Tian Shu Wu Wang Lu

The Azure Spirit Boat pierced the sky, weaving through layers of clouds and mist. Wherever the boat passed, the sea of ​​clouds surged like waves, leaving behind the devastation, broken walls, and lingering stench of blood and demonic energy of the Lingxiao Pavilion, never to be looked back again.

The atmosphere on the boat was so somber it seemed like water could be wrung out of it. No one spoke; only the howling wind swirled the clouds and mist, constantly ringing in everyone's ears like a silent lament, lingering in their hearts.

Ayan curled up on Jiang Xubai's lap, crying until she was exhausted before falling into a deep sleep. Her brows were tightly furrowed, as if she were trapped in the tragic scene of the sect's destruction in her dream. Her face was still covered with wet tear stains, and her lips were slightly pursed, making her look particularly pitiful.

Jiang Xubai patted his back very gently, his touch so tender as if afraid of disturbing the sleeping man. His eyes were filled with unbearable tenderness, but his brows were tightly furrowed, and deep within his eyes surged grief and helplessness. His master had fallen, and the sect had been destroyed. As the senior brother, he had failed to protect the sect. This guilt and pain weighed heavily on his heart, making even breathing feel heavy.

Shen Qingyuan helped Lin Ye sit on the inside of the boat. She had already suffered internal injuries from the previous fierce battle, and her face was still pale, her lips were bloodless, and her body was slightly swaying. However, she held on to her last bit of spirit and suppressed the surging grief, no longer letting despair and sorrow devour her.

She knew that everyone was on edge, fleeing in panic, and their minds were already on the verge of collapse. If she also collapsed, Lin Ye, who was already deeply grieving and still recovering from his injuries, would only face even greater hardship. She had to hold on.

She lowered her eyes to look at the vast mountains and rivers rushing past her feet. The earth receded in her eyes, and the tenderness in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by a cold, icy light.

Her master sacrificed himself to protect the sect and her disciples, turning the once magnificent Lingxiao Pavilion into ruins overnight. Countless fellow disciples perished in the demonic energy. This deep-seated hatred had already etched the deepest scars into her heart, seeping into her very bones. She would never forget it in this lifetime, nor would she ever let it go.

Lin Ye leaned against the side of the boat, his back slightly hunched, his expression still dull and lifeless. His tears had long since been dried by the wind on the boat, leaving only two shallow tear tracks on his cheeks. His eyes were bloodshot, revealing endless weariness and an overwhelming sadness.

He was disheveled, his clothes stained with dust and blood, and his aura was weak and listless. This sudden calamity had completely shattered his original path of cultivation, and made him experience the pain of separation and death.

Star Ember lay quietly on his shoulder, its fluffy white fur clinging tightly to his warm neck. Its small body radiated warmth, and a continuous stream of warmth seeped into his heart through his skin.

Its sapphire-like eyes stared intently at Lin Ye, filled with worry. Every now and then, it would raise its little head and gently rub its soft fur against his cheek, quietly soothing his low spirits in its own unique way. It was quiet and unassuming, yet incredibly heartwarming.

Feeling the genuine warmth on his shoulder, Lin Ye's extremely tense heartstrings finally relaxed a little.

He slowly raised his trembling hand, his fingertips gently brushing against the soft, smooth downy fur of Star Ash. The warm touch from his fingertips filled him with mixed emotions.

His master passed away, his sect collapsed, and his fellow disciples died tragically. Everything was destroyed in an instant. Fortunately, Xingjin returned safely and even obtained a great opportunity in the secret realm, which saved his life. This was the only thing that could give him some comfort and prevent him from being completely desperate in this catastrophe.

In his past life, he worked as a food delivery driver, braving wind and rain, rushing to complete orders under the scorching sun and torrential downpours, and climbing stairs late at night. No matter how difficult or picky the customers were, or how harsh or extreme the weather was, he never gave up easily, no matter how hard or tiring it was. His bones were already engraved with a tenacious spirit of never admitting defeat and never bowing down.

Now, facing the devastating calamity of the sect's destruction, overwhelming grief almost drowned him. But he knew better than anyone that wallowing in sorrow was useless, and running away was even more futile. The only thing he could do was grit his teeth and live on, focus on healing his injuries, and dedicate himself to rigorous training to improve his strength. Only then could he one day avenge his master, seek justice for all his fallen comrades, and comfort their spirits in heaven.

The Azure Spirit Boat sailed south, with Luo Li precisely controlling the direction, deliberately avoiding dangerous places teeming with demonic energy. It passed through the vast, desolate mountains and rushed rivers. After about half a day, the scenery ahead suddenly changed, completely different from the previous hazy and demonic landscape.

The originally oppressive and gloomy sky gradually cleared up, and the dazzling yet warm sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone down. The heavy and pungent demonic energy that filled the air was completely replaced by the fresh and rich fragrance of grass and trees. Wisps of pure and gentle spiritual energy, far surpassing that of the outside world, rushed over and seeped into every part of the body with each breath, making the pores of the body seem to slowly relax, and the fatigue of the past few days dissipated a lot.

