Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the square in front of the Liu Mansion, more than a hundred chosen boys and girls had already assembled.
They wore their newest clothes, their faces filled with longing for the future, unease about the unknown, and reluctance to part with their families.
Just as Yun Yun was about to take out the cloud sea spirit boat and lead these new Disciples on their journey,
a slight commotion suddenly arose at the edge of the square.
The crowd parted as if moved by an invisible hand, and a line of Cultivators dressed in the azure cloud-patterned Dao robes of Qingyun Holy Land walked over at a measured pace.
Leading them was a middle-aged man of calm bearing—none other than Qingyun Holy Land's foreign-affairs Elder, Lu Mingyuan.
Behind him followed several Golden Core stewards and a number of Disciples carrying heavy gift boxes.
Their arrival instantly drew every eye in the square!
'Qingyun Holy Land? Why are they here?'
'It's Elder Lu Mingyuan! He's a major figure in the Holy Land!'
'What do they want? Could it be because…'
Everyone's gaze involuntarily shifted toward Yun Yun.
A few days earlier, Feiyun Sect and Qingyun Sect had both questioned the existence of Yaochi Immortal Palace.
Could Qingyun Holy Land have come to make trouble?
A warm, appropriate smile on his face, Lu Mingyuan first bowed from afar toward Yun Yun and called out in a clear voice:
'Lu Mingyuan of Qingyun Holy Land, by order of our Holy Lord, has come to pay respects to Vice Palace Master Yun of Yaochi Immortal Palace and to congratulate the palace on opening its gates and accepting Disciples!'
His posture was humble and his courtesy complete, without the slightest arrogance of Qingyun Holy Land.
After all, the other party might very well possess a great power of the Undergoing Tribulation realm; offending them was unthinkable.
Yet if he had known that the very person standing before him possessed the strength of the ninth level of undergoing tribulation, what would he have thought then?
Yun Yun's expression was placid, not a ripple in her demeanor; she merely inclined her head slightly.
'Elder Lu has traveled far; your consideration is appreciated.'
Only then did Lu Mingyuan approach with his people.
His gaze inevitably fell upon Gu Luoli.
When he saw the young woman before him—rosy complexion, clear eyes, a steady, reserved aura—
and even a faint spiritual luster and confidence greater than in her heyday three years ago,
even with mental preparation, waves still surged in his heart!
She had truly recovered!
Not only were her Dao injuries healed and her twin pupils' spiritual charm contained within, her cultivation had returned to Peak Foundation Establishment!
The sharpness and brilliance of old seemed to have returned, even more settled and dazzling!
'Junior… Miss Gu.'
Suppressing his shock, Lu Mingyuan kept his smile and spoke with warmth tinged by complex emotion.
'Three years apart, to see you looking even more splendid than before, this old man… is deeply gratified.'
Gu Luoli gazed at the Elder who had once shown her considerable kindness in the Holy Land, her own feelings equally mixed.
Lu Mingyuan was one of the few seniors who had not kicked her when she fell, even secretly helping now and then.
But at this moment, no resentment remained in her—only calm.
The past was as yesterday's death.
From the moment she stepped into Yaochi Immortal Palace and entered her Master's gate, she and Qingyun Holy Land were no longer connected.
'Elder Lu.'
Gu Luoli dipped slightly in an ordinary Junior's salute.
'Thank you for your concern; Luoli is well now.'
The words 'Elder Lu' and an ordinary Junior's bow already stated her stance—distant yet courteous, drawing the line.
Lu Mingyuan sighed inwardly, knowing the past could never be reclaimed.
Yet his mission today was not to reclaim but to offer goodwill and avert any grudge.
'Seeing you safe and sound sets my mind at ease.'
He nodded, then turned to Yun Yun and waved to the Disciples behind him.
'Vice Palace Master Yun, upon hearing that the Immortal Palace is accepting Disciples, Qingyun Holy Land has prepared modest gifts to offer our congratulations. A trifling sentiment; please accept them.'
Several Disciples stepped forward and opened the gift boxes one by one.
Instantly, jewels shimmered and Spiritual Qi swirled!
There were century-old purple ginseng, millennium warm jade, complete sets of High Grade ritual robes, rare Artifact Refining Materials… Though not comparable to Yaochi Immortal Palace's heritage, for an ordinary Sect it was already an extremely generous gift.
It was not only recognition of Yaochi Immortal Palace's strength but also tacit acknowledgment of Gu Luoli's current status.
On the square, countless people held their breath watching.
Qingyun Holy Land—one of the hegemons of the Southern Domain—had taken the initiative to show goodwill and present lavish gifts to Yaochi Immortal Palace!
The implications were self-evident!
Many quick-witted onlookers realized that Yaochi Immortal Palace's standing was likely even more exalted than they had imagined!
Yun Yun's gaze swept over the gifts, her expression still calm, as though she saw only ordinary objects.
'Qingyun Holy Land is considerate.'
'This palace accepts the gifts on behalf of the Immortal Palace. Is there anything else, Elder Lu?'
Lu Mingyuan hastily replied,
'Nothing further. The Holy Lord has one more message I am to pass to Miss Gu.'
He looked toward Gu Luoli, his expression grave.
'The Holy Lord says: the past is gone; may your future be bright and your Dao everlasting. Qingyun Holy Land will always remember the splendor you once displayed.'
The words were artful: acknowledging the past, offering blessings, and subtly stating that Qingyun Holy Land bore no hostility.
Gu Luoli was silent a moment; a ripple flickered in her eyes, then stilled.
She bowed once more to Lu Mingyuan.
'Please convey my thanks to the Holy Lord for his concern.'
'I also wish Qingyun Holy Land flourishing Dao fortune.'
With that, she said no more, her calm gaze turning elsewhere.
Her attitude was clear: the matter was closed; each side should fare well.
Lu Mingyuan understood; this was already the best outcome.
He stayed no longer, bowing again to Yun Yun.
'Then I shall not delay the Immortal Palace's journey. Farewell.'
'Mm.'
Yun Yun replied indifferently.
Lu Mingyuan led the Qingyun Holy Land group away as composedly as they had arrived, soon vanishing beyond the crowd.
This sudden interlude made the atmosphere on the square even more subtle.
The new Disciples now looked at Gu Luoli with added curiosity and awe.
Even Qingyun Holy Land had to ingratiate themselves, and their Holy Lord had sent personal words.
This Senior Sister's former identity must have been extraordinary!
Liu Ruyan watched, her own heart full of emotion.
Third Junior Sister's past was truly and completely settled.
From now on, she would be merely the third Disciple of Yaochi Immortal Palace—Gu Luoli.
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