Beneath the White Cloud Sect: Deep Affection and Old Memories

As the first rays of morning light pierced through the Jade Butterfly Flower Grove Silent Ring Palace, they cast slanting shadows on the flowers in the courtyard, where dewdrops fell like crystal beads in the morning mist.

Silent Ring Palace, a carved door was gently opened.

Qin Yu, dressed in a simple white robe, slowly emerged from the quiet and elegant room filled with the fragrance of flowers. The morning breeze blew, causing his robe to flutter slightly. His steps were steady, his face serene, yet a hint of a smile flickered in his eyes.

A few breaths later, two beautiful figures stepped out as well.

On the left is Qian Ruishan, dressed in a simple white dress and gauze skirt, with skin as white as jade and eyes like a sea of stars;

On the right was Mu Qingwan, dressed in a silver-white white gown, Wenwan, her every step radiating a divine aura.

The three stood side by side under the flower-lined corridor, bathed in the morning light, as if at this moment, everything was still.

Qin Yu turned around, looked at them, and spoke in an extremely gentle tone, with a hint of teasing:

"... Madams, today we officially set off to see my mother, whom I haven't seen for a long time—your aunt, Qin Yu."

As soon as the words were spoken, Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan were both stunned, their pretty faces blushing at the same time.

"Who's your wife...?" Qian Ruishan said with a playful laugh, raising her hand to lightly pinch his waist.

"You're just all talk." Although Mu Qingwan's tone was gentle, she also reached out and lightly tapped Qin Yu's side, not wanting to be outdone.

Qin Yu smiled wryly and took a half-step back, but did not dodge at all. He held their fingers in one hand, his eyes full of tender affection.

Such a scene is gentle and serene.

Before long, the three of them returned to their rooms, got ready, and came out.

Qin Yu changed into a dark gold robe, with the "Silent Abyss Dragon Pattern" engraved on the sleeves. He had broad shoulders and a strong waist, and his steps were steady, just like the young protagonist who now bore the fate of the Azure Realm. His long hair was tied up with a black jade hairpin, his expression was reserved and majestic, but his brows still carried the gentleness of a young man.

Qian Ruishan wore an ice-blue long dress, the hem of which was adorned with frost-silver patterns. She wore a Cold Stamen Ice Tassel and had white butterfly hair ornaments in her hair. She looked like a saintess who had walked out of the ice and snow. Her cold beauty concealed her tender anticipation for her Return Path.

Mu Qingwan also changed into a plain white palace dress, with delicate fox patterns embroidered on the sleeves. Her steps were like moonlight flowing, her eyes were as clear as stars in the night sky, and her whole person was like the first frost under the moon, elegant and composed without losing her gentle charm.

And amidst this tranquility, two lively streaks of light and shadow swirled around her shoulders and the side of her skirt.

That was the Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly on Qian Ruishan's shoulder, which she affectionately called "Cai'er". Cai'er was exquisite in size, now shrunken to the size of a palm. When its wings were spread, thousands of streams of light flowed like a dream. When its tail swayed, it brought with it specks of starlight that landed on her shoulder. As it hovered, it chirped merrily, as if it knew that it was going to meet its master's mother today and was quite excited.

On Mu Qingwan's shoulder lay the nine-tailed snow-white spirit fox— the Silent Spirit Snow Fox, named "Xueli." Its nine tails, like jade flowers in full bloom, swirled with silvery light, gently brushing against Qingwan's hair, exuding a profound spirituality. It quietly gazed at the two before it, then murmured softly, "Sister Qingwan looks so beautiful today..."

Following the three, a graceful yet exquisitely beautiful figure emerged from the corner of the courtyard.

It was a girl in black, with a graceful figure, skin as white as snow, and bewitching eyes that also held a touch of innocence. She was none other than the black mother dragon who had taken human form— Youlong Yunyi.

She wore a form-fitting black gauze dress, surrounded by a faint black mist. Her eyes were deep and mysterious, and the faint shadow of a dragon would occasionally appear behind her. She was mysterious and unpredictable but not threatening, and simply followed Qin Ning quietly.

"I will be respectful and proper when I go out today," Yunyi said softly, her voice like a night spring, revealing a hint of girlish nervousness.

The moment she appeared, Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly and Xueli turned to look at her, their eyes filled with shock. Although it wasn't the first time they had seen her, they still instinctively felt awe for her otherworldly beauty and mysterious aura.

And so, the three people and three beasts gathered outside the Silent Ring Palace and slowly made their way toward the Kong Ling stone platform where the teleportation array was located.

Head to the Great Yan Continent, White Cloud Sect Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence.

That was the Return Path for family, a brief period of peace after the war.

Indeed, this is a crucial juncture where the fates of these three individuals will intersect.

The Aurora Realm-Rending Gate slowly closed, and the fluctuations in space gradually subsided.

Qin Yu held the Azure Ring Light in one hand and held the hands of Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan in the other. The three of them traversed through the void and stepped into a celestial realm where light and clouds flowed.

