On a mountain peak within the Jieqing Sect.
Halls and towers followed the contours of the mountain, while dense crowds of cultivators streamed along its paths.
At the edge of the crowd.
A young woman stood on tiptoe, curiously surveying the bustle around her.
She wore a blue-green robe, her figure graceful, her long black hair falling to her waist and stirring in the wind.
Her oval face was exquisitely beautiful, with delicate features and fair skin, and a lively spirit shone in every glance.
Many passing disciples kept turning to look, yet the formidable aura faintly emanating from her kept them from staring outright.
Beside her.
Stood a young man with a somewhat slender build.
He looked around warily and tugged at her sleeve, unease seeping into his voice. "Senior Sister, sneaking out like this... if Master finds out..."
At his words.
Her beautiful eyes flashed with anger, and she irritably slapped his hand away.
"What are you afraid of? Master took Eldest Senior Brother all the way to Hundred Flowers Valley. Apparently, a cave abode belonging to the Cloud-Dream Palace has appeared. They won't be back for at least half a year."
She extended a slender finger and poked his forehead.
"As long as neither of us says anything and we get back before Master, who'll know we snuck down the mountain?"
He rubbed his forehead, still hesitant. "But..."
"But what?"
She leaned slightly forward, drawing close to him. "Master brought you up the mountain when you were little. All you ever do is practice and meditate... don't you want to see the magnificent mountains and rivers of the Cloud-Dream Realm?"
"Uh..."
He looked embarrassed, his mouth opening, but for a long while he could not squeeze out a single objection.
They had been accepted as personal disciples