The storm had finally passed, leaving the world washed clean beneath the pale dawn. The mountains shimmered with remnants of the storm, while the ground was littered with broken branches and scattered leaves. Inside the cave, the fire's embers glowed faintly, casting a warm light over the gathered group.
Mo Yanluo sat near the entrance, his back straight, his eyes alert. The events from last night still lingered on his mind—the battle, the slaughter, the desperate fight to protect his disciples. And now, the presence of Xiao Fengwu, the Azure Blade, added a new layer of complexity to his thoughts.
She lay near the fire, her wounds healed and bandaged, her breathing steady but slow. Her azure robes tattered, causing her white porcelain skin to peek through her clothes.
Xiao Fengwu sat up, a slight pain clinging to her body as her stormy blue-gray eyes fluttered open, a quiet groan escaping her lips. The disciples, already awake, watched her with a mixture of curiosity and respect.
"You're awake," Mo Yanluo said, his voice calm and warm.
Xiao Fengwu nodded, her gaze sweeping over the group. "Thank you for your help," she said, her voice steady despite her injuries. "I owe you my life."
Mo Yanluo waved a hand dismissively. "We are all travelers on the same road. I just did what I thought was right."
Ming Yue, stepped forward with a cup of warm tea. "Here, drink this. It will help with the pain."
Xiao Fengwu accepted the cup with a grateful smile. "Thank you. You are all very kind."
Qing Mei, unable to contain her excitement, bounced on her heels. "Are you really the Azure Blade? The legendary sword master?"
Xiao Fengwu chuckled softly. "The title is a bit of an exaggeration. But yes, I am Xiao Fengwu."
Yan Ling's eyes sparkled with admiration. "We've heard stories about you. They say your sword is faster than lightning and fiercer than a tiger!"
Xiao Fengwu smiled, though there was a hint of doubt in her eyes. "Stories have a tendency of getting blown out of proportion when being told. But I do my best regardless."
Mo Yanluo watched the exchange, his mind working. He had heard of Xiao Fengwu's disappearance in his previous life, and her presence now was both a mystery and an opportunity. He cleared his throat, drawing the group's attention.
"Xiao Fengwu," he said, "I presume that you are also attending the Grand Martial Arts Tournament?"
She nodded. "Yes. I was on my way when I was ambushed. It seems someone does not want me to compete."
Mo Yanluo's face darkened. "I was also ambushed before encountering you. The tournament is more dangerous than ever."
Xiao Fengwu sighed. "It seems so. But I will not be deterred. The tournament is important to me."
Mo Yanluo considered her words. He knew the value of a skilled ally, especially with the dangers that lay ahead.
"Join us," he said simply. "Travel with us to the tournament. You would be welcome in my Heavenly Demon Sect."
The disciples gasped, their eyes wide with excitement. Xiao Fengwu looked at Mo Yanluo, her expression unreadable.
"You would have me join your sect?"
Mo Yanluo nodded. "The Heavenly Demonic Sect would be honored to have you in its ranks. And I believe we can help each other."
Xiao Fengwu was silent for a long moment. Then, with a slow nod, she responded, "I accept. It would be an honor to stand beside you and your disciples."
The group cheered, their spirits lifted by the addition of a new member.
Ming Yue clasped Xiao Fengwu's hand. "Welcome to our family."
Xiao Fengwu smiled, her eyes clouded with emotion. "Thank you. I have been alone for so long. It is refreshing to have companions."
With that, the group gathered their belongings and prepared to leave the cave. The storm had passed, and the road ahead was clear. The sun rose higher, casting golden light over the mountains.
The journey to the tournament was long, but the company made it bearable. The group traveled together, their spirits high despite the dangers they had faced. Mo Yanluo sat opposite his disciples, his senses alert for any sign of trouble. Xiao Fengwu rested beside him, her sword at her side, her presence a steady reassurance.
As they traversed the ever-changing scenery, the disciples bombarded Xiao Fengwu with questions about her adventures.
She told them stories of her travels—of the cities she had seen, the battles she had fought, the people she had met. Her voice was warm and engaging, and even Mo Yanluo found himself listening with interest.
"Tell us about the time you fought the Silver Fang Bandits!" Qing Mei pleaded.
Xiao Fengwu laughed. "Ah, that was a lively night. They ambushed me on a mountain pass, thinking a lone woman would be an easy target. But they quickly learned otherwise."
The disciples leaned in, eager for more details. Xiao Fengwu's eyes sparkled as she recounted the tale.
