Returning Home
The noise inside finally ended with the arrival of Manager Han. The commotion then surged again when Manager Han announced a three-day holiday for Qingming Festival.
Manager Han coughed lightly and said, "Since tomorrow is Qingming Festival and time is tight, the sword-fighting class this afternoon is canceled, giving all disciples time to pack their belongings."
The cheers rose and fell, shaking the windowpanes. Han Shuchun had to shout for silence three times before it finally quieted down. Soon after, the cheers also came from the classroom next door.
This madness has its reasons—the Jingyin Sect has always adhered to rigorous cultivation, never slacking off even on holidays like New Year's Eve and Mid-Autumn Festival. Recently, there has been some relaxation, but it's only for half a day off every two weeks, and no one may leave the sect without permission.
Xie Tingshui had already heard rumors from the Xie family, so she wasn't particularly surprised when the news was confirmed.
“I often wonder why I have to suffer here,” she said, resting her chin on her hand. “But then I think, this is the Jingyin Sect! It was an important stronghold against the demons back then. It is my blessing to be able to cultivate here.”
She still remembers the day she entered the sect, when the sect leader led the new disciples to observe the mountain-protecting formation. The golden veins flowing within the formation pulsed like living things; it was a masterpiece that embodied the hard work of countless cultivators.
The current cultivation world is supported by three sects and one school, and the Jingyin Sect is the sharpest blade among them.
According to the "Historical Records," the three sects and one school—the Jingyin Sect, the Shizhi Sect, the Youxi Sect, and the Tanwei School—were all gradually established after the decline of the demon race. This was to ensure that no more land would be plundered by the demons, and that their people would no longer be hunted by them.
Unfortunately, their good fortune was short-lived. The demons quickly returned with a much stronger offensive than before. These monsters, who only knew how to kill, had developed intelligence like humans, capable of strategizing and even plotting.
"Sometimes I am amazed that someone can give everything for the sect. I admire them, but I ask myself if I could do the same."
"So what do you think of the Jingyin Sect?" she asked, turning her head.
Lin Yun answered honestly, "I don't know."
Like a duckweed adrift in the sea, she lived without roots after her parents' death. Over the years, she managed to settle down in Shixi Village, but then uprooted all her roots and came to Jingyin Sect alone.
After careful consideration, she said, "The honor that Jingyin Sect represents today is indeed well-deserved."
The Jingyin Sect was established 60 years ago, its predecessor long since perished in war, and there are no records of it. When the *Shihai* appeared, it was already one of the three sects and one school established under the leadership of the Enlightened Immortal Venerable. All four members of the Golden Generation were initial members.
At that time, the most powerful weapon in the cultivation world was the sword. Therefore, for a considerable period of time, the Jingyin Sect regarded the sword as its foundation and practiced asceticism. The secret technique of Heart Sword was created as a result, and for a time, the Jingyin Sect was unparalleled in its glory.
People wanted to select a new golden generation, and the disciples of Jingyin Sect made up the majority of the candidates. However, before the list was finalized, and before they could even get close to these geniuses who were near the pinnacle of swordsmanship, they rushed off to the front lines of demon-slaying to become the first line of defense protecting humanity. In the final battle against demons, most of them perished, which is one reason why the Jingyin Sect is now so small.
That war was only a little over a decade ago.
As she pondered this, she suddenly realized something was amiss.
The four members of the Golden Generation hold important positions within the Jingyin Sect. She already knows Yichen, Yongyun, and Mingqi. The remaining one should be the former sect leader, but why is his name erased from the texts she is reading, as if he is avoiding something?
The book's title page lists the authors' names; among many authors, the first listed editor is named Dongfang Hua.
Lin Yunwang repeatedly pondered the name in his mind, but he couldn't find any records or memories related to him.
Her throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, unable to make a sound. She coughed twice before she could finally speak, asking, "Tingshui, have you ever heard of Dongfang Hua?"
“Never.” After thinking for a while, she said again, “It should be the author of ‘Shi Hai’? I have never heard of him anywhere else, but since his surname is Dongfang, he must be related to the Dongfang family, a great family of cultivators. They have always been mysterious, so it is not strange that I have never heard of them.”
Lin Yun nodded knowingly.
The lighthearted feeling that had been building up because of the impending return home suddenly turned heavy. This oppressive feeling was no less than the one she had experienced when she discovered that someone had deliberately led her to the Jingyin Sect.
Although the two knew that there would be a three-day holiday for Qingming Festival, they did not know that Manager Han would grant half a day for everyone to pack their bags. Their luggage had already been packed long ago.
Xie Tingshui complained, "They gave us an extra half day, but they won't let us leave first."
She gazed at the high sun and sighed, "How am I supposed to get through this long half-day and long night..."
After saying that, she leaned on Lin Yunwang's shoulder, looking mournful.
"Perfect timing to practice sword control with me."
Xie Tingshui's head practically "launched," and she yelled. Seeing that Lin Yunwang's expression didn't seem to be teasing her, she listlessly lowered her head and replied, "Alright."
Even if the anticipation in one's heart stretches the waiting time infinitely, the measure of time is fixed and unchangeable. The sun sets and the moon rises, the moon sets and the sun rises, a new day, a day to go home, will eventually arrive in anticipation.
It is my hometown, a place where my heart finds peace.
Lin Yun thought to himself: I'm back.
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