The morning after the grand tournament dawned, a sense of peace and new beginnings filled the Moonveil Pavilion.
Countless birds flitted among the sprawling branches of the ancient cherry blossom tree, their harmonious songs weaving through the air like a living melody.
The enormous tree, its boughs heavy with clusters of vivid pink blossoms, stood as a magnificent sentinel beside the expansive courtyard.
Sunlight poured generously across the courtyard, illuminating a scene alive with laughter, chatter, and the joyful activities of disciples of every age.
Elder Yun Ji, gently stroking his flowing white beard and squinting through nearly closed eyes, watched over the festivities with quiet joy.
At the far edge of the courtyard, a lively tug-of-war unfolded among spirited female disciples, their laughter echoing with each playful struggle.
Nearby, several male disciples took turns at archery, arrows whistling toward painted targets.
Others gathered around simmering cauldrons, preparing a grand feast, while more disciples—mostly women—hung delicate silk banners and paper lanterns, transforming the pavilion with vibrant decorations.
Each person was immersed in their own joyful task; the courtyard was alive with the spirit of celebration.
Elder Qing Yun arrived precisely on time, accompanied by his favored disciple, Li Haoran.
The dignified elder's robes fluttered gently as he approached, his eyes crinkling with warmth at the sight of his old friend.
As the two elders met near the pavilion's entrance, they exchanged playful banter, their camaraderie as lively as ever.
"What brings you here today, looking so lively?" Elder Qing Yun asked, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Yesterday's celebration was postponed, but my disciples insisted we hold it today instead," Elder Yun Ji replied, still stroking his white beard. "As you can see, they're keeping themselves busy with preparations. Seeing their happiness lifts a burden from my heart."
A chuckle escaped Elder Qing Yun, joining the cheerful sounds around them.
"I see. Who would have thought—they've all grown up so quickly."
"To me, they'll always be my little ones."
"I know you well. Those disciples are like family to you. A good teacher imparts more than skills—he teaches his students the grace of proper etiquette. Honestly, I truly admire you."
Elder Qing Yun wagged his index finger playfully, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement.
Elder Yun Ji laughed, shaking his head in flustered embarrassment.
"Stop flattering me."
"From the very beginning, our friendship has never faltered. I consider myself fortunate to have had you by my side for a millennium. Sometimes I can hardly believe that, after all these years, we're still here—watching a new generation grow under our guidance. In our youth, we were so devoted to our own masters. Yet, fate can be cruel, and misfortune struck when we least expected it."
Elder Yun Ji fell silent, his gaze lingering on his old friend, eyes filled with unspoken memories.
Li Haoran's mind buzzed with curiosity as he tried to process the conversation between the two elders.
"Your own masters? Are you saying both of you served under the same master? And if it's really been a millennium... Master, this is unbelievable! Does that mean you are—"
"Hey, stop right there! Don't finish that thought," Elder Yun Ji interjected with a wry smile. "We admit we're old enough, but don't underestimate us. You still have a long journey ahead of you."
Elder Qing Yun chuckled softly, his amusement barely contained.
"My dear disciple, Haoran, your thoughts are both right and wrong. Let me clarify—we did not share the same master, though sometimes it felt as if we did. Both our masters possessed profound abilities, far beyond what we could ever hope to match. Our power cannot be compared to theirs."
Li Haoran could only stand in stunned silence, momentarily lost for words.
Elder Yun Ji offered a gentle, reassuring smile.
"One day, you'll understand, child."
Suddenly, a loud shout rang out as a pair of male disciples carefully maneuvered a large wooden treasury box toward Elder Yun Ji, their faces flushed with effort.
"STAND ASIDE! STAND ASIDE!"
"What is this all about?"
The sect leader asked, arching his brows in curiosity.
As they reached the center of the courtyard, the cultivators gently set the heavy box down with a dull thud.
"Master! Senior Yue has given the order to distribute high-grade spirit stones to all disciples!" one of the disciples announced breathlessly.
At the proclamation, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd.
Disciples from every corner of the courtyard hurried over, their eyes wide with awe and anticipation.
Elder Yun Ji shot a puzzled glance at Elder Qing Yun before striding down the stone steps away from the pavilion, each step deliberate as he made his way toward the treasury box.
Li Haoran fell in step behind, accompanied by his master, Elder Qing Yun, both eager to see what would unfold.
"Where is Chan'er? Are you serious about this?"
The male disciple replied with a nod.
Just then, a familiar voice rang out—Yue Chan stepped forward, her expression resolute.
"Since then, I've always been serious."
At her words, the crowd fell silent and parted, giving her their full attention.
Once again, the masked beauty made her entrance.
With her eyes still cold and unreadable, Yue Chan strode forward with unshakable confidence, heading directly toward her master's side.
"You all know that whenever we achieve victory in the tournament, I share my portion with everyone. Of the ten thousand high-grade spirit stones, I've divided them for various purposes. There are seventy-eight disciples here, and as always, my master is included—this time, Elder Qing Yun as well. Please accept my humble offering."
Yue Chan paused, her gaze steady as she fixed her eyes on Li Haoran.
"And as for you... you will have your share, too."
