Chapter 432 - 429: Returning to the Sect
Chapter 432: Chapter 429: Returning to the Sect
「Two days later, in the afternoon.」
The towering mountain gate of the Qingxuan Sect finally came into view.
Fang Han slowed his pace, climbing the familiar green stone steps one by one.
The early summer mountain breeze brushed against his cheeks, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, dispelling the fatigue from days of travel.
The path was lined with ancient, flourishing trees. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in their branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The occasional chirp of a bird from the woods only accentuated the mountain’s tranquility.
Disciples he met along the way all stopped to bow upon seeing him.
But unlike before, today their eyes held more than just awe. There was an indescribable light—the pride of sharing in his glory.
"Senior Brother Fang, congratulations on reaching the top of the Celestial Pride List!"
A young disciple mustered his courage, cupping his fists toward Fang Han. His voice trembled slightly with excitement.
"Congratulations, Senior Brother Fang, on topping the Celestial Pride List!"
"Senior Brother Fang is incredible! No one from our Qingxuan Sect has topped the Celestial Pride List in nearly a hundred years!"
"Exactly! Senior Brother Fang is the first!"
Others chimed in, their words filled with admiration and joy.
Fang Han was momentarily taken aback, then gave a slight nod. A faint smile touched his lips. "Thank you."
"Senior Brother Fang doesn’t put on any airs at all."
"Of course. Why would a true expert need to put on airs to command respect?"
The chatter slowly faded behind him.
Fang Han passed through the mountain gate and followed the stone path toward the summit.
Instead of returning to the True Inheritance Courtyard first, he headed straight for the Sect Leader’s Hall.
Since he was back, it was only natural to report to the Sect Leader first.
The Sect Leader’s Hall stood majestically, its flying eaves and ornate brackets exuding an air of ancient dignity. The disciple on duty before the hall saw Fang Han approaching and hurriedly bowed in greeting.
"Senior Brother Fang, the Sect Leader said you might return today. He said if you came, you were to enter the hall directly."
Fang Han nodded slightly and stepped into the hall.
A solemn and dignified air filled the hall. Chen Tianyuan was seated on a large chair, reading through a scroll.
Hearing footsteps, he looked up. When he saw it was Fang Han, a trace of relief flashed in his gentle eyes.
"You’re back."
"Disciple Fang Han greets the Sect Leader."
Fang Han took a few steps forward and bowed.
"No need for formalities. Sit."
Chen Tianyuan gestured for Fang Han to take a seat below him. He set down the scroll in his hand and looked at him, his gaze partly scrutinizing, but mostly appreciative.
"Wu Zheng has already sent word about the matter in Celestial Swan City. You did very well."
His voice was calm, carrying sincere praise.
"Not only did you defend the Qingxuan Sect’s gold mine, but you also killed Elder Yuan Zhan of the Netherworld Pavilion and seized their gold mine."
"It was what I ought to do."
Fang Han cupped his fists slightly.
Chen Tianyuan nodded, the gratification in his eyes deepening. He pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.
"The mission in Celestial Swan City was originally worth one minor merit."
He paused, then continued.
"However, your performance in Celestial Swan City far exceeded expectations. For killing Yuan Zhan and seizing the Netherworld Pavilion’s gold mine, in addition to the one minor merit for the mission itself, you will be awarded an extra minor merit."
A flicker of joy went through Fang Han’s heart.
Two minor merits.
He was now only one minor merit away from the three needed to exchange for a Grandmaster Body Technique.
He stood up and cupped his fists solemnly.
"Thank you, Sect Leader. Thank you, Sect."
Chen Tianyuan waved his hand.
"You’ve earned it. Go back and get some rest. It’s been a tough few days of travel."
"Yes. This disciple will take his leave."
Fang Han bowed once more before turning and exiting the Sect Leader’s Hall.
As he stepped out of the hall, the afterglow of the setting sun spilled over the distant mountains, dyeing them a warm gold.
Fang Han stood before the hall with his hands behind his back, a faint smile on his lips.
He already had two minor merits. He was only one minor merit away from being able to exchange for a Grandmaster Level Technique.
A Grandmaster-level Body Technique was not far off.
He turned and followed the stone path toward the True Inheritance Courtyard.
Arriving back at Courtyard No. 35, Fang Han pushed open the gate and stepped inside.
Qiu Lan was tidying something under the corridor with two other maids. Hearing the gate open, she looked up.
In that instant, a delighted smile bloomed on her face.
"Senior Brother, you’re back!"
She hurried forward to greet him, with the two maids following closely behind.
"Senior Brother, congratulations on reaching the top of the Celestial Pride List!"
Qiu Lan came closer and bowed, her voice filled with sincere joy and pride.
"Congratulations on topping the Celestial Pride List, Senior Brother!"
The two maids chimed in unison.
Fang Han nodded slightly, a faint smile touching his lips.
"It’s just a title."
"You’re too modest, Senior Brother! The top of the Celestial Pride List means you’re the strongest person in Qingyang County under the age of thirty!"
Qiu Lan looked up, her eyes full of adoration.
"No one from our Qingxuan Sect has managed that in nearly a hundred years!"
Fang Han didn’t say any more, simply walking deeper into the courtyard. "Prepare some hot water. I’d like to wash up."
"Yes!"
Qiu Lan quickly replied and turned to instruct the two maids to prepare it.
Fang Han crossed the courtyard and entered his room.
Before long, the hot water was ready. He removed his robes and stepped into the tub.
The warm water enveloped his body, slowly melting away the fatigue from days of travel.
He closed his eyes and leaned against the side of the tub, letting the warmth seep through his skin and into his very bones.
...
The last rays of the evening sun filtered through the window lattice, casting a layer of warm gold upon the gray brick floor.
