Chapter 30: Parting Ways

Night deepened, and the moon seemed to be draped in a veil of silver light, its hazy beauty accentuated by twinkling stars scattered beside it.

Time slipped by in an instant. As darkness faded, a pale pink spread across the distant sky, and the rising sun slowly climbed upward, signaling the start of a new day.

Everyone was up early, packing their belongings.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, members of the Murong Clan found themselves laden with bags, turning for one final glance at the place where they’d spent most of their lives. This land was overflowing with memories, and now they had to leave it behind. Pretending it didn’t hurt would be a lie. Each face showed their lingering attachment.

A few young girls tugged at Murong Qingxue’s dress and whispered, “Sister, are we really leaving?”

For once, Murong Qingxue shed her usual coldness. She gently stroked the girls’ heads, “Yes, we’re leaving together.” Deep down, she didn’t truly want to leave either. But if the Murong Clan kept hiding from the world, they really would vanish forever.

She sighed helplessly, looking out at the barren land ahead. Lifting a finger, she traced a few patterns in the air above the desert.

In the blink of an eye, over a dozen massive formations were set up.

With a flash, the barren wasteland disappeared without a trace, as if nothing had ever happened here.

Gu Qingyi watched Murong Qingxue thoughtfully and said, “Miss Murong, remember to go to the City Lord’s Mansion in Xuanwu City and look for that fellow named Nangong. They’d be happy to welcome you!”

Murong Qingxue nodded lightly when she heard this. “Got it. Kids, come say goodbye to Brother Gu.”

“Goodbye, Brother Gu!” The girls waved at Gu Qingyi as they spoke.

Murong Qingxue gave a gentle smile and said softly, “Well then, Young Master Gu, this is where we part ways. Let’s meet again at Tianwu Academy next year!” With that, a gust of wind swept up, carrying the entire Murong Clan away and leaving Gu Qingyi alone.

Gu Qingyi waved at the empty air, letting out a wry chuckle. “That ice queen finally smiled, and it’s actually kind of nice.” Then he thought, “Uncle Nangong will be thrilled to get someone that skilled. The academy needs powerful people right now. I wonder how Miss Nangong is doing these days.”

Gu Qingyi decided it was best to get back home, so he continued on his journey.

Under the setting sun, Gu Qingyi’s figure gradually grew smaller in the distance, until he disappeared from sight.

Elsewhere, in Xuanwu City, at the City Lord’s Mansion.

Nangong Wentian was reclining in a chair, eyes closed, resting.

Suddenly, he sensed a threatening presence approaching.

“Who goes there? Why don’t you show yourself?” Nangong Wentian’s eyes snapped open as he shouted into the air.

“Sword Saint Realm, second level—not bad.” came the reply.

Nangong Wentian quickly searched for the voice, hesitating for a moment before speaking. “Who are you, and why all the theatrics? Are you too afraid to show yourself to me?”

“City Lord, your senses truly are sharp—no wonder you noticed me so quickly!” A cold voice rang out.

Several figures suddenly appeared mid-air, as silent as ghosts.

Their white robes shone even brighter under the sunlight. Their long legs and flawless faces radiated an imposing aura.

Sunlight kissed Murong Qingxue’s cheeks, making her already stunning appearance even more breathtaking. Clustered around her were delicate young girls, a few elderly women, and a handsome little boy.

Seeing Murong Qingxue, Nangong Wentian couldn’t help but suck in a cold breath, exclaiming inwardly, “She’s stronger than the peak of Sword Saint Realm—far beyond my level! I can’t afford to make an enemy of her!” Forcing himself to stay calm, he asked, “Senior, to what do I owe the honor of your visit? Did I do something to offend you? Are you here for revenge?”

“You haven’t done anything to me. There’s no bad blood between us. I’m just here at someone’s request, so there’s no need to be so tense.” Murong Qingxue smiled faintly at his obvious caution and shook her head.

As she spoke, Nangong Wentian felt a weight lift from his heart.

He wiped his forehead and found it damp with sweat.

Relieved, he thought, “Thank goodness they’re not here as enemies. If a fight broke out, who knows if I’d even stand a chance? The whole of Xuanwu City could be destroyed. What a close call!”

Still with questions lingering, he looked again at Murong Qingxue. “If that’s the case, may I ask what brings Senior here today?”

Murong Qingxue’s lips curled into a faint smile. “No more teasing you, City Lord. I’m here because Young Master Gu Qingyi sent me. He said if I came to Xuanwu City, you’d take good care of us.”

Hearing this, Nangong Wentian’s confusion only deepened.

He thought back to a letter he’d received a few days ago, which warned him that a mysterious guest would be arriving soon, and he should be ready to host them.

“Could Murong Qingxue be that mysterious guest?”

Nangong Wentian felt another wave of relief. “Good thing I made preparations. Otherwise, I really would’ve been caught off guard.” He clasped his hands to Murong Qingxue and said, “So, you’re Young Master Gu’s guest! Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner. Did he give any instructions or share any messages?”

Murong Qingxue shook her head. “Nothing special—just told me to find you here in Xuanwu City. He said you’d handle the rest.”