Under Yi Tianyun’s lead, they quickly returned to the Merak Sect. The speed of the Phoenix Wings was not much slower than the Black Dragon. However, to truly unleash their full potential, the user had to be at the Core Formation Stage or higher.

Right now, they only allowed for flight, with no speed bonus. But when used by a Core Formation Stage expert, they provided a threefold speed boost! At that point, the flight speed would be absolutely astonishing.

"We’re here." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Yi Tianyun set them down, and they all walked into the Merak Sect. At a glance, the Merak Sect looked no different from before, though there seemed to be quite a few more disciples.

"Elder Yi, Elder Zhu..." the disciples called out one after another when they saw Yi Tianyun and Yi Yuwei.

"From now on, just call me Elder Yu," Yi Yuwei said with a light chuckle. "If you all call us Elder Yi, it will get confusing." She had taken Yi Tianyun’s surname, and if they continued with the old address, it would indeed cause confusion.

"Yes, Elder Yu." They didn’t overthink it and changed their form of address.

Yi Tianyun shook his head. ’I’ll let them decide for themselves. The Zhu Family chose to abandon them, so there’s no need for them to keep the Zhu surname; it feels like a mark of shame. It’s just a bit strange that they took my name. The surname Zi would have been fine, too.’

Of course, it was all up to them. Yi Tianyun decided not to interfere too much.

As they entered, Shi Xueyun walked out from inside. Seeing Yi Tianyun, she gave a knowing smile. "You’re back?"

"I’m back." Yi Tianyun smiled and introduced them. "This is Elder Zhu... no, she’s taken my surname now. Anyway, this is her older sister, Yi Yuxuan."

"Greetings, Palace Master." Yi Yuxuan bowed slightly and spoke respectfully.

"There’s no need to be so formal. Just be at ease here." Shi Xueyun smiled at Yi Yuxuan, then turned to Yi Tianyun. "Aren’t you going to tell me what happened?"

Yi Tianyun then gave an explanation, with Yi Yuwei and the others adding details from the side, which allowed Shi Xueyun to understand the whole process. The changing names were indeed a bit confusing, but once she understood the reason, it was perfectly understandable.

"So that’s basically what happened, Aunt. I plan to make her an elder of the Merak Sect as well, but I’m afraid there might be objections. So, let’s start her off as a deacon, and she can become an elder once she’s established some prestige." Yi Tianyun wasn’t giving her this treatment just because she was Yi Yuwei’s sister.

He knew Yi Yuxuan was quite strong. Without any authority, she wouldn’t be able to use her full capabilities to help.

"Elder Yi, that won’t be necessary. I’ll just assist my younger sister. I don’t seek any status here. I’m already very happy that the Merak Sect was willing to take me in." Yi Yuxuan’s words came from the heart. She didn’t desire any position; she was simply moved that they had given her shelter. It was, at least, much better than the Zhu Family.

"What silly talk is that? As long as you’re capable enough, what you deserve is yours," Shi Xueyun said with a smile. "Then it’s settled. You’ll start as a deacon."

"Thank you, Palace Master!" Yi Yuxuan’s beautiful eyes sparkled. She naturally didn’t mind becoming a deacon; in fact, she was very happy. But since she had taken the role, she would definitely give it her all!

After the arrangements were made, Shi Xueyun shot him a look and huffed, "You really have a knack for this, don’t you? Every time you come back, you bring a woman with you, and they’re always talented ones, too. It seems you’re quite good at luring people away. How come I never noticed that before?"

"Uh... Aunt, don’t put it so harshly. How did I lure them away?" Yi Tianyun said helplessly.

"Hmph!" Shi Xueyun reached out and rapped him on the head, then smiled. "But it’s good that you’re back. I don’t ask for much. As long as you return safely, that’s enough."

Yi Tianyun nodded, then said in pleasant surprise, "Aunt, you broke through?"

In what seemed like no time at all, Shi Xueyun had actually broken through to the Spirit Pill Stage. Her speed was truly monstrous.

"But of course. If I didn’t hurry up and break through, wouldn’t I be letting down the title of Palace Master?" Shi Xueyun said with a faint smile.

"Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You have me," Yi Tianyun said with concern.

"Even with you here, I still have to get stronger. Otherwise, how can I support the entire Merak Sect?" Shi Xueyun smiled. "We can’t rely on you alone. How could the Merak Sect grow strong that way? Things have improved a lot recently. Many disciples have had breakthroughs. It looks like it won’t be long before we reach the peak level of a Second-Grade Faction!"

Yi Tianyun nodded. Then, remembering something, he took out several Storage Rings. "These are the spoils I obtained outside. Aunt, you take them and decide how to distribute them. I’m not very good at these things."

He gave all the Storage Rings from Lin Li and the treasures looted from the Wang Family to Shi Xueyun. Although some of the items could be sold for a decent amount of Madness Value, he chose to hand them over. Making the entire Merak Sect stronger was the most important thing right now.

After taking them, Shi Xueyun didn’t look at what was inside. Instead, she just gazed at him.

"What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to see what’s inside?" Yi Tianyun gestured for her to take a look. There were plenty of good things in there.

"You fool..." Shi Xueyun gently hugged him. She embraced him as if he were still a child, but in reality, Yi Tianyun’s frame was a size larger than hers, making it look more like a delicate woman nestling against her man. "You’re working too hard..."

"It’s nothing. As long as it’s for the Merak Sect and for you, Aunt, it’s all worth it." Yi Tianyun gently put his arms around Shi Xueyun, his eyes shining. Even though there were many women around him now, to him, Shi Xueyun was still the one most worthy of his devotion.

"It seems you’ve truly grown up. You’re not the same Celestial Cloud who needed my protection anymore." Shi Xueyun pulled away from his embrace and smiled faintly.

"Isn’t that natural? Of course I’d grow up. From now on, I’ll be the one protecting you," Yi Tianyun said with a smile.

The two exchanged these simple words before going their separate ways to handle their own affairs. There was much to be done, so their time to talk was limited.

Yi Tianyun went to the main gate, preparing to begin repairing the fifth-grade Defense Array.

"Master, are you planning to repair this fifth-grade Defense Array?" Elder Xuan popped up at that moment.

"Is there a problem?" Yi Tianyun smiled.

"Well... if the repairs fail, it could easily cause problems, so..."

While Elder Xuan was still speaking, Yi Tianyun had already repaired most of it. After he had completely finished the repairs, he looked up and asked, "If the repairs fail, it could cause problems? What kind of problems?"

"..."

Elder Xuan was left speechless. This was already far beyond the scope of his imagination.