Joining the Evergreen Sect's Outer Sect, Shen Qingxue's Shock

Wang Mengde clasped his hands in a salute, then turned and walked out of the reception room.

The night was as dark as ink, and the sea breeze was cool.

Wang Mengde walked out of the courtyard and first turned towards the Island Patrol Office.

The lights in the Island Patrol Office were still on.

Yang Qiming sat behind his desk, holding a nautical chart in his hand, marking something on it.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Wang Mengde walking in, and paused slightly in surprise.

"Mengde? Is something the matter so late?"

Wang Mengde stood before the desk, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Uncle Yang, I'm here to resign."

Yang Qiming paused, his pen still.

He looked up at Wang Mengde, his eyes filled with doubt and worry. "Resigned? What happened?"

"It's nothing," Wang Mengde said calmly. "I've joined the Evergreen Sect, and I'll be going to Azure Cliff Island with my master tomorrow."

Yang Qiming stared intently at Wang Mengde: "You've become Liu True Person's disciple?"

Just now, Liu Yuanming sent him a telepathic message to learn more about Wang Mengde's situation.

"Um."

"You little rascal—" He opened his mouth, his voice hoarse, "You've hit the jackpot."

Wang Mengde took out the Island Patrol Office token from his sleeve and placed it on the table with both hands.

"Thank you for taking care of me during my years at the Island Patrol Office, Chief Yang."

Yang Qiming picked up the token, weighed it in his hand, and then put it in the drawer.

He raised his head, looked at Wang Mengde, and gave a faint smile.

"You little rascal, if you ever make it big in the future, just don't forget about the Island Patrol Office."

Wang Mengde smiled but said nothing.

He clasped his hands in a fist, bowed deeply, then turned and strode out of the Island Patrol Office.

The night grew deeper.

After leaving the Island Patrol Office, Wang Mengde immediately returned to Loft No. 37.

The Light Barrier silently cracked open, and he stepped inside, the Light Barrier closing behind him.

The courtyard was very quiet.

The bamboo swayed gently in the moonlight, and the dewdrops on its leaves reflected a silvery-white light.

The lanterns under the eaves were still lit, their warm yellow light shining through the half-open doors, casting a blurry halo on the ground.

Wang Mengde pushed open the door and went inside.

Lin Xiaowan was reading a pamphlet. She was wearing a plain white dress, her hair was casually tied up with a wooden hairpin, and a few strands of hair fell beside her ears, gleaming softly under the lamplight.

She opened her eyes when she heard the door open.

Those eyes were large and round, with dark brown pupils, like two gems washed clean, gleaming with a warm light under the lamp.

The moment she saw Wang Mengde, a smile appeared in her eyes. It was a faint, gentle smile, yet it warmed one's heart.

"You're back?" Her voice was gentle, like a spring breeze or autumn water, making people feel at ease.

Wang Mengde walked over and sat down next to her.

Lin Xiaowan looked at him, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment before she frowned slightly.

She saw the white mark on his neck, the mark made by the tip of the Flying Sword.

She reached out and gently touched the white mark with her fingertips, her voice tinged with worry. "What happened? Are you hurt?"

"It's alright." Wang Mengde took her hand, removed it from his neck, and placed it on his knee.

He took a deep breath, looked into Lin Xiaowan's eyes, and said, word by word, "Xiaowan, I have joined the Evergreen Sect and become Evergreen Sect outer disciple."

Lin Xiaowan's body trembled violently.

The hand that Wang Mengde was holding turned icy cold in an instant.

Her eyes widened suddenly, her pupils contracted slightly, and her lips parted slightly, but she made no sound.

Countless thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant.

Evergreen Sect.

That was one of the largest sects in this sea area.

Wang Mengde has joined the Evergreen Sect and is heading to Azure Cliff Island.

And what about her?

What should she do?

Her face turned pale in an instant, and a thin layer of mist appeared in her gentle, watery eyes.

Wang Mengde felt the trembling in her hands and the changes in her body.

He gripped her hand, his voice steady and firm. "Once I've settled in over there, I'll bring you over."

Lin Xiaowan's eyes suddenly lit up.

