Fellow Daoist, Please Stay

It took over twenty days for the cultivators of the Dao Sword Sect to completely clear the battlefield and restore it to its original state.

Now that the mountain-protecting formation had also been reinstated, the outward appearance of the Dao Sword Sect was fully restored.

As for the injured disciples, under the exceptional alchemy skills of the Dan Peak’s chief, most had nearly recovered in these past weeks.

Those with less severe injuries, like Tian Wenjin, Li Shiyin, and Chasing the Wind, were already mostly healed. However, those with critical injuries, such as Lu Junxing and Dong Zhongyuan, were still far from recovery.

Take Lu Junxing, for instance—his wheelchair-bound state had only recently been replaced with crutches.

Given this progress, how long would it take before Lu Junxing could wield his sword again in battle?

…Long enough to write a whole novel titled The Return of the Sword God.

That morning had been clear, but by noon, the weather took a sharp turn—dark clouds gathered, thunder rumbled, and a heavy storm seemed imminent.

Seizing the opportunity, the cunning Qin Ran dragged Lu Junxing along to fish in the lakeside pavilion, taking advantage of the high pressure in the water that drove the fish to the surface.

Sure enough, the fish bit one after another, satisfying the inexplicable sense of achievement of these two old men.

As he baited his hook, Lu Junxing asked Qin Ran, "Are you planning to have a child at a time like this?"

By "a time like this," he meant the looming threat of war with the Boundless Sword Sect.

Qin Ran chuckled, watching the rippling lake surface. "If the Boundless Sword Sect didn’t attack us in our weakened state after the battle, it means they won’t make a move anytime soon. They’re probably busy digesting the gains they snatched from Zhican Valley before they come for us.

"Besides, there was a major battle outside Zhican Valley—I suspect it was between the Boundless Sword Sect and the 'Fate' organization. That fight cost the Boundless Sword Sect dearly."

Lu Junxing was now aware of the existence of the "Fate" organization.

"So how long until the real fight begins?" he asked, casting his line.

"At least two or three years, maybe even ten or twenty—it’s hard to say," Qin Ran replied. "This will be a drawn-out war."

Lu Junxing frowned. "If the Boundless Sword Sect didn’t strike while we were weak, why wait until we’ve recovered? Are they so confident that absorbing Zhican Valley’s strength will guarantee their victory?"

"Aside from Zhican Valley’s resources, the Boundless Sword Sect also took in many of their alchemists. Judging by their initial strategy against us, I suspect they’re reviving it," Qin Ran said with a hint of disdain. "With the largest alchemy sect in the Land of Immortal Legacy gone, the demand for pills has left a terrifying market gap—one worth risking everything for. They still want to strangle us by controlling the supply of pills."

"So the Boundless Sword Sect wants to become the Boundless Alchemy Sect?" Lu Junxing asked.

"Jian Wuming must be desperate for money…" Qin Ran trailed off mid-sentence.

Before long, a Sword Peak disciple approached from the stone bridge behind them, entering the pavilion and bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Chief Qin, Senior Brother Lu."

Qin Ran glanced back—it was a tall, handsome young man who, if he ever wandered the martial world with his sword, would surely enchant countless noble ladies. But Qin Ran couldn’t recall his name.

For one, Qin Ran’s preferences didn’t lean that way, and secondly, he couldn’t be bothered to memorize names. What would a Dan Peak chief need with remembering every disciple?

"Oh, it’s you," Qin Ran replied casually, reeling in another fish. "Are your injuries healed?"

"Completely recovered," the young man said with a bright smile, bowing again. "I came specifically to thank you, Chief. Unfortunately, my storage pouch was destroyed in the battle… All I can offer is my word: from now on, if Chief Qin ever needs anything, Tao Ran will never refuse."

Qin Ran waved it off, baiting his hook again. "We’re all part of the Dao Sword Sect. You risked your life on the front lines; I just did what little I could to help. No need for thanks."

"But… it’s not the same," Tao Ran insisted.

"Just focus on your cultivation. That’s thanks enough," Qin Ran said, tossing the fish into the basket. "If you can advance further in your path and contribute more to the sect, I’ll be happy."

