Chapter 206 The fledgling (End of this volume) They went their separate ways. ...

After returning to the room, the two fell into a long silence until their teacups clinked together.

Shen Lixia sat down cross-legged abruptly, looked up suddenly, and took a deep breath, "Senior Sister."

Qiao Yan knew what she was going to say, nodded, and blew away the steam from the tea.

The house has become much cleaner recently, with things neatly arranged and covered with dust-proof cloths.

In truth, she didn't know what "the time to leave" meant, nor was she tired of Emperor Huizong's scenery. This feeling was quite mysterious, like spring turning to autumn, the unchanging river flowing on and on, standing before the water watching countless sunrises and sunsets, and then, at some point when dust and sand rose, perhaps a deity sent a revelation in one of the grains of sand.

Suddenly, a sense of clarity dawned on me, and even the soft glow of the evening seemed to brighten. Just like that, I suddenly understood—

It's time to go.

The fledgling's wings have matured; it's time for it to take to the sky.

The mountains and trees that sheltered them were already scarred.

The boy's pupils burned with an inextinguishable flame, captivating anyone who met her gaze.

She said firmly, "Let's go."

Qiao Yan nodded, "Okay." After saying that, she lowered her eyes again.

Shen Lixia stared at her for a moment, as if trying to discern something else from that calm and indifferent expression, but ultimately failed. She had always thought that Qiao Yanshen's aloofness was just a habitual one, but now she knew that she was acting this way because she had something on her mind.

She brushed her fingertips over, gently touching her knuckles and rubbing them twice. Qiao Yanshen looked up, as if falling into the gentle smile in her golden eyes, and his heart skipped a beat.

"Senior Sister..." Shen Lixia called out to her softly and gently as usual, already taking advantage of her favor, knowing that this was a way to win over Qiao Yanshen, "What are you thinking about?"

“We’re sitting face to face, but you’re still lost in thought. Won’t you tell me something? I’d like to hear about what’s bothering you.”

Qiao Yanshen smiled and said gently, "It's nothing. Let's go see Senior Sister Tang first, and then tell Aunt and the others about this."

Seeing that she had no intention of speaking, Shen Lixia had no choice but to give up. However, her senior sister had promised not to hide important matters from her, and she was willing to wait for Qiao Yanshen to take the initiative to tell her.

But he couldn't help feeling a little stifled, so he rested his chin on his hand and stared at her resentfully for a long time, which made Qiao Yanshen laugh and reach out to pinch her cheek.

After a short while, the two changed their clothes and set off on their swords towards Guyu Peak.

The lush green of spring remained, but as they approached the Cangling Palace, they noticed that some of the blooming flowers had withered and fallen to the ground. They knew that although these flowers were nourished by spiritual energy, they still needed human care, and now, having lost their usual meticulous attention, they had become somber.

The people who take care of them...

Shen Lixia and Qiao Yanshen pushed open the door and saw Lu Changqing kneeling at the table, grinding ink and writing. Seeing that it was them, the young man stood up abruptly, put down his pen, and quickly walked over.

Qiao Yanshen glanced at the paper covered in writing and found it to be a chaotic mess, completely unlike anything Lu Changqing could have written. But she also knew that such things often happened when someone was upset or drunk, their hand unsteady on the pen. Lu Changqing's expression was perfectly normal; there was no way he had been drinking.

She poured all her sorrows onto the paper.

Seeing that they had recovered well, Lu Changqing breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile as usual, "Hello, senior sisters, you look great. It seems I can rest assured now."

Having said that, when there was only a short distance left, like a rabbit, it mustered all its strength and jumped down from the low steps, landing steadily.

Qiao Yanshen smiled and said, "Junior Sister Lu is the same. I was quite worried about her before..."

After all, she hadn't seen Lu Changqing all night, and Shen Lixia had gone to look for them but couldn't find them either. She had prepared for the worst then, and now seeing her safe and sound, besides a surge of happiness, there was also a belated sense of lingering fear.

Thankfully, she's alright...

Fortunately, all of them... even Wu Zhuyue and the injured Tang Huairou, still had a life left and were still alive.

