Night flowed like water, and the galaxy hung low. At the cliff's edge behind Qingxu Temple — a place that held too many of Tang Xiaoqi's memories, overlooking nearly half the sect's night scenery — a bonfire was lit. Flames danced, illuminating the familiar faces seated around it, dispelling some of the mountain peak's chill, softening the expressions that were usually either solemn, cold, or playful.
No servant disciples waited on them, no elaborate formalities. There were only a few jars of spiritual wine, a few dishes of fragrant and richly scented demon beast meat personally roasted by Xiao Qi using the Creation Wok, and a pot of calming tea he had treasured, obtained from an overseas immortal island.
Those seated were Tang Xiaoqi, Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, Third Senior Sister Liu Yun, and Second Senior Brother Luo Feng, whose soul resided in an exquisite puppet body. The rabbit spirit was clutching a spiritual fruit larger than itself, munching happily on the side, occasionally pricking up its ears to listen to everyone's conversation.
This was after Xiao Qi had been enlightened by the Sect Master and his future world travels had been clarified, a rare, private gathering among them.
After one round of wine, the mood was slightly tipsy. Second Senior Brother, controlling his puppet body assembled from various rare metals and wood, its movements still somewhat stiff, raised a specially made small wine cup connected to a conduit (convenient for guiding wine into the puppet's energy conversion core), using his unique tone with a hint of metallic friction to say excitedly: "Come! To our Little Seventh Junior Brother's upcoming great expedition to conquer the stars and the sea, cheers! Too bad I cannot taste this with my body, I can only feel the energy fluctuation. Tsk, what a loss!"
This utterance immediately diluted the sorrow of parting, causing Xiao Qi and the Senior Brother to chuckle involuntarily. Even Third Senior Sister Liu Yun, always cold, had the corner of her lips slightly upturned into a very faint arc.
Xiao Qi raised his rough ceramic wine bowl, lightly clinking it with Second Senior Brother's wine cup, then gestured to Senior Brother and Third Senior Sister before drinking a big gulp. The spicy yet spiritually sweet wine liquid rolled down his throat, transforming into a warm current spreading to his limbs. He set down the wine bowl, gazing at the dancing flames, and spoke softly: "You all know what Master said. I... really should go out and travel."
The atmosphere slightly quieted for a moment.
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng took the wine jar and refilled cups for Xiao Qi and himself. His movements were steady, his gaze warm and firm: "Xiao Qi, what Master said is absolutely correct. Your sky should not be limited to Qingxu Temple. The sect's current situation is stable, internally unified as one piece, external demonic troubles temporarily calmed, plus the alliance with the silicon-based civilization — it is precisely the best timing for you to venture out for tempering and seeking breakthroughs." He paused, looking at Xiao Qi, his tone carrying unquestionable support: "Go ahead, chase your great Dao. Qingxu Temple has me."
His words were simple yet weighed a thousand pounds. This meant he would shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting the sect, stabilizing the rear for Xiao Qi so he would have no worries. This sense of responsibility and trust made warm currents surge in Xiao Qi's heart.
"Thank you, Senior Brother." Xiao Qi said solemnly.
Third Senior Sister Liu Yun used a sharpened twig to poke at the bonfire embers, sparks crackling. She raised her head, and her clear-cold gaze under the firelight had less of its usual sharpness and more softness. "The Enforcement Hall has just been established, many rules are still nascent and need iron-willed deterrence, also time to settle. Internally, the sect just went through an investigation; though hearts are united, continued guidance is needed to consolidate the foundation." Her voice was still clear, but carried an undeniable seriousness: "I cannot leave."
She looked at Xiao Qi, their gazes meeting. Words were unnecessary; both understood the other's heart. She chose to stay, not because she was unwilling to walk with him, but because she clearly knew the sect needed her, this sword hanging over everyone's head, needed her to maintain this hard-won order and stability. This was her responsibility, also her Dao.
"I understand, Third Senior Sister." Xiao Qi nodded: "With you here, the sect's discipline exists, the disciples' hearts are at peace."
