Chapter 459 The dust has settled
Chapter 459 The dust has settled
The sect was immersed in the joy of defeating the demon cultivator and uncovering the traitor. In order to commend Yun Yao and Chu Mochen for their great achievements, the elders decided to hold a grand celebration banquet. On this day, the usually solemn and dignified sect was decorated with lights and colors, and there was a festive atmosphere everywhere.
From early morning, the disciples were busy, carefully arranging the banquet in the martial arts arena. Huge round tables were neatly arranged one after another, covered with brocade tablecloths embroidered with exquisite runes, gleaming in the sunlight. Each table was filled with delicacies, including spiritual fruits from the sacred mountain that bear fruit once every hundred years, carefully carved into various lifelike animals, exuding an alluring fruity aroma; there were also fairy fish nourished by spiritual springs, which were steamed and tender, melting in the mouth, and the strands of spiritual energy spread on the tip of the tongue, leaving a lasting aftertaste; there were also delicacies cooked with various rare monster meats, paired with spiritual plant spices picked from the secret realm, which made people salivate just by smelling the smell.
Around the martial arts arena, colorful flags were flying, with the sect's logo and auspicious beasts painted on them. The breeze blew and the flags fluttered, as if celebrating this grand event. In the air, the disciples used their spiritual power to create a colorful light curtain, on which flashed images of past sect heroes exorcising demons and monsters, inspiring everyone present.
In the courtyard where Yun Yao lived, Xiao Cui had already prepared the clothes for her to wear at the celebration banquet. It was a moon-white long skirt with delicate cloud patterns embroidered with silver thread on the hem, which made her look like she was surrounded by clouds and mist when she walked. The skirt was inlaid with tiny moonstones, which emitted a soft glow as her body moved, just like the moonlight pouring down. The neckline and cuffs were trimmed with ice silk, which was not only cool and comfortable to the touch, but also added a bit of elegance. While helping Yun Yao to dress up, Xiao Cui chattered, "Miss, today is your big day, and all the people in the sect are waiting to see you. Wearing this dress on you is like a fairy descending to the earth, and they will surely be stunned."
Yun Yao looked at herself in the bronze mirror, her eyes were indifferent, her lips slightly raised, and she said softly: "Xiao Cui, it's just a celebration banquet, no need to be so exaggerated." Even so, she couldn't help but feel a little emotional. She had gone through countless hardships along the way, and now she could get the recognition of the sect and share the joy of victory with everyone.
When Yun Yao finished dressing and walked out of the courtyard, Chu Mochen was already waiting outside. He was wearing a black suit today, with a belt made of dragon skin tied around his waist, which highlighted his tall and slender figure. His hair was neatly tied up and fixed with a mutton-fat jade hairpin. His eyebrows were sharp and his eyes were bright, and he looked heroic. When he saw Yun Yao, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he walked forward and smiled, "Yun Yao, you are very beautiful today."
Yun Yao's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced at him in a reproachful manner: "You are the only one who talks sweetly." The two walked side by side towards the martial arts arena. Along the way, the disciples they met stopped and greeted them, their eyes full of admiration and envy.
Arriving at the martial arts arena, everyone's eyes instantly focused on them. For a moment, there was thunderous applause and cheers. Yun Yao and Chu Mochen nodded slightly, greeted everyone, and then walked to the main table and sat down next to the elders.
At the beginning of the banquet, the head of the sect stood up, holding a glass of fine wine brewed with thousand-year-old spiritual liquid in his hand. He looked around the audience and said in a loud voice: "Today, we gather here to celebrate the two great heroes of our sect - Yun Yao and Chu Mochen. In this fierce battle with the evil cultivators, the two of them were both wise and brave, and not afraid of danger. Not only did they see through the evil cultivators' conspiracy, but they also saved our sect from danger. Yun Yao, with her extraordinary wisdom and courage, has repeatedly turned the tide at critical moments. She is truly a role model of our sect." As he spoke, the head of the sect turned his gaze to Yun Yao, his eyes full of admiration and expectations.
Yun Yao stood up and bowed respectfully to the sect leader and everyone present, and said softly: "Master, you are too kind. As a member of the sect, it is Yun Yao's duty to protect the sect. This time, we were able to successfully repel the demon cultivator, thanks to the concerted efforts of my fellow disciples and the company and help of Senior Brother Chu Mochen. This credit should not be attributed to me alone." Her voice was clear and pleasant, and it spread to every corner of the martial arts field. When everyone heard her words, they nodded and admired her humility even more.
The head of the sect smiled and nodded, then continued, "Yun Yao is very humble, which is really commendable. After discussion and decision by the elders, Yun Yao will officially become the chief inner sect disciple of our sect from now on."
As soon as these words came out, there was another round of warm applause from the audience. The chief disciple of the inner sect was not only a supreme honor, but also meant shouldering the responsibility of leading the younger generation of disciples in the sect to practice and protect the sect. Yun Yao's heart trembled. She knew the weight behind this honor. She took a deep breath, saluted to everyone again, and said firmly: "Yun Yao will not let down the trust of the head and the elders, and will do her best to contribute her strength to the development of the sect."