She felt that her heart could not be ripped away any more; even just the exposed flesh, moistened by the air, would cause her unbearable pain and make her want to scratch herself.

At this point, Lu Changqing paused, his expression darkening slightly, which was rather strange. This unusual expression flashed across the young man's face for a moment before he quickly concealed it.

She nodded. "Yes! I'm fine, I'm not hurt at all... Oh, I understand!"

Lu Changqing clasped his hands together, making way for them.

"You've come to see Sister Jinyu, right? She's resting in her inner chamber right now... Yes, Master is taking care of her. Although we don't know when she'll wake up, Master is the best physician in the world, he'll definitely find a way."

As Lu Changqing spoke, she led them through the corridor to a quiet inner room. She knocked three times on the door, and heard a soft click as if a lock had been opened.

The shadow of the curtains swayed and covered the young man lying on the bed, while a woman in green with snow-white hair sat on a chair beside the bed, her hand still resting on his cheek.

It's only been a week.

Tang Huairou rarely went on long journeys. She was quick and efficient, and even when she went on missions, she would return in three or four days. Whenever there were secret places, Ruan Luoying would usually take her along, and they rarely went separately.

If Ruan Luoying wanted to leave, she would simply leave a note. She wouldn't say when she would return, as it was uncertain; but every time she came back, she could always smell the familiar aroma of tea and see the beautiful, thriving flowers in front of the palace.

If you inform us in advance, we will also provide warm porridge and a few side dishes.

Tang Huairou once delayed his return for about half a month due to some minor matters. There were quite a few students living on Guyu Peak. Before leaving, Tang Huairou would assign tasks, and people would often come to the hall to report on the situation of the spiritual plants and beasts on the peak.

But Ruan Luoying felt incredibly bored during that time.

The food lacked flavor, and life became incredibly boring.

With a final wave of her hand, she entrusted the matter to Gu Yufeng's children and went into seclusion.

With each blink of an eye, Jin Yu will return.

Later, Ruan Luoying realized that this feeling was longing.

She finally understood the meaning of "spending every day together". She enjoyed savoring the warmth of the porridge with the child in the evening glow, and she also grew accustomed to the lukewarm tea she drank in the morning.

Time and again, they picked up their bowls and chopsticks to eat, savoring the taste of the food; time and again, they held each other's hands tightly, repeating those words that were already familiar to their hearts.

That tenderness that is meticulous, comforting, and enduring.

I don't know when it started, but the kisses became fleeting and brief, the air thick with the scent of kisses on each other's lips and tongues.

—It makes her feel happy often.

...So that's how it is.

Ruan Luoying withdrew her hand from Tang Huairou's cheek, turned around, her expression composed, a faint smile playing on her lips:

"Hmm? Two rare guests have arrived today. Don't worry, she's perfectly fine now."

I just don't know when I'll wake up.

While there are treasures in the world that can reshape meridians, it is extremely difficult to find those that can completely repair severed meridians.

Shen Lixia walked to the bedside. There was no longer any bloodstain on Tang Huairou's face. Her chest was rising and falling weakly, her skin was as pale as wet, cold jade, and her eyes were tightly closed.

“Master Ruan…” Qiao Yan looked at Ruan Luoying with deep concern.

Everything seemed peaceful and serene, but Ruan Luoying's hair was slightly disheveled, and she looked tired and travel-worn, indicating that she had been busy all over the place. Now that she could finally rest for a while, she returned to stay by Tang Huairou's side.

The task of rebuilding the sect is arduous. While these disciples can certainly help with some of the work, the pressure from the outside world must be borne by the elders.

Ruan Luoying smiled at her and said cheerfully, "Don't worry about me."

Shen Lixia bent down and took Tang Huairou's hand. In her heart, she called out again and again: Senior Sister Tang, Senior Sister Jinyu…

It was as if Tang Huairou, hearing this silent call, would once again tilt her head slightly and respond with a smile, just as she always had:

"What's wrong, junior sister?"

The voice in her imagination faded away, and she remained asleep, her eyelashes not even fluttering.

