Time flew by, and autumn had arrived in the blink of an eye.
On the Moon Gazing Platform, three figures were sparring in martial arts. Xiao Yi wielded his long sword with flowing sword light; Ling Yu's palm techniques were sharp and exquisite; Mo Wanxian watched from the side, occasionally cheering for their spectacular exchanges.
"Excellent!" As Xiao Yi sealed off Ling Yu's attack with one sword strike, the sparring session finally ended.
"Junior Brother Xiao's swordsmanship has improved again," Ling Yu withdrew his stance and stood with a pleased smile on his face. "This Azure Cloud Sword Technique in your hands already shows some of Master's elegance."
"Senior Brother flatters me," Xiao Yi sheathed his sword. "Senior Brother's palm techniques are also masterful. My swordsmanship still has a long way to go."
"You two stop praising each other," Mo Wanxian laughed as she walked over, holding a water pouch in her hand. "Drink some water quickly, look how tired you are."
The three sat down at the edge of the platform, resting while chatting. They had been living such days for more than half a year. Every day, apart from the sect's lessons, they would come to the Moon Gazing Platform to cultivate together, spar together, and watch the sunrise and sunset together.
"By the way," Ling Yu suddenly remembered something, "the sect competition is in a few days, and all three of us have to participate."
"Yes, I'm a bit nervous," Mo Wanxian stuck out her tongue. "This is my first time participating in a sect competition."
"Don't worry, with your talent, you'll definitely achieve good results," Xiao Yi comforted her.
Mo Wanxian's cultivation talent was indeed amazing. In less than a year since entering the sect, her cultivation level had already caught up with many senior brothers and sisters. Moreover, she practiced the sect's secret transmission, the "Jade Maiden Heart Sutra," which was exquisite in technique and formidable in power.
"However," Ling Yu's expression suddenly became serious, "I heard this competition is somewhat unusual."
"How so?" Xiao Yi asked.
"Master and the others have been meeting frequently lately, and they look grave. I overheard some things—it seems the demonic path has been showing some unusual activity recently," Ling Yu lowered his voice.
"The demonic path?" Mo Wanxian's face changed. "What do they want to do?"
"It's unclear, but the masters are all very worried. This competition might not just be for selecting disciples, but might have other purposes," Ling Yu shook his head.
The three fell into silence. The opposition between the demonic path and the righteous path had a long history, with conflicts occurring from time to time. But it had been relatively peaceful in recent years, so they hadn't expected new developments.
"No matter what," Xiao Yi stood up, "we must cultivate diligently, protect ourselves, and protect the sect."
"That's right," Ling Yu also stood up. "We are disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect, and we have the responsibility to guard the sect."
"Me too!" Mo Wanxian clenched her small fists. "Although my cultivation level isn't enough yet, I'll work hard!"
Looking at his two companions' determined expressions, Xiao Yi felt a warm current surge in his heart. He suddenly had an idea.
"Since that's the case," Xiao Yi took out a small knife from his bosom, "why don't we make a blood oath here, become sworn siblings, share life and death, and never betray each other."
"Good idea!" Ling Yu's eyes flashed with excitement. "I've wanted to do this for a long time."
"I... I'm willing too," Mo Wanxian said, though somewhat afraid, she nodded firmly.
The three formed a circle. Xiao Yi first made a small cut on his palm, and blood immediately flowed out. Ling Yu and Mo Wanxian did the same, and the three pressed their palms together, their blood mingling.
"I, Xiao Yi," Xiao Yi's voice was solemn, "today make a blood oath with Ling Yu and Mo Wanxian here, to become sworn siblings. From this day forward, we shall share fortune and face adversity together, share life and death, and never betray each other. If I violate this oath, may heaven and earth punish me!"
"I, Ling Yu, am willing to become sworn siblings with Xiao Yi and Mo Wanxian, share life and death, and never betray each other!" Ling Yu followed with his oath.
"I, Mo Wanxian, am willing to become sworn siblings with Senior Brother Xiao Yi and Senior Brother Ling Yu, share life and death, and never betray each other!" Mo Wanxian's voice trembled slightly, but was exceptionally firm.
The oath echoed in the autumn wind, as if even heaven and earth were moved by it. The three held their hands tightly together, their blood mingling, their hearts connecting.
"From now on, we are truly family," Xiao Yi said with a smile.
"Yes, family," Ling Yu also smiled.
"Mm, family," Mo Wanxian's eyes contained tears, but they were tears of joy.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long. The Moon Gazing Platform witnessed this blood oath and this pure friendship.
They didn't know that this oath would be completely shattered in the same place ten years later.
They didn't know that the four words "never betray each other" would become the deepest pain in Xiao Yi's heart.
They didn't know that the gears of fate had already begun to turn, and a great conspiracy was brewing in the shadows.
But at this moment, on this autumn evening, on this Moon Gazing Platform, the hearts of three young people were tightly connected. They believed this friendship would last forever.
The autumn wind was bleak, fallen leaves scattered, but the hearts of the three were warm as spring.
Because they had each other, they had this bond thicker than blood.
Because they believed that no matter what difficulties they encountered, they would be together, always together.
The Moon Gazing Platform stood quietly there, recording this beauty, and silently waiting for that sad ending.