Huo Rong and Bing Rong exchanged glances, their embarrassment fading slightly as awe replaced it. “She’s… amazing,” Bing Rong murmured softly.
Huo Rong nodded slowly. “That’s true… if she’s by Yuan’er’s side, we can be assured of his safety.”
Yue Lan’s gaze shifted back to Shen Yuan, her expression soft and full of care. “He’ll be fine, but he needs rest,” she said, her voice gentle. “His spirit is strong, but even he has limits.”
Yue Xian’s brows furrowed slightly. “And what do you propose we do now, Yue Lan?”
Yue Lan looked up, her playful smile returning. “Simple. We ensure he gets the rest he needs. And if anyone dares disturb him…”
Her pink eyes glowed faintly, her aura briefly flaring with such overwhelming intensity that it seemed to even surpass the heavenly aura of the tribulation they had just experienced. “They’ll have to deal with me.”
Even Yue Xian’s sharp composure faltered for a moment under the sheer terror of Yue Lan’s presence, her breath becoming ragged as she had never experienced such intense pressure in her life.
Huo Rong and Bing Rong nodded in silent agreement, their respect for Yue Lan growing despite their initial reactions.
Shen Yuxin exhaled a sigh of relief, feeling reassured that Shen Yuan had such a capable woman by his side.
Yue Lan took one last glance at Shen Yuan before gently pushing his body toward Shen Yuxin. His body floated gently toward Shen Yuxin.
“Take care of him. I can’t stay in this world for long, or else it will sense me,” Yue Lan said before scattering into pink petals as she returned back into Shen Yuan’s sea of consciousness.
Shen Yuxin gently grabbed Shen Yuan’s body while watching Yue Lan fade away.
Huo Rong and Bing Rong moved forward to surround Shen Yuxin, looking down at the sleeping Shen Yuan with worried eyes.
Yue Xian still looked shocked from the earlier encounter but slowly calmed down and took a deep breath before moving toward Shen Yuan.
“Will he be alright?” Huo Rong worriedly asked.
Shen Yuxin slowly nodded her head. “Yes. He has just exhausted all of his Qi. But his body is quite badly beaten up. He will need to rest for quite a while this time.”
Just as they were discussing, Mei Hua descended beside the group, her gaze carrying a faint hint of worry as it landed on Shen Yuan.
Her eyes soon moved as she slightly bowed while cupping her fist toward Shen Yuxin. “Greetings, Senior Yuxin.”
Shen Yuxin nodded her head. “Rise.”
Mei Hua straightened her back, her gaze lingering on Shen Yuan’s battered body.
“Senior Yuxin, I need to inform you of something important,” she began, her tone formal but tinged with a hint of admiration. “We all had decided to give Shen Yuan the status of Core Disciple due to his astonishing display during the Inter-Sect Competition.
“However, he left abruptly to explore the Volcanic Lava Region, and upon his return, he entered seclusion. As such, the formal announcement was delayed.”
Shen Yuxin nodded her head softly, exhaling a sigh. “The title of Core Disciple should have long been bestowed upon him.
“This delay is unfortunate, but I can understand it since he talked to me about it already. And with the events of today, I doubt anyone will have any problems.”
Mei Hua nodded. “Indeed. His actions during this tribulation have surpassed the expectations of the entire sect, and we still don’t know what the tribulation was for.”
Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Shen Yuan deeply, but afraid of offending Shen Yuxin, she continued speaking. “But of course, the elders have unanimously agreed to move him to a residence more befitting his new status. His current courtyard is…” Her gaze swept over the wreckage, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “…clearly unsuitable now.”
Huo Rong and Bing Rong exchanged glances, both of them relieved yet still visibly concerned for Shen Yuan.
“Where will he be moved?” Bing Rong asked quietly.
Mei Hua gestured toward the peak in the distance. “To the Radiant Heart Peak, the core of the sect as well as where the other Core Disciples stay. A courtyard there has been prepared for him. It is isolated, spacious, and imbued with formations to aid in recovery and cultivation. It will ensure he has the peace he needs to recuperate.”
Despite calling it a single peak, there were multiple peaks due to the sheer size of the Radiant Heart Peak, and Shen Yuan had been given one such peak.
Shen Yuxin nodded approvingly. “Very well. We’ll take him there immediately. The surroundings of the Radiant Heart Peak will also deter any unnecessary interruptions.”
Huo Rong and Bing Rong both moved closer, their faces etched with worry. “Let’s not waste any time,” Huo Rong said, her voice firm.
Yue Xian, her composure mostly restored, spoke up. “I’ll assist in setting up additional protective formations around his new courtyard. After what we’ve seen today, we cannot take any chances with his safety.”
Mei Hua bowed slightly. “Your assistance is appreciated, Senior…”
“Yue Xian.” She smiled softly toward Mei Hua and nodded her head in approval.
It was rare to find someone who knew when to be flexible like Mei Hua.
But another major reason for her helping Shen Yuan was what Yue Lan had said earlier—a quiet warning to not let anyone disturb Shen Yuan’s rest.
Huo Rong and Bing Rong exchanged silent nods of agreement as they prepared to move him.
Shen Yuxin gently lifted Shen Yuan’s unconscious body with a delicate wave of her hand, wrapping him in a protective barrier of gentle Qi. His expression, though pale and weary, carried a trace of unyielding will even in his sleep.
Huo Rong picked up his sword before following the group.
…
As they ascended toward the Radiant Heart Peak, the group moved silently through one portal after another, each lost in their thoughts.
The towering peak loomed ahead, bathed in the glow of the sect’s radiant formations. The air grew still, infused with a warmth befitting the sect’s core.
Upon reaching the newly designated courtyard, Mei Hua led the way.
The entrance was inlaid with intricate arrays glowing softly with protective energy, while the courtyard itself was vast, featuring a serene garden, a meditation chamber, and a recovery hall.
“This place should suffice,” Mei Hua said softly, stepping aside to allow Shen Yuxin to enter first.
Shen Yuxin gently placed Shen Yuan onto the bed, the room’s ambient Qi immediately responding to his presence, creating a calming atmosphere. She adjusted the barrier around him before stepping back.
Huo Rong and Bing Rong stood by the door, their gazes fixed on Shen Yuan. “He’ll recover, won’t he?” Huo Rong asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Shen Yuxin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Yes, but it will take time. His body and spirit have endured an unimaginable ordeal. We must give him the space to heal.”
Huo Rong moved and placed his sword beside him on the bed, letting him rest with peace of mind.
Mei Hua bowed once more. “The sect will ensure no one disturbs him. I will personally oversee the arrangements.”