows. "Qing Li’s my servant. Spared from slavery – don’t tease her."

"Hmph! I helped Shuiyan’s Water Spirit Dragon when it was dying! Yet it fears me now. Ungrateful!" Shui Lingling pouted.

"Seems it wasn’t forced. Remarkable luck," Ye Yun remarked. "Shuiyan sent me here. That dragon’s formidable indeed."

"Was Third Level Earth Immortal when dying! Now matches Shuiyan’s cultivation! Such rapid growth explains their value. Ling’er should get one!"

"You’d kill it before birth," Ye Yun chuckled. "What’re my chances for Invited Elder position?"

"You’re competing for Immortal Dao Sect elder?" Shui Lingling hesitated. "Support you, but Party Fenyin and Shuiyan are main obstacles."

"They won’t compete. Becoming elders would complicate addressing their Master. Your chances look good," Shui Yingying interjected, eyeing Qing Li. "But who’s this beauty behind you?"

"Ling’er noticed too!"

Ye Yun sighed: "Qing Li, they’re friends. Be civil."

"Master, will they…?" Qing Li eyed the glowing-eyed pair anxiously.

"You’re scaring her!" Ye Yun scolded as Shui Lingling rubbed her hands.

"Just being friendly!" Shui Lingling protested. "Has she innate spiritual body? Respectful curiosity!"

"When’s elder selection?" Ye Yun redirected.

"Daily trials. Survive three days in Immortal Spirit Test to win position. But difficulty escalates – first day exhausted me!" Shui Lingling warned.

"Doubting me?" Ye Yun grinned.

"Worried! Without Immortal Spirit Stone’s aid, relying on ambient spiritual power gets brutal."

"Why seek power suddenly?" Shui Lingling pressed.

"Need Immortal Dao Stone. No choice," Ye Yun grimaced. "You lack faith."

"Ling’er supports you! But hide Qing Li from elders – she radiates oddness. Devil Race vibes?" Shui Lingling’s gaze turned sharp.

"Can you sense me?" Qing Li whispered. Despite hiding demonic energy perfectly, anxiety gripped her.

"Enough! I owe her ancestor from Celestial Tower incident. Keep this secret – I’ll bear consequences," Ye Yun ordered.

"Fine! But Mo Tianxiao just hunted devils in Nine Demons Burning. Keep her indoors," Shui Lingling relented.

"Can’t An Shuiyan and Party Fenyin pass?" Ye Yun questioned.

An Shuiyan’s Eighth Level Earth Immortal cultivation paired with equally powerful Water Spirit Dragon could challenge Ninth Level Earth Immortals briefly. Party Fenyin remained unknown variable.