Yun Muyao’s residence was elegantly simple, decorated in white with no complex ornaments.
She sat by the window, a Sword Manual in her hand. A sheer white veil covered her face, revealing only a pair of cold, clear eyes.
Yun Qianyue sat across from her, a light purple veil obscuring half her face. She was looking down, fiddling with the tea set on the table.
"Qianyue."
Yun Muyao set down the Sword Manual and looked at her younger sister.
"Sister, what is it?"
Yun Qianyue looked up, a hint of confusion in her cool eyes.
"You’re distracted. The tea has gone cold."
Yun Muyao said faintly.
Yun Qianyue glanced down at the cold tea, taken aback for a moment. She said nothing, merely placing the cup back on the table in silence.
"What are you thinking about?"
Yun Muyao asked, seeing how obviously distracted Yun Qianyue was.
Yun Qianyue shook her head. "Nothing."
Before her words had even faded, a soft knock came from the door, followed by a maid’s respectful voice.
"Senior Sister, True Inheritor Fang Han has returned to the Sect. He just went back to his residence."
Yun Qianyue’s cool, clear eyes lit up slightly.
The light was faint and fleeting, almost imperceptible if one wasn’t looking closely.
She stood up, her movements unhurried, and gave Yun Muyao a slight bow.
"Sister, I’ll be heading back now."
Her voice was still cool, but beneath the coolness, there seemed to be a faint trace of urgency.
Yun Muyao looked at her sister without speaking immediately, simply gazing at her eyes, which held a little more life than usual.
After a moment, she nodded slightly. "Go on."
Yun Qianyue turned and walked toward the door.
Her steps remained composed, the hem of her dress brushing lightly against the floor with a soft rustle.
She didn’t look back as she reached the doorway, and soon disappeared outside.
Yun Muyao watched the pale green figure vanish, a flicker of a helpless smile in her cool, clear eyes.
The smile was faint, gone in an instant.
She withdrew her gaze, picked up the Sword Manual from the table again, and opened it.
...
After a comfortable bath, Fang Han rose from the tub, changed into a clean green robe, and casually tied up his long, still slightly damp hair with a Wooden Hairpin.
The fatigue from days of travel had mostly dissipated in the hot water, leaving him feeling much more refreshed.
He was drying the ends of his hair with a cloth when a soft knock came from the door.
"Senior Brother, Senior Sister Yun Qianyue is here to visit."
Qiu Lan’s voice sounded from outside.
Fang Han’s movements paused for a second. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he spoke.
"Please have her wait in the living room. I’ll be right there."
"Yes."
Qiu Lan’s footsteps faded away.
Fang Han draped the cloth over a rack, casually straightened his collar, and pushed the door open.
He walked through the corridor and into the living room.
Yun Qianyue was standing by the window with her back to the door, her pale green dress looking especially elegant in the twilight.
She still wore the light purple veil, revealing only her cool, clear eyes as she gazed at the beautiful sunset outside the window.
Hearing footsteps, she turned around.
Their eyes met.
"Did you just come from Senior Sister Yun’s place?"
Fang Han’s steps faltered for a moment before he resumed his normal pace, a smile appearing on his lips.
"Yes. I heard you were back, so I came to see you."
A faint light flickered in Yun Qianyue’s cool, clear eyes, gone so quickly it was almost impossible to catch.
"I brought back some local specialties from Celestial Swan City. Take some with you later."
Fang Han walked very naturally to Yun Qianyue’s side, standing shoulder to shoulder with her.
"Alright. The scenery outside is beautiful. If you’re not busy, will you walk with me?"
Yun Qianyue did not refuse, turning her head to look at Fang Han.
"Okay."
Fang Han was slightly surprised, then nodded.
The two of them left the living room, crossed the courtyard, and exited the gate.
Within the True Inheritance Courtyard, green stone paths wound between towering, flourishing ancient trees.
A magnificent sunset on the horizon dyed the distant mountains a deep gold.
The evening breeze blew past, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, as well as the faint, almost imperceptible fragrance from Yun Qianyue.
They walked side by side, no more than a foot apart.
Neither spoke; they simply walked in silence.
The stone path was covered in fine fallen leaves, which rustled softly under their feet.
The occasional chirp of a bird returning to its nest echoed from the woods, making the mountain path seem even more serene.
"Congratulations on reaching the top of the Celestial Pride List."
Yun Qianyue spoke softly after they had walked for a while.
"I’ll be waiting for you on the list," Fang Han said, looking at Yun Qianyue. "With your Talent, it’s inevitable that you’ll make it onto the Celestial Pride List."
When she first joined the Sect, she had ranked first among the new Entry Level disciples, which was a testament to her Talent.
If it weren’t for his cheat-like advantage, his own Talent wouldn’t even be worthy of carrying her shoes.
"Okay."
Yun Qianyue replied coolly.
They continued walking forward as they chatted.
Their shadows overlapped in the twilight, becoming indistinguishable.
After walking a bit further, a clearing appeared ahead.
In the center of the clearing stood a large green stone, engraved with a few large words: Listening Wind Platform.
The two of them stood on the Listening Wind Platform, gazing at the distant mountains slowly sinking into the twilight. Neither spoke again.
The evening breeze blew past, carrying the fresh scent of bamboo leaves and the faint fragrance that clung to her.
An unknown amount of time passed before the sky grew completely dark.
A crescent moon climbed above the treetops, casting a cool glow that stretched their shadows long across the ground.
"We should be getting back."
Yun Qianyue was the first to speak. Her voice was as cool as ever, but underneath it, there was a clear, faint trace of reluctance.
"I’ll walk you back."
Fang Han turned and began walking back the way they came, side by side with her.
They continued to walk shoulder to shoulder, no more than a foot apart. Their arms would occasionally brush lightly, but neither made any effort to pull away.