Tao Ran felt as though Chief Qin was radiating a saintly aura.

A master alchemist, humble in demeanor, indifferent to fame, and genuinely caring for his juniors—could such a person truly exist in the cultivation world?

Overwhelmed with admiration, Tao Ran bowed deeply. "Yes, Chief!" With that, he turned and left.

As Tao Ran’s figure disappeared beyond the Dan Peak’s protective formation, Qin Ran turned to Lu Junxing. "Did he misunderstand something?"

"Chief Qin’s brilliance shines ten thousand feet high—we are in awe!" Lu Junxing teased, clasping his hands in mock reverence.

Qin Ran shook his head, ignoring his friend’s jest, and resumed their discussion about the Boundless Sword Sect and the Dao Sword Sect’s situation.

"Fortunately, times have changed. Our sect now has new spirit herb cultivation techniques…"

Meanwhile, Tao Ran stepped out of Dan Peak’s formation, glanced back at the swirling mists, and clenched his fists in determination.

I must not disappoint Chief Qin!

With renewed resolve, he walked along the forest path, summoned his flying sword, and soared toward Sword Peak.

The distance between Dan Peak and Sword Peak wasn’t far—just a couple of minutes by sword flight.

The impending storm had darkened the sky, lightning flickering ominously as eerie winds howled around him.

Tao Ran didn’t dare fly too high, skimming just above the treetops.

But before long—

"BOOM!"

A deafening thunderclap startled him, sending his sword wobbling wildly before he steadied it.

Just as he regained his balance, a voice called from behind, "Fellow Daoist, hold a moment!"

Annoyed, he turned to see the speaker—and his expression soured further.

"What do you want?" he snapped, as if he’d stepped on something foul.

Huang Feiyu smiled and bowed. "Indeed, it is I."

For those who abandoned their sect for greener pastures, reactions varied—some envied them, while others felt betrayed.

Tao Ran belonged to the latter group. He saw Huang Feiyu as nothing but a traitor.

They had entered Sword Peak around the same time. Though not close, they’d at least exchanged nods in passing. That made Huang Feiyu’s betrayal sting even more.

"Spit it out. I don’t have time to waste on you," Tao Ran said impatiently.

After all, he had a sect to help rebuild.

"Fellow Daoist, what is your current cultivation level?" Huang Feiyu asked unhurriedly.

Tao Ran took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in his heart, and replied, "Early-stage Golden Core... So what? Is that considered low?"

"Haha, my talent is similar to yours, and our years of cultivation are about the same. Yet, I’ve already reached the early-stage Nascent Soul realm," Huang Feiyu said with a smile. "And compared to you, I’ve been lazier, spending less time cultivating. So how is it that I’ve surpassed you by an entire major realm?"

Tao Ran shot Huang Feiyu a glare. "Isn’t it just because you turned traitor and joined the Lingnan Immortal Sect? What’s there to boast about?"

The word "traitor" struck Huang Feiyu like a slap to the face. Though his expression remained smiling, the corners of his eyes and brows trembled faintly.

"Traitor?" He chuckled. "If I were truly a traitor, I wouldn’t have returned to aid the Dao Sword Sect. And if I hadn’t come back, with one less Nascent Soul cultivator, who knows which side would have won in the decisive battle between the Dao Sword Sect and Zhican Valley?"

"You seized a heaven-defying opportunity and now deign to scatter a few crumbs from your fingers, calling it a generous gift. That’s exactly the kind of hypocritical act a self-righteous person like you would pull," Tao Ran sneered. "You’re nothing but a sanctimonious fraud!

"Anyone can pretend to be virtuous. But I’ve never seen someone as shameless as you. Do you expect the entire Dao Sword Sect to kneel and thank you?"

Huang Feiyu finally frowned. He remembered Tao Ran as a simple, honest man who was terrible with words and easy to manipulate. Why had he suddenly become so sharp-tongued today?

Realizing that further argument might draw the attention of the Dao Sword Sect’s higher-ups, he cut straight to the point. "Fine! Even if I am a traitor, I’m giving you a chance now. Will you become one too?"