Li Haoran stood frozen in disbelief, completely unprepared for such generosity.
"Inside this treasury box are the remaining high-grade spirit stones. For your information, I've already set aside funds for the medicine pavilion, the forging abyss, and for structural improvements to strengthen our Moonveil grounds. On my part, I've only taken a small share. Senior Su Mei and Hou Yan have also received their portions. The rest is here for everyone. I'd like to ask if anyone would like to volunteer as the accountant for this distribution. Who among you is willing to take on this responsibility?"
One of the disciples stepped forward and raised his hand.
"Senior, I'll take the responsibility."
Yue Chan nodded approvingly.
"Take your time."
Once the task was assigned, Yue Chan turned and strode into the Moonveil Pavilion, her movements graceful and composed.
Elder Yun Ji followed silently, his expression thoughtful.
Li Haoran and Elder Qing Yun brought up the rear, trailing closely behind as the group disappeared into the heart of the pavilion.
"What was your intention in going to such trouble, Chan'er?" Elder Yun Ji asked, his tone gentle but curious.
"I simply did what I thought was right," Yue Chan replied calmly.
"You could have saved the reward for your own future," he suggested.
"Master, I've already received more than enough rewards in the past," Yue Chan answered with a soft smile. "This is the best thing I can do for my sisters and juniors—and for you as well."
"Not bad," Elder Yun Ji replied, shrugging his shoulders. "But what about the medicine pavilion...?"
"The medicine pavilion doesn't even exist right now, does it?" Yue Chan responded with a faint smile. "Don't worry, I have my own plans. Leave it to me."
"And the forging abyss?" he pressed.
"The forging abyss is in a similar state—it doesn't exist at the moment, just like the medicine pavilion," Yue Chan explained. "But as I said, I have my own way. The rest of the rewards, including the enhancing pills, will need careful study. My plan is to refine them several times, so all the juniors can further their cultivation."
"Even now, you haven't changed," Elder Yun Ji said with a reassuring smile, gently patting her shoulder. "I believe in your abilities. You're still truly yourself."
With that, Elder Yun Ji bowed respectfully to Yue Chan.
In a quiet corner, Elder Qing Yun and Li Haoran watched the scene unfold with keen curiosity.
Li Haoran leaned in closer to his master and whispered, "Master, this is the first time I've ever seen a master bow to his disciple."
Elder Qing Yun snapped his attention to Li Haoran, eyes wide with alarm.
"Keep your voice down! Yue Chan can be quite temperamental—don't provoke her, and watch what you say," he cautioned in a low voice.
"I'm only saying what I see, Master. Why are you so nervous?" Li Haoran muttered, scratching the back of his neck.
"My hairs are turning gray because of you. Haoran, please try to behave."
Li Haoran could only fall silent, unable to respond.
After a lengthy conversation with her master, Yue Chan finally took her leave, slipping quietly out and leaving the elders behind.
Stubborn as ever, Li Haoran darted away without a word of explanation, quietly trailing after Yue Chan.
Elder Qing Yun moved to call him back, but Elder Yun Ji gently stopped him.
"Let them be. They're grown men and women now—it's time they get to know each other, even if just for a while. Chan'er may seem intimidating on the outside, but her true nature isn't what most expect."
Hearing this, Elder Qing Yun let out a soft sigh, unable to object to his friend's advice.
Outside, Li Haoran followed Yue Chan with confident steps, convinced she hadn't noticed his presence.
What he didn't realize was that, ever since they'd left the pavilion, Yue Chan had been fully aware of his pursuit.
As she turned into the arched pathway, Yue Chan suddenly employed an invisibility technique, vanishing from sight and setting a subtle trap for Li Haoran.
"Where did she go?" Li Haoran muttered to himself, confusion flickering across his face.
A voice sounded unexpectedly behind him, making him jump.
"Are you looking for me?"
Li Haoran spun around, startled to find Yue Chan already standing there, watching him intently.
He opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat.
Stunned, he could only stare at Yue Chan—her posture composed, arms folded, and her cold gaze fixed intently on him.
"What was your intent in following me? Do you want something?" Yue Chan asked, her tone cool and direct.
Li Haoran managed a sheepish smile, his eyes wide and uncertain.
"I..."
Yue Chan tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering as she waited.
"Say something."
"I—I came to thank you," Li Haoran stammered.
"That's it? It doesn't matter. Anything else?" Yue Chan replied, her tone indifferent.
Li Haoran could only fall silent, searching for words.
"If there's nothing more, I'll be on my way," Yue Chan said, turning to leave.
"Wait!" Li Haoran called out, unable to let her go just yet.
Yue Chan paused mid-step.
"I just wanted to say, I admire you..." he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yue Chan turned to face him, her expression inscrutable, eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she waited for him to continue.
"I've heard you're the most formidable top disciple in the entire sect. Your name echoes everywhere. Yesterday, when I saw your match against Gong Xie, I finally understood why the rumors exist. Today is my first real opportunity to see your true character up close. Please, don't drive me away."
"So what do you want me to do?" Yue Chan asked, her tone even.
Li Haoran smiled nervously, then suddenly dropped to one knee.
"Please accept my plea—I want to learn from you."