The next morning he rose from his slumber, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Engaging in his customary morning routine, he performed a series of exercises, stretching his limbs and centering his energy. The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air, adding to the serene ambiance.
As he savored the rejuvenating tea, a knock on the door interrupted his peaceful solitude. With curiosity piqued, Yue Xuan made his way to the entrance and opened it, revealing a disciple who appeared to be out of breath, struggling to deliver a message.
"Esteemed Elder Yue Xuan," the disciple gasped, trying to catch their breath. "The matriarch and the other elders request your presence on the grand square. They are gathering there to choose your guide from among the volunteers."
Yue Xuan raised an eyebrow, his thoughts momentarily perplexed. "Why would they hold such a small selection on the grand square? They could have easily done it within the hall," he pondered silently. Nevertheless, he composed himself and replied to the disciple, "Very well, I will follow you."
The disciple bowed respectfully, and together they made their way toward the grand square. As they arrived, Yue Xuan's eyes widened in surprise. A vast crowd of disciples had gathered, both male and female, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Whispers and excited murmurs filled the air, centered around his presence.
He overheard snippets of conversation as he walked through the throng. Words like "he's so handsome," "dual cultivation," and "sword art" floated through the crowd, carrying the hopes and aspirations of the disciples. Some yearned to share their dual cultivation knowledge with him, while others eagerly sought to learn the art of the sword from him.
As Yue Xuan made his way through the crowd, a sudden outburst caught him off guard. A female disciple, with eyes widened in awe, pointed directly at him and screamed at the top of her lungs, "There he is! The god of Beauty has arrived!"
The words echoed through the square, reverberating among the disciples. Heads turned, gazes shifted, and all attention focused on Yue Xuan. Cheers erupted, spreading like wildfire, as excitement filled the air. The disciples' voices blended into a symphony of admiration and anticipation.
Yue Xuan's expression turned to one of perplexity, his brows furrowing slightly. The term "god of Beauty" seemed exaggerated to him, and he couldn't help but think they might be going a bit overboard. However, little did he know that the depth of his charm and allure surpassed the ordinary standards, making him worthy of such adoration. If the cultivators weren't bound by their sense of pride and decorum, they might very well have fallen to their knees, yearning to worship him.
Nevertheless, he maintained his composure and continued forward, a gentle smile playing upon his lips. The cheers and cheers grew louder, echoing the disciples' excitement and anticipation. Inwardly, he pondered the impact his presence had on those around him, acknowledging the potential power he held within the sect.
While the disciples' exuberance might have seemed excessive to Yue Xuan, he couldn't deny the genuine appreciation and admiration they held for him. It was a testament to his captivating presence and the allure he exuded effortlessly.
As Yue Xuan approached the grand stairs, the chatter and excitement of the disciples gradually faded into the background. The sight that awaited him atop the stairs was an assembly of elders and the esteemed Matriarch Xue Mingyu. They stood in a semi-circle, engaged in conversation amongst themselves.
Yue Xuan's footsteps grew softer as he neared, allowing him to catch snippets of their discussion. One elder's voice stood out, expressing surprise at the overwhelming number of volunteers. "I never expected this many," she remarked, her tone filled with astonishment. "More than half the sect has gathered here today."
Another elder chimed in, her words tinged with wry amusement, "I anticipated the enthusiasm from our female disciples, but I must admit, I never expected this many male disciples to step forward. They let go of their foolish pride, I suppose."
The conversation carried an undercurrent of intrigue and curiosity, their voices hushed as they marveled at the unprecedented turnout. The sheer magnitude of the disciples' presence sent ripples of astonishment through the ranks of the elders. It was clear that Yue Xuan's reputation had spread far and wide, captivating the hearts and aspirations of both genders within the sect.
With a composed demeanor, Yue Xuan climbed the stairs, his presence drawing the focus of all eyes upon him. The elders and the matriarch turned their attention toward him, their gazes filled with admiration and curiosity. The magnitude of the moment sank in, as he became the central figure in this event.
Matriarch Xue Mingyu stepped forward, her graceful presence commanding the attention of all. She greeted Yue Xuan with a warm smile, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "Welcome, esteemed Elder Yue Xuan. We are delighted to have you here today."
Yue Xuan inclined his head in a respectful bow, acknowledging the matriarch's words. "Thank you, Matriarch Xue Mingyu. It is an honor to be in your presence."
The matriarch then proceeded to explain the situation to Yue Xuan, her tone tinged with surprise. "We had originally planned to choose a guide from among the volunteers gathered here today. However, we never anticipated such an overwhelming response. It seems that your reputation has captured the hearts of many within our sect."
Listening attentively, Yue Xuan's lips curled into a slight smile as he absorbed the matriarch's words. But before she could finish, he calmly interjected, "Matriarch Xue Mingyu, I appreciate your intentions, but I must inform you that I no longer require a guide. I stumbled upon a map in the sect's library last night."
His words hung in the air, met with stunned silence from the gathered elders. Their eyes widened in surprise, not at the fact that Yue Xuan had found a map, but rather at the implication of what it meant for the enthusiastic disciples who had hoped to join him on his journey. The realization dawned on them, causing a mixture of disappointment and fear to ripple through the small gathering.
