As dusk approached, the evening sun nestled against the mountain, the sunset clouds resembling crimson roses, embellishing the sky with a cascade of vibrant hues.
Within the boundless expanse of Yun Tian, two streaks of tunneling light sped forth from the northern horizon.
Liu Yanyi held steady her spell, the colorful ribbons at her sleeve corners fluttering gently in the wind, flying swiftly at the forefront.
By now, she no longer bore the appearance of the little girl from years past; she had grown into a graceful and elegant beauty, her teeth gleaming like carved ivory, eyes reminiscent of autumn pools. She donned a pure white Feather Robe, with a shimmering trail of Clear Light beneath her feet, lending her an ethereal aura, like a pristine lotus emerging from mortal dust.
Beside her traveled another woman named Qiu Hanyue. This woman, similarly stunning, bore hair cascading like clouds, a slender waist akin to willow branches, and lively, expressive eyes. Beneath her feet, the intertwining hues of red and orange Xuan Guang shimmered brilliantly, captivating like a dazzling flame. As she flew, the sound of cheerful chatter akin to silver bells followed her incessantly, evidently revealing her vibrant and lively nature.
Liu Yanyi, gentle and reserved by nature, rarely spoke much, merely listening with an amiable smile.
In truth, she was delighted. This time, she and Qiu Hanyue had joined forces, expending great effort to finally slay a ferocious Red Flood Dragon of the Xuan Guang Third Realm. Upon returning to the Merit Institute, they would surely gain recognition for this accomplishment.
Though the Mingcang Sect had driven out the Three Pools Lake demons, due to the ongoing turmoil in the Water Country and continuous Demon Race assaults, fleeing Demon Cultivators often occupied the mountain spirit lands to the south. Consequently, the sect had dispatched numerous disciples to venture out and hone their demon-extermination skills.
As a disciple of the Xuan Guang Realm, Liu Yanyi naturally could not shirk such responsibilities; this expedition was undertaken per the order of her sect.
That said, the Demon Flood Dragon was fearsomely powerful, and their battle had been a harrowing ordeal. A single misstep could have spelled instant death. Fortunately, she carried the Calamity Avoiding Golden Bell gifted to her by Zhou Chongju, which would fly out to protect her at critical moments, saving her life time and again.
Yet, after such an intense fight, this Dharma Treasure was now slightly damaged and would require sacrificial refinement upon her return to restore its full functionality.
A faint smile lingered at the corner of her lips. Earlier at the Merit Institute, she had her eyes on a "Thousand Lang Jade Ring," a Dharma Treasure that required earning a significant merit to claim. In the Mingcang Sect, fifteen minor merits equated to one major merit. By now, she had already accumulated fourteen minor merits, and slaying this Red Flood Dragon would conveniently complete her tally.
If she could obtain this Dharma Treasure, she felt confident to venture to the far northern Yin Ning Pond in search of celestial destiny.
As they flew, Qiu Hanyue lifted her delicate hand and pointed ahead, exclaiming excitedly, "Senior Sister Liu, there’s the Zhao You Heavenly Pond! I must stay at your Cave Mansion this time, soaking up its Spiritual Energy. Hee hee."
Liu Yanyi pursed her lips into a smile and responded, "Alright, thanks to your invaluable help this time, I must give you a proper welcome." Updates are released by N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
Qiu Hanyue gazed at the towering silhouette of Zhao You Mountain, her voice brimming with envy. "What fortune you have, Sister! With such a Grotto Heaven and Blessed Land at your disposal, your cultivation progresses at lightning speed. You’ve reached the Xuan Guang Realm in just fifteen years! Few among our peers can compare, and I cannot help but envy you deeply."
Liu Yanyi gently shook her head and replied, "It is but the legacy left by my master, yet it has drawn much resentment and jealousy from others."
Qiu Hanyue’s gaze shifted as she pouted, "Hmph, those people dare to call themselves our sectmates, yet they lack the courage to confront Junior Master Zhang directly and instead cause trouble for you."
Back then, Zhang Yan’s greatest conflict was with the Six Rivers and Four Islands faction. Over a dozen disciples had been slain by him, and even their sect’s Mountain Gate had been shattered. Over the years, these factions’ disciples had endured mockery from noble families and great clans, always feeling humiliated.
Yet, with Zhang Yan traveling outside the Mountain Gate to seek medicinal herbs and Zhou Chongju being an unapproachable figure, they had no outlet for their rage. Upon learning Zhang Yan had a female disciple, they began harassing Liu Yanyi every so often, whether intentionally or otherwise.
Nonetheless, Liu Yanyi, being both intelligent and socially adept among her peers, also shared strong relations with True Master Peng’s disciple, Qin Nan. Thus, she had never been significantly disadvantaged in such conflicts.
However, lacking her master’s protection, Zhou Chongju, though nominally her grandmaster, would at most provide guidance in cultivation techniques. He viewed these actions against her as trials and tribulations, unwilling to intervene unless she faced mortal danger. Consequently, these individuals felt freer to provoke her, taking opportunities every now and then to stir up trouble.
Qiu Hanyue blinked and said, "Once Junior Master Zhang returns, surely no one would dare bully you anymore."
Nineteen years ago, Zhang Yan single-handedly battled a hundred Xuan Guang Practitioners in the outer sea. Not only did he hold his own, but he utterly defeated them, a victory so impactful that news of it stirred fervent admiration within the sect. Many disciples in his lineage became inspired, their blood boiling with awe – Qiu Hanyue herself held immense respect for him.
Liu Yanyi gazed at the fiery clouds ahead, her thoughts adrift as she pondered, "Master has been away gathering herbs for over twenty years now. I wonder how he fares at present."