Watching the Mountain

Of all the people in Xu Ran’s life, she was definitely the lowest priority. Yet, the simple title of master and disciple was enough to compel him to be brave for once.

If he backed down now, he would continue to back down forever.

As a Longevity Seeker, the most suitable lifestyle for him, in theory, was to stay hidden until he possessed sufficient strength. If trouble came to his hiding place, he was to flee immediately and find a new one.

But in a place like the Cultivation Realm, how could a truly peaceful sanctuary exist? He would always encounter turmoil and upheaval. There might even be chaos that swept across the world. When that time came, how could he possibly hide?

A cultivator’s path doesn’t need to be turbulent, but when it becomes absolutely necessary, one must have the courage to face what comes.

Just like the situation now.

He was determined to protect his disciple, Jiang Ling’Er!

After hearing Xu Ran’s words, the Master of the Internal Affairs Hall was silent for a moment. He then let out a soft sigh, silently rose, and took out the Tier Ten Magical Robe, handing it to him. He began to speak slowly,

"Since it has come to this, Elder Xu, take this Magical Robe. If it remains intact, bring it back to me. If it’s damaged, there’s no need to return it. I will simply report to the Sect that it was stolen."

Xu Ran was taken aback. ’Stolen?’

’This Master of the Internal Affairs Hall really doesn’t know how to keep his books, does he!’

After a moment of silence, he solemnly accepted the Magical Robe and stored it away. He formed a Dao Seal with his hands, bowed slightly to the Master of the Internal Affairs Hall, and left without another word.

After leaving the Internal Affairs Hall, Xu Ran tilted his head back slightly and glanced at the scorching sun in the sky.

The attitude of the Master of the Internal Affairs Hall made him suddenly realize something: he had already left a significant mark on this world. He was no longer a mediocre person.

’Traces of me are everywhere in this world now. Maybe I’m far more exceptional than I ever imagined.’

’That former scorching sun had already set in a blaze of glory. If I had stuck to my old ways and remained in the Sect, perhaps my own day to shine would have come—a day that would never end.’

’But that is not my path.’

Xu Ran placed a hand to his brow, gazing at the blazing sun. Then, he silently lowered his arm and strode away.

*

*

*

Apart from using a sealed token from the Elder Council, only two people in the entire Sect had the independent authority to activate the Teleportation Array that led directly to the Demon Race.

One was the Sect Leader, and the other was the current Chief Disciple.

Ten years ago, Senior Sister Yue had told Xu Ran that she had already broken through to the Nascent Soul Stage. This fact hadn’t been publicized, so very few people were aware of it.

After undergoing the Scattering and Rebuilding, Senior Sister Yue quickly regained the level of cultivation she should have already reached.

By all rights, she should have resigned from her position as the Sect’s Chief Disciple at that point.

However, perhaps because the Profound Pure Sect had produced too many prodigies in the past, the Sect’s good fortune in that regard had been exhausted.

Shen Wuchen had been the Sect’s last great prodigy. In the centuries since his time, the Sect hadn’t produced a single dazzling talent. Even disciples who could be called geniuses were now a rare sight.

With no disciple capable of shouldering the responsibility, and with Senior Sister Yue keeping her breakthrough quiet, she simply continued to serve as the Chief Disciple.

Xu Ran returned to his Cave Mansion and spent a while with the Phoenix Egg that was Little Xiyue. After setting up a few more Arrays around his abode, he made his way to Senior Sister Yue’s.

He had reported his intended actions to the Sect, so anyone with sufficient status could learn of his plans.

Yue Qingyu’s status was certainly high enough. So, when she saw Xu Ran arrive, she spoke softly before he even had a chance to open his mouth.

"If you’re ready, Junior Brother, let’s depart."

With that, she rose and led Xu Ran out of her Cave Mansion.

Seeing this, Xu Ran hurriedly said, "Senior Sister, just give me the token. I can go by myself."

Yue Qingyu glanced back slightly. "No. I am accompanying you to the Demon Race."

Xu Ran was stunned. ’How can I let her do that? This is my own private affair; I was prepared to handle it alone.’

However, before he could voice his refusal, Yue Qingyu’s gaze fell upon him. She looked him directly in the eyes and said softly,

"Junior Brother, I was the one who brought you into the Sect. I understand you better than anyone else, and I know how much you cherish your life. You must have summoned a great deal of courage and agonized over this for a long time to have made such a decision."

Her tone was incredibly gentle, like a soft breeze that couldn’t help but calm one’s heart and compel them to listen.

She gave a light laugh, a sound as lovely as a hundred flowers blooming.

"But even though you’ve made up your mind, your heart must be filled with unease at the thought of fighting alone, right, Junior Brother?"

She gently extended a hand toward Xu Ran. "I’ll go with you. That way, you won’t have to be anxious."

"Junior Brother, go and enjoy your first real battle without any worries."

Xu Ran stared blankly at the woman before him. She was his Senior Sister Yue, a woman as cool and ethereal as a Fairy from the Moon Palace, yet the words flowing from her lips were so gentle.

Xiaoque’Er once said that Senior Sister Yue cared more about the people around her than anyone. It was precisely because Senior Sister Yue was so wonderful that Xiaoque’Er lost the courage to stand by her side.

It wasn’t until just before she passed away that Xiaoque’Er finally came to terms with it all. In her final moments, she took the initiative to ask Senior Sister Yue to see her one last time.

She didn’t want Senior Sister Yue to grieve for her after she was gone.

To make such a gentle Senior Sister sad would surely leave one’s spirit restless, even in death.

After a long silence, Xu Ran gave a slight nod, no longer able to find the words to refuse.