As the days passed—
Li Xuan gradually became familiar with the caravan group.
The journey remained peaceful.
Most of the travelers were merchants or low-level cultivators heading toward cities near the Dao Temple Sect.
The atmosphere along the road was relaxed.
At times—
Conversations and laughter could be heard between the travelers.
The sound of carriage wheels and horse hooves echoed steadily through the mountain paths.
Li Xuan rarely spoke.
Most of the time
He silently observed the surroundings.
The others slowly grew used to his calm presence.
The tension from the first day gradually disappeared.
Soon—
Night descended upon the forest.
The caravan stopped near an open clearing surrounded by tall trees.
Several people quickly began setting up tents.
Others gathered firewood nearby.
Before long—
Bonfires lit up the dark campsite.
Warm light flickered across the forest.
The smell of cooked food slowly spread through the air.
Some travelers sat together chatting while others rested quietly after the long journey.
Li Xuan sat alone near one of the bonfires.
The firelight reflected softly across his face.
At that moment—
A man walked toward him holding a roasted fish.
"Here."
"You've barely eaten during the journey."
Li Xuan looked at him briefly.
Then accepted the fish.
"Thank you."
The man smiled lightly.
"No need."
"We're traveling together after all."
After saying that—
He sat down beside the bonfire.
For a while—
Only the sound of crackling flames echoed between them.
Then the man suddenly glanced toward Li Xuan.
"You're heading to the Dao Temple Sect?"
Li Xuan gave a faint nod.
"Mm."
The man looked slightly surprised.
"As far as I know…"
"The sect only accepts disciples once each year."
"And this year's recruitment already ended."
His brows furrowed slightly.
"So how do you plan to enter?"
The bonfire crackled softly in the silence.
Li Xuan remained calm.
"I know the rules."
"But I still need to go."
The man looked confused.
"You already have a way?"
Li Xuan's gaze rested quietly on the flames.
Then—
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I'll find one."
For a moment—
The man simply stared at him.
Though Li Xuan spoke calmly—
There was a strange confidence in his voice.
The man suddenly laughed lightly.
"Well…"
"Good luck."
After saying that—
He leaned back beside the bonfire.
"You should give it your all."
"We'll remain near the Dao Temple Sect's city for around a week before heading back."
He glanced toward Li Xuan.
"If things don't work out…"
"You can always return with us."
The flames danced quietly between them.
Li Xuan remained silent for a moment while looking into the fire.
Then—
He quietly spoke.
"I'll enter the sect."
His voice was calm.
Yet carried quiet determination.
The man stared at him briefly.
Then laughed again.
"Haha…"
"You really don't sound like someone with a damaged dantian."
Li Xuan gave no reply.
His gaze simply lifted toward the dark night sky above.
The forest gradually became quieter.
One by one—
People returned to their tents.
Only the bonfires continued burning beneath the night.
Far beyond the distant mountains—
A lonely hill stood beneath the moonlight.
At the top of the hill—
A small wooden house rested beneath an ancient tree.
The surroundings were silent.
Peaceful.
As if separated from the world itself.
Under the tree—
A woman sat quietly.
Moonlight bathed her figure in silver light.
Her long black hair flowed gently with the night wind.
She wore elegant white and blue robes that swayed softly around her.
A thin transparent veil covered the lower half of her face.
Yet even that could not hide her beauty.
Cold.
Calm.
Untouchable.
Before her rested a guzheng.
Her slender fingers moved lightly across the strings.
Soft melodies echoed through the silent night.
The sound was clear and ethereal—
Like flowing water beneath the moon.
Even the wind seemed to quiet down around her music.
The spiritual energy in the surroundings moved faintly along with the melody.
As though the heavens themselves were listening.
While playing—
Her gaze remained fixed upon the moon hanging high in the sky.
Quiet.
Distant.
As though her thoughts had drifted far beyond the world below.
The beautiful melody continued flowing through the silent night—
Unaware that somewhere far away—
A certain young man was steadily approaching the world she belonged to.