Chapter 84: Reunion with an Old Friend

"My apologies, I was originally ordered to await and assist you here," he said. "But this purple-striped beast suddenly went mad for reasons unknown, and so..."
"It ended up with you distinguished guests having to intervene..."
Lu Ziye waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Thank you, fellow cultivators."
Seeing he bore no blame, the man seemed relieved, turning to the group of cultivators behind him.
"I shall escort our honored guests to Linghua Valley. The rest of you must investigate the cause thoroughly."
"This beast is meant to serve as a mount during the upcoming Flower Festival—a prime specimen—and nothing can go awry."
"Understood."
Following Yan Xun, they made their way toward the city.
Aside from Lu Ziye, the three outer disciples had never been here before.
Even for cultivators, the sight before them evoked awe at its beauty.
Beiya Mountain City was a place where spring reigned year-round.
Stilted buildings seemed to grow from ancient plum trees, wooden beams sprouting from gnarled branches.
Instead of wild grass, clusters of pale purple blossoms edged the stone pavements.
Bridges of vines spanned the architecture, waterfalls of unknown flowers and climbing ivy spreading from unexpected places.
"Wow..."
Gu Qingqing was dazzled by the scene.
Li Qingfeng was equally amazed. "Why not call it Beiya Flower City instead..."
What truly astonished Song Yan was how close the mortals here seemed to be with the cultivators.
"Madam Zhao, what kind of flowerbed would you like?"
A young man dressed as a wandering cultivator was conversing with an elderly woman.
"Just like Madam Wang’s next door... maybe a bit bigger if possible..."
"Well..."
The cultivator hesitated.
"If the flowerbed’s too large, can you manage it alone?"
"Oh, don’t worry! This old lady’s still strong as ever!"
"Alright then, I’ll come see your courtyard first."
"Good child."
"..."
Though perhaps not quite as egalitarian as the legends of Tianhai City suggested, it was already far better than most places.
"Everyone here loves flowers," someone remarked, sighing.
Sometimes, a shared passion can bridge divides between people, lessening the distance and barriers.
Regardless of status, wealth, or power, when discussing a mutual interest, much else fades into the background.
Perhaps it is this magic that has led countless cultivators throughout history to devote themselves to the art of self-cultivation.
It is not mere words.
Suddenly, Yan Xun seemed to spot someone and gestured to the four behind him, then strode ahead.

A refined female cultivator approached, her steps measured and calm.
"Elder, these are our friends from Dongyuan Sect," Yan Xun introduced.
The woman nodded to them. "Sheyang Sect, Cong Yuzhen."
Lu Ziye hurried to pay his respects, discreetly signaling the three novices.
"She is a Foundation Establishment senior!"
The three quickly bowed.
The senior shook her head gently. "There’s no need for such formality."
"The Flower Festival draws crowds... it is lively."
This year, Sheyang Sect sent only three participants.
Elder Cong Yuzhen was both an inner disciple and a nominal elder of her sect—holding two roles at once.
She reminded Lu Ziye of Elder Xu Ziqing from their own sect.
Lu Ziye, as the leader of Dongyuan Sect’s delegation, naturally stepped forward to stand beside Cong Yuzhen, asking about the festival’s arrangements.
The group strolled toward Linghua Valley, chatting as they went.
Two cultivators in Sheyang Sect robes—a man and a woman—approached from afar.
Song Yan, catching sight of the young woman, exclaimed in surprise, "Ayun?!"
The girl’s face lit up with joy as she saw him.
"Brother Yesheng!"
She was Shengnian’s younger sister, Sheng Yun.
Lu Ziye was surprised. "Oh? You two... know each other?"
Song Yan laughed heartily—how could he not be delighted to meet an old friend in a foreign place?
"We grew up together; she’s like my little sister."
"Brother Yesheng, before coming here I heard Dongyuan Sect would send disciples to Beiya Mountain. I was hoping it might be you—and it really is!"
Since entering the world of cultivation and losing both her older brothers’ presence, Sheng Yun always felt a void inside.
Meeting Song Yan here stirred a hundred emotions, and brought unexpected comfort.
Noticing he was being overlooked, the male cultivator’s expression turned awkward.
"I am Cheng Yu, of Sheyang Sect."
"Greetings, Fellow Cheng."
Song Yan’s collar twitched, and Xiao He poked its head out, greeting Sheng Yun with a hiss.
"Xiao He!"
Sheng Yun scooped up the little snake, smothering it with kisses.
"I’ve missed you so much..."
Her eyes nearly brimmed with tears.
"Hehe..."
Cong Yuzhen watched Sheng Yun chatting and joking with the Dongyuan disciple, sometimes laughing, sometimes complaining, and felt a hint of relief.
"This child must have been so lonely..."
Song Yan composed himself, and asked seriously, "Ayun, how did you join Sheyang Sect? What about Anian?"

Sheng Yun’s expression darkened.
She recounted the story to Song Yan, detail by detail.
He listened calmly, merely nodding in the end.
He even smiled.
"Don’t worry, your brother can take care of himself."
"If he really can’t, when he’s old, we’ll bring him to the immortal mountains for his retirement, ha ha ha..."
Ignoring Sheng Yun’s reproachful look, Song Yan felt no anxiety in his heart.
Anian?
No one needed to worry about him.
"The Flower Festival is about to begin, so Beiya Mountain City has grown lively these days," Yan Xun, as a local, explained.
"Many mortal merchants come to do business here."
"Quite a few cultivators are drawn by its fame as well..."
They walked and chatted, passing a tea house.
Song Yan suddenly felt a tug in his heart and halted.
After a moment of contemplation, he stepped forward.
"Elders, I have an old friend nearby. Perhaps... you should go ahead?"
Lu Ziye was about to speak, but Cong Yuzhen shook her head.
"No matter. The Flower Festival is for joy and merriment—it should be so."
Song Yan was surprised; though Cong Yuzhen was serious and cool in demeanor, her words revealed genuine warmth.
"I’ll return to Linghua Valley with your Senior Brother Lu to discuss business. Yan Xun, show them around."
"Yes, elder."
Under Yan Xun’s guidance, the group wandered the vicinity, Xiao He slipping into Sheng Yun’s arms, uninterested in tea.
Song Yan, alone, stepped into the tea house.
Its decor was steeped in antique charm.
As he entered, the rich fragrance of floral tea greeted him.
He ascended to the second floor.
By the window, a lone figure dressed as a wanderer sat, a bamboo hat and sword at his side.
He gazed out at Sheng Yun in the distance.
"This trip was worth it—I’ve seen both siblings."
Song Yan took a seat before him, where a cup of flower tea had already been poured.
The man chuckled softly, raising his eyes.
"Didn’t you just say you’d retire me off to the immortal mountains?"
Beneath the bamboo hat was Shengnian’s familiar face.
Lately, work has been so hectic that updating regularly will be hard, but I’ll do my best to maintain a steady pace.