In a remote region far from the clamor of the city, a young man dressed in black sat by the riverbank. A gentle breeze carried the crisp scent of the water, while the river's surface mirrored the dimming light of the late afternoon sun. His worn clothing made him appear an ordinary village youth, humble and unremarkable, as if nothing set him apart. His short hair fell haphazardly, reinforcing the impression of a mere mortal living a modest life.
Yet behind that simplicity, his eyes held something profound. Not mere tranquility, but a hidden weight, a burden he kept from the world. Suddenly, he spoke, his voice soft and calm, as though addressing someone unseen.
"Master, where shall we go from here?"
At first, only the gentle murmur of the river responded. But after a moment, the air around him trembled slightly, carrying the echo of a woman's voice.
"My disciple, go to Tianling Mountain. I must restore myself there."
Wu Chen turned immediately, hesitation flickering across his features.
"Tianling Mountain? Isn't that forbidden to outsiders? I've heard it belongs to the Tianjue Sect."
The woman's voice did not waver. "Indeed. But you need not fear. I have my ways."
Wu Chen's eyes narrowed, a chill running through him. He understood the danger of treading into a sect's territory, especially one of mid-tier power like the Tianjue Sect in the Northern Region. Yet before he could question further, the air before him shimmered, and a shadow gradually coalesced into form.
A woman appeared, dressed in robes of yellow and white, adorned with delicate cloud-like patterns. Her long white hair gleamed, and her face bore no sign of age. She looked like a beautiful young girl, yet her body radiated a faint, ethereal glow, half-transparent, as if not a mortal but the lingering soul of a mighty cultivator.
Wu Chen bowed in respect. Though he still did not fully know who his Master truly was, he understood one thing: she was no ordinary figure.
"Very well, master. Even if it costs my life, I will not fail you," he said with resolve, clasping his hands together.
The woman offered a faint smile. It was beautiful, almost unreal, like a flower blooming amid snow.
"Then…" she paused, her eyes enigmatic, unreadable. "Take your life for your master."
Wu Chen froze. Reflexively, he nodded, yet a sudden clarity held his tongue.
"Hah…?!"
He stared intently at her, unsure if he had misheard. The woman covered her mouth, laughing softly.
"I am only joking."
Wu Chen exhaled a long, relieved breath, scratching his head awkwardly.
"Master, your jokes are sometimes… terrifying."
His gaze wavered briefly, a mix of awe and a fascination he could not conceal. His master was not only powerful but also captivating. And he, an orphan from a remote village, could be the sole disciple of someone so formidable.
The woman's voice then softened, yet carried firm authority.
"Wu Chen, your strength is sufficient to stand among the disciples of the Tianjue Sect. Indeed, if you wish, you could become one of their Holy Sons."
Wu Chen's eyes widened in astonishment. He had never imagined this. All his life, he had thought of himself as a mere wanderer.
"Holy Son? How is that possible?"
He fell silent, memories of his past flickering through his mind: the small, quiet life with his deceased parents, then his solitary journey, like a newborn calf entering the world, clueless, taking steps without direction.
He suddenly knelt, his voice trembling. "Were it not for you, master, I would never have reached this stage. Thank you, Master."
The woman shook her head gently, her gaze full of affection. "Your talent was rare from the start. I have only guided you slightly. The rest… is yourself."
She raised her hand, a soft force flowing from her palm, supporting Wu Chen so he could rise once more.
"Go to the Tianjue Sect. There, your path will open."
Her form then blurred, fading into a thin light, before being absorbed into the ring on Wu Chen's finger. He clenched his hand around it, eyes fixed on the ring with renewed determination.
'Master, leave everything to me.'
With measured steps, he set off toward the Tianjue Sect.
---
The next day, atop the Liuyao Pavilion, the atmosphere had shifted. Several elders gathered, including Elder Chi Yang and even the Grand Elder of the Liuyao Pavilion, Yao Dianmo. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion.
"You three are honored guests of the Liuyao Pavilion. Should you require anything, simply ask," Yao Dianmo said warmly.
"Elder Dianmo, you are too polite," Yifan replied with a light smile.
Yun Xinyao added gracefully, "We shall not forget the kindness the Liuyao Pavilion has shown us."
The elders in the room laughed, exchanging cheerful conversation with them.
Outside, Xue Yao and Yao Yue were engaged in a warm exchange. They appeared close, like siblings long separated. Yifan watched from a distance with a faint smile, deliberately giving Xue Yao the opportunity to connect.
When the time for farewell could no longer be postponed, everyone accompanied Yifan and his party. Yao Yue stood stiffly, a heaviness pressing on her chest, though she restrained it.
"Young Master… when will you return?" she asked softly, before realizing what she had said.
Yifan turned, his smile faint yet reassuring. "I haven't even left, and you're already asking when I'll return?"
Yao Yue's cheeks flushed. She lowered her gaze and quickly added, "Then… please be careful on your journey."
"Do not worry for me. It is you who must take care, Yao Yue."
Her eyes widened, as if something warm had touched her heart. A small smile escaped despite herself.
"Very well, Young Master…"
Finally, Yifan and the others departed. The crowd gradually dispersed, yet Yao Yue remained on the terrace, watching them fade into the distance.
Elder Chi Yang, noticing her, approached and gently patted her shoulder.
"If you wish to walk by his side one day, become stronger. Then, no one will be able to stop you."
The words were a small spark, igniting determination in Yao Yue's heart. She hurriedly clasped her hands in respect.
"Thank you, Elder Chi Yang."
Once Chi Yang departed, only Yao Yue remained on the terrace. She sat slowly, gazing out at Liuyao City sprawling in the distance. In her hand, she held a small folded piece of paper, a gift from Xue Yao, said to be from Yifan.
Carefully, she unfolded it. At once, a strange power enveloped her, forming a small domain isolated from the outside world.
'A protective domain?' she thought, astonished.
She had not expected a hidden force within such a simple fold of paper. Even a powerful expert would find it difficult to penetrate this domain.
Yao Yue returned her focus to the paper. Within it, a single simple sentence appeared:
"Beware the Grand Elder of Liuyao Pavilion."
Her eyes widened, heart pounding. A single line was enough to shake her entire certainty.