Chapter 51: Return to Bukhan City

In the brief span of three days, time seemed to slip away in the blink of an eye. Yet, for these five individuals, it felt like a long and arduous journey of cultivation.

During this period, they immersed themselves wholeheartedly in the comprehension of the Dao, continuously absorbing its essence and mysteries. At last, their efforts bore fruit: all five successfully assimilated these insights and smoothly ascended into the second realm—the “Knowing Destiny” stage.

Liu An opened his eyes, stretched lazily, and wearily glanced at his fellow disciples who had entered alongside him.

“Let’s go,” Fang Yuan, the blade cultivator, said without much enthusiasm.

The others exchanged few words and quickly exited the secret realm’s entrance.

The moment they stepped outside, sunlight bathed their bodies, bringing a gentle warmth and brightness. Awaiting them were five masters who had long been standing there, smiling warmly as they hurried forward to greet their disciples.

In each master’s eyes shone joy and satisfaction, for they witnessed their students breaking through bottlenecks and advancing to higher levels of cultivation.

At the forefront stood an elderly man with white hair, the most profound of the five masters and Liu An’s mentor. Stroking his beard, he nodded approvingly and said, “Very good, very good. You juniors have all done remarkably well. Liu An, I always knew you would achieve something great. Stepping into the Knowing Destiny realm is truly a cause for celebration.”

Following him, the other masters stepped forward one by one, offering their congratulations to their respective disciples. Some gently patted their disciple’s shoulders in encouragement; others tenderly stroked their hair, eyes shining with happiness. Laughter and cheerful voices echoed across the clearing, creating an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere.

But then Liu An’s master grew serious and addressed the group: “You are now cultivators of the second realm. It is time for you to undergo practical trials. Flowers grown in greenhouses do not flourish without facing wind and rain.”

“Next, you must join forces to confront a common beast tide. Your destination will be Beihan City.”

This city was the crucial stronghold personally guarded by Liu An’s father.

Time passed swiftly; several months slipped by in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Liu An’s thoughts often lingered on his family at home. In the quiet of night, he would recall the warm moments spent with them—their laughter still echoing softly in his ears. Though far away, his bond of affection remained as strong as ever.

As for Lin Luomei, despite her cultivation method having rendered her temperament cold and distant, her deep yearning for her close-knit family was impossible to suppress.

Though she usually appeared icy and aloof, beneath the surface lay a softness and attachment to her kin. After all, blood is thicker than water; such feelings are not easily cast aside.

Yet when the news came that Beihan City would soon face a beast tide, worry etched itself plainly across their faces.

Biting his lip, Liu An summoned courage and asked his master, “Master, Xu Fatty is my close friend. Though he has not yet reached the second realm, I wish to bring him along to Beihan City for the trial. Is that permissible?”

The master frowned slightly, pondering for a moment before his gaze softened. “Very well, but you must ensure his safety. This journey is perilous; caution is paramount.”

Liu An’s heart swelled with joy, and he nodded eagerly.

The scene shifted to the masters individually giving their final instructions.

Liu An’s master lightly patted his shoulder: “An’er, protect your companion well. Stay calm in danger; do not act rashly.”

Lin Luomei’s master gently stroked her long hair with a tender gaze. “Luomei, your spirit must grow even stronger to face what lies ahead.”

Once each master’s figure faded from sight, Liu An’s form flashed like the wind as he sped down the sect’s stone path toward the herb garden.

Within the garden, the scent of medicinal herbs filled the air, and various spiritual plants shimmered softly in the sunlight. Liu An immediately spotted Xu Fatty, crouched intently studying a sprouting herb, his plump face full of concentration.

“Xu Fatty, hurry up!” Liu An said, pulling him up and hastening toward his master’s residence.

Along the way, Liu An briefly explained their impending journey to Beihan City. Excitement mixed with nervousness flickered in Xu Fatty’s eyes.

Soon, they arrived at the doorstep of Xu Fatty’s master.

After earnest pleading and explanations, Xu Fatty’s master finally consented, allowing him to accompany the group.

Gathered together in the sect’s square, the six boarded a small flying vessel that slowly ascended, emitting a faint spiritual glow. One by one, they stepped aboard, and as the craft tore through the sky, it sped toward distant Beihan City, leaving a brilliant trail behind like a shooting star streaking across the heavens.

Onboard, the six sat together, the atmosphere warming with camaraderie.

Liu An traced patterns in the air as if sketching a map. “Beihan City lies embraced by mountain ranges, its walls towering and winding like a mighty dragon. Within, the people live peaceful, prosperous lives. The bustling marketplace overflows with all manner of shops and goods.”

“Outside the city lies vast grasslands, where wild beasts occasionally roam—it is an ideal place for our trials.”

“But do not forget: the coming beast tide is the main challenge we must overcome.” His voice was steady and resolute, eyes gleaming with eager anticipation of the unknown.

Indeed, the flying vessel’s speed was extraordinary.

In just about a day, the silhouette of Beihan City appeared faintly on the horizon.

As the craft gradually descended, three groups of people had already gathered at the city gates—families of Liu An, Xu Fatty, and Lin Luomei.

Sunlight glistened on the city walls, casting a golden sheen over the imposing fortress.

Liu An immediately spotted his father’s tall figure, and his eyes moistened with emotion.

Xu Fatty’s mother looked up anxiously yet hopefully, clutching a handkerchief tightly.

Lin Luomei’s family stood straight and proud, their gazes filled with pride and expectation.

Once the flying vessel came to rest, the six disembarked one by one, greeted by the mingled calls and laughter of their families—warm and deeply touching.

Liu An embraced his father tightly. Their brief but heartfelt hug conveyed boundless emotion.

He lifted his head, his gaze firm as he spoke gravely, “Father, Beihan City is about to face a beast tide. My comrades and I have come to help defend the city. Also, Father, I have now reached the second realm.”

Hearing this, his father’s brow furrowed, but soon relaxed, a spark of admiration and pride shining in his eyes.

Patting Liu An’s back, he said in a deep voice, “Good son, I have already gathered the city’s elite troops, strengthened the walls, and stocked provisions.”

“Fifty thousand well-trained soldiers stand ready to fight. You have my support.” With that, he turned to point at the busy soldiers nearby, hauling heavy stones to reinforce every corner of the walls. The watchtowers loomed tall; the soldiers stood in rigid formation, their spirits soaring like a mighty tide.