The crimson skies over Emberfall had finally cleared. The acrid scent of smoke that once filled the air was gone, replaced by the quiet hum of life returning. The ruins were being rebuilt, and Fire Pavilion banners fluttered once again over the city walls.
Lin Feng stood on a cliff overlooking the valley where the final battle had taken place. The deep crater below still bore the mark of his Azure Sword Art — a reminder of the fight that had shaken the entire warzone. The faint breeze carried the lingering echoes of the dragon's roar that had once torn through the heavens.
Yang Busi approached from behind, her armor replaced by a simple crimson robe. Without her usual war regalia, she looked softer, almost ethereal — but her eyes still held the sharp glint of a commander who had seen far too much blood.
"You're leaving already," she said quietly.
Lin Feng turned, meeting her gaze. "The sect will summon me soon. The Sword Sovereign Sect's delegation is being formed — I'm to lead it to the Duan Family Sect."
Yang Busi's lips curved faintly, though her tone betrayed a trace of reluctance.
"So soon… Emberfall barely caught its breath."
Lin Feng's smile was faint but calm. "The warzone no longer needs me. Besides…" — he glanced toward the distant horizon — "word travels fast here. I've stirred enough trouble."
---
As they walked toward the city gates, several Fire Pavilion soldiers stopped to bow deeply. Their voices whispered in awe:
"That's him — Lin Feng."
"He killed a High Elder of the Blood Sect…"
"They say he ranked among the Top Ten Legend Realm cultivators in the entire warzone overnight."
Indeed, the warzone's official ranking jade tablets had updated just that morning. Lin Feng's name glowed at Rank Ten, beneath warriors who had cultivated for decades longer than he had even lived. The reward for killing a High Elder of the Blood Sect was immense — merit points, fame, and a bounty's worth that could fund an entire sect division.
But Lin Feng's expression didn't change.
He simply said, "Rankings are fleeting. Power is not."
Yang Busi gave a soft laugh. "Always so humble, even when the entire warzone trembles at your name."
He looked at her. "It's just a name. What matters is who stands after the next battle."
---
At the city's southern gate, the soldiers had gathered to see him off. Fatigue still clung to their faces, but their spirits burned bright. Lin Feng clasped his hands behind his back and surveyed the city one last time.
"Emberfall stood firm," he said. "Make sure it stays that way."
Yang Busi stepped closer. "You speak as if you won't return."
He smiled. "I never make promises I can't keep."
A quiet moment stretched between them. The breeze tugged gently at her hair, and the faint scent of fire lilies drifted from the nearby fields. She hesitated, then suddenly moved forward.
Before Lin Feng could react, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips softly against his.
It was brief — a flicker of warmth amid the cold air — but enough to make his eyes widen slightly. When she pulled away, her cheeks were faintly flushed, though her tone remained steady.
"That's… a commander's token of gratitude," she said quickly, looking aside. "Don't let it get to your head."
Lin Feng blinked once, then chuckled softly. "Gratitude, hmm? I'll remember that."
Yang Busi glared lightly, but her voice softened.
"Lin Feng… take care of yourself. The warzone may whisper your name, but the world beyond it is far more dangerous."
He nodded. "You too. If the Blood Sect rises again, send word. I'll come."
With that, he turned, his figure rising into the air in a streak of azure light. The Fire Pavilion soldiers saluted as he vanished into the clouds, leaving only the faint echo of a dragon's roar.
Yang Busi stood there for a long moment, her hand resting on her lips, her eyes distant.
"Lin Feng…" she murmured, "you're walking toward a storm you can't yet see."
---
The journey back to the Sword Sovereign Sect took three days. As Lin Feng descended onto the sect's mountain range, the familiar spiritual aura washed over him — sharp, ancient, and serene. Disciples along the paths paused, bowing as he passed. His deeds in the warzone had reached the sect long before he did.
"Did you hear? Senior Brother Lin defeated a Blood Sect High Elder!"
"They say his Dragon Domain devoured an entire army!"
"He's already in the Top Ten of the warzone's legend rankings…"
The admiration was almost reverent.
But Lin Feng paid them little attention. He went straight to his courtyard atop Sword Peak, where Sun Mei and Fatty were already waiting.
"Boss!" Fatty called out, grinning ear to ear. "The whole sect's been going crazy about you! You're famous!"
Sun Mei stood nearby, smiling brightly — though her eyes, if one looked closely, carried something else: a flicker of emotion she didn't voice.
"You made it back safely," she said softly.
Lin Feng nodded. "Of course. I promised I would."
Fatty laughed. "With that power of yours, even the heavens would have a hard time stopping you!"
---
As they spoke, a messenger disciple approached and bowed.
"Senior Lin Feng, the Sect Master requests your presence. You are to lead the Sword Sovereign Sect's delegation to the Duan Family Sect for the upcoming alliance council."
"Alliance council?" Lin Feng asked.
"Yes, sir. Representatives from all major sects are attending. The council concerns the upcoming Gathering of Lower Realm Geniuses."
Lin Feng's eyes flickered with interest. So the whispers were true — the great gathering was drawing near.
He dismissed the messenger and turned to Sun Mei and Fatty.
"Looks like we'll be leaving again soon."
Sun Mei's expression softened. "Always moving forward, aren't you?"
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "That's the only way to grow stronger."
Fatty stretched his arms. "Guess it's time to pack again. Another trip, another set of enemies to annoy!"
Lin Feng chuckled. "Try not to talk your way into trouble this time."
---
Later that night, the courtyard was silent. The moon hung low, silver light brushing against the sword array stones scattered around the garden. Lin Feng stood by the lotus pond, gazing at his reflection rippling on the water's surface.
He could still feel the warmth of Yang Busi's kiss — faint but stubbornly vivid.
He sighed softly. "Gratitude, huh…"
Behind him, Sun Mei appeared, holding two jade slips. "The sect issued your travel orders. We leave for the Duan Family Sect in two days."
She hesitated, then added, "You seem… distant tonight."
Lin Feng turned, offering a faint smile. "Just thinking about the path ahead. The closer we get to the Gathering, the stronger the storms will become."
Sun Mei looked at him for a long moment, then smiled, though her tone carried quiet determination.
"Then I'll become stronger too — so I won't be left behind again."
Lin Feng's eyes softened. "Good. I'll be counting on you, Sun Mei."
She nodded firmly, but as she turned away, her heart ached faintly.
---
The night breeze stirred the petals floating on the pond. Lin Feng looked toward the distant mountains where the Sword Sovereign Hall gleamed faintly under the moonlight.