The mist was still there, but the light in those eyes was several times brighter than before, like two stars that had been covered by dark clouds and then suddenly appeared, so bright that it was impossible to look away.

"Really?" Her voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of cautious uncertainty, like a child dreaming, afraid of making too much noise and waking them up.

"Really." Wang Mengde nodded. "When have I ever lied to you?"

Lin Xiaowan's eyes reddened, but the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile.

That smile was a mixture of laughter and tears, like a lost child finally finding their way home, or a sailor who had been adrift in a storm for too long finally seeing the lighthouse of the harbor.

She reached out and hugged Wang Mengde's waist, burying her face in his chest.

Her shoulders were trembling slightly, and her fingers were gripping the fabric of his clothes tightly at his waist, as if afraid that he would disappear if she let go.

"I'll wait for you," she said, her voice soft and gentle, yet carrying an unwavering determination. "I'll wait for you here, waiting for you to come and get me."

Wang Mengde nodded. "Okay."

Early the next morning.

As dawn broke, three people were already standing on the pier of Rosy Cloud Island.

The morning mist hangs over the sea like a thin veil, merging the distant sea and sky into one.

The sea breeze was gentle, carrying the unique coolness and moisture of the early morning, and it refreshed me as it brushed against my face.

Liu Yuanming stood at the very front, his dark blue robes fluttering slightly in the sea breeze.

Behind him, Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi stood side by side.

With a wave of his right hand, Liu Yuanming sent a Flying Sword flying out of his sleeve. It grew longer in the wind and in the blink of an eye transformed into a giant sword over ten feet long, hovering three feet above the ground.

"Go up." Liu Yuanming said simply, and was the first to leap onto the Flying Sword.

Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi jumped up after them.

The Flying Sword dipped slightly, then rose steadily, carrying the three of them through the morning mist and flying eastward.

The wind whistled in my ears.

Wang Mengde stood on his Flying Sword, looking down at Rosy Cloud Island below.

In the morning mist, Rosy Cloud Island resembles a piece of emerald green, inlaid on the gray-blue sea, growing smaller and smaller, farther and farther away, until it finally becomes a blurry little dot and disappears where the sea meets the sky.

He turned his head and looked ahead.

Ahead lay an endless sea, and beyond that, a vast expanse.

Liu Yuanming's sword-wielding speed was ridiculously fast; a quarter of an hour later, they had arrived at Azure Cliff Island.

Liu Yuanming led the two to the light screen, took out a jade tablet from his waist, and shone it on the light screen.

The light curtain silently cracked open, creating a huge gash, like an invisible door slowly opening.

Liu Yuanming put away the jade token, rode his Flying Sword through the light barrier, and flew towards the depths of the island.

Liu Yuanming did not linger and flew directly to the External Affairs Hall of the Evergreen Sect on his sword.

The External Affairs Hall is located halfway up the main peak of Azure Cliff Island and is a magnificent building.

The main hall is entirely constructed of bluestone, and there are ninety-nine steps in front of it, each step covered with densely packed runes that shimmer with a faint spiritual light in the sunlight.

Liu Yuanming sheathed his Flying Sword and led Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi up the steps into the External Affairs Hall.

The interior of the main hall is even more spacious than it appears from the outside.

The hall was brightly lit, and the floor was paved with large pieces of green jade bricks, each of which was polished to a smooth, mirror-like finish, reflecting people's images.

The pillars in the hall are carved with various mythical beasts, so lifelike that they seem ready to jump down from the pillars at any moment.

At the far end of the main hall was a large rosewood table.

A person was sitting behind the desk.

The man looked to be about sixty or seventy years old, with gray hair and a face full of wrinkles, but he was in good spirits and had bright, piercing eyes.

He wore a gray robe, with the insignia of the outer sect of the Evergreen Sect embroidered on the hem: a sword and a pen crossed.

His cultivation level was at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

Liu Yuanming strode forward.

Upon seeing Liu Yuanming, the man immediately stood up from behind the desk, quickly approached, clasped his hands in a respectful bow.

"Senior Brother Liu, what brings you here?"

Liu Yuanming waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite.

"Junior Brother Zhao, it's been a long time."

Wang Mengde stood behind Liu Yuanming, his gaze fixed on the gray-haired deacon.

