The air was heavy in the room, the echoes of the physician's grim words still lingering. Xianwu had barely recovered, yet his resolve seemed unwavering as he turned to face Lan Hua and Yun Wei. His eyes, though calm, bore an intensity that could not be ignored.
"I'm leaving the Azure Cloud Sect," Xianwu announced, his voice cutting through the silence.
Lan Hua's eyes widened in shock, her face paling as she struggled to process his words. "Leaving... the sect? But... why, Xianwu? You can't be serious! The Azure Cloud Sect is our home. It's been my home for as long as I can remember," she said, her voice trembling, the disbelief evident in her eyes.
Xianwu looked at her, his gaze unwavering. "Lan Hua, I don't make this decision lightly. But you heard what the physician said. I have only a few years left if I continue on this path. And in those years, I cannot afford to remain stagnant. The resources we have here are not enough for me to advance as quickly as I need to. The larger sects have what I require—the knowledge, the resources, the opportunities."
Lan Hua shook her head, her heart pounding in her chest. "But... what about the Azure Cloud Sect? What about everything we've worked for? You can't just abandon it!"
Xianwu sighed, stepping closer to her, his voice softening. "I'm not abandoning the sect, Lan Hua. Everything I've done, every decision I've made, has been for the people I care about. The Azure Cloud Sect has been my home too, and it will always be. But staying here means stagnation. I cannot protect you, or anyone else, if I remain this weak. I need to become stronger, and I can't do that here."
Yun Wei, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, perked up at the conversation. A grin spread across his face. "You know, this actually sounds pretty exciting," he said. "I've always wanted to see more of the world, and I do have some talent for cultivation. Why not make it a proper journey? Count me in, Xianwu. Besides, it sounds like a lot more fun than staying put in this city."
Lan Hua looked between the two men, her expression a mix of confusion and worry. "Yun Wei, are you serious? This isn't some game. This is about leaving behind everything we know, everything we've worked for."
Yun Wei shrugged, a carefree smile on his face. "I've never been one for sticking to a single place, Lan Hua. Life is about experiences, and I've got a feeling this journey with Xianwu will be full of them. And who knows, I might just end up becoming a cultivator worth talking about."
Xianwu turned to Lan Hua, his eyes filled with understanding. "Lan Hua, I know this isn't easy. You've been part of the sect your entire life. It's all you've ever known. But think about it—you want to protect the sect, don't you? You want to protect those you care about. Staying here, with the resources we have... it won't be enough. The world is changing, and the threats are becoming greater. If we are to stand a chance, we need strength. True strength."
Lan Hua looked down, her heart heavy as she considered his words. She knew he was right—deep down, she knew. The Demon Sect had resurfaced, and their power was far greater than anything she had imagined. The world was changing, and she couldn't protect the sect if she remained as she was. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet Xianwu's.
"I... I want to protect the sect," she said, her voice trembling. "I want to protect everyone. If that means I need to grow stronger, then... then I'll go with you. But I can't just leave without saying anything. I need to inform the Sect Leader. She deserves to know what happened, and why we're leaving."
Xianwu nodded, his expression softening. "Of course. I understand. We can inform the Sect Leader, and let her know everything that's transpired. The last thing I want is for the sect to be left in the dark."
Lan Hua managed a small smile, the tension easing slightly from her shoulders. "Thank you, Xianwu. I just... I need to do this."
Yun Wei clapped his hands together, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Great! It's settled then. Let's make this journey an adventure worth remembering."
Xianwu shook his head slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's not just about the adventure, Yun Wei. There is much at stake. But... I appreciate your enthusiasm."
Lan Hua sighed, her emotions still a whirlwind within her. "We should make our way to the post station then. I'll write a message to the Sect Leader and ensure she knows everything." She looked at both Xianwu and Yun Wei, her expression resolute. "If we're going to do this, let's do it properly."
Xianwu placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll do this together, Lan Hua. No matter what lies ahead, we'll face it as a team."
With their decision made, the trio left the room, their steps echoing in the hallway as they made their way to the post station. Xianwu led the way, his mind focused on the path ahead. Yun Wei followed with a light step, his excitement palpable. And Lan Hua walked beside them, her heart still heavy with the weight of the decision, but a new determination burning within her.
As they approached the post station, Xianwu glanced at Lan Hua. "Once the message is sent, there's no turning back. You know that, right?"
Lan Hua nodded, her expression firm. "I know. And I'm ready."
Yun Wei grinned, slapping Xianwu on the back. "Look at us, embarking on a grand adventure. I can already tell this is going to be one heck of a story."
Xianwu smiled, though his eyes held a hint of seriousness. "Yes, but remember, Yun Wei. This journey won't be easy. We face unknown dangers, and we must be ready for anything."
Yun Wei's grin didn't falter. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Lan Hua took a deep breath, her gaze shifting to the horizon. "Let's go then. For the sect, for ourselves, and for whatever lies ahead."
And with that, they took their first steps towards an uncertain future—a journey that would test their resolve, challenge their limits, and reveal the truths hidden within their world.