Chapter Forty-Three: Descending the Mountain

Yun Ling was clearly unprepared for this. Though she feared neither heaven nor earth, she was timid before the withered branch. Hesitantly, she said, “Master, whether in cultivation or experience, I am not as accomplished as Fourth Senior Brother. How can I become the Deputy Chief? Besides, there are many senior brothers with profound cultivation apart from the Six Sons of Cloud Sky. Moreover, I am but a woman…”

Master Withered Branch uttered a soft acknowledgment. Yun Ling’s heart was gladdened for a moment, but then she heard him say, “Though I am no longer the chief of Cloud Sky Sect, with Yun Jin in seclusion and myself as your master, all matters here are decided by me. You mentioned several disciples of your generation; I am aware of them. I will select a few with deep cultivation for my personal guidance. The Six Sons of Cloud Sky must not vanish. This is the most vital matter for our sect.”

Yun Ling wished to protest further, but she caught sight of Mo Bai’s encouraging smile, and unconsciously agreed. Only then did Master Withered Branch feel at ease, closing his eyes in silence as everyone understood he was waiting for the outcome of Yun Zui’s true spirit transmission.

Cloud Sky Sect, after enduring such calamity, had become somber and lifeless. With the reappearance of Withered Branch Ancestor, who had not managed sect affairs for many years, the air was even more solemn.

At some unknown hour, a light rain began to fall outside, its droplets landing before the Heavenly Meridian Hall, filling hearts with endless sorrow. Wu Luohua felt nearly suffocated by the atmosphere and whispered to Mo Bai, “Brother Mo, thank you for thinking so much for me. But I wonder what method Master Withered Branch will devise.”

Mo Bai replied, “Though I do not know what method, with Master Withered Branch’s reputation, I believe he would not deceive us juniors.”

Wu Luohua smiled bitterly, “He’s eighty, or is it ninety now? Won’t he forget in a bit?” Having slain Yun Kong, Wu Luohua’s mood had improved greatly.

Mo Bai laughed and scolded, “You worry too much.”

Just then, the plump Yun Tong came in from outside, drenched by the rain but seemingly unfazed, his face showing a hint of grief. He quickly approached Master Withered Branch, bowed deeply, and respectfully said, “Master, Fifth Brother has retired after succeeding in his task. The transmission is complete. Xin’er is resting, accompanied by Qi Shui. Please rest assured.”

Master Withered Branch’s old eyes opened slightly. “Good. Yun Tong, in the coming days, you must assist your junior sister Yun Ling in managing Cloud Sky Sect. I fear I will be unable to leave seclusion for some time.”

Yun Tong nodded, “Master, please rest assured. I will certainly support Yun Ling well.”

Master Withered Branch turned to Mo Bai and said, “Young friend, come with me.”

With that, he left the Heavenly Meridian Hall, Mo Bai following his figure. As they stepped outside, they saw a figure shoot out like a stiff piece of wood. Withered Branch shook his head with a wry smile, then flickered forward like a phantom to pursue.

Above Cloud Sky Sect, two remarkable figures moved one after the other—the one in front like a sharp arrow, the one behind like drifting clouds. Their speeds were equally swift, both having mastered the art of spirit leap to its highest level.

Finally, before a grove, the figure ahead landed steadily, turning to look at the one behind. Mo Bai’s face was flushed, his breath uneven, and he grimaced, “Master, your spirit leap is truly formidable. I have made a fool of myself.”

But Master Withered Branch said, “Young friend, even twenty years ago I had not reached your level. With a little more time, you will surely amaze Linglong.”

Mo Bai smiled, “You flatter me, Master.” He then asked, “Master, could you help my brother Wu Luohua develop spirit power like mine?”

Master Withered Branch’s face changed slightly, “Though I am old, I always keep my word. Take this token and go to Flower Gate to seek Master Gu Meng. Tell her to teach Wu Luohua the spirit cultivation method.”

Mo Bai’s heart soared at these words. Flower Gate was one of the five great spirit cultivation sects, renowned for its unique methods. Gu Meng was none other than the current leader. With her guidance, they would surely discover why Wu Luohua’s spirit could not gather. Mo Bai bowed deeply, “Thank you, Master.”

