The journey to the post station was a silent one, with each of the trio lost in their own thoughts. The gravity of their decision weighed heavily on them, and as they approached the modest building nestled along the city's main road, the sense of finality became even more palpable.
Lan Hua led the way inside, her expression one of quiet determination. The post station was a humble structure, with wooden beams supporting its roof and an elderly man behind the counter scribbling on a scroll. He looked up as they approached, squinting slightly.
"Greetings," the man said, setting down his brush. "How can I help you today?"
Lan Hua stepped forward, her voice calm and clear. "I need to send an urgent message to the Azure Cloud Sect, addressed to Sect Leader Yun Xi. It's a matter of great importance."
The old man studied her for a moment, his eyes lingering on her Azure Cloud Sect robes before he nodded. "Very well. You can write your message here," he said, gesturing to a parchment and inkpot on the counter.
Lan Hua took a deep breath, taking the parchment and dipping the brush into the ink. Xianwu and Yun Wei stood behind her, watching as she began to write. Her strokes were confident and precise, the message succinct but detailed.
\*To Sect Leader Yun Xi,
This message comes to inform you of recent events. Xianwu and I have decided to leave the Azure Cloud Sect to seek greater cultivation opportunities. The threats we have faced in recent days—including the Demon Sect—have shown us that the path to true strength lies beyond the resources available at the Azure Cloud Sect. Please understand that this decision is not made out of abandonment but rather a desire to grow stronger so that we may protect the sect and those we hold dear.
I will always hold the Azure Cloud Sect close to my heart, and I will return one day—stronger and ready to protect our home.
With utmost respect,
Lan Hua\*
She set the brush down, her heart pounding as she looked at the message. For a moment, she hesitated, her hand hovering over the parchment. Then, with a firm nod, she rolled it up and handed it to the elderly postmaster.
"Ensure this reaches the Sect Leader with all urgency," she said, her voice steady.
The man took the scroll with a respectful nod. "It will be done. Safe travels, disciples."
As they left the post station, Lan Hua let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
Before moving on, the trio decided to visit the Five Rivers Trading Company one last time. Leader Wen greeted them warmly, clearly appreciative of their efforts in helping subdue the Demon Cult. "For all you've done for us, the Five Rivers Trading Company would like to offer you compensation," Wen said, gesturing towards a chest brought forth by an attendant.
Inside, the chest was filled with gold coins, enough to provide the trio with a significant amount of money for their journey ahead. "Take this, and may it aid you in your travels," Wen continued. "You've more than earned it."
Xianwu nodded in gratitude. "We appreciate your generosity, Leader Wen. This will certainly help us in the coming journey."
Wen also provided them with provisions, enough to last several weeks. The trio left the Trading Company with heavier packs and a renewed sense of purpose, now even more prepared for the challenges ahead.
Xianwu looked at her, a gentle smile on his lips. "You did well, Lan Hua. This isn't easy, but it's the right decision."
Lan Hua gave him a small smile in return. "I just hope she understands. Sect Leader Yun Xi has always been supportive, but this is... different."
Yun Wei, walking beside them, spoke up with his characteristic carefree tone. "I think she'll understand. After all, it's only natural to seek the strength needed to protect what matters. Besides, you two aren't abandoning the sect—you're just taking a different path for a while."
Xianwu nodded. "Exactly. We have a purpose, and staying stagnant won't help anyone. The Demon Sect is a threat that can't be taken lightly, and we need to be strong enough to face it."
Lan Hua looked at both of them, her heart swelling with a sense of solidarity. She had grown up in the Azure Cloud Sect, and leaving it behind was not something she could have ever imagined. Yet, standing here with Xianwu and Yun Wei, she realized that perhaps her true path lay in the unknown, in seeking the strength that could allow her to protect what she cherished.
"Where do we go from here, Xianwu?" Lan Hua asked, her voice filled with both curiosity and determination.
Xianwu glanced at the horizon, his gaze thoughtful. "First, we head towards the region where the larger sects gather—the heart of cultivation in Murim. We will present ourselves at the doors of the great sects, and we will prove our worth. We'll find the resources we need to become stronger, and we'll do whatever it takes to achieve it."
Yun Wei grinned, an eager glint in his eyes. "Sounds like a plan. I'm ready to see what the world has to offer. Let's see if these big sects can handle me tagging along with you two."
Lan Hua chuckled softly, a sense of excitement bubbling up despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead. "Then it's settled. Let's find our path and face whatever comes our way—together."
With their spirits high, the trio left the post station behind, their steps resolute as they ventured towards a future unknown. The road stretched before them, winding and full of challenges—but for the first time, Lan Hua felt ready to face it all.
Xianwu led the way, his mind focused on the journey ahead. He knew that they would face obstacles, that the path to true power was fraught with danger. But he also knew that strength was the only way to protect those he cared for. No matter the cost, he was willing to do whatever it took to reach the heights of cultivation.
Together, the trio took their first steps towards the heart of Murim, where the true world of cultivation awaited them—a place filled with powerful enemies, hidden secrets, and the opportunities they desperately sought. Their journey had only just begun, and there was no turning back now.