Chapter 14: The Departure and the Weight of Responsibility
The airship soared higher into the sky, its ethereal hull glimmering as it passed through the clouds. Zhang Xian stood at the bow, gazing out as the Supreme Celestial Sect, nestled on its floating island, grew smaller beneath him. The island, a testament to their power and unity, slowly receded into the distance, swallowed by the vast expanse of the ocean. His heart stirred with a mixture of resolve and unease.
This journey was a necessary step. The Demon Suppression Event awaited them, a mission fraught with danger, but also the opportunity to solidify the Sect's position in the greater world. With 30 of his most powerful cultivators at his side, Zhang Xian was confident of their success. But one important figure was missing—Ruxue, the Dao Body cultivator, who had chosen to remain behind.
---
Flashback
Just hours before their departure, Zhang Xian had been in the central courtyard of the Supreme Celestial Sect, addressing the gathered cultivators. He had shared his final words of encouragement, a rallying cry for the unity and strength of the Sect. As he spoke, his eyes had naturally sought out Ruxue, his partner, the one who had recently become so important to him.
But when their gazes met, something was wrong.
Ruxue stood at the edge of the crowd, her usual composure replaced by an air of quiet unease. Her Dao presence, typically so firm and controlled, flickered as though unstable, distant. It was not like her to show such weakness, and Zhang Xian felt an uneasy stirring in his chest.
"Ruxue," he called, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the other cultivators. She turned toward him, her usually radiant eyes dimmed, and her steps slow as she approached.
"Master," she said softly, but there was something different in her tone, something almost hesitant. "I… I cannot accompany you on this journey."
Zhang Xian frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. "What do you mean? We could really use you. Your strength, your presence, would be invaluable."
Ruxue's eyes wavered, filled with uncertainty, yet she forced a small smile. "I know I am not as strong as I wish to be, but right now, my Dao body is unstable. I fear I would only be a burden, and I need time to regain my balance."
Zhang Xian's expression softened, understanding her words, but also feeling a tinge of regret. "Ruxue, you don't need to be at your peak to come with me. Your presence alone brings me strength. I… I want you by my side."
Her eyes glistened, but she shook her head gently. "As much as I want to be with you, I cannot risk holding you back. Please, do not worry about me. I will stay behind, guard the Sect, and ensure everything is well in your absence."
Zhang Xian paused, his heart heavy with the weight of her decision. His hand reached out to lightly touch her arm, his voice gentle yet resolute. "I trust you, Ruxue. Take the time you need to recover. But remember, when I return, we will face everything together. You will never be alone."
She met his gaze, the warmth in her eyes reassuring him even in her fragile state. "Thank you, Master. I will be waiting for you."
---
End Flashback
---
Now, as the airship ascended into the heavens, Zhang Xian turned away from the window. His gaze fell upon the cultivators who had boarded the ship—Demon Cultivators, Buddha Cultivators, Elemental Cultivators, and Mystical Cultivators. His heart was filled with pride for his Sect, for the unity he had built over the years inside the game making them loyal to him. Yet, the absence of Ruxue weighed heavily on him.
It was not just the absence of her power; it was her presence, her quiet strength and wisdom that always steadied him. As his partner, she had quickly become someone who understood him in ways no one else could. Her absence felt like a missing piece of his soul.
The cultivators were preparing for the journey ahead, discussing their roles and the challenges they might face. Zhang Xian's mind wandered back to Ruxue, wondering how she was faring alone on the floating island. Would she be all right without him? Could she truly rest while her Dao body was in turmoil?
He felt a pang of guilt, but he knew she had made the right choice. This journey was important, and he couldn't afford to lose focus. He had entrusted the Sect's safety to her, and he knew that, even in her current state, she was more than capable of holding the fort.
Turning to the rest of his cultivators, Zhang Xian took a deep breath. "Remember," he said, his voice firm, "We are not just traveling for the sake of travel. This journey will test our strength, unity, and resolve. We must be prepared for whatever lies ahead, and we must work together as one. Together, we will succeed."
The cultivators nodded in agreement, their spirits high and ready for the challenges ahead. Zhang Xian could feel the energy among them—focused, determined.
As the airship cut through the clouds, heading toward the unknown, Zhang Xian found a moment of peace in the knowledge that, no matter what happened, he would return to Ruxue. They would face the future together, just as they had started to. For now, the journey had begun, and the road ahead was full of uncertainty, but he was ready for whatever came next.
---
End of Chapter 14