Under the night sky, Cloud Hidden Peak had more tranquility and serenity than in daylight. In Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng's cave dwelling, the lights were bright, yet a departing atmosphere permeated.
When Xiaoqi arrived upon receiving Senior Brother's message, he saw Mu Qingfeng carefully checking several portable artifacts. His expression was as steady as always, but his brow carried more weight than usual.
"Junior Brother, you called for me?" Xiaoqi walked into the cave dwelling and asked softly.
Mu Qingfeng raised his head. Seeing Xiaoqi, a gentle smile appeared on his face. He gestured to a cushion beside him: "Xiaoqi, sit."
Xiaoqi sat down as instructed. His gaze fell on the blue storage pouch Mu Qingfeng was organizing and an antique-looking sword with faint wind-thunder patterns. In his heart, he vaguely guessed. Senior Brother rarely dressed so formally and solemnly.
"I'm leaving the sect for a period." Mu Qingfeng did not beat around the bush. He spoke directly, his voice steady yet carrying an unquestionable resolve.
Xiaoqi's heart tightened: "Is it because... the Shadow Snake Pavilion?"
Mu Qingfeng nodded. After putting the last spare "Golden Wound Talisman" into the storage pouch and tying the bag shut, he looked at Xiaoqi, his gaze profound: "The Temple Master and several elders received secret intelligence. The remnant forces of Shadow Snake Pavilion have been unusually active recently. They seem to be planning something. The locations may involve several chaotic regions on the southwestern border. The sect needs someone to investigate and verify their movements and intentions."
He paused, adding: "This matter concerns sect security and also relates closely to you. It must be done covertly and without public knowledge, so I'm going personally."
Xiaoqi was silent for a moment. He knew that with Senior Brother's Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivation and his steady, capable, and thorough handling of matters, he truly was the best candidate for such a secret mission. But the southwestern border was full of mixed fish and dragons, far from Qingxu Temple's sphere of influence, and the Shadow Snake Pavilion was full of schemes. The danger of this journey was self-evident.
"Senior Brother, please be careful." A thousand words, in the end, turned into this most plain reminder.
Mu Qingfeng looked at the genuine worry in Xiaoqi's eyes. His heart warmed. He patted Xiaoqi's shoulder: "Rest assured, your Senior Brother has been walking the cultivation world for not just a day or two. I know my limits. But you..."
He changed his tone, his expression becoming serious: "After I leave, within the sect, you need to be even more cautious. The external winds about you haven't ceased, and the covert bounty is still valid. Although inside the sect is relatively safe, there may still be those driven by profit or deeper pieces placed by Shadow Snake Pavilion. Although alchemy and teaching are good, don't be too showy and attract too much attention."
"I understand." Xiaoqi nodded solemnly. "I'll be careful."
Mu Qingfeng contemplated, continuing: "Your growth, Master's, Third Senior Sister's, and my observations—your progress has been remarkable. But the karma you bear is too heavy; your future path is destined not to be smooth. Strength is one aspect, but more importantly—" He pointed to his own chest. "Guard your original heart. Discern right from wrong. Don't be moved by external things. Only then can you walk far on this path."
He seemed to be instructing, but also passing on final wisdom: "The sect is your backing, but cannot shelter you under its wings forever. You need to grow quickly, possess the ability to stand alone. My going out this time, perhaps... is also an opportunity."
Xiaoqi seemed to understand. Senior Brother meant that after he left, Xiaoqi would need to be more independent, learning to handle various situations without the shade of this big tree.
"Disciple remembers Senior Brother's teachings." Xiaoqi stood and bowed deeply.
Mu Qingfeng helped him up, took out a jade talisman engraved with complex cloud patterns from his breast, and handed it to Xiaoqi: "Take this 'Ten Thousand Li Transmission Talisman.' If you encounter urgent situations or make significant discoveries, you can use this talisman to contact me. But remember, only use it when absolutely necessary, to avoid being tracked by those with ill intent."
Xiaoqi took the talisman. It was warm and smooth to the touch. He could feel the exquisite spatial fluctuation within and a wisp of Mu Qingfeng's original aura. He knew the preciousness of this transmission talisman and carefully stored it.
"Also," Mu Qingfeng finally instructed, "don't spread news of my departure. The Temple Master will publicly announce I'm entering seclusion to break through to Golden Core. Daily affairs will be jointly handled by several duty elders and senior officials. If there are matters difficult to decide, you may consult Master."
"Yes."
With everything that needed to be said having been communicated, a brief silence fell in the cave dwelling. The two fellow disciples faced each other without words, yet an unspoken trust and brotherhood flowed in the air.
Outside the window, the moonlight was cold and clear, the starlight dim.
Mu Qingfeng stood, picked up the wind-thunder sword and storage pouch, and took a final look at the cave dwelling where he had lived for decades. A trace of attachment was in his gaze, but more was resolve.
"I'm leaving." He smiled at Xiaoqi, his smile still gentle yet carrying the resolve to stride into winds and rain.
"Senior Brother, take care." Xiaoqi bowed once more.
Mu Qingfeng nodded, no more words. His figure flickered and, like a wisp of blue smoke, silently merged into the night outside the cave dwelling, without disturbing anyone.
Xiaoqi stood alone in the cave dwelling, watching the direction Senior Brother disappeared for a long time. The Ten Thousand Li Transmission Talisman in his hand still carried some warmth, yet his heart felt as if a piece was missing.
Senior Brother's departure was like pulling out a pillar of the younger generation of Qingxu Temple. Xiaoqi knew that from this moment, he needed to bear more responsibility and be even more vigilant.
Externally, the Shadow Snake Pavilion lurked with predatory intent, the bounty sword hung high; internally, although seemingly calm, hidden risks still existed. Senior Brother's departure was like a signal, foreshadowing that real storms were constantly approaching.
He took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in his heart, and his eyes became firm and sharp once more.
Senior Brother went to face the outside winds and waves. Then, within the sect, he, Xiaoqi, must hold steady. Not only to protect himself but also, within his capability, to guard this land that had given him shelter and growth.
He turned, walked out of Senior Brother's cave dwelling. His figure stretched long under the moonlight. The road ahead would inevitably need to be walked more carefully and firmly by himself. And Senior Brother's instructions and expectations would become a heavy responsibility and warning on his journey forward.