Liu Yuanming turned around, glanced at Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi, and then said to Deacon Zhao, "This is my good friend, True Person Zhao, the steward of Azure Cliff Island the Evergreen Sect, in charge of all affairs of Azure Cliff Island."

Wang Mengde felt a chill run down his spine.

He is in charge of all affairs on Azure Cliff Island.

This seemingly unremarkable old man with gray hair was actually the Grand Steward of the outer sect of the Evergreen Sect.

He dared not delay, so he stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed respectfully.

"Junior Wang Mengde greets Deacon Zhao."

Liu Yiyi also stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Junior Liu Yiyi greets Deacon Zhao."

Deacon Zhao waved his hand with a smile, glanced at the two of them, and then looked at Liu Yuanming.

Liu Yuanming pointed to Liu Yiyi and said calmly, "This is my daughter, with Four-Attribute Spirit Roots."

He then pointed to Wang Mengde: "This is my disciple. Although he Five-Element Spirit Roots, he has an extremely strong talent for Talisman and is already a second-tier advanced talisman master. He is also my future son-in-law."

He paused for a moment, then looked at Deacon Zhao: "You should process their entry into the sect as soon as possible."

Deacon Zhao nodded, his gaze falling on Wang Mengde as he looked him up and down.

Second-tier advanced rune master.

Five-Element Spirit Roots.

Elder Liu's son-in-law.

Deacon Zhao's gaze lingered on Wang Mengde for a moment longer, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

He has lived for over a hundred years and has seen far too many people who curry favor with the powerful and wealthy.

The young man before him Five-Element Spirit Roots and Rogue Cultivator background. In his eyes, his ability to become Liu Yuanming's disciple and future son-in-law was nothing more than good luck in climbing the social ladder by marrying Liu Yiyi.

What a lucky kid.

Deacon Zhao sighed inwardly.

But he showed no emotion on his face, only smiled and nodded, then turned and walked back behind the desk, taking out a blank jade plaque from the drawer.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Liu, I'll process their entry into the sect right away."

He picked up a Spirit Brush, dipped it in spirit ink, and quickly engraved Liu Yiyi's information, name, and Spirit Root on the jade tablet.

Age, mentorship.

After he finished carving, he channeled his spiritual energy into the jade tablet, and a flash of light appeared on the tablet, revealing lines of fine characters.

Deacon Zhao handed the jade token to Liu Yiyi: "Junior Nephew Liu, this is your identity jade token. Please keep it safe."

Then he took out a neatly folded robe from his Storage Bag. The robe was blue with a small pine tree embroidered on the corner. It was the standard robe for outer disciples of the Evergreen Sect.

"This is your outer disciple's robe."

Liu Yiyi accepted the jade token and robe with both hands, and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Deacon Zhao."

Deacon Zhao then took out a blank jade tablet and engraved Wang Mengde's information using the same method.

His pen paused briefly on the jade plaque, his gaze swept over Wang Mengde, and then he continued carving.

Five-Element Spirit Roots.

Second-tier advanced rune master.

Disciple of Liu Yuanming.

These details were engraved one by one into the jade plaque, like nails driven into a wooden board.

After Deacon Zhao finished carving the last character, he channeled his spiritual power into the jade tablet. A flash of light appeared on the tablet, and the characters were firmly imprinted on it, never to be erased.

He handed the jade token to Wang Mengde: "Junior Brother Wang, this is your identity jade token."

He then took out a blue robe and handed it over. "This is your outer disciple's robe."

Wang Mengde accepted the jade tablet and robe with both hands, then looked down at the jade tablet in his hands.

The jade plaque was pure white and smooth as mutton fat. The front was engraved with the three large characters "Evergreen Sect" and the back with his name and the four smaller characters "Outer Disciple".

The jade pendant has fine spiritual patterns flowing inside, emitting a faint fluctuation of spiritual energy.

Holding the jade pendant, Wang Mengde was filled with emotion.

The jade token representing the status of an outer disciple is something countless Rogue Cultivators dream of.

That's how I got it.

He tied the jade pendant to his waist, folded his robe neatly, put it into his Storage Bag, then clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Deacon Zhao: "Thank you, Deacon Zhao."