Above the White Cloud Sect, divine light suddenly trembled in the void, and a ripple of spacetime woven from cyan and frost light spread out from the sky, tearing the heavens apart.

In that instant, deep within the main mountain of the White Cloud Sect, in the sect master's hall beneath the [Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence], Xiao Yinshan frowned deeply, shattering the jade table beneath him with a single palm strike, his aura surging. "Who dares to disturb the skies above my White Cloud Sect!"

He suddenly raised his hand, about to activate the "Silent Heaven Essence-Suppressing Array" that Qin Ning had personally left behind—a sect-protecting formation that no one below the Realm Lord Realm could break, which had protected the White Cloud Sect for decades.

However, the instant his finger touched the center of the array plate, a very familiar young man suddenly appeared in his mind.

"This... is Qin Yu?!"

Suddenly, three streaks of light descended from the sky into his eyes—the leader, a man in black robes fluttering, exuded an aura as imposing as a mountain, his divine energy forming an orderly vortex around him, while behind him, a figure in an ice-blue dress and a figure in white robes descended side by side in the light.

Xiao Yinshan stood there stunned, muttering, "He... he's back."

Three beams of divine light slowly descended upon the main courtyard of the White Cloud Sect. The disciples were already alarmed and retreated. A familiar and majestic figure flew over from afar; it was none other than the White Cloud Sect Master, Xiao Yinshan.

The moment he landed, his gaze was fixed on the black-haired youth. After a moment, he took a deep breath and laughed loudly, "Hahaha... you little rascal! You've finally decided to come back to see your old friend?"

Qin Yu, with a gentle expression, cupped his hands in a respectful greeting. "It's been many years since we last met; Sect Master Xiao's demeanor is even more impressive than before."

"If you don't come back soon, I'll write you into the ancestral tablets of the White Cloud Sect!" Xiao Yinshan laughed as he stepped forward, patting Qin Yu's shoulder heavily. He then looked at the two stunningly beautiful women behind him, his eyes showing surprise. "This one is...?" "Sect Master Xiao naturally recognizes Mu Qingwan, the proud and talented Palace Master of the Silent Ring Palace."

"She is my Fate Soul, as you know, Qingwan," Qin Yu nodded, then said softly, "And she is the one I brought today to formally meet my mother."

"Good, good!" Xiao Yinshan said "good" three times in a row, his face showing relief. He smiled and reached out to lead her away. "Your mother has been living a peaceful life these past few years, recuperating at Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence. After you left, she often looked up at the sky and wept."

Qin Yu lowered his head slightly, a hint of guilt flashing in his eyes. "I understand."

"Come with me."

Xiao Yinshan immediately turned around and led the three of them through the Jade Platform Heavenly Stairs, heading straight for the deepest part of the White Cloud Sect— the Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence.

Great Yan Continent, White Cloud Sect, Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence.

This is the most core forbidden area of the White Cloud Sect, and only the sect leader and his closest relatives are allowed to set foot here. The Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence is like a heavenly palace, with golden tiles and silver beams. It is surrounded by nine layers of clouds. In the light and mist, cranes fly and white deer roam the clouds. Ten thousand rays of rosy light spread down, making the entire mansion look like a dream.

Before the main hall, a white jade staircase stretches for hundreds of feet, with crystal stones floating and swirling in the air on both sides, engraved with endless runes.

Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan were both slightly surprised by the scene before them. Mu Qingwan said softly, "The Taiyan White Cloud Sect... is indeed extraordinary."

Qin Yu smiled calmly, "This is where my mother lives. She has never left Taiyan. When I left, I entrusted her to the care of the White Cloud Sect Master."

As the group entered the gate, a gentle yet slightly choked voice came from the main hall. "You... you're finally back."

That was Qin Yu's voice.

Then, the palace doors slowly opened, and a woman dressed in a plain white palace robe with cloud patterns walked out. Her appearance was still young, and her eyes shone with a star-like brilliance. That was Qin Yu's mother, Qin Yu.

When her gaze fell upon Qin Ning, her previously calm and composed face suddenly trembled.

The divine consciousness that had remained unchanged for millennia broke down at this moment.

"Yu'er..." she murmured softly, her eyes instantly reddening.

The next moment, she rushed towards Qin Ning without regard for anything else.

Qin Yu stepped forward and reached out to firmly embrace his mother. At that moment, his soul seemed to return to its origin.

Qin Yu hugged him tightly, her voice choked with emotion. "After all these years, you... you've finally stood before me..."

"Mother," Qin Yu replied softly, "I'm back."

The two stood embracing, while Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan stood quietly to the side, neither speaking, only gazing gently at the mother and son.

After a long while, Qin Yu finally calmed down and turned to look at Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan: "These two young ladies are..."

Qin Yu smiled slightly, "Mother, they are the most important people in the depths of my Fate Soul... Qian Ruishan, Mu Qingwan."

Looking into the eyes of the two girls, Qin Yu's gaze shifted from scrutiny to relief and then to tenderness. She slowly nodded and said, "Good children, thank you for keeping my son company."

