Late at night, ten miles northwest of Tianque City, the mountains were covered in silver, and snowflakes filled the air.
Even in the late night, the snow created a serene and ethereal atmosphere, dispelling the darkness.
In the center of Qiansnow Lake, surrounded by mountains, a black canvas boat floated on the water.
On the boat, there was a red clay stove with a large pot simmering on top. The pot contained a rich red broth made from more than ten kinds of spicy spices, emitting a steaming aroma.
Tea Jin sat to the side with a variety of fresh ingredients placed around her. There were vibrant vegetables, thinly sliced meat as delicate as cicada wings, as well as mushrooms, duck intestines, and yellow throat, among other foods.
Su Yi ate and drank, feeling comfortable in body and mind.
Under the falling snow, all was silent.
In this bone-chilling night, being on a boat in the middle of the lake, enjoying a hot and steamy hotpot with a breathtakingly beautiful woman by his side, was undoubtedly a rare moment of relaxation and indulgence.
"Master, please try this Qingso Fish. It only needs a quick dip in the hotpot, without any additional seasoning, and it becomes an unparalleled delicacy," Tea Jin said as she picked up a piece of crystal-clear white fish meat and dipped it into the hotpot, then handed it to Su Yi.
Qingso Fish was a specialty of Qiansnow Lake. It was only half a foot long and lived year-round in the icy cold lake water, giving its flesh an incredibly delicious taste.
Su Yi took a bite and found the flavor to be truly unique. He couldn't help but praise, "Indeed, it's exceptional."
Tea Jin smiled and skillfully helped Su Yi with his food, occasionally raising her cup to have a drink together with him.
The roaring fire from the stove reflected on her stunningly beautiful face, making her look even more charming and gentle.
Until they were full of food and drink, Su Yi lazily sat in front of the black canvas boat, gazing at the snowflakes falling on the lake's surface, feeling content and serene.
Tea Jin brewed a cup of hot tea for Su Yi and then sat beside him, resting her arms on his thigh. Her head leaned against her arms, resembling a little cat. With big eyes, she looked into the distance and spoke softly,
"Master, I have no home anymore. From now on... wherever you go, I will go. Master, rest assured, I won't cling to you all the time, nor do I seek any status. As long as you don't drive me away, it's enough."
Her voice carried countless tenderness and deep affection.
Su Yi gently caressed Tea Jin's silky hair with his fingers and casually said, "The path of cultivating the Great Dao is fraught with difficulties. Along this journey, there will be countless tribulations. If you're not afraid, I will never abandon you."
As he said this, he sighed inwardly.
As the former Sword Sovereign with a hundred thousand years of past experiences, he knew better than anyone that in the future, as his cultivation advanced, even if he kept Tea Jin by his side, they would inevitably spend less time together.
Moreover, the friends he had made now, as they pursued their own paths on the Great Dao, it was unlikely they would have the opportunity to meet again in this lifetime.
That's the path of cultivation.
As one walked further on the path of the Great Dao, those old friends and loved ones from the past would naturally drift away and become more distant.
However, with Su Yi's abilities, he could provide protection to those by his side, such as establishing a new sect and allowing them to cultivate within it.
But when he embarked on his own path of the sword, he would eventually be away for a very long time.
Of course, it was still too early to discuss these matters now.
Upon hearing Su Yi's response, Tea Jin seemed relieved, and a sweet smile appeared on her face.
To her, receiving such a promise from Su Yi was something she had never dared to imagine before. After all, in the past, Su Yi had only regarded her as a maid.
"Hmm."
Suddenly, Tea Jin's jade arm, resting on Su Yi's thigh, stiffened slightly as it brushed against something hard.
Her pretty face immediately turned red, and she shyly raised her head to glance at Su Yi.
But what she saw was Su Yi holding a teacup, casually saying, "After all, I am still a young man in my prime. If I didn't have this reaction, would I still be a man?"
Confident and natural.
Tea Jin had long grown accustomed to Su Yi's straightforward and open-minded nature. She quickly glanced around, her lips slightly pursed, and nervously said, "Or... should I help you, Master?"
As she spoke, she took a deep breath and lowered her head.
Su Yi's body stiffened, and he involuntarily took in a sharp breath.
It was that gentle act of lowering her head, as delicate as a lotus flower trembling in the cool breeze.
Next to them, the fire in the stove gradually died down.
In the distance, the snow-covered mountains stood tall, and the surroundings were quiet and desolate.
After a long time, Su Yi let out a long sigh.
...
Early the next morning.
The sun was shining brightly, casting golden reflections on Qiansnow Lake, and the water shimmered like broken gold.
After waking up on the black canvas boat, Su Yi, accompanied by Tea Jin, set off to return to the outskirts of Tianque City.
Tea Jin lifted her delicate head and let out a whistle.
She was calling the Azure Scale Eagle.
Today, they planned to return to the Great Zhou Empire.
When Tea Jin turned her head, she noticed Su Yi staring at her lips, which seemed to remind her of some intimate moments from last night. Her cheeks immediately flushed, and her beautiful eyes carried a hint of shyness.
"What are you thinking about?" Su Yi chuckled.
But it had to be said that the indulgence they had enjoyed on the Qiansnow Lake last night had its own wild charm.
Soon, the Azure Scale Eagle arrived, carrying the two of them as they took off.
