Chapter 14: Departure

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The Azure Phoenix always liked to circle around the Southern Guard Hall, but whenever Wu Xingbai returned, it would become obedient and quietly perch nearby.

When Wu Xingbai came back, he saw the bird standing in the corner. He recalled that this Azure Phoenix was a birthday gift from Ji Guanqi three years ago. However, since many had given him birthday presents—various rare treasures—none had ever stirred Wu Xingbai’s interest, including this bird.

“Come here.” Wu Xingbai beckoned the bird. The Azure Phoenix glanced left and right, found no one else around, tilted its head in confirmation that the Immortal Lord was calling it, then hesitantly lifted its paw and stepped forward.

“You’ve grown thin.” His gaze darkened slightly. As he raised his hand to stroke the bird’s head, the Azure Phoenix lowered its head in fear.

Wu Xingbai’s hand froze mid-air. He let out a barely audible sigh.

“You’re the one he sent. Doesn’t he ever come to see you?” Wu Xingbai seemed to find a reason for his frustration, casually patting the bird before returning to the hall. The two attendants sweeping the floor dared not breathe loudly.

In the past, whenever he left the hall, Ji Guanqi’s figure was always present inside. As the sect master had said, Ji Guanqi would start sword training before dawn. Later, he tended to the hall, cared for spirit beasts and herbal plants—anything the Southern Guard Immortal Lord needed, if Ji Guanqi could find it, no matter how difficult, he would bring it back.

But now, the great hall was cold and desolate; even their voices echoed as if only Wu Xingbai was alive.

He disliked this emptiness. Just as when Ji Guanqi left long ago, he had sat in the hall for a long time, feeling something was missing.

This cold silence lasted for decades.

Wu Xingbai rose again and walked out of the hall. The attendant at the door, who had barely seen the Immortal Lord return for a short while, watched him leave and quietly asked a companion, “Why did the Immortal Lord leave? Did you feel something different about him this time he came out?”

“Are you crazy? You dare talk about the Immortal Lord?” The other attendant immediately scolded. “Besides, it’s not the Immortal Lord who’s different—it’s this Southern Guard Hall. It’s so empty. Besides us two, who else is here?”

“That’s true.” The first nodded. “By the way, the senior apprentice brother hasn’t returned in a long time.”

Wu Xingbai hadn’t gone far. He stood in the shadow of a tree outside a small wooden cabin. Tomorrow, they would depart for Luo Town, but he felt unsettled. Someone at his level of cultivation always had premonitions about certain things.

That’s why he insisted on personally going to Luo Town this time.

Inside the cabin, Ji Guanqi tossed and turned, unable to sleep. After lying for a while, he sat up, thinking about the journey tomorrow, and carefully polished his Gentleman’s Sword once again.

His luggage was minimal, all packed long ago into a universe pouch for quick escape.

The one with the most luggage was Qiao You—various pills, weapons, talismans, and endless spirit stones. His pouch was always the fullest; fortunately, it was of a high enough grade to hold so much.

Outside, the birds were unusually quiet. Moonlight bathed the ground like daylight, dazzling his eyes. He wanted to close the window for a peaceful sleep but, just as he approached the door, he caught sight of a figure standing in the yard’s shadows.

At first, he thought it was an intruder and prepared to draw his sword, but upon closer inspection, it was Wu Xingbai.

Wu Xingbai clearly sensed Ji Guanqi’s gaze. Before he could speak, Ji Guanqi snapped the window shut. Wu Xingbai’s step froze, but he guessed Ji Guanqi hadn’t seen him.

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“Can’t sleep at midnight? You actually came here. How come I never noticed the Immortal Lord had this habit before?” Ji Guanqi sat on the bed, murmuring softly, “Must be here to see Xi Yao. He really values this true disciple. Ah, once I leave, I’ll make room for you.”

The thought of leaving Xuantian Sect, sneaking away, roaming the world freely lifted Ji Guanqi’s spirits immensely.

He had once, like others, seen Wu Xingbai as the embodiment of justice and fairness—absolutely impartial. But later, he realized the truth with his life. When he saw Wu Xingbai again, the man no longer bore the same aura.

Three years ago, when he gave the Azure Phoenix, Wu Xingbai sat on a high seat, a halberd by his side, spiritual power almost tangible. His gaze was calm, seemingly devoted only to cultivation. Later, Ji Guanqi understood that his master wasn’t incapable of accepting anything—he simply didn’t favor him.

Indeed, dying once changes everything.

Ji Guanqi thought he couldn’t sleep but fell asleep unknowingly. The next morning, he woke refreshed. Outside came the noisy voices of Qiao You, accompanied by a few words from Xiao Tangqing.