Shen Lixia sighed, let go of her hand, took out the jade bottle she had taken from the True Dragon's Secret Treasury, and handed it to Ruan Luoying.

“This is something I brought from the secret realm when I was young, and I always felt it suited Senior Sister Jinyu very well,” Shen Lixia said. “Alright, Aunt…we’re leaving now.”

Ruan Luoying realized that when she said "leave," she didn't just mean leaving Guyu Peak. She paused for a moment, a hint of melancholy in her eyes, then gently tapped Shen Lixia's nose and sent a wisp of pale blue light from her fingertip into the space between their brows.

"I have nothing to give you as a farewell gift," Ruan Luoying said, pursing her lips to suppress her melancholy, as if trying to make the farewell less heavy, and then she put on her familiar smile. "This is a wisp of my divine consciousness, which may be of some use."

"Please come back safely, okay?"

The two nodded, and Shen Lixia exerted extra force, looking clumsy yet sincere, which made Ruan Luoying chuckle and wave for them to leave quickly.

After closing the door, they realized that Lu Changqing was still waiting outside. When the two of them came out, she was pursing her lips, her eyes were red, and she looked like she was holding back tears.

Shen Lixia, unaware of why she was so sad, quickly joined Qiao Yanshen in surrounding her, just like they had done back in the bamboo forest when the young man, then the daughter of the Qiao family, had taken turns flanking her. One stroked her head, the other held her close, whispering softly—What's wrong? What's wrong? Why are you so sad…

Lu Changqing shook his head, wiped his eyes hard, and his voice was muffled by the tears stuck in his throat: "N-nothing... I just heard my senior sisters say that they are leaving."

"You're leaving here, aren't you?"

Qiao Yanshen gently rubbed the corner of her eye with his thumb. "We'll meet again."

She remembered that Wu Zhuyue had left the sect, and suddenly she understood why Lu Changqing was so reluctant to let her go. Although her separation from her mother had been long, it had not been so drastic.

But Wu Zhuyue's personality meant she would never let Lu Changqing have an easy time.

They didn't know what happened after that.

Lu Changqing remained silent.

Qiao Yanshen then asked in a low voice, "Zhu Yue... has left too?"

She hadn't expected that her senior nuns would actually expel her from the sect? At the time, Si Changxi's explanation was vague, and Qiao Yanshen hadn't paid much attention to what was going on. Only now, when it was brought up, did she realize that something was amiss.

Lu Changqing's voice choked, and her brows furrowed as if she were consumed by rage, almost as if she were gritting her teeth. After a moment, she seemed to deflate, her dim eyes filled with a deep sense of loss.

Disappointment, loneliness, and extinguished anger mingled together.

"Wu Zhuyue..."

They left the inner chamber first, then returned to the main hall of the palace. Lu Changqing was surprised that the name she had once uttered with joy and tenderness would be so difficult to say again after all that had happened. She sat down and recounted the events of that night to the two of them in detail.

Shen Lixia was stunned.

“I didn’t expect her to be so… cowardly.” Lu Changqing gripped the clothes on her lap tightly. “She chose to leave herself.”

"I no longer know how to trust her."

"and you……"

Qiao Yanshen sat down beside her and finally spoke, "Do you still want to see her?"

Wu Zhuyue is gone. This world is so big, if they don't want to, they really won't see each other again.

Lu Changqing remained silent. She fell silent, her stray hairs obscuring her eyes, yet they couldn't hide the glimmer of light within them.

Suddenly, a heavy weight settled in Qiao Yanshen's arms.

Lu Changqing buried himself in her arms, finally unable to hold back his grievances, and burst into tears.

She missed Tang Huairou, felt heartbroken and worried for Ruan Luoying's distraught appearance, and even recalled Wu Zhuyue's repeated "I'm sorry" that night and her actual actions.

The more I thought about it, the more my tears flowed uncontrollably.

These past few days have really been humid.

Qiao Yan sighed and gently patted Lu Changqing's back, following her breathing.

She always thought Lu Changqing was like a child.

Even though she had grown older and her face had matured, Qiao Yanshen and Shen Lixia still couldn't help but treat her like a child.