The matriarch's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "A map? That is indeed unexpected. May I ask, Elder Yue Xuan, where does this map lead?"
Yue Xuan's gaze met the matriarch's, his voice steady and composed, yet a slight smile visible on his lips. "It leads to the ancient land of Thunder Peak, Matriarch. The fortified city of Thunder Peak is where I will be heading, where else would it lead."
The elders exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued by the mention of Thunder Peak. They knew that this journey held profound significance, and it seemed that Yue Xuan had already made preparations to embark on his path. The matriarch's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and intrigue as she contemplated the implications of his words.
As Yue Xuan finished explaining that he no longer required a guide, an elder stepped forward to address the crowd. His voice resonated with authority as he tried to calm the gathering storm of disappointment and frustration.
"Dear disciples," the elder called out, his words projecting across the square, "we have received unexpected news from Elder Yue Xuan. It seems that his requirements have changed, and he no longer needs the assistance of a guide."
The crowd erupted into an uproar, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony of discontent. Disappointed shouts and cries filled the air as the disciples felt their hopes being shattered. The elder raised his hands, pleading for silence, but his attempts were in vain.
Sensing the tension and the potential for the situation to escalate, Yue Xuan stepped forward. His commanding presence and calm demeanor seemed to have an immediate effect on the crowd, gradually quelling their outbursts.
"Please, my fellow disciples, allow me to speak," Yue Xuan's voice carried through the square, his words laced with sincerity. "I apologize for any inconvenience caused by this sudden change. I understand your disappointment and frustration. However, I am willing to make it up to you."
The crowd's attention shifted towards Yue Xuan, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. They awaited his words, eager to hear his proposed solution.
Yue Xuan continued, his voice filled with resolve. "In order to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and enthusiasm, I am offering an opportunity to five disciples. Upon my return from Thunder Peak, I will personally choose these five disciples to become my apprentices for a week."
A murmur of excitement swept through the crowd, their disappointment slowly transforming into renewed hope. The prospect of being personally mentored by Yue Xuan for a week was a rare and invaluable opportunity that stirred their spirits.
"I promise to dedicate myself to your cultivation and share my knowledge and experiences," Yue Xuan assured them, his words carrying a sense of sincerity and genuine commitment. "During this week, we will embark on a journey of growth and development together."
The uproar gradually subsided, replaced by a buzz of anticipation and excitement. The disciples looked at one another, sharing glances of renewed hope and determination. Yue Xuan's gesture had not only calmed the situation but also reignited their passion for cultivation.
As the crowd slowly dispersed, whispers and murmurs fading away, Yue Xuan turned to the Matriarch, Xue Mingyu, who stood by his side. With a calm yet inquisitive gaze, he addressed her, his voice carrying a tinge of anticipation.
"Matriarch Xue Mingyu, have all the necessary preparations been made for my departure?" he inquired.
The Matriarch nodded, her expression composed. "Indeed, Elder Yue Xuan. We have taken care of the arrangements. Funds and provisions have been prepared for your journey to Thunder Peak.."
Yue Xuan's gaze lingered for a moment, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Matriarch. Your meticulousness and foresight are truly commendable."
A gentle smile graced Xue Mingyu's lips. "It is my duty to ensure the smooth progression of our sect and the welfare of our esteemed disciples. Your journey is an important task, and we will spare no effort in supporting you."
"In that case," Yue Xuan replied, his tone steady, "I am ready to embark on this journey. I will make the most of the preparations you and the elders have made, and I shall represent our sect with honor and integrity."
The Matriarch's eyes gleamed with pride and confidence. "I have no doubt that you will, Elder Yue Xuan. Your accomplishments and dedication speak for themselves. May your journey be prosperous, and may you return with even greater wisdom and strength."
Yue Xuan offered a respectful bow, expressing his gratitude once again. "I shall do my utmost to uphold the honor and legacy of our sect. Your support and guidance are invaluable, Matriarch. I will not disappoint."
With their conversation drawing to a close, Yue Xuan felt a surge of determination and readiness. The preparations were in place, and his departure loomed near.
Excusing himself from the gathering, Yue Xuan expressed his need to make the final preparations for his journey. With a nod of understanding from the Matriarch and a farewell to the elders, he swiftly made his way back to his residence.
Inside his humble abode, he focused on the task at hand. Gathering his belongings, he carefully selected the essentials needed for his upcoming journey. His sword, a loyal companion and a testament to his skill, held a place of utmost importance among his possessions. He inspected it with a practiced eye, ensuring its sharpness and integrity, before securing it at his side.
As the hours passed, the anticipation within him grew stronger. When the appointed time came, Yue Xuan emerged from his residence, a figure of purpose and determination. Passing through the familiar gate, which had welcomed him as a guest just days before, he now strode confidently through it as a departing traveler.
The air carried a mix of excitement and anticipation as he embarked on his new path. The sect's disciples who happened to catch a glimpse of his departure exchanged glances, their eyes filled with curiosity and admiration. The news of his swift rise in cultivation had spread, and his departure became an event that garnered attention and whispers of awe.
As he disappeared into the distance, the sect's gate closed behind him.