Upon hearing Gu He's words, the Little Doctor Fairy instinctively glanced at Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran. Noticing that both were indeed looking at her, she let out a soft exclamation, covered her face, and hurriedly left.
"This girl..." Gu He murmured, shaking his head as he watched her retreating figure. He then turned to Yun Yun and apologized, "She's a bit silly. I hope the Sect Master won't hold it against her."
Yun Yun sighed softly, her gaze softening as she observed the deep bond between master and disciple. "Elder Gu He, you truly are an exceptional teacher. To care so deeply for your disciples—what more could one ask for? Your dedication is truly commendable and worth emulating."
However, as her thoughts drifted to the Heavenly Flame, Yun Yun's expression grew serious. She fixed her beautiful eyes on Gu He and asked, "Elder Gu He, when you venture into the Tagore Desert, would you like me to accompany you?"
The Great Tagore Desert was the domain of the Snake-People Tribe, and their queen, Medusa, was notorious for her ruthlessness.
If Gu He were to enter the desert recklessly, he would likely face grave danger.
This was something Yun Yun wished to avoid. After all, Gu He was not only an honorary elder of the Misty Cloud Sect but also a sixth-tier alchemist.
Losing him would be a tremendous blow to the sect. Moreover, regardless of her position as Sect Master, Yun Yun personally did not want Gu He to take such risks alone.
She still owed him a favor, not just for the Qi Gathering Powder he had provided previously, but also for the Emperor's Pill he will refine for her.
Especially upon learning that Gu He was embarking on this perilous journey for the sake of his disciples, Yun Yun felt compelled to assist him.
While Yun Yun was lost in thought, Gu He was slightly taken aback by her offer. He recalled that in the original story, he had invited Yun Yun to join him in seizing the Heavenly Flame in the Tagore Desert.
Back then, Yun Yun had agreed more out of obligation than genuine willingness, and she hadn't exerted much effort. But now, she was offering her assistance voluntarily.
This shift in attitude made Gu He realize that Yun Yun's feelings toward him had changed significantly. Her willingness to help indicated that she held him in high regard.
A faint smile crept onto Gu He's lips as he considered this. However, he knew that if he wanted to win Yun Yun over completely, he would need to take more decisive actions.
The battle was far from over, and he still had much work to do.
After a moment of hesitation, Gu He replied with a trace of concern in his voice, "The Tagore Desert is fraught with danger, and Queen Medusa is a formidable foe. I truly wouldn't want to put the Sect Master in harm's way for my own selfish desires."
Yun Yun's heart softened at his words, and her gaze lingered on his handsome face. 'Is Elder Gu He worried about my safety?' she wondered.
"It's alright," she reassured him with a gentle smile. "Although I may not be a match for Queen Medusa, my wind attribute agility makes it difficult for her to keep me trapped. If danger arises, I can retreat swiftly."
Gu He's expression softened, though a hint of reluctance remained. "If that's the case, then I'll gratefully accept the Sect Master's company. However, if we encounter danger, I hope you will prioritize your own safety. The Misty Cloud Sect can survive without me, but it cannot do so without its Sect Master."
Yun Yun nodded solemnly. "I will do my utmost to ensure Elder Gu He's safety."
"Thank you, Sect Master," Gu He replied with a warm smile.
After a brief pause, Yun Yun continued, "Actually, there's another matter I'd like to discuss with Elder Gu He. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it."
"Please speak freely, Sect Master. I'm all ears," Gu He responded calmly.
"In three months, the Misty Cloud Sect will hold its annual Inner Sect Competition," Yun Yun explained, her eyes meeting Gu He's. "This time, I'd like to invite Elder Gu He to preside over the competition. What do you think?"
Gu He was slightly surprised. The Inner Sect Competition was a significant event in the Misty Cloud Sect, held every year to select the most talented disciples.
The top three participants would receive generous rewards, and elders often used the opportunity to scout for promising disciples to take under their wing.
However, Gu He was puzzled. "Didn't the Sect Master personally oversee the competition in the past? Why the change?"
A bitter smile touched Yun Yun's lips as she replied, "Elder Gu He, you may not be aware, but in previous competitions, many elders used the event as an opportunity to recommend their juniors to me, hoping I would take them as disciples. However..."
She glanced at Nalan Yanran, who stood nearby, and continued, "With Yanran as my disciple, I have no intention of accepting any more disciples. Yet, these elders are all respected figures within the sect, and many have watched me grow up. It's difficult for me to outright reject them."
She paused, her tone tinged with a hint of pleading. "That's why I'd prefer not to attend this year's competition. I hope Elder Gu He can understand my predicament."
Gu He immediately grasped her meaning. She wanted him to act as a shield, deflecting the elders' requests on her behalf.
Gu He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Yun Yun was too kind-hearted.
This kind of situation could only be avoided temporarily, not indefinitely. If she didn't wish to take on more disciples, she should simply say so directly. With her current strength and status, she no longer needed to cater to the whims of the elders.
Gu He had dealt with several of the Misty Cloud Sect's elders before.
They often relied on their seniority and past contributions to assert their authority, especially those who had served under the previous Sect Master, Yunshan.
When Gu He had first joined the sect, he too had experienced their overbearing attitudes. However, after he advanced to the rank of a sixth-tier alchemist, no one dared to act presumptuously around him.
A sixth-tier alchemist held a status even higher than a Dou Emperor powerhouse, and Gu He's aloof and independent nature made him impervious to their influence.
As he considered Yun Yun's request, Gu He quickly weighed the potential benefits of agreeing to preside over the competition.
After a moment, he nodded with a smile. "Since the Sect Master is in a difficult position, I am more than willing to assist. I'll take charge of the Inner Sect Competition."
Gu He already had a plan in mind. During the competition, the disciples would showcase their abilities, and he might discover a few with exceptional talent.
If any of them met the system's criteria—scoring at least eight points—he wouldn't mind taking them under his wing.
…
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