One by one, the elders bowed to the Sect Leader and Shen Yuxin before departing.
The Sect Leader gave a final nod to Shen Yuan, a faint smile on her lips. “Your presence has once again proven to be a catalyst for greatness, Shen Yuan. Continue to guide those around you as you have done.”
Shen Yuan gave a polite bow, his usual smirk softening into a more respectful expression. “Sect Leader, I’ll ensure my companions and I bring no shame to the sect.”
As the elders left, the courtyard grew quieter, leaving Shen Yuan alone with Shen Yuxin, Huo Rong, Bing Rong, Wan Ling, and Han Qingyu.
Shen Yuxin turned toward Wan Ling, her gaze warm yet firm. “Ling’er, Qingyu, it seems fate has decided it’s time for you both to step forward. I’ll be taking you for specialized training to refine your skills and help you unlock your true potential.”
Wan Ling and Han Qingyu bowed deeply, their respect for Shen Yuxin evident. “Thank you, Elder Yuxin. We will do our utmost to learn from you.”
Shen Yuan stepped forward, his demeanor shifting to one of casual yet genuine care. “Before you leave, let me give you both a few things to aid in your training.” He reached into his spatial ring, retrieving a few bottles filled with Pristine Origin Pills that he had made before.
“These pills will help you break through in the Origin Core Creation Realm easily, especially since they have multiple veins. Take these pills while cultivating and give them to Chen Yue and Zhao Lian while you’re at it.” He handed the bottles to them.
Wan Ling accepted her pills with a mixture of gratitude and determination. “Brother Yuan, your support means everything to us. I’ll make sure your efforts are not in vain.”
Han Qingyu nodded, her sharp gaze softening as she looked at him. “Thank you, Brother Yuan. I’ll use these well.”
Shen Yuan placed a hand on each of their shoulders, his tone unusually serious. “Both of you are my family. Grow strong, not for me, but for yourselves. The path ahead is long and full of challenges, but I have no doubt you’ll surpass them.”
Shen Yuxin smiled at Shen Yuan’s gesture, her eyes gleaming with pride. “You’ve become quite the guiding figure, Yuan’er.”
He chuckled, stepping back. “Someone has to keep up with the extraordinary people around me. Besides, they’ll make me look better when they rise to prominence.”
Yuxin chuckled softly before turning her attention back to Wan Ling and Han Qingyu. “Come, let’s not waste any more time. The training will be rigorous, but it will also be rewarding.”
As the three of them prepared to leave, Wan Ling glanced back at Shen Yuan, her golden eyes shimmering with determination. “Brother Yuan, when we meet again, I’ll make you proud.”
Shen Yuan smirked, leaning casually against the glowing cherry tree. “I’ll be waiting.”
With that, Shen Yuxin, Wan Ling, and Han Qingyu stepped through a shimmering portal conjured by Yuxin’s Qi, leaving the courtyard in serene silence.
Shen Yuan remained for a moment, his gaze lingering on the empty space where they had stood.
[Yuan’er, you’re building quite the empire around you.]
Shen Yuan chuckled, his smirk returning. “It’s not an empire, Lan’er. It’s a family.”
[So, you forgot to ask Yuxin to take you out of the sect, huh.]
“Oh fuck.” He blurted out before connecting with Harem Connect.
[Mom, send me out of the sect as well.]
[Sure thing,] Shen Yuxin’s cheerful voice responded.
As Shen Yuan stood amidst the serene glow of his growing cherry tree, Shen Yuxin’s voice echoed warmly in his mind through their Harem Connect.
[Alright, Yuan’er. I’ll open a portal to send you outside the sect. Be mindful of your journey. And remember, don’t cause too much trouble.]
Shen Yuan smirked, his voice playful. “Trouble finds me, Mother. I’m just a magnet for excitement.”
A soft chuckle from Shen Yuxin was followed by a shimmering portal materializing nearby, its edges glowing with a faint radiant hue.
The energy emanating from it was gentle yet precise, a testament to Shen Yuxin’s unparalleled control.
[The portal is ready. Step through, and you’ll be just outside the sect’s protective formations. Be careful, Yuan’er.]
Shen Yuan approached the portal, glancing back at his courtyard one last time. The cherry tree swayed gently as if bidding him farewell, its vibrant aura pulsating faintly.
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“Take care, little one,” he murmured softly, before stepping through the portal.
…
The moment he emerged on the other side, the vibrant energy of the sect faded, replaced by the vast wilderness surrounding the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect.
The towering mountains and cascading streams painted a breathtaking landscape, untouched by the chaos of the outside world.
Shen Yuan took a deep breath, savoring the crisp, invigorating air.
[Yuan’er, you’re finally out. What’s the plan now?]
Yue Lan’s voice carried a hint of curiosity and amusement. Shen Yuan adjusted his robes, his expression composed.
“First, we head to Sacred Lotus City. There’s someone I need to meet, and a few tasks I need to set in motion.”
[You’re being cryptic again. Care to share the details?]
“Not yet, Lan’er. Patience is a virtue,” he replied with a smirk, beginning his journey down the narrow path leading away from the sect.
…
As Shen Yuan traveled, the terrain gradually shifted. The dense forests and steep cliffs gave way to more open landscapes, the faint silhouette of Sacred Lotus City appearing on the horizon.
“It’s really been a while since I visited this bustling place,” he said, looking at the lone line of people outside the city gates.
[It’s the main city of your sect, after all.]
“True, I guess.” He nodded and began walking towards the city, his mind thinking about the steps to take next.
The recent incident with the tribulation had strengthened his resolve. The world was vast, and there were still many pieces of his grand plan that needed to fall into place.
[You seem unusually focused, Yuan’er. Are you sure it’s just a normal mission this time?]
This brought a faint smile to Shen Yuan’s face. “Lan’er, you know me too well. Let’s just say the next steps in my journey will shape not just my future but that of those around me.”
[Oh, as ambitious as always. Just don’t forget what you are pushing yourself this hard for.]
Shen Yuan nodded his head with a hardened expression. “You don’t need to worry about that. My heart is not that weak after everything I have been through.”
…
Soon, Shen Yuan reached the outskirts of Sacred Lotus City, the lines of people waiting for entry a stark reminder of the city’s popularity.
Merchants with their laden carts, wandering cultivators, and local citizens bustled about, their chatter creating a lively atmosphere.
He blended effortlessly into the crowd, his aura nearly unnoticeable.
[Oh? Not gonna enter the gate using your sect’s disciple identity?]
Shen Yuan shook his head. “I don’t want the elders to come after me, and it’s not like I need this identity for now.”
[That’s true. This is more fun as well.]
“Haha, now you are making sense.” Shen Yuan chuckled as the line in front of him moved forward.