Too pure, and too passionate.

Wu Zhuyue and she were two extremes, but they were both children. One was soft and honest without any defenses, while the other seemed trapped in her own resilient shell, wanting to avoid getting hurt again, but instead suffocating herself.

After a while, her sobs subsided, replaced by intermittent sobs. After quietly nestling together for a while, Lu Changqing suddenly sat up.

“I need to know why she lied to me.” She clenched her fist. “She’s so stupid… only now is she willing to tell me her story.”

That day, in the moonlight, she saw Wu Zhuyue's trembling eyes, and she knew that her words were repeatedly trampling on the other's heart. Just as they both knew, because Wu Zhuyue's heart was too tightly closed, Lu Changqing had never truly understood her.

"She lied to me, hurt me deeply, and then ran away! What kind of good deal is that? She'd better be tormented by guilt, unable to sleep at night, living in constant fear, and finally, when she meets me again, she'll be crying her eyes out just like me..."

Lu Changqing suddenly stood up.

"I'm going to find her. If she wants to leave without saying goodbye, I'll have to find out what's going on first."

At the very least, she still wanted to understand Wu Zhuyue.

Once you've asked her the reason and touched her cold heart, it won't be too late to talk about things like the narrow bridge to the sunny pass.

Wu Zhuyue has been gone for quite some time now, and it won't be easy for Lu Changqing to catch up. The peace pendant she gave Wu Zhuyue was thrown to the ground on the day she left, and there was still some residual spiritual energy inside that could be used as a fuse.

The jade was shattered, but she still wanted to find her.

Lu Changqing wasn't one to leave herself with regrets. She wanted to grab Wu Zhuyue by the collar and ask her properly—do you think this is happiness?

She wanted to exact her revenge.

It would be best if Wu Zhuyue could completely expose herself, so that they could both see the true colors of each other's hearts.

The boy was quick at everything he did. Not long after Shen Lixia and the others returned, Lu Changqing changed his clothes and came to say goodbye.

Since not everyone could be present this time, and people left in scattered groups, there was no ceremony.

She changed into a pure white robe, and her soft green cloak was fastened with copper buttons. Her eyes were still a little swollen.

“Recently, due to the dissipation of demonic energy, many evil spirits have become restless,” Lu Changqing said. “I need to first investigate the surrounding area and help those who are powerless to resist.”

She turned her back. "I'll write to my senior classmates. Goodbye."

...

The news that the two had requested to leave the sect quickly reached Si Changxi and the others.

This was not a purposeful or mission-driven departure, or even if it was, it would have been appropriate to inform these elders who were like family.

Yi Xiaohan replied with a letter, telling them not to come see her.

"They all flew away as soon as they got their wings, not even staying for a little while!" Seeing the fierce spirit in her words, the two of them felt relieved—at least, Aunt Yi hadn't fallen into despair.

Along with the letter came two rings with built-in spatial arrays. Shen Lixia held them in her hand and was immediately struck by the deep blue spirit stones inside.

One of them is worth a full 200,000 high-grade spirit stones.

She felt that even if she spent all her money until her death, building a magnificent mausoleum and lying in it for a hundred or two hundred years before her next life, she still wouldn't be able to squander it all.

Upon arriving at the Four Spirits Peak, Si Changxi was already waiting there.

The competition was abruptly halted halfway through, and all related items had been removed. The flowers and plants previously shrouded in demonic energy were slowly growing back, making the place appear exceptionally desolate. The young man stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the rising clouds, and sighed softly.

When the two arrived, she gave a wry smile and handed a token to Qiao Yanshen.

Snow patterns, claw marks, silver light. Clearly, it was an important item symbolizing the peak master of Frostblade Peak. Qiao Yanshen paused, remained silent for a moment, and then carefully put it away.

She had intended to ask Si Changxi about the star chart from before, but then she saw her take out another very familiar-looking object from her bosom.

It was also a star chart, but its surface was filled with runes, seemingly emitting a faint, cold light. Qiao Yanshen's thoughts drifted slightly, as if she heard the cries of thousands upon thousands echoing from within the star chart, separated by a layer of ancient bronze. These cries became low roars, reverberating in her sea of ​​consciousness, sorrowful to the point of weeping blood.