Third Senior Sister slightly nodded, speaking no more. She raised the tea cup before her, using tea as wine to toast Xiao Qi, took a small sip. Everything was conveyed without words.
"Hehe, I am even less able to leave." Second Senior Brother Luo Feng's puppet head made clicking and clacking sounds of rotation, facing Xiao Qi. The spirit stones inlaid in his eye sockets flickered with excited light: "In my current state, I would probably fall apart after walking three li outside. Besides, my Spirit Demon Engine third-generation prototype is just seeing some promising results, plus my research on spatial folding applications of void dragon crystals has reached a critical stage, and also... the new rune array deduced from the silicon-based civilization database..." When he started talking about his research, he was unstoppable, puppet arm waving about, almost throwing itself off.
Xiao Qi laughed interrupting him: "Second Senior Brother, just peacefully do your research. Maybe something you tinkered out could save my life at a critical moment someday."
"That goes without saying!" The Second Senior Brother's puppet chest thumped loudly (though it was empty inside): "When I develop cross-realm instant communication, or single-person spatial teleportation devices, even if you run to the ends of the earth, Senior Brother can teleport over to deliver supplies! Or curse you across the star sea!"
His unconventional words animated the atmosphere again. Everyone knew that though Second Senior Brother appeared world-weary and immersed in his own world, his seemingly absurd research often created unexpected miracles. Him staying at the sect, devoted to research, might in the future truly become the cornerstone of technological transformation for Qingxu Temple and even the entire cultivation world.
The bonfire crackled, illuminating the faces of the four (plus one puppet and one rabbit). After brief laughter, a deeper emotion silently flowed.
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng raised his wine bowl again, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Qi, Liu Yun, and Luo Feng. His voice was steady and powerful, clearly spreading across the silent mountain peak: "Today here, the four of us, let us make a pact."
Xiao Qi, Liu Yun, and Luo Feng all sobered, looking at him seriously.
"No matter where Xiao Qi goes in the future, whether he becomes renowned throughout Central Zhou, explores secret realms, roams the star sea, or faces difficulties in perilous situations," Mu Qingfeng spoke each word weightily and clearly: "Qingxu Temple will always be his root, his backing! Sect resources, available for his use! Sect disciples, available for his command! This oath, witnessed by heaven and earth!"
Third Senior Sister Liu Yun continued, her voice clear like a sword ringing: "No matter how far apart, a message will reach, and where my sword points, even if far, it shall be reached!"
Second Senior Brother Luo Feng's puppet also stopped its antics, using his unique metallic tone, carrying unprecedented solemnity: "Technical support, leave it to me! Need any weird and wonderful stuff, just ask! Guaranteed to be a hundred years ahead of the times!"
Tang Xiaoqi looked at the three Senior Brothers and Senior Sister who had walked alongside him, supporting each other through life and death. His chest was filled with a burning emotion. He took a deep breath, suppressed the tingling in his nose, raised his wine bowl, and forcefully clinked it together with their wine cups, tea cups, and Second Senior Brother's conduit cup!
"Ding", "Pffft" (Second Senior Brother's conduit cup made a strange sound)...
Clear and strange sounds interwove, yet like the most solemn oath.
"No matter where I am," Xiao Qi's voice carried a barely detectable tremor, but his eyes shone like stars: "Qingxu Temple will always be my home! Senior Brother, Third Senior Sister, Second Senior Brother — you will always be my most trusted pillars! This heart, this faith, unchanged through eternity!"
The four looked at each other. Everything was conveyed without words. No need for excessive sentimental speeches. This friendship and trust forged through surviving life and death together and joint protection had long transcended ordinary sect-mate bonds, becoming indispensable parts of each other's lives.
The bonfire still burned, illuminating their resolute faces, also illuminating this heavy pact spanning time and space.
After tonight, Tang Xiaoqi would embark on a new journey, toward a vaster world. But he knew he was never alone. His roots were deeply planted in this land called Qingxu Temple; behind him always stood these companions to whom he could entrust his life and on whom he could rely.
This was his greatest confidence for facing all unknown challenges.