Then, the banquet officially began. Everyone toasted and laughed. The disciples came forward one after another to toast Yun Yao and Chu Mochen, expressing their respect and gratitude. Yun Yao returned the toasts one by one. Although she was not drunk, her heart was full of warmth.
At the banquet, there were also carefully prepared performances by disciples from various peaks. Some disciples used the art of controlling water to condense a lively water curtain in the air, in which the phantoms of flowers, birds, fish and insects were reflected, dancing to the music; some disciples played the spirit flute, and the melodious sound of the flute was like the sound of nature, causing the surrounding spiritual energy to vibrate and turn into colorful light floating in the air; and some disciples formed teams to practice sword formations, and when the sword formations were in operation, the sword energy was crisscrossed and the light was dazzling, showing the powerful foundation of the sect.
After three rounds of drinks, Yun Yao stood up and quietly left the table. She followed the familiar path and climbed up to the sect's observation deck alone. At this time, night had already fallen, and the bright moon was hanging high in the sky, casting a cool light and covering the observation deck. Below the stage, bursts of laughter came from the brightly lit martial arts arena, forming a sharp contrast with the quiet night.
Yun Yao stood in front of the railing, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the sect, with a lot of thoughts in her mind. From the ignorance when she first entered the sect to now, after going through many hardships and becoming the chief disciple of the inner sect, the hardships and growth along the way appeared in her mind like a picture scroll. She thought of those who helped her in difficult times, Xiao Cui's caring care, the elders' careful teachings, and Chu Mochen, who always stayed by her side and fought side by side with her.
Just as she was thinking, she heard a slight sound of footsteps behind her. Yun Yao didn't need to look back to know that it was Chu Mochen. She was already familiar with his footsteps. Chu Mochen walked to her side, stood quietly, and looked into the distance together.
Under the moonlight, the figures of the two were stretched out, as if they were integrated into one. After a long while, Chu Mochen suddenly said, "Yun Yao, congratulations on becoming the chief disciple of the inner sect."
Yun Yao turned her head and looked at him with a smile in her eyes: "This is also due to your contribution. If it weren't for you, how could I have come this far alone."
Chu Mochen shook his head slightly, his eyes firm: "No, it's your own hard work and intelligence. I'm just staying by your side and doing what I should do." He paused, and then continued: "When I break through the Nascent Soul Realm, I will accompany you to find the mystery of your life experience. You have been working hard for this all these years, and I know it means a lot to you."
Yun Yao felt warm in her heart and her eyes were slightly red. Her life experience had always been like a fog shrouding her heart. She had been an orphan since she was a child, and had been struggling in this world of cultivation with the guidance of the system. Although she now had a sense of belonging in the sect, deep in her heart, she always wanted to know where she came from. Now, Chu Mochen's words made her feel unprecedented peace of mind.
"Thank you, Chu Mochen." Yun Yao said softly, with a hint of sob in her voice.
Chu Mochen reached out his hand and gently smoothed the hair around her ears that was messed up by the wind, and said gently: "No need to thank me, there is no need to be so polite between you and me. Let's walk the road ahead together."
The two smiled at each other, and under the moonlight, their hearts seemed to be one step closer. At this moment, all the hardships and fatigue turned into sweetness. They knew that there would be more challenges waiting for them in the future, but as long as they worked together, they would be fearless.
Back at the banquet, everyone was still immersed in the joyful atmosphere. The return of Yun Yao and Chu Mochen created another small climax. The disciples gathered around and invited them to enjoy the next performance together.
In a peaceful atmosphere, the celebration banquet slowly came to an end. But for Yun Yao and Chu Mochen, this was just a new starting point. With the expectations of their sect and their promises to each other, they stepped onto a broader path of cultivation to write their own legendary chapter.
In the days that followed, Yun Yao began to take on the responsibility of the chief disciple of the inner sect. Every morning, she went to the martial arts field to instruct the young disciples in swordsmanship and the use of spiritual power. She was patient and meticulous, imparting everything she had learned to the disciples without reservation, and watching them grow day by day, she was filled with joy.
Chu Mochen, on the other hand, was in seclusion, cultivating hard and striving to reach the Nascent Soul stage. He knew that only when he was strong could he better protect Yun Yao and accompany her in exploring the mystery of her life experience. In the place of seclusion, the spiritual energy was so rich that it was almost tangible. He sat cross-legged, surrounded by spiritual energy, constantly impacting the bottleneck in his body.
Yun Yao would often go to Chu Mochen's retreat during her training to give him some of her purified spiritual energy to help him. Although they couldn't meet and talk, she believed that Chu Mochen could feel her feelings.
In this way, time passed quietly, and the sect became more prosperous with the efforts of Yun Yao and others. And the friendship between Yun Yao and Chu Mochen, like aged wine, became more mellow and deep, waiting for the next moment to shine.
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