The plan was simple, and it had been decided.
My father and the Splitting Sword, stood tall at the podium facing the hundred Core Court disciples and all the sect elders, led by none other than Elder Wei and Elder Han. Despite their chaotic nature and comedic tendencies, if you dared to underestimate these two, you would be in for a surprising — and possibly deadly — disappointment. My mother, and my grandmothers, Yue Zhaoxiang and Bao Zhenhua, stood off to the side, their auras radiating an effortless authority that everyone respected, even in their silence.
"We will move into two groups," my father announced, his voice steady as he outlined the plan. His calm authority silenced any remaining murmurs from the gathered disciples. "One group will be led by myself and Daoist Jianfeng (Split Sword). It will consist of five elders and a select few Core Court disciples. This group will venture into the most dangerous part of the borderlands, where the supposed leader of the demon sect is hiding. Our target is said to be a Divine Realm dark cultivator, their leader."
A murmur ran through the crowd at the mention of a Divine Realm dark cultivator. While it wasn't unexpected, facing one was still no small feat.
"Matriarch and Grand matriarchs will remain here at the sect to oversee matters in our absence," he continued. "Their presence will ensure the sect's protection should any external threat arise."
I glanced over to see my mother, mom, nodding subtly. Her eyes met mine for a second, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. As always, she had the utmost confidence in our family's strength.
The Splitting Sword stepped forward, his tone sharp and direct. "The second group will be led by Yue Phaelo and Shi Wenyan," he said, gesturing toward the woman standing not too far from me. Ah yes, Shi Wenyan, the one who could rival even the prince himself.
Shi Wenyan was as beautiful as Yue Liqin, her cold demeanor only adding to her allure. Her long black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her eyes, sharp as her sword, didn't give much away.
She held a sword too — an elegant weapon with a faintly glowing hilt that hinted at the immense power it contained. She was a force to be reckoned with, and apparently, she was stronger than the prince, Chu Fengxian.
"Our group will be tasked with eliminating the outlying forces of the demon sect," Jianfeng continued. "An elder from the Heaven Secret Sect, is already waiting for you at the borderlands." He paused for effect, his lips curling into a smile.
And it seems the elder is none other than my big sister.I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Ah, big sister. This was going to be more fun than I thought.
"Ten Core Court disciples will accompany Yue Phaelo and Shi Wenyan," my father added, locking eyes with me for a brief moment. "The danger will be immense, but this is the duty we uphold as cultivators of the Heaven Secret Sect."
There were no objections, no hesitations from the crowd. The disciples knew what was at stake, and those chosen were prepared. With the plan in place, the meeting drew to a close.
As the day finally came to an end after a series of detailed discussions, I retreated to my peak with Yue Liqin by my side. We flew home in silence at first, the night wind cool against our faces, but I couldn't resist teasing her. After all, it was the last night we'd have together before I left for the borderlands.
"Are you worried?" I asked, glancing at her from the corner of my eye.
"Worried? About what?" Yue Liqin's voice was a little too sharp, and I noticed the way her hands tightened around the hem of her robes. She was trying to play it cool, but I could tell she was worried.
I smirked. "Oh, nothing. Just that you won't have anyone to sneak around with once I'm gone."
Her face flushed a deep shade of crimson as she shot me a glare. "Sneak around? Who's sneaking around?!" she stammered, clearly flustered.
"You, of course," I said, leaning in closer as we flew. "But don't worry, we'll keep it low-key. Wouldn't want our forbidden relationship to be exposed so soon, right?"
Her face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she swatted at me. "Stop teasing me!"
We landed at my peak, where ChiChu and Miari were already waiting. The latter, my palm-sized mischievous fairy, had an evil glint in her eyes the moment she saw Yue Liqin.
"Ah, Yue Liqin!" Miari called out as we approached. "Have you come to visit Phaelo tonight? How bold of you!"
Yue Liqin's face practically caught fire at Miari's teasing. She sputtered for a moment, unable to form words, and I had to bite back a laugh.
"Miari, don't scare her off," I said, waving a hand dismissively as I entered the house, with Yue Liqin trailing behind me, her cheeks still pink.
Miari wasn't done, though. "You know, Yue Liqin, once you enter Phaelo's house, it's basically an agreement to stay the night and you know what unfolds next."
"Stop it!" Yue Liqin finally managed, her voice high-pitched from embarrassment as she hurried inside after me, her head ducked low.
Inside, the atmosphere was cozy, the usual warmth of the peak settling over us. ChiChu had already prepared everything for the night, but Miari was still fluttering about, determined to tease Yue Liqin until the end.
"Make sure you two get enough sleep," Miari said with a wink. "Phaelo needs his energy for tomorrow."
Yue Liqin groaned in frustration, hiding her face in her hands while I just grinned. It was going to be an interesting night.
As the stars twinkled overhead and the quiet of the night settled in, I lay in bed beside Yue Liqin, her presence a comforting warmth. Tomorrow would be a new challenge, but for tonight, I was content but my desires and Yue Liqin's were raging.
It was time to conquer my aunt completely!