Chapter 953 - Chapter 953: Goodbye, Shen Ruyan
Chapter 953: Goodbye, Shen Ruyan
Editor: Henyee Translations
Navigating through the peaks and valleys of Thunderclap Valley, Jiang Chengxuan was on his quest to reunite with Shen Ruyan, yet he stumbled upon an unexpected figure first.
Atop a nearby peak, a middle-aged man with gentle features and a strong aura smiled warmly at him.
Jiang Chengxuan, feeling it, turned to see it was none other than Yun Yizhen, Shen Ruyan’s Shifu.
Their last meeting had been a century ago, after the war, at the merit distribution assembly.
“It’s been a long time, Sect Master Yun,” Jiang Chengxuan greeted, dispelling his Dharmic power to approach Yun Yizhen.
Given he had already heard news of Shen Ruyan, a brief wait wouldn’t hurt, especially since Yun Yizhen was an old acquaintance and Shen Ruyan’s Shifu. A meeting was inescapable.
“Vice Sect Master Jiang, it’s good to see you well!” Yun Yizhen laughed heartily in response.
“Oh, please, Sect Master Yun, just call me Chengxuan. You are Ruyan’s Shifu, after all,” Jiang Chengxuan replied with a smile, gesturing dismissively.
“You, young man, are nearly catching up to me. What’s the rush? Eager to take over as sect master?” Yun Yizhen teased, continuing to laugh.
He had noticed Jiang Chengxuan’s substantial increase in strength as he approached as a beam of light, marveling at how quickly he had advanced since their last meeting.
If Yun Yizhen knew of Jiang Chengxuan’s current state of peak Dao Fusion, his surprise would turn into shock.
After all, a veteran cultivator like him was only at the peak of the Dao Mastery.
Jiang Chengxuan was just a junior in their generation, but if he was already at the same realm as them,
In that case, he could only be described as a monster.
Yet, Jiang Chengxuan was not one to boast, choosing instead to remain modest.
After exchanging pleasantries and discussing the current state of affairs in the Floodgate Realm, given the close relationship between Thunderclap Valley and the Haoran Sect, the conversation naturally drifted towards these matters.
“Ruyan is on her mountain peak. You should go ahead,” Yun Yizhen eventually said, sensing Jiang Chengxuan’s eagerness to depart, or perhaps out of consideration for his disciple’s feelings.
He didn’t want to keep his disciple waiting any longer than necessary.
Grateful for this, Jiang Chengxuan did not hide his eagerness.
He smiled and thanked him. Then, he turned into a beam of light and flew to the mountain where Shen Ruyan was.
This time, without any interruptions, he crossed the dense mountains and seas of clouds to reach his destination: Shen Ruyan’s cave abode.
The mountain peak was reminiscent of Jiang Chengxuan’s own, home to many spiritual pets, and there, amidst a sea of flowers and spirit beings, was the person he had longed for.
As if sensing his presence, Shen Ruyan turned around, her familiar face blooming with a smile more radiant than any flower, stirring Jiang Chengxuan’s heart and bringing a smile to his own face.
After a century of diligent cultivation apart, their reunion was heartfelt and profound, a moment of deep emotion that needed no words.
“You’re here, my husband.”
“Yeah.”
In the serene embrace of nature, Jiang Chengxuan and Shen Ruyan found themselves wrapped in a silence that spoke volumes.
They held hands, wandering the mountain peaks, immersing themselves in the beauty around them like the most ordinary of cultivators, finding joy in simplicity.
“Ruyan, you’ve also broken through to the realm of Dao Fusion,” Jiang Chengxuan remarked with a smile as they meandered along a mountain path.
He noticed the solidity of Shen Ruyan’s aura and the enhanced strength emanating from her.
“Yes, this period of seclusion was quite fruitful, as expected,” Shen Ruyan replied with a light smile, her breakthrough a natural progression after countless battles, a smooth transition that seemed predestined.
“Congratulations. It looks like Thunderclap Valley has gained another powerful elder,” Jiang Chengxuan continued.
Though Shen Ruyan’s breakthrough came a century later than his, in the grand scheme of a cultivator’s lifespan, a century was merely a brief moment of seclusion.
Shen Ruyan’s talents, even without the assistance of a system like Jiang Chengxuan’s, were undeniably profound.
Her achievements made her more than deserving of the title of Holy Daughter of Thunderclap Valley, possibly the strongest in generations.
“Humph, that still doesn’t make me comparable to you, Vice Sect Master Jiang,” Shen Ruyan teased back, dropping all formalities in the comfort of her companion’s presence.
In front of her Dao companion, she did not have the airs of a Holy Daughter at all.
These words immediately made the two of them unable to help but laugh.
Such partnerships are rare, where both parties match each other’s brilliance, understanding the ruthless nature of the Dao that does not wait for anyone. Only those of equal standing can truly walk side by side without holding each other back.
Their conversation then shifted towards the developments in the outside world since emerging from seclusion.
Walking together, they allowed themselves to relax, enjoying a respite from their duties.
In the past hundred years, the development of the Haoran Sect and the Thunderclap Valley had been good. As the core figures of the two sects,
Jiang Chengxuan and Shen Ruyan were undoubtedly much more relaxed.
Seeing the sect become stronger step by step after they joined, they were extremely happy.
As they talked about this, the two of them could not help but think of their old friends. They had not seen each other for a long time.
Especially those who ascended from the lower realm to the Celestial Floodgate Realm, they had even fewer connections.
The two of them sighed.
The path of cultivation is indeed lonely, with countless adversaries and allies left behind, either by choice or by the cruel passage of time.
Yet, for Jiang Chengxuan and Shen Ruyan, their journey together was a constant.
Leaning on Jiang Chengxuan’s shoulder, Shen Ruyan found unparalleled peace.
Her pursuit had always been to follow in his footsteps, and their continued companionship felt like a miracle.
Jiang Chengxuan, too, felt fortunate to have such a Dao companion, valuing her presence above any treasure.
Their time together on the mountain peak was a brief interlude of peace in the tumultuous world of cultivation.
However, both knew this pause was temporary, as their paths called for continuous advancement.
When Jiang Chengxuan shared his plan to enter seclusion again with the aim of breaking through to the next realm, Shen Ruyan, though surprised, offered unwavering support.
“Just as I finally caught up with you, you’re moving forward again,” she thought. Yet, her faith in him was absolute.
“Take care, my husband. I have every confidence in you,” were Shen Ruyan’s supportive words as they prepared for the inevitable separation.