Mu Qingwan immediately gave a graceful bow. "Aunt Qin, Qingwan greets you."

Qian Ruishan smiled gently and bowed, saying, "Aunt Qin."

Seeing how well-behaved and charming they were, Qin Yu's eyes softened even more. She took one of them by the hand and said with a smile, "Come, tell Aunt Qin about the outside world."

She pulled the two of them towards the mansion. Qin Yu watched his mother's back from behind, his expression momentarily dazed.

Along this journey, he emerged from the chaos of the Spirit Firmament Wars, and ultimately—returned to his original Return Path.

Deep within the Heavenly Ultimate Cloud Residence, Qin Yu gently led Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan by the hand and slowly entered the inner hall.

This inner hall is the most core forbidden area of the White Cloud Sect, a sacred realm that only Venerables can set foot in. The four walls are carved with flying cloud patterns and auspicious cloud bones, and the nine-layered dome flows with turquoise light. Divine lamps shine on the golden curtain, reflecting an illusory sky like a galaxy. A gentle yet profound soul power flows quietly in the hall, as if it were the most peaceful corner in the world, quietly guarded by time.

Qian Ruishan took a soft breath. "What a beautiful place..."

Mu Qingwan smiled and said, "This is the place where Auntie should live."

Qin Yu chuckled, glancing back at the two women, her voice gentle as water. "You've come at the perfect time. It's been a long time since I've felt so happy since Yu'er left."

The three of them took their seats hand in hand. The hall was furnished with a jade couch and a crystal soul table, and fragrant tea and hot tea had already been prepared. Snow fruits and cold flame pastries were scattered around. Qian Ruishan and Mu Qingwan sat on either side of Qin Yu, chatting and laughing. They talked about the Nether Firmament Underworld Sect, the Divine Abyss Silent Ring, the Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly, and the Silent Spirit Snow Fox. The three of them talked and laughed like a mother and daughter, and the atmosphere was extremely warm.

On the other side of the hall, Qin Ning and Xiao Yinshan sat side by side, their gazes occasionally drifting to the three laughing figures, a slight smile playing on their lips.

"Sect Master Xiao," Qin Yu asked in a low voice, "Has the Great Yan Continent been relatively peaceful these past few years?"

Xiao Yinshan stroked his beard and smiled, his tone filled with undisguised emotion and pride:

"Ever since that day when you used your 'super divine power' to shatter the Demonic Spirit with a single move, causing the entire Demon Spirit Legion to vanish into thin air—"

He paused, then his smile deepened.

"The entire Great Yan Continent was shaken. The other seven major clans sent envoys to the White Cloud Sect overnight to present gifts, and from then on, no one dared to make a move. Now, the White Cloud Sect has risen to the pinnacle of Taiyan, and its resources, land veins, and number of powerful individuals are no less than those of the first-class sects in the Divine Abyss Great Realm."

Qin Yu nodded calmly, without revealing the slightest hint of pride. "As long as Taiyan is stable, Mother's peace of mind is the most important thing."

Xiao Yinshan nodded. "You're still as steady as ever."

The two exchanged a smile, both knowing that the calm was merely a temporary respite before a much larger battle unfolded.

Qin Yu took a sip of tea, his gaze shifting slightly before he suddenly asked, "By the way, Sect Master Xiao, how are Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu doing now?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yinshan raised an eyebrow and chuckled, his tone filled with relief and approval. "They're all doing well."

He paused, then continued:

"After the Zhao Clan was destroyed, Zhao Xinyu survived, but she was seriously injured, especially her Soul Sea, which was severely damaged and nearly collapsed several times. Yang Zheng is a loyal and righteous boy. Ever since you saved their lives that day, he has stayed by Zhao Xinyu's side every day, accompanying and taking care of her."

Qin Yu nodded silently, a sense of Anran in his expression.

Xiao Yinshan continued with a smile, "Now, Zhao Xinyu is fully recovered, and the two of them have settled down at my White Cloud Sect's residence. A few days ago, they came to me in person to report that they planned to hold their marriage ceremony on a chosen date, specifically requesting an auspicious day at the White Cloud Sect... I was pleased to see this happen."

"Heh." Qin Yu's lips curled slightly, a hint of emotion appearing in his eyes. "It's just that their fate wasn't yet sealed."

"After you saved the Zhao Clan that day, Yang Zheng took meticulous care of Zhao Xinyu every day, and during that time he basically didn't even return to the sect." Xiao Yinshan looked at Qin Yu, a meaningful look of admiration in his eyes, "Now it seems that it was precisely that one thought that brought about the greatest turning point in their lives."

Qin Yu didn't say much, only nodded slightly, his heart stirred. Although Zhao Xinyu was caught in the chaos that day and almost lost her life, Yang Zheng... remained steadfast throughout, a truly respectable person.

He said in a low voice, "I will send a gift another day."

Xiao Yinshan smiled, "I'm afraid they'd rather thank you in person."

The two smiled at each other. Sunlight streamed in through the window, and incense smoke curled inside the hall. Everything was peaceful and serene, like a tranquil world.