Withered Branch vanished into the grove, which shifted and transformed into another landscape. Mo Bai chuckled, “So this is the Maze Forest.”

Three days later, Yun Ling assumed the position of Deputy Chief of Cloud Sky Sect. Nine Xi became the head of the Hall of Penalty, Yun Fa was sent to the Cliff of Repentance for lifelong reflection. The wheels of the centuries-old sect slowly turned once more.

Mo Bai, holding the token given by Master Withered Branch, quietly descended the mountain with Wu Luohua. A graceful figure watched Mo Bai’s back from the lofty Heavenly Meridian Peak. The woman’s eyes suddenly stung, but she chided herself for lacking resolve. Life was unpredictable; he was destined to be a man of many charms, never belonging to just one woman. If ever there was a woman for whom he would give his all, she would surely be his true love and find happiness. But could such a woman exist?

Yun Ling suddenly raised her left hand, her fierce spirit of the Heavenly Way surging forth. A breeze rose atop the peak, tossing her hair. Her brows knit in determination, she resolutely cast a sword of spirit, slicing her flowing hair in two—severing the bonds of affection. Tears streamed down her face.

Suddenly, her eyes sparkled as she saw a youthful figure flicker behind Mo Bai. Yun Ling broke into a smile through her tears, gazing at the girl with a heart full of emotion. Perhaps she might find her own happiness. Thinking thus, Yun Ling shook out her chief’s robes and descended the peak, like a fairy from the heavens, escaping the mortal world once more.

Mo Bai and Wu Luohua walked leisurely, unaware they were being followed by someone moving with astonishing speed and light steps, proof of her powerful spirit leap.

Once they left the boundaries of Cloud Sky Sect, Wu Luohua grabbed Mo Bai’s hand and asked urgently, “Brother Mo, can you tell me what use this little wooden comb has? Is my fate tied to it?”

Mo Bai pointed to the jade pendant at Wu Luohua’s waist. “At least it’s not inferior to your jade pendant.”

Wu Luohua laughed, “This jade pendant isn’t as precious as you imagine. My grandfather hung it on me since childhood. Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to it. Apart from its fragrance, it has no special effect.”

Mo Bai suddenly heard a faint voice, tinged with surprise and some anger. He whispered to Wu Luohua, “Xiao Hua, do you remember when we first arrived at Cloud Sky Sect, you asked Yun Kong for a thousand taels of gold? Do you still recall?”

Wu Luohua smiled awkwardly, then suavely said, “Ha ha, how could I care about such a sum?”

Mo Bai replied, “Oh? So, Young Master Wu, how much travel money do you have for Flower Gate? Yesterday, I saw your jade pouch stuffed with snacks, nearly emptied the sect kitchens, but not a single coin.”

Wu Luohua was shocked, “Ah! I was so busy eating, I forgot about money for lodging or hiring a carriage. What should I do? Maybe…” He suddenly came up with an idea. “Brother Mo, why not take my things to a pawnshop and sell them for some silver?”

Mo Bai gave a bitter smile, “And how would you write the pawn ticket?”

Wu Luohua shouted, “Of course, I’d write it without delay!”

Mo Bai said, “But when we have silver, can we redeem our things? Won’t the pawnshop become Cloud Sky Sect’s kitchen?”

Wu Luohua recalled the kitchen swarming with flies when they had first entered the sect and burst out laughing. “Indeed, a pawnshop won’t take food, especially the ordinary kind that spoils easily. Unless—unless—they have jade pouches too.” But even he doubted that.

Mo Bai, however, said confidently, “When the cart comes to the mountain, there’ll be a road. Your pouch has no silver, but others may have. Don’t worry, we won’t lack anything along the way.”

Wu Luohua seemed to understand, shouting, “I get it!”

Mo Bai nodded in approval, only to hear Wu Luohua exclaim, “Brother Mo, you have silver! You stole that little girl’s jade pouch!”

Mo Bai broke out in cold sweat and fell flat on his back.