"A traitor? Me? Impossible!"

Tao Ran instinctively refused, but only after the words left his mouth did he grasp the full meaning of Huang Feiyu’s offer.

Become a traitor?

Did that mean Huang Feiyu was offering to take him into the Lingnan Immortal Sect?

The Lingnan Immortal Sect?

The Lingnan Immortal Sect!

His heart felt as if struck by an invisible hammer.

A cold, damp breeze swept through before the rain, but it did nothing to calm the turmoil inside him.

Hesitating, he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Do you have an Immortal Spirit Scroll?"

Seeing Tao Ran’s reaction, Huang Feiyu nearly laughed aloud in triumph, but he didn’t dare waste time. With a faint smile, he replied,

"Why would you need an Immortal Spirit Scroll? Those are for outsiders. People from other sects who wish to join the Lingnan Immortal Sect require one. But I, Huang Feiyu, am already a member. I can recommend you directly. With an internal disciple’s recommendation, no scroll is needed."

"No Immortal Spirit Scroll?" Tao Ran pressed.

"None."

"Then... is there still an evaluation?"

"Without the scroll, there’s no evaluation."

"Such a good deal?" Tao Ran scoffed.

"It’s standard procedure," Huang Feiyu explained. "Every newly joined disciple is allowed to bring back three talented individuals from their former sect upon their first return. I can bring three. But... given my current standing in the Dao Sword Sect, you already know how things are."

He even managed a bitter smile.

Tao Ran studied Huang Feiyu, unable to see through his act. He did know Huang Feiyu’s situation—after all, he himself had little respect for the man. It was true that Huang Feiyu would struggle to find three willing recruits.

"Would I be joining as a disciple?" Tao Ran finally asked.

The question sent a jolt through Huang Feiyu, though his expression remained unchanged. He nodded with a smile. "Naturally."

Tao Ran turned and flew several meters away before stopping. "When?"

"Three days from now."

Straightening, Tao Ran gazed toward Sword Peak, his eyes tracing the jagged rocks at its summit before asking, "Where?"

"Outside the town."

Tao Ran paused, then added, "Do you have a token?"

Huang Feiyu tossed him something resembling a golden feather.

"Fine!" Tao Ran took a deep breath, tucked the golden feather close to his chest, and sped back toward Sword Peak.

Watching Tao Ran’s retreating figure, Huang Feiyu no longer held back—his face twisted into a vicious, mocking grin.

Everyone is a slave to their desires! Yet some insist on pretending to be righteous.

Only when Tao Ran vanished into Sword Peak did Huang Feiyu snort coldly and turn to leave...

Except he couldn’t.

The moment he turned, he saw a coldly beautiful woman standing on a tree branch, her sword strapped to her back, her piercing gaze fixed on him.

Her eyes were colder than winter snow, chilling him to the bone.

Afraid of the storm clouds and thunder, Tao Ran had flown low—so low that Huang Feiyu didn’t even need to look down to see Tian Wenjin.

"Boom—"

Lightning split the sky as dark clouds collided.

Then came the rain, pattering down in a rapid crescendo.

"Wenjin..." Huang Feiyu’s initial panic faded quickly. "Wenjin, what are you doing here?"

The downpour intensified, drenching Tian Wenjin in seconds. Her robes clung to her body, outlining the lean, powerful curves honed by years of sword practice. Her hair stuck to her face, disrupting her icy demeanor and lending her a disheveled beauty.

She reached back, gripping the hilt of her Lightning-Subduing Sword, and spoke in a voice devoid of warmth:

"I’ve comprehended the Heartless Sword Intent. When I sever my own presence with it, I become as if I don’t exist in this world—no one can see me.

"I’ve been following you these past days. I know everything you’ve planned. Will you kill me to silence me now?"

"Kill you?" Huang Feiyu feigned confusion. "How could I ever bring myself to harm you?"

His eyes softened as he gazed at her. "Wenjin, you are the woman I love most in this life!"

The moment the words left his lips, raging flames erupted amidst the torrential rain as he lunged at her.