"There were at least twenty of them, all armed to the teeth. But I had the high ground, and the moonlight was on my side. I took them down one by one, my blade soaring in the dark. By the time the sun rose, they were all unconscious on the ground or fled like cowards."
The disciples gasped, their admiration growing with each syllable. Even Mo Yanluo allowed himself a small smile, feeling drawn to her presence. He had heard of the Silver Fang Bandits—they were notorious for their cruelty even within the Unorthodox Sect.
To think Xiao Fengwu had fought them alone was impressive indeed.
As the day dragged on, the group shared many stories and laughter. Mo Yanluo, though usually reserved, found himself drawn into the conversation. He told them of his own battles, of the lessons he had learned, of the mistakes he had made. The disciples listened with unwavering attention, their respect for their master deepening.
Xiao Fengwu, too, shared her wisdom. "A true sword master must be as sharp in mind as his sword," she explained. "The blade is only as strong as the hand that wields it, and the hand is only as strong as the heart."
The disciples nodded, their eyes shining with determination. Mo Yanluo felt a sense of pride in his family, and in the new bond they had formed with Xiao Fengwu.
As the sun began to set, the group crested a final hill and looked down upon a bustling village tucked into the valley below. The village was surrounded by lush green fields and winding streams, its crowded streets lined with lanterns that glowed like fireflies in the upcoming dusk.
At the center of the village stood a grand pavilion, its roof adorned in gold and intricate carved statues of mythical beasts. This was Verdant Peak Village, the heart of the Orthodox Sect's territory and the site of the Grand Martial Arts Tournament.
The group paused at the top of the hill, taking in the sight. The village was alive with festivities—cultivators from all corners of the land streamed through its gates, their robes a chaotic canvas of colors, their weapons gleaming in the fading light. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the clang of practice swords.
"We're almost there," Mo Yanluo said, his voice quiet but firm.
The disciples cheered, their excitement palpable. Xiao Fengwu stood beside Mo Yanluo, her expression thoughtful.
"It's been a long journey," she said. "But I am glad to have travelled with you."
Mo Yanluo nodded. "And I am grateful to have you with us. Together, we will face any adversities that'll come our way."
The group descended the hill, their steps light with anticipation. As they approached the village gates, a group of guards from the Orthodox Sect stepped forward to greet them.
"Name and sect?" one guard asked, his voice brisk.
Mo Yanluo stepped forward. "Mo Yanluo, leader of the Heavenly Demonic Sect. These are my disciples, and this is Xiao Fengwu, the Azure Blade."
The guard's eyes widened at the mention of Xiao Fengwu's name, and even more so at the man standing him, the infamous Demon Lord. The others behind him were also visibly shaken as well, the air around the guards grew tense. Holding back the various emotions building within him, he replied.
"Welcome to the Verdant Peak Village, the tournament will begin in three days, please enjoy your stay here."
Mo Yanluo nodded. "Thank you. We'll be on our way now."
With the awkward interaction behind them, the group passed through the gates, entering the vibrant heart of the village. The streets were lined with stalls selling food, weapons, and trinkets. Cultivators of every rank and background mingled, their voices rising in excitement and anticipation.
The disciples marveled at the sights and sounds, their eyes wide with wonder. Xiao Fengwu walked beside Mo Yanluo, her presence a calming influence.
"It's been a long time since I've been to a tournament like this," she said. "It feels good to be back."
Mo Yanluo smiled. "Then let us make the most of it. Together. As you've all just heard, the tournament will begin in three days. Until then, you're all free to do whatever you want. However, that can all wait until tomorrow, after we are all properly rested."
Hearing this, his disciples erupted in excitement, thanking their master for this opportunity. After wandering around the village, the group eventually found an inn near the center of the village, its sign adorned with a painted lotus. They secured rooms for the night, then gathered in the common area for a meal. The food was basic and mediocre, but much better than what they had during their journey.
The disciples chatted excitedly about the tournament, their dreams and ambitions shining in their eyes.
Mo Yanluo sat back, watching them with quiet satisfaction. The road ahead was uncertain, and the dangers were many. But with his disciples and Xiao Fengwu by his side, he felt ready to face whatever the tournament might bring.
As the night deepened and the lanterns glowed brighter, the group retired to their rooms, their hearts full of hope and determination.
Over the next three days, he would have to investigate and gather information until the Grand Martial Arts Tournament would begin. And together, they would face it as one.