Free Web NovelChapter 1573: Engagement
The Cangqiong Mountain range.
After more than half a month, the damaged gates of the Cangqiong Sect had been restored to their former grandeur. Some traces of destruction still remained, faint yet visible.
Those remnants stood as silent testimony to the calamities the sect had endured.
With Ling Feng's speed, he quickly arrived at the mountain gate. Only then did Ling Feng release Yue Yunlan and her attendant.
After fully fusing with the Void Lotus Root, Yue Yunlan had completely recovered. In the past few days, even without deliberate cultivation, her realm had surged rapidly. She had originally been at the late stage of the Spiritual Element Realm. In just two or three days, she broke through into the Spiritual Sea Realm and reached around the third level.
At this rate, when the Dongling Immortal Pool selected disciples next year, Yue Yunlan would almost certainly pass the assessment and might even enter the inner sect directly.
"We are finally back. I wonder how Father and Mother are doing."
Yue Yunlan looked at the familiar mountain gate with emotion. She had once believed she would never return alive.
"The Tianbai Empire is still rebuilding. Sect Leader Yue is likely very busy."
Ling Feng smiled faintly. When Yue Zhonglian and Madam Hong Lian learned that Yue Yunlan had fully recovered, they would surely be overjoyed.
"Yes. In Father's heart, the Tianbai Empire always comes first."
Yue Yunlan spoke softly, her teeth lightly pressing her lip.
"In truth, Sect Leader Yue cares deeply for you."
Ling Feng glanced at her meaningfully.
Yue Zhonglian was a man of unyielding spirit. Even when imprisoned and subjected to daily torture under the sun, he had not uttered a single complaint. Yet when he saw his daughter on the brink of death, he wept more than once and could not restrain himself.
He might not express his feelings openly, but he held his children close to his heart.
Take his third son, Yue Tianqun, for example. Although the boy lacked ability, Yue Zhonglian shut himself in his room for an entire night after hearing of his death. Some even heard faint sobs from within.
"Sect Leader naturally loves Miss, but some people are another matter."
Qiao Qiao shot Ling Feng an unfriendly look. Ever since overhearing their earlier conversation, she had kept her distance from him.
Ling Feng only smiled and did not respond. He stepped forward to the gate and said calmly, "I am Ling Feng. I have brought Miss Yue back."
"General Ling!"
The gate disciples hurried forward and bowed. When they saw Yue Yunlan standing there unharmed, their excitement grew.
"This is wonderful. The young lady has returned."
"The young lady is safe at last."
"I knew it. Good people receive good fortune. The young lady has always treated us outer disciples kindly."
The disciples were overjoyed. Ling Feng glanced at Yue Yunlan and realized how many people cared for her.
Soon, he escorted her to the residence of Madam Hong Lian. At present, Yue Zhonglian and several elders were stationed in the imperial city assisting Mo Feng in stabilizing the court, so they rarely returned.
Sect affairs were being reorganized by Madam Hong Lian and Wen Tingguang as they rebuilt the sect.
Hong Lian Residence.
"Mother!"
Yue Yunlan rushed into her mother's arms. Only before her mother could she show such vulnerability.
"Lan'er, are you truly well?"
Madam Hong Lian held her tightly. She had longed for this day, yet she knew the Void Lotus Root was almost a legend. Ling Feng had accomplished the impossible and saved her daughter.
"Yes, I am completely well. It is all thanks to Mr. Ling. Otherwise, I would not have survived."
"Do not speak of such things. You will not die. My Lan'er will never suffer like this again."
Madam Hong Lian wiped her tears and looked at Ling Feng with a gentle smile. "With Mr. Ling taking care of you in the future, I can rest easy."
"Mother..."
Yue Yunlan blushed and glanced at Ling Feng. "We are only friends."
"Silly child, why be shy? You risked your life for him, and he traveled tirelessly to save you. It is clear you both value each other deeply. Now that everything is well, you should choose an auspicious day and settle this engagement."
Madam Hong Lian turned to Ling Feng. "Mr. Ling, you would not refuse, would you?"
Ling Feng hesitated.
He had not expected her to press the matter so directly.
"What is wrong?"
Madam Hong Lian's expression changed slightly. If Ling Feng truly had feelings, he should have accepted gladly.
"I am sorry. I cannot accept your kindness at this time."
Ling Feng shook his head.
Even if he truly loved Yue Yunlan, he could not marry her now. He carried the burden of the Heavenly Dao Clan. Deep down, part of his reluctance came from a desire to avoid dragging others into his fate.
His enemies were the rulers of the Immortal Domain, the Heaven Patrolling clan.
He could not bear to see those he loved face the same dangers. He needed to rely on his own strength to change the fate of his clan.
Perhaps only after defeating those enemies would he allow himself to open his heart fully.
"Why is that?"
Madam Hong Lian was puzzled. She could tell he was not without feelings.
"Mother, Mr. Ling has his reasons. Let us not speak of this anymore."
Yue Yunlan gently shook her head.
Madam Hong Lian sighed. "Very well. You young people have your own decisions."
"Thank you for understanding."
Ling Feng bowed. He gave Yue Yunlan a grateful look before taking his leave. "I have other matters to attend to. I will not disturb your reunion."
After leaving the residence, Ling Feng sighed.
Yue Yunlan was truly a wonderful girl, but the burden he carried was too heavy.
What he needed now was strength.
Strength powerful enough to overturn heaven and earth.
"This matter is settled. After saying farewell to Xiaofan and the others, I must return to the Dongling Immortal Pool as soon as possible."
He took a deep breath and cast aside distracting thoughts. Determination once again filled his eyes.
His path was destined to be lonely. Since there was no alternative, he would continue forward step by step with unwavering resolve.
