In the lofty mountains stood a charming residence surrounded by lush green plants. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a dazzling glow on the scene.
A handsome young man emerged from the residence, dressed in a plain white robe adorned with light green embroidery and a sword at his waist. He hurried away, his steps brisk and purposeful. The youth started moving to an unknown direction. His face full of happiness.
***
"This disciple apologizes for being late," Wei Yu said, bowing deeply.
Yu Chen observed the young man before him, now fully grown. His features were sharper and more radiant than before. Time had flown by—three years had passed in the blink of an eye—and Wei Yu's cultivation had advanced remarkably.
He had broken through the Qi Condensation stage in just one year and had now reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Yu Chen, as his master, was naturally proud. Wei Yu was not only diligent in his training but also thoughtful, often making soup for him once a week.
"It's okay, Wei Yu. Do you know why I called you here today?" Yu Chen asked, his calm gaze resting on the young man before him.
Wei Yu furrowed his brows, clearly puzzled. "I can't guess, Shizun."
Yu Chen chuckled lightly. "The sect has given us a mission, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for you to gain experience sparring with demons." His tone was light, but the glint in his eyes suggested he had given the matter serious thought. The mission wasn't too dangerous and could help Wei Yu learn valuable lessons.
"But Shizun, those below Core Formation aren't allowed to accept missions," Wei Yu objected, clearly reluctant. He had no desire to leave the mountain.
"They made an exception for you," Yu Chen countered with a small smile. "Besides, you're already at the final stage of Foundation Establishment, so there shouldn't be any problem."
Wei Yu sighed, his resistance fading under his master's reasoning. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Fine, I'll go."
Yu Chen's expression softened with satisfaction, though there was a fleeting sadness in his eyes. Wei Yu remembered how Hua Rong had broken off her engagement with Yu Chen years ago. The incident had left his master heartbroken, but over time, Yu Chen seemed to accept it as a blessing in disguise. Even so, Wei Yu couldn't help but notice that Yu Chen had changed since then, becoming quieter and more introspective.
After the journey they'd taken last year, things had grown more complicated. Ling Xiao, the once lively chatterbox of their group, had begun avoiding them. Over time, their once-close bond fractured. Wei Yu, frustrated by Ling Xiao's aloofness, eventually stopped trying and started ignoring him altogether.
Now, Wei Yu was preparing for his very first mission. Three others would be joining him, but Yu Chen had refused to reveal their identities. "It's a surprise," Yu Chen had said with a mysterious smile.
***
This was, without a doubt, the worst surprise Wei Yu had ever experienced. He stared in disbelief at the assembled team, recognizing every single one of them.
Hua Rong, with her usual lively demeanor, waved cheerfully and approached him. "Wow, what a surprise," she said with a chuckle.
"Oh, shut it," Wei Yu snapped, rolling his eyes. The awkward tension in the room was almost suffocating. He shifted his gaze from one person to another until it landed on a particular figure. His expression darkened. "Is that... Li Ming? How did he get into the sect?"
"Money," Hua Rong replied bluntly, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Li Ming, catching Wei Yu's glare, responded with a disdainful snort, his demeanor dripping with arrogance. Meanwhile, Ling Xiao stood off to the side, silent and withdrawn. He refused to meet Wei Yu's gaze, instead turning his head in the opposite direction as though ignoring the tension would make it disappear.
Before Wei Yu could dwell further on the awkward reunion, Yu Chen entered the room, his calm voice breaking the silence. "All right, since everyone's here, let's begin our adventurous journey down the mountain."
Wei Yu suppressed a groan, resigning himself to what would undoubtedly be a long and challenging mission—with some people he had a past with.
Actually, Wei Yu had never went down the mountain. Everything he needed was provided by Yu Chen so he never bothered. But now!? Just by walking down his legs felt sore. He cursed under his breath and quietly followed the rest of the group.
However what he didn't know that this was the turning point of his life.