Don't listen.

Until a ray of golden light, like a lamp, dispelled the deathly aura. Qiao Yanshen came back to his senses and met a pair of calm eyes.

The brilliant light in Si Changxi's eyes faded, settling into her dark golden pupils. She withdrew her hand, breathed a sigh of relief, and handed the star chart to Shen Lixia.

"This is the other half of the star chart that corresponds to the previous one. When the two are combined, it is said that they can function as a map in the upper realm. If you go there someday, you might be able to find something with this."

"There are many souls inside. Reckless destruction will surely cause damage. I hope you will protect them well and hand them over to the River Styx for passage after you find Luochuan. This will also fulfill their wishes."

After saying this, the young man clasped his hands in a fist salute to them and said, "As the sect leader, I have failed in many ways."

I failed to keep the important people in my life, nor did I protect my own life. Looking back, I once said that in this world of three thousand specks of dust, love is too insignificant to be worth worrying about.

Unfortunately, she was indeed trapped in this state her whole life until the person she deeply loved died, at which point she finally woke up from her dream, only to find herself in complete disarray.

The ideals and innocence that someone carefully nurtured have long since vanished without a trace.

She requested to resign from her position as sect leader after the aftermath was quelled, thus effectively becoming an exile and no longer appearing under the name "Changyi Sword Lord".

"But my young friends—you, and many more young people who come here in the future, will surely be more outstanding than I am. You are no longer fledglings. The world is vast and boundless, and it awaits you to use your eyes and your hearts as wings to measure it for yourselves."

"But remember, you can rest when you're tired. Emperor Taihui will always be your home."

Si Changxi looked at the two women, comparing them to when they first met, and couldn't help but laugh. She had been so busy chasing after Si Liuhua's traces that she had forgotten how much more she possessed.

She thought that they would definitely meet again in the future.

At that time, she wanted to see for Xueya how far these children would grow up...

The wind lifted the hem of her dress, her long hair swayed gently in the twilight, and Si Changxi's eyes were filled with the afterglow, shining brightly.

"Perhaps we will meet again in some corner of the Nine Realms in the future."

Finally, just as they were about to set off, Chi Yueying came again. This time she was not empty-handed, but carrying something tightly wrapped in cloth.

When Shen Lixia and Qiao Yanshen received it, they realized from the familiar scent—

It is the Frost Sky Sword.

Chi Yueying lowered her eyes and said softly, "Send it back to the snowfield."

As a close friend, she naturally knew that Yan Xueya longed for her hometown her whole life. Yi Xiaohan had asked her why she didn't go back, and Chi Yueying had also thought about this question.

She thought about it for a long time, and only when Lin Yuqian solemnly said goodbye to her and her former students left one by one did she realize that it didn't actually need any answer.

What you can't keep is never home.

—It's people.

Whether it's the deceased students or the teenagers who seem to have suddenly grown up and gone their separate ways... they're gone, and the scenery of Emperor Taihui remains the same, but it always feels like something is missing.

Chi Yueying only blamed herself.

I blame myself for not protecting them well, for not being strong enough to shield them from this fierce storm.

Yet she also understood so well that the children would eventually leave. They couldn't stay in the sect forever; the opportunity would come eventually.

Going to the snowfield is fine; at least it's where Xueya once lived. She'd heard that the best gift to leave an orphan is a complete mother. Yan Xueya hadn't left any instructions, but Chi Yueying knew her too well and knew that if she could stay, she would make the same decision.

After saying "Take care," the woman's figure gradually faded into the moonlight.

I slept without any dreams.

As dawn broke, someone walked into the heavy morning mist, treading through the white frost and dew covering the ground.

The two women remained unchanged in their attire and expression, as if this were merely an ordinary hike for a mission. Only the slow sound of their footsteps hinted at the heavy burden weighing on their hearts.

