The night was as fluid as water, enveloping the earth. The cool moonlight poured down from the heavens, casting a delicate silver veil over the entire mountain range. In the center of these mountains, groups of temples and palaces rose and fell like ancient beasts under the moon, exuding a tinge of ancient aura. At this moment, most of these temples were brightly lit, for it was a festive season for the Ancient Clan, with many places adorned with lanterns and decorations, filled with a joyful atmosphere.
Yet, on a distant peak far from these grand, ancient structures, a serene silence prevailed, free from the hustle and buzz, making it seem like a peaceful retreat for hermits.
On the peak, a graceful figure in white stood, her eyes fixed on the brightly lit palaces in the distance, silent and contemplative, lost in thought.
“Do you not rest yet?” Suddenly, a gentle voice sounded from the peak. A figure in green robes emerged from the forest, the moonlight illuminating her delicate face, making her especially enchanting.
“Is this the Ancient Clan? It doesn’t seem much different from the outside world.” The white-clad figure turned her head to look at Xuner, who was approaching slowly, and smiled.
“Here, the pressure one must bear is far greater than in the outside world. The Ancient Clan thrives on their bloodline, but they also suffer because of it. This ancient sacred mountain range is the holy land in the hearts of all clan members. Every few years, countless clan members bring their descendants here, hoping that someone among them might have a powerful bloodline. There are always some surprises, but more often, there is boundless disappointment. Over the years, I’ve seen many who couldn’t bear the shock of their descendants’ failed bloodlines and took their own lives…” Xuner’s beautiful eyes gazed at the brightly lit palaces, her low voice filled with a bone-deep sense of helplessness.
“Strength comes at a cost,” Little Healer Immortal nodded quietly, her tone soft.
Xuner sighed lightly, understanding well that this was the price paid for the Ancient Clan’s power.
“Thank you for your help over the years…” Xuner, clearly wanting to avoid delving too deeply into the topic, turned her head to look at the gentle and soft face, and said, “You mean Xiao Yan, don’t you? I’m used to being by his side, helping him. It feels good.”
Knowing well the girl’s intentions, Little Healer Immortal didn’t hide much, and laughed lightly. She glanced at Xuner and said, “Don’t make any rash decisions. I like how things are now and don’t want to change anything.”
“But if you don’t say anything, he’ll remain oblivious,” Xuner smiled.
Little Healer Immortal neither agreed nor denied, looking at Xuner she suddenly asked, “Do you know something else?”
“What do you mean?” Xuner lifted her beautiful eyes, asking.
Little Healer Immortal hesitated but remained silent.
“You mean… Medusa, or rather, Cai Lin?” Xuner looked up, her eyes gazing at the stars, an enigmatic emotion in her gaze.
“So you do know. Why pretend not to know in front of him?” Little Healer Immortal sighed.
“It doesn’t matter. Can I rage at him and demand that he kill Cai Lin?” Xuner’s lips curled into a slight, charming curve, trying to smile, but ultimately, she sighed. “I’m troubled by this, too. Others wish me to leave or even hate him, but I know it’s impossible. So, why create trouble for myself?”
As she spoke, Xuner looked at Little Healer Immortal and said, “I’m waiting for him to come to me. Then, I can scold him, making him understand that a man who strays won’t have a good end!”
Little Healer Immortal looked at Xuner, who, at this moment, had a flicker of anger on her face, resembling a woman discovering her husband’s infidelity.
“Enough, I don’t want to discuss this with others. Tomorrow is the Ancient Clan’s coming-of-age ceremony. You should rest early, and I hope you can always be by his side.”
“What about you?” Little Healer Immortal raised her slender eyebrows.
Xuner’s long eyelashes fluttered, but she didn’t answer. She waved her hand and turned to walk towards the bamboo house on the mountain slope.
Watching Xuner’s retreating back, Little Healer Immortal frowned slightly but didn’t ask again. She gracefully followed her.
When the first rays of dawn spilled over the horizon, the ancient sacred mountain range came to life almost instantly. Figures flashed across the sky, and the air was filled with the joyous sounds of drums and gongs.
* * *
A closed door creaked open, and Xiao Yan, wearing clean clothes, stepped out hastily. Sweeping his gaze over the clearing, he saw that Xuner and others were already there, which made him feel a bit awkward.
“Brother Xiao Yan, rested well?” Xuner greeted with a smile, smoothing out the wrinkles on his clothes with her delicate hands. Her gentle demeanor was like that of a loving wife. If other members of the Ancient Clan saw this, their eyes would turn red. For years, Xuner had maintained a graceful, ethereal image, and they never imagined seeing her dote on a man.
Xiao Yan nodded, smiling, feeling the gentle touch of her hands. His heart stirred slightly, and he quickly composed himself, looking towards the distant palaces. “Is the coming-of-age ceremony about to start?”
“Yes, let’s go.” Xuner smiled and beckoned, and a snow-white, muscular unicorn with broad wings flew out of the forest, landing before them. Xuner hopped onto its back, and Xiao Yan followed, joined by others. With a light pat, the unicorn took flight, speeding towards the palaces.
In mere minutes, the unicorn reached the palaces, and under Xuner’s guidance, landed in the center. With Xuner, Xiao Yan and his companions were undoubtedly the focus of attention, so as soon as they dismounted, curious gazes turned towards them.
“Let’s go…” Xuner, ignoring the stares, led Xiao Yan and the others towards the ancient, aura-filled plaza.
Black-armored soldiers stood around the plaza, their sharp, eagle-like gazes sweeping the area. When they saw Xiao Yan, their eyes paused, but they didn’t move.
Many had already taken their seats around the plaza, but Xuner continued towards the central seat. Xiao Yan and the others followed, though hesitantly.
*Clang!*
As Xuner walked into the area, two golden-armored soldiers blocked their path with their spears. The shrill sound irked Xuner, a flame of anger rising within her.
“Stand aside!” Hearing her cold command, the golden-armored soldiers froze, hesitant.
“Miss, no need to be hard on them. This is a restricted area, only for our clan and special guests. Please forgive us,” a calm voice drifted over. Xiao Yan noted the resemblance of the speaker to Goo Jian from earlier. He deduced this was a special area, not interesting to him, but Xuner wanted to give Xiao Yan the best treatment possible.
This commotion attracted many glances, settling on Xiao Yan, some with amusement.
“Miss, my brother is right. Although Xiao Yan is your friend, he hasn’t met the requirements. So…” Goo Jian, the elder who had attacked Xiao Yan the previous day, added.
Xuner’s expression was icy, her eyes glowing with a golden flame, her anger clear. But just as she was about to erupt, a familiar, angry voice rang out, startling Xiao Yan.
“Mang Tianchi?” Xiao Yan and Goo Jian both froze, their faces changing, recognizing the voice.
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