Free Web NovelChapter 319: Chapter 133: Ning Xiang’s Treatment, On Lingxi Peak (2)
Having grown up in a Martial Arts Hall, she was long accustomed to that environment. Now that she had just arrived at the Xuanzhen Sect, she had assumed she and Yang Jing would look after each other. She never expected they would suddenly be separated.
Yang Jing was momentarily taken aback, then gave a wry smile. His voice carried a note of both helplessness and acceptance. "What else can we do? The Xuanzhen Sect is the top Martial Arts Sect in Jintai Prefecture. Just having the chance to join is a rare stroke of luck. We can’t throw away such a great opportunity to practice just because we weren’t assigned to the same peak, can we?"
He looked at Sun Ningxiang, his tone softening as he comforted her, "Don’t worry. Though we won’t be at the same peak, we’re both still practicing here on Fushan Island. The peaks aren’t that far from each other. As long as we have free time, it’ll be easy to meet. There’s no need to be so concerned."
Sun Ningxiang listened quietly, giving a small nod and replying in a low voice, "Okay."
But despite her words, her sense of loss didn’t diminish in the slightest. The thought of separating from Yang Jing, of stepping alone into the utterly unfamiliar environment of a new peak and facing strange masters and disciples, filled her with an unspeakable reluctance and a hint of resistance. A deep melancholy was etched on her face.
Seeing Sun Ningxiang’s wistful expression, Yang Jing felt a pang of sadness himself, but he quickly suppressed it. He knew that compared to the pain of parting, achieving true strength was far more important. He spoke gently to soothe her, "Since it’s come to this, let’s go pack our things. The priority is to complete the registration process and get settled. I’ll find a chance to visit you on Yunxi Peak as soon as I’m free."
His calm, confident tone put Sun Ningxiang a little more at ease.
At his words, Sun Ningxiang slowly lifted her head. The look of loss in her eyes faded slightly as she gave a small nod and replied in a low voice, "Okay."
With that, they both turned and returned to their respective rooms to pack their bags.
They hadn’t brought much with them, so they were packed in a matter of moments. Each carried a small, cloth-wrapped bundle, their movements efficient and without fuss.
Carrying their bundles, the two left the Guest Reception Courtyard, following the outer disciple onto a mountain path.
The winter chill on Fushan Island was piercing. The grass and trees on the mountain were withered and yellow, with only the pines and cypresses remaining evergreen. A cold wind swept by, carrying fine specks of snow and the clean, sharp scent of the forest.
The path snaked upward, following the mountain’s contours. In the distance, cloud-wreathed peaks were visible. The compounds of the Xuanzhen Sect’s various peaks were built into the mountainside, their green-tiled roofs and red pillars peeking through the forest, giving them a solemn, rustic air.
The outer disciple led them with a steady gait. At Yang Jing’s suggestion, they would first escort Sun Ningxiang to Yunxi Peak before continuing on to Lingxi Peak.
「A short time later.」
The three arrived at the base of Yunxi Peak. A green stone archway stood at the foot of the peak, engraved with the words "Yunxi Peak." The calligraphy was elegant, suffused with a gentle grace.
A woman in a deep blue robe stood quietly beneath the archway. Her bearing was dignified, her features gentle, and her aura was composed and steady.
As the three of them approached, the woman looked up. Her gaze landed on Sun Ningxiang, and she asked softly, "Are you Miss Sun Ningxiang?"
The outer disciple leading them was startled. A flash of astonishment crossed his face as he quickly halted and bowed respectfully to the woman. "Greetings, Steward."
He never imagined that a Steward would be personally waiting at the foot of the peak. ’This Miss Sun Ningxiang is no ordinary disciple,’ he thought, a sense of awe dawning on him. ’She must have an extraordinary background. I can’t afford to be disrespectful.’
Sun Ningxiang also hurried forward and bowed respectfully. "Disciple Sun Ningxiang greets the Steward."
The female Steward nodded slowly, a gentle smile on her face. Her voice was soft. "There is no need for such formality. Please, come with me. The Peak Master is waiting on the mountain and wishes to meet you personally."
The moment the Steward finished speaking, the outer disciple’s eyes went wide, almost popping from their sockets. His face was a mask of utter disbelief.
He had been with the Xuanzhen Sect for several years and had seen countless new disciples, but never had one received this kind of treatment.
Not only was a Steward sent to personally greet her at the base of the peak, but even the Peak Master was taking the time to meet her. This was an honor no ordinary disciple could ever hope for.
His mind raced as he speculated. ’Could Miss Sun Ningxiang’s father be the Lord Prefect of Jintai Prefecture? Or some other major, powerful figure? Why else would Yunxi Peak treat her with such importance?’
Sun Ningxiang was also taken aback, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. It didn’t occur to her that her treatment was anything special; she just assumed this was the standard procedure for new disciples of the Xuanzhen Sect, and that every newcomer was personally received by their Peak Master.
She couldn’t help but think, ’People always say the Xuanzhen Sect is aloof and bound by strict rules, but everyone I’ve met has been so friendly. Steward Chen was kind when we first arrived on the island, the Steward from Yunxi Peak is warm and approachable, and now the Peak Master wants to meet me personally right after I join.’ This treatment eased some of her apprehension about the new environment.
Sun Ningxiang slowly turned to face Yang Jing, the reluctance to part in her eyes growing more intense. Her voice was soft and tinged with melancholy. "I’m going up the mountain with the Steward now."
Yang Jing watched her, nodded slowly, and said with conviction, "Go on, and get settled in properly. I’ll come find you the moment I’m established at Lingxi Peak."
The female Steward, standing nearby, took in the familiar way the two looked at each other. Her brow twitched slightly, and a flicker of scrutiny passed through her eyes, but she said nothing, her expression quickly returning to normal.