Unexpectedly, someone suddenly appeared out of nowhere, wearing a straw hat, chewing on a blade of grass he'd picked from who-knows-where, swaggering over with his hands behind his back, and said:

"Well, fellow Daoists—would you mind giving me a ride for the next leg of the journey? Look at the sky; last night I observed the celestial phenomena, and it was as if the Heavenly Mother herself was giving me guidance: it is indeed an auspicious day for the three of us to travel together!"

She had barely finished speaking when hurried footsteps sounded behind her. A figure in white emerged from the mist, panting heavily.

“I’ll go with you too!” Shen Lixia recognized her as the saintess who had secretly run away from Garan to this place.

Simmons's expression changed. "What are you doing here!"

The saintess took a deep breath and said solemnly, "I've come to join you!"

It suddenly felt like the stage had already been set up.

A soft laugh broke the silence between them. Qiao Yanshen nodded and said, "Let's go together. Four people, it'll be just right to eat hot pot in Jingzhou."

Simmons paused, still pushing the saintess, let out a wail, and gritted her teeth in agreement as if she had no other choice: "Fine! I remember the Garan people forbid eating snake meat. When I bring two strings of coins, you won't even get a sip of soup!"

"How could you be so mean!" the boy shouted angrily. "And I even helped you!"

"What, you want me to kneel down and say thank you? Dream on!" Simmons curled her lip. "One thank you costs ten thousand spirit stones!"

Shen Lixia's heavy mood was lifted by their bickering, and she couldn't help but laugh: "Alright, alright, let's go have breakfast."

You need to be well-fed to have the energy to argue.

Simmons sneered and strode ahead. The four figures walked one after the other through the forest, heading towards the outer town.

After seven days, the students gradually resumed their work. Some areas were not fully repaired, but most had been restored to normal.

The meat buns sold at the shop still have thin skins and plenty of meat, and the sweet porridge made with red dates and pumpkin is steaming hot and has a rich rice aroma. The breakfast here is still as delicious as ever.

Shen Lixia's gaze drifted out of the shop. There weren't many people yet, but wisps of smoke filled the street, dispelling the chill in the air. The aroma of bubbling porridge, the savory scent of meat filling seeping into the dough, and the sweet fragrance of steamed cakes, rolls, and rice wine...

These scents intertwine, dispelling all dampness and coolness, and forming the entire morning of the outer town.

People of all kinds walked among them, smiling at each other.

It was as if it was telling them that life must go on, and those who are alive must always move forward.

After breakfast, they walked to the edge of the Taihui Sect. The Heavenly Ladder at the entrance was still there, appearing and disappearing in the clouds. Shen Lixia stepped onto the teleportation array and looked back one last time.

Four peaks surround the main peak, encompassing all four seasons. Smoke rises from the chimneys of the outer town, and the town is bustling with activity; Wanjianfeng Peak stands alone and steep, while Yuheng Peak stands steadfast and imposing, the mountain range stretching endlessly.

Everything seemed unchanged, yet she knew that things had changed beyond recognition. People who could once easily gather together had all gone their separate ways.

The joyful laughter from clinking glasses still echoed in my ears; the bright lights flashed before my eyes, merging with the radiance of the array patterns.

At the time, it seemed like nothing special.

-----------------------

Author's Note: Alright! This volume is now finished. The next chapter is a wrap-up scene; do you guys think it's better if I post it on Weibo or as a side story here?

After finishing one volume with a whopping 800,000 words, I couldn't help but say a few words (to you).

First, let's talk about Xia's growth. The next part of the Nine Realms Volume won't be very long, and it will cover a significant time span (like "three years later" or "ten years later"), where everyone will see her growth. I believe that compared to the first volume, she's already quite different in this chapter (right?).

Senior Sister too. Even Old Xi has let go of some of her inner turmoil; look, she's even bickering with the Holy Maiden.

Of the others, I think Kobayashi is the one who has shown the most significant growth.

This final battle is something I'd envisioned long ago; in a way, it's a grand farewell, for both the antagonists and the protagonists of this phase. This war will reveal more and also show the direction they'll strive for afterward—to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment~ I'll answer them all! During the National Day holiday, while finishing the outline, I also need to write the detailed outline, so the update frequency will remain the same as before. That's about it!