Deacon Zhao waved his hand and said with a smile, "No need to thank me, it's my pleasure."

Liu Yuanming stood aside, watching everything being completed, and nodded slightly.

Then he spoke, his voice not loud, but his tone carrying an undeniable weight. "Old Zhao, assign them some better courtyards."

Deacon Zhao nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, Senior Brother Liu, I've already made preparations."

19

He took two boxes out of his Storage Bag.

Both boxes were made of sandalwood, about the size of a palm, with exquisite carvings on the lids and a faint sandalwood fragrance.

Deacon Zhao placed the two boxes on the table, opened the lids, and revealed the contents.

The first box contained a Jade Slip.

The Jade Slip is long and narrow, entirely emerald green, with a faint spiritual light flowing across its surface.

Deacon Zhao picked up the Jade Slip and handed it to Liu Yiyi: "Junior Nephew Liu, this is the Jade Slip containing the key to your pavilion."

By channeling spiritual energy into the Jade Slip, the protective Light Barrier of the pavilion can be activated.

Liu Yiyi took the Jade Slip with both hands and carefully put it away.

Deacon Zhao then picked up the Jade Slip from the second box and handed it to Wang Mengde: "Nephew Wang, this is the Jade Slip containing the key to your attic."

Wang Mengde took the Jade Slip and held it in his palm.

The Jade Slip is cool and smooth to the touch, with an excellent tactile feel.

Deacon Zhao then took out two palm-sized array plates from his Storage Bag and handed them to the two men. "These are the core array plates controlling the protective array of the pavilion."

Wang Mengde took the array plate and examined it carefully.

The array plate is round, about the size of a palm, and completely black, with its surface covered with densely packed spiritual patterns.

A Spirit Stone was embedded in the center of the array plate, emitting a faint light.

He channeled his spiritual energy into the array plate, and the spiritual patterns on the plate immediately lit up. A faint power emanated from the array plate, creating a subtle connection between him and the plate.

He put away the array plate and bowed to Deacon Zhao again. "Thank you, Deacon Zhao."

Deacon Zhao waved his hand with a smile, "No need to thank me, no need to thank me. If you need anything on the island in the future, just come and find me."

Liu Yuanming glanced at Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi, and said calmly, "Alright, you two go and check your own attics and settle in."

I have some things to take care of, I'll talk to you again tonight.

"Yes, Master," Wang Mengde replied.

"Yes, Father," Liu Yiyi replied obediently.

Liu Yuanming nodded, turned around, and strode out of the Foreign Affairs Hall.

His figure flashed briefly at the entrance of the main hall before disappearing into the morning light.

Only three people remained in the main hall.

Deacon Zhao looked at Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi and said with a smile, "Your attics are in the East District, next to each other."

After leaving the main hall, walk east, past the Spirit Fruit Orchard, and then through a bamboo grove, and you will arrive.

There are numbers at the entrance, so it's easy to find.

"Thank you, Deacon Zhao." The two bowed again, then turned and walked out of the Foreign Affairs Hall.

Wang Mengde and Liu Yiyi walked out of the Foreign Affairs Hall and headed east along the bluestone path.

The morning light shone through the thin mist, bathing the entire Azure Cliff Island in a soft, pale golden glow.

The Spiritual Qi in the air was so rich it seemed to solidify; with each breath, one could feel the warm and gentle Spiritual Qi flowing into the lungs and then through the meridians to the limbs and bones.

The two walked through a Spirit Fruit Orchard.

The Spirit Trees in the garden are of varying heights, with lush foliage and branches laden with various spiritual fruits.

There were vermilion Vermilion Fruits, emerald green Jade Spirit Fruits, golden Golden Spirit Fruits, and varieties that Wang Mengde couldn't name.

Each spiritual fruit was plump and round, with a faint sheen on its surface and an enticing fragrance.

Beyond the Spirit Fruit Orchard lies a dense forest of Spirit Bamboo Grove.

The bamboo is not a common green, but a light bluish-green. Each bamboo stalk is straight and upright with distinct joints. The bamboo leaves rustle in the breeze, producing a pleasant sound like wind chimes.

The Spirit Bamboo Grove is filled with Spiritual Qi energy, and a light mist swirls among the bamboo. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Wang Mengde walked along the bamboo forest path, the bluestone pavement under his feet was wet with dew and slightly slippery.

