Wind and Thunder Started . . .
The mountains reached up into the sky, the rivers stretched far and wide, and the road seemed endless. No matter how extensive the journey, it was destined to reach its conclusion. Jun Yinglian was taken aback by this realization. She muttered to herself, "It's a personal matter, sister. You don't need to concern yourself with it..."
Xuan Bing, however, retorted indignantly, "What are you saying? Haven't we just pledged our sisterhood? I can't accept your calling me sister in vain!"
Jun Yinglian offered a grateful smile, saying, "I know how kind you are. I suppose I can omit the words of thanks. Sister, farewell. We will meet again."
"Hmm. Be safe, sister," Xuan Bing replied, hesitating before adding, "Sister, we're now sisters. If I ever wrong you... please forgive me."
Jun Yinglian was magnanimous in her response, stating, "Why talk of such things, sister? Uttering such words would only strain our relationship."
They bid each other farewell.
Even after resuming her journey for a considerable length of time, Jun Yinglian couldn't shake off her sense of elation. She had never anticipated that the world-renowned figure, Xuan Bing, could be so sensitive and could genuinely relate to her.
Their initial meeting had been awkward, and Jun Yinglian had been guarded. However, as their conversation progressed, they grew closer. It seemed that their answers to every topic of discussion aligned perfectly.
When they decided to swear to be sisters, both women had yearned for such a relationship. If Xuan Bing hadn't made the suggestion first, Jun Yinglian would have proposed it herself. Given their generous and noble natures, neither would have had ulterior motives.
Within a single night, they had already become close friends.
"[Xuan Bing must have approached me for a reason. It wasn't just to get to know me. It's more complex than that. She must have had other motivations]," Jun Yinglian pondered silently. "[Regardless of her intentions, she harbors no ill will toward me. That much is clear.]"
"[The warmth and gratitude are impossible to fake.]"
"[Her final words... It's as if she knew there might be something that would offend me, but she wanted to give me a heads-up. She didn't want to damage our relationship... Even if she does something to hurt me in the future... However, what do I have to lose now? What can't I accept at this point?]"
Jun Yinglian smiled wryly and cast off the weight from her heart. She hastened through the clouds, striving to reach her destination soon.
[After fulfilling my promise to Yue Gongxue, I'm afraid I'll vanish from this world.]
[Xuan Bing offered to assist in seeking revenge... but it's my personal matter. I don't want anything to taint the pure bond between us.] She clenched her teeth. [Besides, I'm the only one who can exact vengeance for him! I don't need the help of others. I don't want anyone else to share this burden!]
[I won't endanger anyone else. I don't require anyone else's assistance.]
She gazed into the distance, and Oracle District was within sight.
[This may well be my last long journey... of my life!] Jun Yinglian paused and surveyed the horizon. She remained calm. [Upon my return from Oracle District... everything will come to an end!]
In the sky, the piercing cry of a hawk resonated, and a flash of golden light shone.
Beyond the clouds, a magnificent hawk soared above Jun Yinglian, shrouded in thunder and wind, leaving a dazzling trail.
"What a splendid hawk!" Jun Yinglian couldn't help but admire it. Despite her extensive experience as a cultivator, she had never seen a hawk as beautiful as this one. The hawk easily outpaced her, flying at least twenty percent faster. In a matter of seconds, it had gone from behind her to far ahead. It was incredibly swift!
Jun Yinglian praised the hawk but didn't slow down much, resuming her course toward Oracle District.
At almost the same moment, in a desolate icy landscape, a towering cliff dominated the scene. Emerging from a cave beneath the cliff was a man with a wild appearance, his face obscured by a thick beard. He had an imposing and formidable presence, exuding a sense of power akin to that of a dragon or a tiger.
As he stepped out of the cave and gazed up at the sky, he burst into hearty laughter and shouted, his voice echoing throughout the land, "I'm heading out!"
"Wait for me!"
"My comrade! My sibling! Wait!"
"And my adversaries, hold on!"
"May the heavens protect you. Don't meet your end just yet!"
"I shall be the one to claim your lives!"
"Hahahahaha..."
With a colossal silhouette looming behind him, he bellowed toward the heavens. Extending his right hand, he seized a lengthy saber that emitted frigid gleams within the cave. Suddenly, the blade was in his hand, as if it had materialized out of thin air.
The blade sparkled with chilling lights that quivered and shimmered in his grip.
It was as if this divine weapon had been dormant for far too long, eager to be bathed in blood and souls.
"Old friend, it's been some time!"
Gazing at the saber in his hand, he smiled. "Over these past years, I've faced troubles and entanglements. You must have suffered as well. From this day forward, we will traverse the skies once more, asserting our dominance over the world!"
The razor-sharp and robust blade emitted cold glimmers. The saber even produced a sound.
It resonated like a roaring dragon.
"Hahahaha..."
He chuckled and said, "Let's go, old friend!"
The blade gleamed once more. He and his saber became one, soaring into the sky like a lightning bolt, puncturing the clouds above.
Suddenly, thunder rumbled in the sky in their wake.
It was as if it were a portent, foretelling an impending calamity.
...
Cha Eun Xiao and Zhan Yunfei engaged in a sparring match.
Zhan Yunfei deliberately held back his cultivation, limiting himself to the second stage of the Dao Origin Stage, to battle Cha Eun Xiao, who was at the first stage of the Dao Origin Stage. Zhu Jiutian observed as the referee.
After a fierce collision, as they separated, Zhu Jiutian could no longer contain himself...
"You deceiver!" Zhu Jiutian exclaimed, pointing at Zhan Yunfei's swollen and battered visage. He accused, "You covertly boosted your cultivation! There's no greater disgrace!"
"I didn't! Absolutely not!"
Zhan Yunfei was irate. "I was the one getting thrashed! How could I have raised my cultivation!... You imbecile!"