With the passage of the night, news of Su Yi's victory over Qiu Hengkong, surpassing the Moon Sect, spread throughout the Da Wei Empire, causing a huge sensation.
Even the Emperor of Da Wei was alarmed and lamented, "If Da Zhou has Su Yi, who in Da Wei can compare to him?"
When the news reached the Great Zhou Empire, it caused a great uproar from Yujing City to the six provinces of the empire.
"The Autumn in the Sky is considered the number one sword in Da Wei, an extraordinary existence, yet he couldn't even match our Imperial Tutor Su Yi of the Great Zhou Empire?"
Countless people found it hard to believe.
"One person's swordsmanship in Da Wei is like entering a realm devoid of others, even forcing the prestigious Moon Sect of Da Wei to bow down. Mr. Su Yi is simply incredible!"
Someone applauded and praised.
"In the past, wasn't there someone who said that Mr. Su Yi killed the Hidden Dragon members of the Great Zhou Empire, acted too ruthlessly, and would provoke foreign invasions? Where are those people now? I would like to give them a good slap and make them kneel down to repent!"
Someone clenched their fists.
"With Mr. Su Yi in our Great Zhou Empire, our country is secure, and there will be everlasting peace in the world!"
In the secular world, most martial artists have changed their views on Su Yi and hold him in high regard.
"Our Imperial Tutor embarks on a journey, exalting the prestige of our Great Zhou Empire. Such remarkable deeds, when have we ever seen them before?"
In the imperial palace of Yujing City, the news reached Zhou Zhili, who was ecstatic and repeatedly slapped his own thigh.
However, soon he couldn't help but worry because he suddenly realized that despite ruling over the Great Zhou Empire, he couldn't come up with any treasures that were worthy of rewarding Su Yi...
"How about selecting a group of stunning beauties to send to Brother Su? No, if I do that, won't Brother Su think that in my heart, he is a lustful person?"
"Forget it, I'll just pick some rare and precious treasures from the palace treasury to send. Although Brother Su may not care, I must express enough goodwill!"
"Bring me the 'Dragon-patterned Radiant Jade,' the 'Heavenly Fragrant Spirit Marrow,' and the thousand-year python's demonic pill from my father's treasured collection in the palace treasury."
After giving the order, Zhou Zhili couldn't help but look at Hong Canshang, the national teacher who had been helping him with court affairs in the hall, and asked, "National Teacher, do you think these treasures are enough?"
Hong Canshang's lip twitched. Those were some of the most precious treasures privately collected by the current Emperor of Zhou, each one invaluable and considered heavenly treasures in the eyes of cultivators. And this guy still thinks they're not enough?
After calming his mind, Hong Canshang said, "Your Highness, it is the thought that counts the most."
Zhou Zhili nodded and said, "Well... let it be then. When I have the opportunity, I will personally go and meet Brother Su to express my heartfelt gratitude."
Su Yi's battle in the Moon Sect of Da Wei not only boosted the prestige of the Great Zhou Empire but also instilled a terrifying deterrent in Da Wei!
That was the most important thing.
...
Gunzhou, Tianyuan Academy.
Mingquan Pavilion.
"Friend, in just two days, you have defeated the Moon Sect, displaying your dominance with your sword. From now on, no one in the entire Da Wei will dare to cause trouble in the Great Zhou Empire."
Ning Xihua's clear eyes sparkled with a smile as she watched Su Yi sipping his tea, expressing her admiration.
She had only recently received the news and was astonished when she learned that even the sword grandmaster Qiu Hengkong had been defeated by Su Yi.
"The news spreads quickly."
Su Yi shook his head. "By the way, didn't you mention something important?"
"Lan Suo sent news yesterday that there has been a disturbance in the depths of the 'Chaotic Spirit Sea,' the most dangerous place in Da Qin. It seems that an ancient relic has appeared unexpectedly."
Ning Xihua whispered, "It is said that there were unprecedented anomalies, shrouding the sky for a thousand zhang, with the continuous sound of mysterious cries, and a mirage-like heavenly palace emerged."
Su Yi nodded, showing his interest. "Is there anything else worth noting?"
Ning Xihua said, "I'm not sure. Lan Suo didn't provide detailed information. She only learned from her Master, Yun Lang, that the disturbance in the depths of the Chaotic Spirit Sea seems to be related to an ancient sect called the 'Group Immortal Sword Tower.'"
"The Group Immortal Sword Tower? Just an ancient cultivation force. How audacious of them to call themselves 'Group Immortals'?"
Su Yi raised an eyebrow. "This reminds me of something. It is often the demonic cultivators who love to add the words 'god' and 'immortal' to their sect names, claiming to transcend their primitive and barbaric nature and ascend to the path of immortal cultivation."
Ning Xihua couldn't help but be surprised. "Is that so? It's the first time I've heard of it. Are you interested in this disturbance? Lan Suo said she is looking forward to exploring it with you."
Su Yi's expression became slightly peculiar.
Not long ago, Yu Liuwang, Yue Shichan, had invited him to join the "Lan Platform Assembly" in Da Xia.
Now, Lan Suo was inviting him to explore the depths of the Chaotic Spirit Sea in Da Qin.
Looking at it this way, he seemed to have become a hot commodity...
After some consideration, Su Yi was about to speak when suddenly, a swift bird flew across the distant sky and landed on a nearby pine tree near Mingquan Pavilion.
In its claws, there was a sealed letter.