Chapter 18: The Truths and Growing Bonds
A month had passed since the ship had docked, and Zhang Xian's journey had taken him to Lingyun City. The weather had shifted into autumn, casting a golden hue over the land as the season's chill began to settle in. But for now, the city was full of bustling energy, the air filled with the sound of merchants hawking their wares and the clamor of people in the streets. Despite the outward activity, Zhang Xian could not shake the growing tension in his mind.
The journey had been long, but it was nothing compared to the tasks that lay ahead. The Demon Suppression Event was rapidly approaching, and with it, the complexities of politics, power plays, and the shifting allegiances among sects. However, his thoughts kept drifting back to the Supreme Celestial Sect, where Ruxue, along with the others who had stayed behind, awaited his return.
It had been a week since Zhang Xian had departed with his group, and he couldn't help but feel the distance in more ways than one. While he was focused on the challenges ahead, a sense of responsibility weighed heavily on his heart for the cultivators left behind. Especially Ruxue.
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Meanwhile, back at the Supreme Celestial Sect, the remaining six cultivators were busily going about their duties. They had been working tirelessly, ensuring the sect's continued stability in Zhang Xian's absence. Feng Wei, Xue Mei, Li Na, Xia Ling, Shan Yue, and Tian Bao—these six had proven themselves time and again as reliable pillars of the sect. But today, their focus had been diverted.
In a quiet corner of the sect, Ruxue had become increasingly withdrawn. Her pale face and tired eyes spoke volumes, but she tried her best to maintain her usual grace and composure. She had been pushing herself to avoid alarming anyone, but there was no mistaking the signs now. The symptoms had worsened, and as much as she tried to ignore them, the truth could no longer be hidden.
The symptoms she experienced were undeniable, and as the days passed, Ruxue found herself unable to manage the strange shifts in her body. The nausea, the fatigue, the sudden emotional fluctuations—everything pointed to one undeniable fact. But Ruxue still couldn't bring herself to fully accept it. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but most of all, she was afraid. Afraid of what this might mean, afraid of how her life would change, and most of all, how Zhang Xian would react.
The six cultivators noticed her struggles immediately. Feng Wei, always keen on the pulse of the sect, was the first to approach her. "Ruxue," he said gently, "You've been distant lately. You haven't been your usual self. If something is wrong, you can confide in us."
Ruxue tried to brush it off, smiling weakly. "It's nothing, really. Just a little tired, that's all."
But Xue Mei, with her sharp eyes, was not so easily deceived. She stepped closer and placed a hand on Ruxue's shoulder. "Ruxue, you're not fooling anyone. We've all seen the signs. You need to tell us what's really going on."
Ruxue's breath caught in her throat. She wanted to deny it, to tell them that she was fine, but something inside her snapped. A mixture of relief and fear overtook her as she finally let go of her composure. Tears welled in her eyes, and her voice broke as she spoke.
"I—I think I'm pregnant," she whispered, unable to look them in the eye.
The silence that followed was deafening. Feng Wei, Xue Mei, Li Na, Xia Ling, Shan Yue, and Tian Bao all exchanged stunned looks. None of them had expected this revelation, though in retrospect, it made sense. They had all witnessed the signs—the way Ruxue's energy had shifted, the slight changes in her aura, the way she would sometimes withdraw into herself, as though trying to keep a secret.
"Pregnant?" Tian Bao asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "But… how did you—?"
"I… I've known for some time," Ruxue said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I didn't want to admit it. I thought it was just me being weak, that it would pass. But it hasn't."
Li Na was the first to approach her, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "Ruxue, this is a big thing. You're not alone in this. We're all here for you."
Shan Yue nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We'll take care of you."
Xia Ling placed a comforting hand on Ruxue's other shoulder. "This is a joyous occasion. You have nothing to fear, Ruxue. You have us."
Ruxue finally allowed herself to cry, the tears that had been building up for so long now flowing freely. "I didn't know how to tell him," she whispered through her sobs. "I don't know what to do. I'm scared."
"We'll figure it out," Xue Mei said softly. "The Sect Master will understand. He has a big heart, and I'm sure he'll support you."
Tian Bao's expression was serious. "Indeed. He has always been there for us. Now it's our turn to be there for you."
And just like that, the tension in the air began to ease. The six cultivators stood together, surrounding Ruxue, offering their support. They knew that this was a turning point, not only for Ruxue but for the entire sect. The news would undoubtedly change things, but they were ready to face it together.
"From now on," Feng Wei said with a smile, "You will be the Sect Master's wife. It's time we start treating you as such."
Ruxue's eyes widened in shock. "Wife? But I… I don't—"
"You already are, Ruxue," Li Na interrupted gently. "You've always been part of this family. It's just that now, it's official."
Tears filled Ruxue's eyes once more, but this time, they were tears of gratitude. She was overwhelmed by the love and support she received, and for the first time in a long while, she felt truly seen—not just as a cultivator, but as a woman, a wife, and someone important to the people she loved.
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Back in Lingyun City, Zhang Xian continued his strategic planning for the upcoming events. Though his thoughts frequently drifted to the sect, his focus remained sharp. The Demon Suppression Event was fast approaching, and he had much to prepare for. But in his heart, there was a growing anticipation. He could not wait to return to the sect, to be with Ruxue again. The bond they shared had deepened, and as time passed, he realized just how much he cared for her.
Zhang Xian was unaware of the news that had unfolded in his absence. The secret of Ruxue's pregnancy remained hidden from him, and it was likely to be a surprise when he returned. But for now, all he could do was press forward, trusting that the sect, under the care of the remaining cultivators, would be safe.
The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Ruxue was no longer just a member of the sect—she was his wife, and soon, the sect would know it.
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End of Chapter 18