BTTH : Emperor Yang

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**

As they flew through the sky—

Before long, Wei Yang and his group descended at the foot of a vast mountain, choosing to proceed on foot.

After all, they weren't here to cause trouble. If they were to fly straight into someone else's sect from the skies, it would be rather disrespectful.

Standing on a slope near the mountain base, they gazed ahead.

There, a massive military camp stretched across the flat plains in front of the mountain, like an iron wall. Through the white tents, one could vaguely make out squads of soldiers engaged in training drills.

The thunderous sound of military exercises echoed faintly in the air.

This was a contingent of elite troops stationed at the base of Cloud Mist Mountain by the Jia Ma Empire's royal family.

"Seems like the imperial family is being very cautious of the Yun Lan Sect," Wei Yang shook his head slightly and retracted his gaze.

The trio stepped off the slope and followed the main path toward the mountain base.

Ahead, the military camp was heavily fortified. However, they made no effort to stop ordinary passersby heading up the mountain.

Several guards standing by the roadside only gave them a brief glance before ignoring them altogether.

At this moment, the fiery red sun had just broken free of the horizon, casting its warm rays across the land.

As they walked onward, the greenery around them grew denser and more vibrant.

Looking up, they saw a wide stone staircase stretching all the way into the distant mist, like a stairway to the heavens.

Their footsteps tapped gently against the ancient stone steps as they slowly climbed toward the summit, taking in the beauty of Cloud Mist Mountain. Soon, their figures were partially enveloped by clouds and mist.

Strolling along this ancient stairway that had likely stood for countless ages, they could faintly hear a subtle sword hum drifting down from the summit, echoing softly through the mountains like the ring of a temple bell.

"Brother Yang, what's our stance today?" Xian'er asked in a soft voice.

Qing Lin also turned her head curiously toward Wei Yang.

"Our stance?"

Wei Yang raised a brow, then smiled. "We're just here to watch the show—just use your eyes. All we need to do is make sure that Xiao Yan walks away from Yun Lan Sect alive. Everything else? Doesn't concern us."

"Oh," the two girls nodded in understanding.

…

As time passed, the group gradually arrived at the sect's front gate.

Before them stood a grand archway carved entirely of white jade—majestic and imposing.

"As expected of the Yun Lan Sect!" Xian'er and Qing Lin couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Wei Yang also nodded with a smile.

This was, after all, the number one sect in the Jia Ma Empire—established for untold generations, with deep roots and formidable strength.

With a calm expression, Wei Yang led the two women forward, strolling as if they were simply sightseeing.

By this time, some patrolling disciples of the sect had also noticed them.

One of the disciples recognized Wei Yang. He froze for a second, then let out a startled cry and quickly turned to run inside to report.

As Wei Yang and his group walked forward under the curious and slightly awed gazes of the patrolling disciples, they finally reached the grand gate.

Hmm?

Wei Yang's eyes narrowed slightly.

Ahead, from within the gate, a group of people was already walking out.

At the lead was none other than Sect Leader Yun Yun, accompanied by Nalan Yanran and over a dozen white-robed elders whose auras were all deep and steady. They moved quickly to greet him.

With a glance, Wei Yang saw that aside from Pill King Gu He, nearly all of the Yun Lan Sect's upper echelon had come out to welcome him.

That Gu He hadn't come didn't surprise him.

After all, Gu He was also a Tier 6 alchemist and a senior figure. Naturally, he had to maintain a bit of dignity—it wouldn't make sense for him to rush out to welcome someone of equal rank.

"Greetings, Mister Wei," Yun Yun said with a gentle bow, joined by the elders behind her.

"Sect Leader Yun, everyone—no need for such formality," Wei Yang waved his hand and smiled warmly. "I've come today merely as a guest of your sect. Please forgive me for the sudden visit."

The elders of Yun Lan Sect all secretly let out a breath of relief upon hearing this. Smiles grew more genuine on their faces as they eagerly responded:

"Mister Wei is too polite—your presence is a great honor to our Yun Lan Sect. How could it be considered an imposition?"

