Mo Yan and the rest were also on a journey.
Their steps had sworn never to halt.
In the sky, a fluttering blue butterfly was leading the way, like a heavenly guide.
The destination was no longer far....
For mist had begun to settle.
The fog deepened with every step forward, and the sweet scent of flowers gently brushed against them.
At last, following the butterfly's path, they reached the great gates of Hei Lin San Sect,
hidden behind layers of enchantment and mist.
But what a sight it was...
The gates, veiled yet magnificent, adorned with maroon flowered vines curling in every direction,
and white swans gracefully walking nearby.
It looked less like the entrance to a sect.....
and more like the gates of heaven.
At the same time, Yu Sui and Wey Xiong were on their way back.....
Yu Sui still unaware that Mo Yan had already arrived at Hei Lin San Sect.
Fate was playing a strange game with him.
The more he tried to run away,
the closer destiny brought Mo Yan to him.
Meanwhile, Mo Yan and the others stood before the great gate.
It was sealed with a shimmering spiritual barrier.
A glowing layer of enchantment.
The moment their hands touched the gate, the spell awakened.
A wave of ethereal smoke emerged.....
and drifted through the air like a whisper, flying straight to Master Lee Wen.
It hovered before him, glowing....
then transformed into words:
Someone is at the gate.
Master Lee Wen's eyes widened.
He felt… a danger, an unknown energy.
Without delay, he issued the command.
All sentries and guards of Hei Lin San Sect moved into action.
The gate was surrounded.....
Weapons drawn, officers and guards at full readiness,
prepared to decapitate any threat to their Sect.
Master Lee Wen carved a swift incantation into the air.
The gate opened.
And hearts stopped.
Breath caught.
Tears welled up in his eyes.....
For standing before them…
Was the Great King, the Grandmaster, Mo Yan himself.
And beside him, his companions.
Mo Yan stood silently....
Calm, immovable like a mountain.
His white robes danced in the breeze,
like graceful maidens spinning in the depths of a still lake.
The others.....Lao Duan, Wuzu, Su Nian, and Duie...were in awe,
mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of Hei Lin San Sect.
Thousands of blooming lotuses in vast ponds,
colorful flower trees, endless green fields, elegant houses, and bustling markets.....
All within one sacred haven.
Master Lee Wen rushed forward,
bowing deeply before Mo Yan.
Behind him, Master Zu Gushion and Master Chang Shi arrived,
bowing in reverence as well.
With utmost respect, they welcomed him inside.
Crowds began to gather.
As Mo Yan and his party advanced, more and more disciples and elders appeared,
all murmuring in wonder.
"Who are these noble figures?"
"How did Hei Lin San Sect allow them to enter?"
The entire atmosphere buzzed with whispers and curiosity.
That day, Hei Lin San Sect felt sanctified.....
For the great lovers, the legendary warriors of the tales passed down for generations....
were standing here, in the flesh.
Master Lee Wen, unable to contain his joy,
turned to the crowd and declared proudly:
"The High King Grandmaster Mo Yan has returned!"
A wave of joy and wonder surged through the people.
Smiles bloomed.
Laughter spread like a flood of light.
---
Some time later…
Mo Yan was escorted to Yu Sui's room.
The others.....Su Nian, Duie, Wuzu, and Lao Duan.....were also given a chamber.
The room was peaceful, fragrant.
Fruits lay neatly arranged on the table.
An incense stick burned slowly, filling the air with a calming aroma.
They sat near the table,
but the long journey had worn them down...body and spirit.
One by one, they sank to the floor, resting...
Their eyes heavy with fatigue…
But also with longing.
Longing to see Yu Sui...
To finally meet the one their hearts, minds, and souls ached for.
---
Mo Yan stepped into the room.....
And it was as if his very soul leapt out and embraced every wall,
every object.
Yu Sui's scent lingered in the air.
His robes were still there.
On the table, a small piece of cloth lay folded.
Mo Yan knew at once.....Yu Sui had likely just been here,
perhaps cleaning his beloved flute.
His face bloomed.....
like a spring blossom, soft and genuine.
A gentle smile curved on his lips.
Because this…
This was the day he had waited for.....
For centuries.
Though the room was silent,
Yu Sui's warmth glowed in every corner.
Even in his absence,
his presence was deeply felt.