He walked at a moderate pace, his gaze piercing through the gaps in the bamboo grove, looking ahead.

At the end of the bamboo forest, there is a cluster of buildings arranged in a staggered manner.

That was the residential area for the outer disciples of the Evergreen Sect.

The pavilions are distributed along the mountainside, at varying heights and in a staggered manner.

Each attic has its own courtyard, which is surrounded by a pale blue protective Light Barrier that gleams softly in the sunlight.

Wang Mengde looked down at the Jade Slip in his hand. The Jade Slip was engraved with a number: C District No. 17.

He walked along the narrow path, glancing at the numbers on the doors as he went.

He walked all the way to number 1, 2, and 3 in section C, and stopped in front of number 17.

This is his attic.

The pavilion faces south and is built on a slightly raised hillside, which is higher than the surrounding pavilions and offers a wide view.

The courtyard was small, about two zhang square, with walls made of bluestone, and the tops of the walls were covered with vines and small pale purple flowers.

The gate was made of wood and painted dark brown, with a copper door knocker engraved with simple spiritual patterns.

The plaque above the courtyard gate is blank, without any inscription.

Wang Mengde stood in front of the courtyard gate, his gaze sweeping across the entire attic.

The attic has two floors: the lower floor contains a living room, kitchen, and storage room, while the upper floor contains a quiet room and bedroom.

The building is constructed of blue stone bricks, with sharp edges and simple lines. There are no superfluous decorations, but every detail exudes a simple yet grand atmosphere.

The roof was covered with blue tiles, and a thin layer of moss grew between the tiles, glistening with moisture in the morning light.

The attic was surrounded by a pale blue Light Barrier, the surface of Light Barrier was covered with fine spiritual patterns. Occasionally, beams of light would flow across the patterns, like luminous streams.

Liu Yiyi's voice came from the side, tinged with excitement. "My attic is right next to yours, C District No. 18."

"Good." Wang Mengde nodded. "Being close together makes it easier to look after each other."

Liu Yiyi's face flushed slightly, she lowered her head, but the corners of her mouth turned up.

Just as the two were about to head to their respective attics, suddenly...

Beside it, a crack silently appeared in the Light Barrier of the attic at C District No. 16.

The sound of the Light Barrier cracking was very soft.

The light on the Light Barrier flickered, then a crack about ten feet wide appeared, like an invisible door slowly opening.

The two people stepped out of the Light Barrier.

Walking in front was a tall woman, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, wearing a red robe. The robe was as bright as fire, and in the sunlight, it looked like a burning flame.

Her hair was tied high with a red ribbon into a neat ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck.

Her features were three-dimensional and distinct, with thick, long, dark eyebrows that slanted upwards towards her temples. Her eyes were large and bright, with dark brown pupils and a sharp, bright gaze, like two drawn swords.

She had a high, straight nose and slightly pursed lips.

Her skin wasn't the pale white of paper, but a healthy wheat color, nurtured by the sun and sea breeze, with a faint glow.

She was tall and well-proportioned, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. Standing there, she exuded a heroic aura, like a female knight-errant who had stepped out of the martial arts world.

A short sword hung at her waist, its scabbard black, its hilt wrapped with red silk thread, and its tassel fluttering in the wind.

It was Zhao Hongying I hadn't seen for over a year.

Another woman was following behind her.

That woman was completely different from the woman in red in front of her.

She wore a white dress, the fabric as light and thin as gauze, which fluttered gently in the morning breeze, like a white lotus flower swaying in the wind.

Her hair was loosely tied up with a white jade hairpin, with a few strands hanging down beside her ears, making her face appear even whiter.

Her features were delicate and gentle, her eyebrows were curved like two crescent moons, her eyes were not large but very bright, her pupils were light brown, and her gaze was gentle and quiet, like a pool of autumn water without ripples.

Her nose was neither too high nor too low, and her lips were thin and small, with a light color, like peach blossoms just blooming in spring.

This is Wang Mengde's ex-wife, Shen Qingxue.

Zhao Hongying and Shen Qingxue also turned around and saw Wang Mengde and his companion.