Yun Yun's expression also softened. With graceful steps, she moved two paces forward, a calm and elegant smile appearing on her delicate features.

She spoke gently, "Three years ago, my young disciple acted rashly and was disrespectful in Mister Wei's presence. Today's match is merely a friendly duel between two young juniors. That you would take the time to personally come… Yun Yun is truly ashamed."

Her words were carefully chosen.

From the start, she had framed this entire matter as nothing more than a trivial spar between two juniors, not worth making a fuss over.

Which, in truth, was exactly how the Yun Lan Sect saw it. Compared to the actual duel, Wei Yang's arrival was the real cause for the sect's full mobilization and concern.

Wei Yang laughed cheerfully. "Sect Leader Yun's grace is indeed just as the rumors say—today I see it for myself, and it is a pleasure."

"As for this little match between two young ones—I'm just here with nothing better to do, come to enjoy the spectacle, that's all."

"But Sect Leader Yun is right. Matters between the younger generation should be settled by the younger generation themselves."

Wei Yang stood with his hands behind his back, his face wearing a warm smile. The underlying message in his words was clear: as long as the Yun Lan Sect didn't resort to bullying with overwhelming force, he would not interfere.

"Mister Wei speaks wisely."

A sense of reassurance settled in Yun Yun's heart. She nodded with a smile and extended a hand in invitation. "Mister Wei, this way please."

With that, Yun Yun led the way as Wei Yang followed beside her, the group stepping past the sect's grand entrance.

Behind them, the elders of the Yun Lan Sect also relaxed slightly and hurried to keep up.

At this point, every one of them was inwardly hoping this so-called Three-Year Agreement would end quickly—so they could send this godlike figure, Wei Yang, on his way as soon as possible.

Nalan Yanran, however, stood quietly, her emotions in turmoil. She bit her lip lightly, her gaze fixed on Wei Yang's back.

In truth, she had a favorable impression of Wei Yang. After all, someone like him—so outstanding and exceptional—was practically the embodiment of her ideal future partner.

She was proud and strong-willed, aloof yet fiercely drawn to power.

If you could outclass her in every way, she would respect you. Especially if you were of a similar age—if you could surpass her thoroughly, she might not only admire you, but even grow fond of you.

But on the flip side, if you were weaker, she would look down on you.

That was precisely why, back then, upon hearing that her fiancé was supposedly a good-for-nothing, she hadn't hesitated to come with her people and break off the engagement directly.

In her worldview, only someone stronger than her was worthy to be her husband.

…

As the group passed through the massive white jade gate—

The scene that greeted them was a vast square, shrouded in drifting clouds and mist.

The ground beneath their feet was paved with uniform, massive stone slabs—simple yet dignified.

In the center of the square stood a towering stone stele.

Carved upon it were the names of the Yun Lan Sect's previous leaders and those who had rendered great service to the sect.

Farther ahead, nearly a thousand Yun Lan Sect disciples were already seated in formation.

They sat in a semicircle, all wearing standardized moon-white robes, the sleeves embroidered with drifting clouds and long swords. These motifs fluttered lightly in the breeze, seemingly alive, with faint traces of sword intent emanating from them.

Behind these disciples, at the far end of the square, was a series of elevated stone seats, forming a ring-shaped platform that rose gradually upward.

On the opposite side of the high platform were several reserved seats—clearly prepared by the sect specifically for Wei Yang and his group as honored guests.

Yun Yun guided them over, and after arranging for Wei Yang and the two girls to be seated, she made some polite small talk before excusing herself and leaving with the others.

Wei Yang took the central seat among the viewing area, flanked by Xian'er and Qing Lin. Attendants came and offered fresh fruit, tea, and other refreshments.

Time passed.

The entire square remained silent, a deep stillness lingering until the sun slowly climbed toward its zenith.

Suddenly, Wei Yang's gaze shifted toward the square's entrance—toward the end of the long stone staircase that led up the mountain.

A slight smile curved his lips.

There, at the far edge of the stone steps, a figure appeared—a young man carrying a massive black ruler on his back, walking at a calm, unhurried pace, gradually stepping into everyone's view.

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