Farewell

Master Zhu spent a pleasant and unforgettable new year at Wulong Mountain. He enjoyed a lively feast with everyone and, while he was at it, demonstrated the art of tea for the fellow Daoists of the Three Xuan Sect, played a qin melody, and added much amusement to the holiday, earning himself a fine impression.

By the third day of the new year, the sects and great families within the Zhanglong Faction began paying visits. Amid the wind and snow, that figure gradually came into view. It was Leng Yue. He arrived treading through the snow, still carrying the frost unique to the Northern Border. Though his steps were slow, they bore an imposing presence that could not be ignored. Cold light flickered in his eyes, like a blade tempered in ice and snow, pointed straight at the heart.

"Leng Yue!" Qing'er hurried forward, her voice carrying a trace of delight and nervousness.

Leng Yue gave a slight nod. His gaze swept over the Oath Tablet, and his brow furrowed faintly. "The aura of the Will of the Shadow Realm is drawing close. It has gotten ahead of us."

Ye Ying's gaze sharpened. The Oath Shadow in his palm trembled faintly, as though it had sensed some threat. "It's testing us."

"It's more than a test." Leng Yue's voice was grave. "It has already begun trying to erode the tablet body, only to be suppressed by the Spirit of the Oath Tablet. We do not have much time."

Qing'er's heart sank. Just as she was about to speak, a golden light suddenly tore across the night sky. Immediately afterward, Bai Shuang's figure emerged from the light and came striding through the air. She wore the Golden Rune Robe unique to the Eastern Wasteland, with ripples of Oath Power swirling around