Chapter 099

Chapter 99: The Journey Back to the Sect

Yun Xi’s eyes brightened at the news, asking eagerly, “Senior Sister Mu, have the bosses finished their negotiations?”

“Yes,” Mu Ning Zhu nodded. “Yesterday, the beast tide suddenly withdrew, meaning their leaders must have reached an agreement.”

“Whew! That’s wonderful,” Yun Xi exclaimed in genuine relief, “I was worried we’d be trapped here!”

Mu Ning Zhu teased gently, “Oh, I thought you’d prefer to stay and hone your skills among the beasts a bit longer?”

Yun Xi instantly became obedient, replying sweetly, “Senior Sister, you tease me. I know exactly how capable I am.”

Mu Ning Zhu shook her head in helpless amusement, saying, “Do you really? Yesterday, you were the fiercest fighter, always diving straight into the middle of the demon beast horde.”

Yun Xi put on a pitiful expression, quickly explaining, “Senior Sister, I swear by heaven and earth, the Five Colored Boa knocked me into the beast swarm!”

Qin Tong Shuang smiled faintly, speaking up to ease the atmosphere, “Senior Aunt Mu, don’t blame Yun Xi. It was her first battle against so many demon beasts, and she returned without a scratch. That shows her strength.”

Mu Ning Zhu’s tone softened as she said gently, “Just don’t be reckless next time. We were fortunate Senior Brother Sheng was there—I nearly didn’t reach you in time.”

Yun Xi immediately promised, “Don’t worry, Senior Sister Mu, it won’t happen again!”

She could sense clearly that Mu Ning Zhu genuinely saw her as a junior sister to be cared for. Coupled with Qin Tong Shuang’s friendship, it seemed they had truly accepted her as part of their group.

Just as their conversation ended, Sheng Yu Hong appeared, addressing everyone present, “Fellow disciples, today we don’t need to fight. You’re free to move around but remain within Treasure Blossom City.”

“Yes, Senior Brother (Senior Uncle),” the disciples responded eagerly, relief written clearly on their faces—at least today they wouldn’t add any new injuries.

Mu Ning Zhu turned to Yun Xi and said, “Let’s turn in our tasks first and exchange them for spirit stones.”

“Alright!”

“Senior Aunt Mu, wait for me!” Long Dao Yu quickly joined in, preferring to stay close to familiar faces. Zhang Yan also joined their small group, and together the five headed toward the City Lord’s mansion.

At the mansion, the line for task exchanges was already quite long. Clearly, with the temporary ceasefire, everyone wanted to trade their demon beast remains quickly.

While queuing, Yun Xi spotted Yu Qing Cheng and his group from Hundred Flowers Pavilion, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of admirers.

Since Qin Tong Shuang, Long Dao Yu, and Zhang Yan hadn’t seen them before, Yun Xi whispered a quick introduction, concluding with a warning, “Don’t meet their eyes. They practice charm arts; if you’re not careful, you’ll get caught.”

“Oh, got it!” The three obediently averted their gazes.

Sensing their attention, Yu Qing Cheng glanced toward Yun Xi’s group. Yun Xi offered a sweet, polite smile and nodded in greeting. Yu Qing Cheng’s phoenix eyes curved enchantingly, responding with a seductive smile that made Long Dao Yu shiver, whispering nervously, “The disciples of Hundred Flowers Pavilion really are captivating. Just one smile made half my body numb.”

Qin Tong Shuang coldly retorted, “Weak-willed!”

“Exactly!” Yun Xi immediately chimed in, casting him a disappointed look.

Long Dao Yu grinned awkwardly, raising his hands in surrender, “I’m just saying! I’ll definitely keep my distance.”

The group laughed and chatted while exchanging their rewards, stopping briefly at Overlook Terrace Pavilion to restock supplies before returning to their quarters.

Yun Xi remained indoors afterward, quietly drawing talismans. By afternoon, news spread quickly: the beast tide had fully retreated, and Treasure Blossom City’s defensive formation had reopened.

Sheng Yu Hong shared fresh news promptly, explaining, “The Divine Transformation Ancestors of the western region and the Great Demons of Treasure Blossom Range have agreed to share the newly emerged secret realm. However, the realm isn’t yet stable enough for cultivators. Currently, the Divine Transformation cultivators and demon leaders have temporarily sealed it. Once stable, cultivators at Golden Core stage and above will be allowed to enter. The upper cultivation limit and exact opening time remain unknown.”

Disciples from Grand Righteous Sect murmured among themselves immediately:

“Seems we won’t have the chance to enter.”

“Yeah, only Golden Core cultivators are allowed. There must be rare treasures inside.”

“Don’t lose heart! The timing isn’t set. Maybe we’ll reach Golden Core by then?”

“True. Let’s give it our all!”

When the murmurs quieted, Sheng Yu Hong continued, “Disciples assigned to guard duties will stay. Those injured can rest until healed before leaving. Others may decide their next steps. When you return to the sect, remember to claim your beast-tide battle rewards.”

“Yes,” everyone answered, then slowly dispersed.

Yun Xi had already decided to return immediately since her mission was complete, and she needed to consolidate her recent gains.

Mu Ning Zhu asked, “Junior Sister Wei, what’s your plan?”

Smiling, Yun Xi replied, “My task was to find you all. Since everyone is safe, I’ll return now. I’ve gained quite a bit and need to enter seclusion to stabilize my cultivation and improve my strength. Luck won’t always be there when I’m in danger.”

“In that case, let’s return to the sect together. It’s safer,” Mu Ning Zhu offered warmly.

“Great!” Yun Xi agreed without hesitation.

Long Dao Yu chose to remain behind, hoping to spend more time with his idol, Senior Uncle Sheng.

The next morning, once the southern gate reopened, Yun Xi departed with Mu Ning Zhu’s group.

After leaving Treasure Blossom City, Mu Ning Zhu soared through the air on her sword. Qin Tong Shuang used a flower-shaped flying artifact, while Zhang Yan rode on a flying sword, though unable yet to control it personally.

Helplessly, Yun Xi brought out her only spirit sword, wobbling awkwardly into the air, trembling as she tried to keep up.

Though her companions hid amused smiles, no one dared laugh openly. Eventually, Mu Ning Zhu flew beside Yun Xi, patiently instructing her in the basics of sword flight.

Yun Xi grit her teeth, determined to learn. After all, sword flight was essential for cultivators, especially during critical escapes.

Thanks to her wind spirit root, she quickly grasped how to stabilize herself with wind energy, steadily improving her control and speed. Within two days, Yun Xi had mostly mastered the technique.

Since sword flight drained spiritual energy, the group regularly paused to rest. When encountering no-fly zones, they continued on foot.

On the third day, they reached Wanruo Forest, dense and teeming with flying beasts. Flying through was impossible, so everyone landed, stored their artifacts, and walked cautiously through the woods.

By nightfall, they had covered a fifth of the distance and made camp, intending to resume at dawn. Rather than sleeping, they meditated in shifts, with Zhang Yan keeping watch for the first half of the night.

At midnight, a sudden sound of combat jolted them all awake.