Chapter 135 Departure, Myriad Paths Sword Sect!
The night faded, and the morning light began to glimmer.
Before the gates of the Mu Family estate, the atmosphere was solemn. Elder Di Jian, dressed in a white robe, stood at the very front with his hands clasped behind his back. His gray hair and beard fluttered slightly in the morning breeze, his expression calm. Behind him stood several youths from the Mu Family who had passed the selection and were fortunate enough to be admitted into the Wandao Sword Sect; each of them looked agitated, unable to hide their excitement.
Xiao Ming (Mu Changge) stood in front of the other youths, dressed in brocade robes, his posture composed. A familiar, slightly detached smile played at the corners of his lips. However, that smile never reached his eyes. His gaze swept across the crowd, seemingly casual, before finally landing on the graceful figure slowly walking out from inside the estate gates.
Mu Wanning had arrived.
Today, she had traded her yesterday's martial attire for a pale yellow embroidered fairy dress. The hem of her skirt trailed on the ground, and as she walked, she looked like flowing clouds brushing over waves, adding an air of ethereal detachment to her cool, refined demeanor. Her dark hair was half-tied and secured with a golden jade hairpin, the rest falling like ink to her waist. Her beauty was stunning, her skin as white as snow, and her pale golden eyes shimmered in the morning light with a sacred, indifferent luster, as if she were a goddess from the Nine Heavens untainted by worldly dust.
With steady steps, she approached. First, she bowed gracefully to Elder Di Jian, her posture elegant and impeccable: "Junior Mu Wanning greets Elder."
Elder Di Jian's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and his brows twitched almost imperceptibly. He remembered this young woman; her Aptitude was excellent, yet she had no affinity for the Dao of the sword, a fact he had clearly stated yesterday. Seeing her appear here now, clearly prepared to travel with them, he couldn't help but cast an inquiring look toward Mu Yuntian at his side, then swept a glance at Xiao Ming.
Mu Yuntian wore a perfectly timed smile and stepped forward, cupping his hands: "Elder, my daughter Wanning has been intelligent and exceptionally diligent since childhood. Hearing that the Wandao Sword Sect is the pride of the Eastern Region, and missing her brother, she wishes to accompany us. I hope Elder will grant permission and allow for some flexibility."
Elder Di Jian looked at Mu Yuntian, then glanced at the "calm" Xiao Ming beside him. He generally disliked unnecessary trouble, but thought that bringing along one insignificant person wasn't a major issue. Moreover, her Aptitude was indeed rare; even if she didn't cultivate the Dao of the sword, it wouldn't be a bad thing for her to broaden her horizons in the Sect. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded slowly: "Very well. Since the Mu Family head has asked, it is no harm to bring one more person. However, once you enter the Sect, you must abide by the Sect rules and may not act on your own."
"Many thanks to Elder for your generosity!" Mu Yuntian hurriedly expressed his gratitude.
Mu Wanning also bowed gracefully again: "Wanning will remember Elder's teachings."
Xiao Ming stood to the side, watching this scene, the curve of his lips deepening slightly. Everything was just as he had expected.
"The hour is late, let us set off." Elder Di Jian said no more. With a flick of his sleeves, a giant sword glowing with silver light materialized beneath his feet, growing larger as it met the wind. He was the first to step onto the sword.
Xiao Ming cupped his hands slightly toward Mu Yuntian and the few Elders who had come to see them off, then leaped onto the Flying Sword, standing not far behind Elder Di Jian. The other selected youths also excitedly and nervously followed suit.
Mu Wanning took one last look at the Mu Family estate behind her. A trace of complex emotions flashed in her pale golden eyes—there was confusion about the path ahead, detachment from the Family, and, more significantly, wariness toward the deep, hidden intentions of that "brother." She took a deep breath, suppressing all the churning thoughts in her heart, and also leaped lightly onto the Flying Sword. She deliberately chose to stand as far away from Xiao Ming as possible, her back straight, staring ahead, no longer looking at anyone.
"Rise!"
Elder Di Jian gave a low shout and pointed with his fingers. The giant silver sword let out a clear, resonant chime, carrying everyone as it soared into the sky, turning into a streak of silver light that sped toward the Wandao Sword Sect and soon disappeared into the horizon.
The Flying Sword pierced through the air, moving at extreme speed as the sea of clouds on both sides retreated rapidly.
Xiao Ming stood with his hands clasped behind his back near the front of the sword. The mountain wind howled, blowing his fringe and robes. His gaze was calm as he looked out at the rolling sea of clouds in the distance, seemingly intoxicated by the joy of soaring through the sky.