The great bell of the Heavenly Sword Sect echoed faintly across the peaks, its resonance like a sword's hum piercing through clouds.
Xu Tianyi walked at a calm pace, Mu Qing and Mu Qingluan following quietly behind him. Their footsteps landed lightly upon the jade-paved path leading toward the main hall, the air carrying the faint fragrance of spiritual herbs cultivated along the terraces.
The towering gates of the main hall loomed ahead, their surface etched with countless sword marks left by generations of sword cultivators.
The faint hum of sword intent lingered in the air, sharp enough to make Mu Qinglaun's breath hitch and Mu Qing's steps falter for a moment.
Inside, the atmosphere was solemn. The elders of the sect, along with the sect master, were already gathered.
Those who were not in seclusion or outside on missions had arrived early, knowing that the Supreme Elder's summons was never without purpose.
As soon as Xu Tianyi entered, a wave of reverent energy filled the hall. All the elders and disciples present rose to their feet and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Supreme Elder!" they said in unison.
Their gazes briefly flickered toward the two women standing behind him — one graceful and mature, the other young and bright-eyed — both carrying the faint trace of a phoenix's noble aura.
Xu Tianyi gave a simple nod, his expression calm yet dignified. The faint divine light in his eyes carried a weight that silenced even the whispers among the younger disciples who stood at the back.
Behind him, Mu Qinglaun and Mu Qing followed quietly, their gazes lowered, aware of the countless curious eyes fixed on them.
He walked straight to the upper end of the hall and sat upon a grand, throne-like chair raised above the others. It was a seat reserved solely for him — the Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Just below it, another seat remained empty, reserved for his junior sister, who was still in closed-door cultivation to break through to the peak of the Core Formation realm.
"Everyone, be seated," Xu Tianyi said calmly.
His voice wasn't loud, yet it echoed throughout the hall with a kind of natural authority that made the air tremble faintly.
Once everyone had taken their seats, Xu Tianyi began the introductions.
"This is Mu Qing," he said, motioning to the elegant woman beside him. "She will be serving as my maid within the sect from now on."
The elders glanced at her briefly. Though her beauty was undeniable, no one dared say much — a maid personally chosen by Xu Tianyi was someone they'd just follow his words.
Then his gaze fell on the young girl standing beside her mother. "And this is Mu Qinglaun. From this day forth, she will be my personal disciple."
The hall instantly buzzed with quiet murmurs. Even though they were all experienced cultivators, this announcement caused waves of shock and surprise to ripple through them.
To accept a disciple was no small matter — especially for someone of Xu Tianyi's status.
An ordinary disciple in the Heavenly Sword Sect began as an Outer Disciple, then after passing assessments, could advance to Inner Disciple. Through further trials and meritorious achievements, they might eventually reach the Core Disciple rank.
But becoming a personal disciple of an elder directly elevated one to the status of a True Disciple, placing them among the core figures of the sect's younger generation.
And this was no ordinary elder — this was the Supreme Elder, a Nascent Soul cultivator whose name alone was enough to make other sects tremble.
Gasps and murmurs filled the hall. Some elders exchanged glances, while others looked at the young girl with newfound awe.
"So young… and already accepted by the Supreme Elder himself?" whispered one.
"She must have an extraordinary talent," muttered another.
Xu Tianyi's lips curved into a faint smile as he observed their reactions.
"I trust everyone understands the implications," he said lightly. "The disciple acceptance ceremony for the sect will be held in three months. The Public announcement will be held at that time, Until then, she will stay by my side and familiarize herself with the sect."
"Congratulations, Supreme Elder!" several elders said at once, cupping their hands. "And congratulations to the young lady for such great fortune!"
Afterward, the hall filled with congratulatory words and gestures. Elders presented meeting gifts: spirit jade, rare pills, protective talismans, and even small pouches of spirit stones. Mu Qingluan bowed repeatedly, her cheeks flushed, her hands trembling slightly as she accepted each token.
When the formalities were done, Xu Tianyi introduced them one by one to the attending elders. The last to step forward was the sect master himself — Lu Qinxuan.
He didn't look like a typical sword cultivator. His scholarly robes and refined bearing made him resemble a Confucian scholar more than a warrior.
Yet, his calm presence was sharper than any blade. His sword dao had long transcended form, entering the realm of simplicity — where every motion was natural, yet capable of cutting through heaven and earth.
"I see you've brought back quite the surprise, Senior Brother," Lu Qinxuan said with a smile.
Xu Tianyi chuckled. "You should know by now — I rarely move without reason."
"That much, I do know," the sect master replied, bowing slightly.
After receiving the report about the sect's situation during his absence, Xu Tianyi dismissed the elders and took his leave, leading Mu Qing and Mu Qinglaun back toward Tianyi Peak.
---
Inside the Cave Heaven
As they returned to Tianyi Peak, the clouds parted, revealing the luminous tree that stood like a celestial pillar in the heart of the mountain. Entering the cave heaven, they were greeted by a soft radiance.
"Welcome back, Master."
It was Xumi, the Tree spirit inside which the cave heaven was. Mu Qing and her daughter looked utterly dumbfounded, realizing the consciousness of the space itself was alive.
Before they could recover, a joyful cry echoed.
"Master!"
A figure darted forward and leapt into Xu Tianyi's arms — thankfully clothed this time. Xu Lingjing, the Sky Whale, hugged him tightly, rubbing her cheek against his chest like a spoiled child.
"Where did you go? You didn't even tell me where! I missed you so much!" she complained.
Xu Tianyi could only smile helplessly, gently patting her back. "You're already this big and still act like a child."
He patted her head, earning a content hum, before gesturing toward the two women. "This is Lingjing, the Sky Whale. Lingjing, this is Mu Qing and her daughter Mu Qinglaun."
"They'll be living here from now on."
Xu Lingjing's bright eyes widened. "Oh! New family members?"
Both Mu Qing and Mu Qingluan could only offer awkward nods, overwhelmed by the talking Sky Whale. who treated the Nascent Soul elder like a doting brother.
"Come," Xu Tianyi said, motioning them forward. "Let me show you around."