Regain Immortality

Chapter 11 - Driven by the wind

Before embarking on their journey to the nearby major city, Lingyun City, Xianwu, Lan Hua, Feng, and Jianyu gather for a moment of farewell, the air around them filled with a mixture of anticipation and the solemnity of parting.

Feng clasps Xianwu's shoulder, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes, the early morning sun casting a warm glow on his determined face. "Make sure you come back in one piece, okay? We'll be holding down the fort," he says, his voice a blend of jest and earnestness.

Jianyu, with a rare seriousness that seems to deepen the usual contemplative look in his eyes, adds, "Remember, you're not alone in this. We're all part of the Azure Cloud Sect. If you need us, we'll be there," he states, the sincerity in his tone reinforcing the unbreakable bond they share.

Xianwu offers them a reassuring smile, the bond of friendship evident in his gaze, his eyes reflecting the same determination that has always driven him. "I'll be careful. You two keep training. I want to see some progress when I get back," he responds, his confidence and camaraderie uplifting the spirits of his friends.

As Xianwu and Lan Hua set off, the early morning light casts long shadows on the path ahead, signaling the beginning of a journey filled with unknown challenges. A subtle shift is felt in their dynamic; Lan Hua, usually composed and focused, finds herself stealing glances at Xianwu, a hint of unspoken curiosity and admiration in her eyes.

"Lingyun City is known for its bustling markets and ancient library," Lan Hua remarks, breaking the silence that had settled between them. Her voice carries a note of excitement, mixed with a tinge of nostalgia for the adventures that await. "It's a place where information flows as freely as the winds."

Xianwu, intrigued by the description and the prospect of new discoveries, responds, "Sounds like the perfect place to start our investigation. And maybe pick up a few new techniques along the way." His words, filled with a blend of curiosity and determination, echo the spirit of a true cultivator always in search of growth.

The conversation flows easily between them, but an undercurrent of anticipation runs beneath their words, a shared understanding of the significance of their mission. After several hours of travel, the landscape around them gradually shifts, the dense forest giving way to open fields and distant mountains, a testament to the vast and diverse world of Murim.

Lan Hua seizes a moment of quiet to broach a subject that had been on her mind, the curiosity that had been brewing since their departure now finding its voice. "Xianwu, your rise within the sect... it's been nothing short of meteoric. How did you manage to grow so strong, so quickly?" she asks, her tone casual but probing, the question highlighting the mystery that surrounds Xianwu's rapid ascension.

Xianwu, sensing the depth of her inquiry, opts for a deflective humor, aware of the complexities and secrets his answer entails. "Oh, you know, a bit of luck, a lot of hard work, and maybe a few too many bowls of Elder Zheng's 'special' porridge," he quips, a light-hearted attempt to sidestep the deeper implications of her question.

Lan Hua laughs, the sound soft and melodic, though her curiosity is not entirely satisfied. "Luck, huh? I suppose some of us are just more 'fortunate' than others," she muses, the question of Xianwu's mysterious abilities lingering unspoken between them, a puzzle that adds yet another layer to their journey's intrigue.

As dusk settles and they reach the midpoint of their journey to Lingyun City, the decision to rest becomes a necessity. The decision to take turns keeping watch underlines the ever-present dangers of their world, even for those as skilled as they are. However, late into Lan Hua's watch, a disquieting sensation grips her—a feeling alien to someone of her prowess within the sect. Without hesitation, she rouses Xianwu, who instantly senses the anomaly as well.