“Xi Yao, this is your first time descending the mountain for experience. Stay behind me.” Qiao You laughed. “With my protection, don’t worry. I can take on an entire evil sect alone.”

Qiao You wasn’t exaggerating. Though bad-tempered, he was very powerful.

“This time, the master is personally leading us. It should be fine.” Xiao Tangqing seemed to want to say more but stopped when he heard the cabin door open. He glanced toward Ji Guanqi and then said, “Senior apprentice brother.”

Ji Guanqi nodded, exchanged some polite words, and headed down the mountain to meet the other disciples.

“When did you start calling him senior apprentice brother?” Qiao You still held a grudge over past events. “We’re supposed to protect our junior apprentice brother. He’s the only one we’ve got.”

Xi Yao’s belongings were few. When he saw Ji Guanqi, he wanted to greet him, but Ji Guanqi left too quickly. Xi Yao could only smile helplessly, which made Qiao You feel sorry. He immediately took a cloak from his universe pouch and put it on Xi Yao, saying, “You don’t need to say anything to him. I guess after this trip, your strength will surpass his.”

“Not that exaggerated,” Xi Yao smiled.

“With the master personally guiding you, naturally you’ll progress faster than others.” Qiao You understood well. His father was the sect leader. Having someone personally teach you meant fewer detours in cultivation. Without talent and luck, it was impossible to catch up.

What was said casually was heard keenly. Ji Guanqi’s hearing was excellent, and these words reached him in full.

Yesterday, he wondered why Wu Xingbai personally went to Luo Town, but Qiao You’s words were a wake-up call. If it was to protect Xi Yao, Wu Xingbai’s actions made perfect sense.

Including the Immortal Lord standing under the tree at midnight.

They did not leave early. The disciples had already gathered by the sect’s stone monument. Though cultivators could fly on swords, the distance to Luo Town was too great. Besides Wu Xingbai, no one could fly that far at once.

“We depart from the sect today, heading south by sword flight. We’ll find a town to rest before sunset,” Ji Guanqi said. “There are twenty-two disciples in total. Besides the three of us, the rest are new.”

“Including the master, twenty-three,” Xiao Tangqing added.

Wu Xingbai watched them prepare. This trip required bringing the halberd. Ji Guanqi instinctively kept some distance from Wu Xingbai and his weapon, causing Wu Xingbai to frown slightly as he looked at his soul-bound weapon.

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“If the timing is right, we should reach Luo Town within three days,” Ji Guanqi said.

“Mm.” Wu Xingbai replied.

The sect leader came to see them off but, before departure, discreetly transmitted a message to Wu Xingbai: “With you there, I’m at ease. However, the prophecy stone just showed something strange. I fear the Heavenly Dao’s prophecy may have problems. Xingbai, go and return quickly.”

Wu Xingbai nodded lightly and immediately led the group, flying on their swords.

Usually, Ji Guanqi followed behind Wu Xingbai, with Xiao Tangqing and Qiao You on either side. This time, Xi Yao was beside Wu Xingbai, with Xiao Tangqing and Qiao You maintaining their usual positions, seemingly guarding Xi Yao carefully.

“Where’s Guanqi?” Wu Xingbai asked.

“Senior apprentice brother stayed at the rear to prevent anyone from falling behind,” Xiao Tangqing answered.

“You go to the back and have him come forward,” Wu Xingbai said. “I have business to discuss with him.”

Xiao Tangqing nodded and went to Ji Guanqi, passing on Wu Xingbai’s words. Ji Guanqi, having just found some peace, felt vexed without a reason to avoid Wu Xingbai, so he exchanged places with Xiao Tangqing.

Now, beside him were Wu Xingbai, Xi Yao, and the sharp-tongued Qiao You. He nearly blacked out.

“You two, also go to the rear,” Wu Xingbai said, casting a sidelong glance at his senior apprentice brothers, a faint smile playing on his lips. “To prevent ambushes by evil cultivators. Go.”

Qiao You thought it unlikely. This was Wu Xingbai personally leading them. Even if the enemy didn’t know it was Wu Xingbai, who would dare attack with the halberd's fierce spiritual power?

But since Wu Xingbai said it, Qiao You had to accept it.

Soon, only Wu Xingbai and Ji Guanqi remained.

Wu Xingbai saw Ji Guanqi’s universe pouch and said, “Stick close to me this trip. Don’t leave my side.”

“Yes, Master,” Ji Guanqi replied mechanically.

“The Azure Phoenix has grown thin, and many spirit herbs have withered,” Wu Xingbai said. “When we return, check on them.”

“…Yes, Master,” Ji Guanqi responded.