Surrounded by distant mountains, shrouded in misty clouds like a light veil, a secluded and tranquil valley lies hidden deep within the mountains, utterly hidden.

Ancient trees tower outside the valley, their branches and leaves flourishing. Some thousand-year-old trees reach straight into the sky, their thick vines intertwining and forming a natural barrier. Faintly visible are the shimmering, colorful patterns of the barrier, which gleam with a warm yet majestic halo under the sunlight, firmly protecting the entire valley and completely isolating it from the outside world's conflicts, wars, and catastrophes, making it a veritable paradise.

"This is Danxiao Valley."

Luo Li steadily steered the Azure Spirit Boat to a slow descent, her voice gentle and soothing, carrying a hint of relief after surviving a calamity.

She raised her hand and crushed a pre-prepared guiding jade talisman. The layers of clouds outside the valley instantly dispersed to open up a wide passage. The protective light around her flowed gently, and spiritual energy surged, but it did not show any intention to attack. It was clear that it had accurately recognized her aura and took the initiative to let her pass.

Once the spirit boat landed steadily on the blue stone bridge at the valley entrance, Luo Li was the first to stand up. She quickly walked to Lin Ye's side, gently took his arm, and spoke softly, her tone full of reassurance: "Let's get off the boat. My master is already waiting in the valley and will definitely protect you. You don't need to worry anymore."

Jiang Xubai woke up the sleeping Ayan, and Shen Qingyuan followed closely behind, reaching out to steady the boat.

Lin Ye slowly raised his hand, gently picked up the obedient Xing Jin from his shoulder, wrapped its small body in his sleeve, and slowly stepped off the Azure Spirit Boat.

As your feet touch the ground, the warm and mellow spiritual energy becomes even more intense, enveloping you and soothing your soul.

The surroundings were filled with the sounds of birdsong and the fragrance of flowers. The clear stream flowed gently through the valley, its babbling merrily contrasting with the desolate and bleak ruins of Lingxiao Pavilion. It was like a fairyland, easing the heaviness in one's heart.

At the entrance of the valley stand two ancient and majestic stone beasts. Their bodies are covered with ancient patterns, and they are surrounded by spiritual energy, exuding a faint sense of pressure. They are clearly spiritual creatures guarding the entrance of the valley.

The palaces and pavilions in the valley are arranged in a staggered manner, all built against the mountain, with green tiles and white walls, flying eaves and upturned corners, hidden among the lush and verdant trees, appearing and disappearing.

Everywhere you look, you can see thriving spiritual herbs and plants, with a wide variety of species and abundant spiritual energy. The air is filled with a faint, elegant fragrance of herbs and plants, which brings peace to the mind.

Several Danxiao Valley disciples, dressed in light green dresses and possessing gentle demeanor, stood guard at the valley entrance. Upon seeing Luo Li's return, they quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Senior Sister, you're back. The Valley Master has been waiting in the main hall for quite some time."

As they spoke, the disciples' gazes involuntarily fell on Lin Ye and his companions. Seeing their disheveled appearance, their clothes stained with dust and still wet with tears, and clearly sensing the heavy sorrow and grief lingering in the air, their eyes were filled with curiosity and genuine sympathy. However, they did not ask any questions or show any extra expression. It was clear that they had been instructed by the Valley Master in advance to know about the group's plight and to observe proper etiquette.

Luo Li nodded slightly, gently tugged at Lin Ye's sleeve as if afraid he might lose his balance, and led the group toward the main hall in the valley. Her voice was gentle: "Follow me. Greet my master, True Person Danxiao. My master is merciful and will surely make proper arrangements for your healing and recuperation."

As you travel along, the stunning scenery of Danxiao Valley unfolds before your eyes.

Disciples moved about in the valley with light steps, most of them carrying medicine baskets and spirit shovels. Some were carefully tending to the spiritual plants in the spiritual fields, while others hurried to the alchemy room to refine pills. Their movements were agile and their demeanor was composed, fully demonstrating the profound knowledge of alchemy, spiritual plants, and movement techniques that Danxiao Valley had inherited for many years.

Everyone had a peaceful expression, gentle eyes, and polite manners. They greeted each other as they passed by, completely devoid of the panic, hostility, and fear of the outside world. This tranquility and peace was something Lin Ye and the others had never experienced since they began their escape days ago. It allowed their minds, which had been tense to the extreme, to relax a little, and their tense shoulders slumped slightly.

Before long, everyone followed Luo Li to the outside of the main hall.

The main hall is ancient and magnificent, with mottled bricks and stones that exude a sense of weight and age. A black plaque hangs above the door with three gilded characters that read "Danxiao Hall". The characters are strong and powerful, penetrating the wood and exuding a sense of majesty.

The temple doors were open, and an elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in an apricot-yellow Taoist robe, sat in the main seat of the hall. His spiritual energy was restrained, yet he possessed an air of otherworldly grace. His gentle gaze was already fixed on the direction of the temple doors, waiting for everyone to arrive.