"Hui’Er, Long’Er... after this incident, you should know the dangers of the Jianghu, and must not be careless. If you can seize the opportunity and make something of yourselves, it will be a great fortune for the sect. But if not, you must at least have the ability to save yourselves and find a foothold."

Ji Hui and Wang Long cupped their hands and said, "We listen closely to Master’s teachings and have taken them to heart." After the various sects exchanged pleasantries, the disciples and elders of the Yangshan Sword Sect, the Li Mountain Sword Sect, and the Jiushan Sword Sect all performed sword salutes to bid farewell, loudly saying, "Wishing our senior brothers, junior brothers, senior sisters, junior sisters a smooth journey."

Wang Zongzheng laughed heartily and said, "Thank you." He shouted loudly, "Return to the sect." The disciples left in great numbers. The three sword sects watched for a long distance and sighed one after another, "After this separation, it will be even lonelier." "Indeed, when we first arrived at Flying Dragon City, disciples from each sect befriended and sparred, went up the mountain for hunts, drank and chatted. Such vigour, such liveliness. We elders watched silently, but felt happy in our hearts." "Who would have known these things would happen in the middle, but alas, the good and bad of it all have passed, and yet this event is truly unforgettable."

The disciples upon hearing this showed expressions of nostalgia. Since the beginning of a temple fair when Madam Wang offered incense, Madam Wang was honest and generous, beautiful and graceful, Yue Kai, Hua Wu... and other sword sect heroes were the first to make friends. Afterwards came the Snow Mountain hunt, senior sisters, junior sisters, junior brothers, senior brothers from various sword sects... young ones with similar ages meeting each other. Among them were some forming emotional ties, each moved by love. Following that were fox spirit banquets, countless feasts and banquets, countless lively events, where emotions were further nurtured.

Strolling the streets, sightseeing, shopping... later the missing senior sisters and junior sisters, the disciples rounded up the Flower Thief, and then mistakenly entered the Nine Orifice Dragon Heart Acupoint, enduring numerous hardships. In the end, they formed an array to break through... many events indeed.

The journey to Flying Dragon City was short, yet filled with so many disturbances, so much brilliance. Though some fellow disciples perished here, this journey was truly worth remembering.

It is said that the Yueshan Sword Sect was traveling the path, departing Flying Dragon City. The disciples too were filled with myriad sentiments and recalled everything a thousand times, their emotions extremely complex. After traveling over a dozen miles, they all lowered their heads, immersed in their journey, unsure if they felt joy or sorrow, gratitude or reluctance.

Ji Hui suddenly asked, "Master, that Madam Wang... Madam Wen, even though we have resolved our misunderstandings, it is said that fighting does not lead to acquaintance. Why does she not see us off?" Zhao Chunxia was initially lost in thought, upon hearing the disciple’s question, answered, saying, "That Madam has a peculiar temperament, not seeing us off might be better. Hui’Er, why are you asking this?"

Ji Hui’s cheeks turned red, "Just curious." Zhao Chunxia said, "Just curious? Do you wish to see that Madam, or Li Xian?"

Ji Hui’s face suddenly turned completely red, and she said, "How... how could that be possible. That Madam and Li Xian seem to have mutual affection, getting along very well, why would I... why would I want to see him. Master, what you say is unfounded."

Zhao Chunxia sighed, "Li Xian is indeed extraordinary, it is normal for your heart to secretly admire him upon first meeting." Ji Hui stammered, "Mas... Master..." She looked around with a plea, "Please speak softly."

Zhao Chunxia solemnly said, "However, Hui’Er, there is something you must think clearly about. People like Li Xian are by no means good partners. If you like him, it will surely bring more sorrow and little joy. Yet... yet, he might not know your heart secretly admires him, you suffer for him, with your heart suspended and worried. In the end... it is simply self-inflicted sorrow."

Ji Hui’s pretty face turned white, her steps faltered. Zhao Chunxia gently patted Ji Hui’s shoulder, softly advising, "You and he merely know each other for a few days and have exchanged a few words, why remember each other constantly? The sooner you can let go, the more suffering and pain you can avoid."

Ji Hui’s lips turned pale, her eyes reddened with tears, nodding said, "Yes... what Master says is reasonable." Yet she could not discern, Zhao Chunxia’s hand gently trembled, her emotions also unsettled.

Her beautiful eyes seem to bear resentment, cursing under her breath, "Unaware of your own importance." She left with the others from the sword sects. The Jianghu is full of disturbances, separations, and unions, every feast has an end. The great banquet at Flying Dragon City will eventually come to a close.

This very day.

The Hushan Sword Sect, Yueshan Sword Sect were the first to leave. Jiushan Sword Sect, Yangshan Sword Sect had already gone east and west, Li Mountain Sword Sect left half a day later with their sect. Flying Dragon City returned to its old bustle, only lacking the presence of sword sect members now.

...

...

Yet on the other side. Deep within Snow Hidden Mountain, the lake ice melted, jade water rippled, the lake fish chased each other, surrounded by lush vegetation, warm and cozy, displaying a scene of spring. Because here Yin Yang blended, warmth and heat alternated, spring arrived early.

Fortunately, the area is seldom visited, extremely remote, even woodcutters can hardly set foot here. The peculiar scene continued for three days, unnoticed by anyone. Due to the warm climate, the birds and beasts from the surrounding dense forest gathered near the lake to avoid the cold.

The branches were filled with birds and beasts, at dawn, the birds and animals sang joyously. They chased and frolicked among the trees, gathered fruits, and caught fish. Because of this, they covered up the endless strange noises from the flower bush.

The birds and beasts, curious by nature, saw on a large tree, a longsword inserted horizontally, the hilt emitting a faint fragrance. The birds stood on the sword, chirped, pecked the sword making a clear ringing sound. But some birds and beasts, unaware of limits in their frolic, had their beaks or claws sliced by the sword’s edge—or were simply cut in half by it.

In the distant mud, a Cyan Sword was inserted sideways. It caught no beasts’ attention, looking lonely and desolate.

[You practice swordsmanship diligently, Setting Sun Bloodsword Third Layer, skill level +1]

...

Not far from the two swords, dense grass could be seen, the grass grew man-high, bearing yellow, white, and red flowers of various kinds. Yet these were merely wildflowers, attracting bees when blooming, also drawing birds and beasts to watch.

These birds and beasts did not have awakened wisdom, unable to comprehend anything. Suddenly seeing the grass stirred, the birds flapped wings and fled in alarm, flying up to high branches to observe. Though their intelligence was low, they could not conceal their curiosity.