Su Luo returned to the Heavenly Demon Sect and continued with his usual routine.
He resumed having Yun represent him to build some reputation.
Since he was going to participate in the Heavenly Demon Seven selection, reputation was necessary.
Although the achievements Yun made, given his ability, wouldn't garner much fame, it was enough.
Su Luo was content to lay low, but Nangong Xiyun was feeling frustrated.
While Su Luo was at the Seven Color Secret Realm, Nangong Xiyun had casually dealt with four powerful Yuan Ying experts from the Heavenly Demon Sect.
It was a perfect crime, leaving no traces, so it wouldn't be discovered anytime soon.
After all, in the cultivation world, shutting oneself in or going out were common occurrences.
What frustrated Nangong Xiyun was that even after spending some time as Su Luo's subordinate, Su Luo hadn't trusted her at all.
Yes, Su Luo assigned all sorts of tasks to her, appearing to trust her immensely.
But this was all an act. Given Nangong Xiyun's demonstrated abilities, the success rate of these tasks was only thirty percent.
If she failed, it meant death, yet Su Luo didn't care about her well-being, treating her as nothing more than a useful subordinate.
That was all she was to him.
Nangong Xiyun was genuinely angry. Despite always completing her tasks perfectly, Su Luo not only never rewarded her but didn't even offer a single word of praise.
Was this how a leader should behave?
It was her first time actively getting close to someone, and she had lost so completely.
Reflecting on her growth, she had always crushed her opponents with absolute strength, never needing to ingratiate herself with others.
Not being able to gain even a shred of trust left Nangong Xiyun feeling defeated.
At this moment, Xiao Pa bounced back, having just enjoyed some snacks from Su Luo, its mood delightful.
Seeing it, Nangong Xiyun's mood worsened even more.
Earlier, when she had falsely reported being bullied, Su Luo had been indifferent, telling her to deal with it herself.
But when Xiao Pa was bullied, Su Luo had directly crippled the culprit.
The difference was stark—even a pet was treated better.
Xiao Pa sensed Nangong Xiyun's mood and quickly composed itself, meowing.
Master, don't be jealous. Although this cat often runs towards Su Luo, my heart is always with you.
It even went as far as rubbing against Nangong Xiyun's feet.
Nangong Xiyun picked it up and gave it a good squeeze before letting Xiao Pa go play on its own.
Nangong Xiyun continued to reflect.
Regardless of Su Luo, even without gaining his trust, she could still remain hidden within the Heavenly Demon Sect.
Occasionally, she could find opportunities to weaken the sect's overall strength.
But, Nangong Xiyun refused to accept that—she wouldn't give up on gaining even a little trust from Su Luo.
During her time with Su Luo, Nangong Xiyun had figured out the issue.
It was her identity.
Although Su Luo appeared indifferent to the Heavenly Demon Sect, with a carefree attitude, Nangong Xiyun felt that deep down, he harbored resentment towards the sect and everyone in it.
Perhaps even he wasn't aware of it himself.
And as someone from the Heavenly Demon Sect, Yun, Su Luo treated her the same—just another expendable subordinate.
So, the first step was to shed this identity.
Once she had thought it through, Nangong Xiyun instantly came up with a plan.
...
One day, Nangong Xiyun stealthily walked past Su Luo, trying to avoid being noticed.
Su Luo noticed and asked, "What's going on? Sneaking around like that, what are you up to?"
"Nothing, nothing at all, Su Luo. I didn't realize you were here," Nangong Xiyun was startled.
"Why the panic? If you want to do something, just do it. As my second-in-command, I trust you," Su Luo said and continued lounging.
Nangong Xiyun smiled inwardly; it wasn't like this when he sent her to potentially die.
"Got it."
Su Luo added, "Don't pick a fight with the wrong people. If you die, don't blame me; I won't avenge you."
Nangong Xiyun nodded and left, noticing that Su Luo hadn't followed her.
Seriously? Not even a hint of interest from Su Luo?
Nangong Xiyun didn't know whether to feel happy or sad.
Without Su Luo following, the plan failed at the first step.
But Nangong Xiyun didn't give up. She kept acting sneakily in front of Su Luo.
Then, she found an opportunity.
As Su Luo passed by, she stealthily began sending a message via flying sword.
Su Luo noticed this.
Who was Yun sending messages to?
This useful tool of his had a secret of her own?
Combined with her previous sneaky behavior, things seemed strange.
Out of curiosity, Su Luo intercepted the flying sword.
It was quite evasive; if not for Su Luo's skills, he wouldn't have easily caught it.
This piqued Su Luo's curiosity even more. There was a letter attached.
Su Luo opened it and read.
The message was written in an advanced cipher used by the Seven Stars Sword Sect, typically by sect leaders, unknown to ordinary members.
This Yun was not simple.
But it didn't stump Su Luo, who was familiar with these ciphers.
Half of the message contained information about the Heavenly Demon Sect, of no real importance—Yun, given her position, had done well to gather such intel.
Above that was information beyond her reach.
But the other half surprised Su Luo.
It was all about him.
Details of his daily life, who he met—not detailed, but close enough.
And the recipient was the Seven Stars Sword Sect's leader.
Reading further, there was also a mention.
Little Yu wanted to know about Su Luo's recent situation, so the leader had sent Yun to keep an eye on Su Luo.
The letter aimed to provide updates on Su Luo's condition to reassure Little Yu.
Having read the entire message, Su Luo was momentarily stunned.
Had a spy been placed by his side?
Yun was from the Seven Stars Sword Sect, sent here because of Little Yu.
Given Little Yu was the sect leader's disciple and his relationship with her, it made sense for the leader to send someone to look out for him.
But who exactly was this Yun?
Was it Nangong Xiyun?
Su Luo chuckled at the thought—his insignificant status wouldn't warrant such attention from a powerhouse like her.
There were other members of the Seven Stars Sword Sect with "Yun" in their name, so it was hard to confirm.
Oh well, it wasn't a big deal—just a spy, after all.
He had thought she might seek his trust and then betray him, planning to ascend at his expense.
Instead, this was all it was, quite boring.
Su Luo figured, given Yun's abilities, she couldn't stir up much trouble.
So, he returned the letter to the flying sword and let it continue its journey to the Seven Stars Sword Sect.
"Next time, be more careful. This time, I'll pretend I didn't see it," Su Luo muttered to himself before walking away.
Hidden in the shadows, Nangong Xiyun watched as Su Luo released the flying sword.
The plan had succeeded.
Her identity had changed. Now, she would further demonstrate her admiration for Su Luo and diligently complete his tasks.
Someday, even if just a little, he would come to trust her.