One week after the Azure Sky delegation's expulsion, the Celestial Dawn Sect had begun to settle into a new normal.
Elder Shadow remained confined pending investigation, though evidence of his conspiracy with Li Xian was damning enough that most expected permanent expulsion at minimum. The Discipline Hall operated under Elder Yuan's temporary leadership, more efficient and less politically motivated than under Shadow's direction.
The ceremony hall's Void Anchor Array had been completely dismantled, its components studied and documented. Elder Feng's analysis revealed sophistication far beyond Li Xian's capabilities—whoever designed the array was at least Immortal Emperor level, suggesting Li Tianlong had been more involved than he'd admitted.
And perhaps most significantly, Lin Feng found himself with something he'd rarely experienced: peace.
Not permanent peace—the threat of the three traitors loomed like storm clouds on the horizon. But immediate peace. Days where no one was actively trying to kill him, frame him, or investigate him for forbidden practices.
It was disorienting.
"You look lost," Yun Qingxue observed. They sat together in the Patriarch's cultivation chamber, taking a break from morning training. The privacy formations gave them freedom to simply be themselves without political masks.
"I am, a bit," Lin Feng admitted. "For weeks, every day was survival. Every decision was strategic. Now that the immediate threats are gone, I'm not sure what to do with myself."
"Cultivate. Advance. Prepare for what's coming." She smiled slightly. "Or did you think breaking one engagement and expelling one delegation solved all our problems?"
"No, but it solved some problems. That's progress." He reached for her hand, their fingers intertwining naturally. "And it freed you. That alone makes everything worth it."
Through the Dao Thread, he felt her warmth—genuine affection mixed with relief and lingering disbelief that she was actually free from Li Xian.
"I keep expecting to wake up and find it was a dream," she confessed. "That I'm still engaged, still trapped, still pretending to love someone I despise. Then I remember it's real, and I feel..."
"What?"
"Guilty." Her voice was quiet. "My family is furious. The Yun clan lost a powerful alliance because I chose personal freedom over political benefit. My father won't speak to me. My mother sends letters about duty and sacrifice. They're not wrong—I did put my desires above family interests."
"You chose not to marry someone who literally tried to murder your allies. That's not selfish—that's basic self-preservation and moral integrity."
"Tell that to my family." She leaned against him, a rare moment of vulnerability. "I know I made the right choice. But knowing doesn't erase the guilt or the consequences."
Lin Feng wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Your family will adjust. They're angry now, but when they calm down and see you're happier, healthier, safer—they'll understand."
"You're optimistic."
"I'm realistic. You're their daughter and the Sacred Disciple. They might be disappointed, but they won't abandon you. Family doesn't work that way." He paused. "At least, I imagine it doesn't. I wouldn't know."
Yun Qingxue looked up at him, remembering his orphan background. "I'm sorry. Here I am complaining about my family being angry when you never had one."
"Don't apologize. Your pain is valid even if it's different from mine." Lin Feng's voice was gentle. "Besides, I'm building my own family now. Xiao Ling as a little sister. Elder Shen as a mentor. The Patriarch as... honestly, I'm not sure what role he fills. Grandfather figure?"
"Terrifying grandfather figure who could obliterate mountains."
"Every family needs one of those."
She laughed—a real laugh, free and genuine. Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt how rare such moments were for her, how much of her life had been spent under pressure and expectation.
I want to give her more of this. More laughter, more freedom, more moments where she can just be Qingxue instead of the Ice Goddess.
"What are you thinking?" she asked, sensing his emotions through their bond.
"That I want to take you somewhere. Away from the sect, away from politics and expectations. Just for a day or two."
"That's not possible. I have duties—"
"Which can be delegated. You're Sacred Disciple, not a servant." Lin Feng stood, pulling her up with him. "When's the last time you did something just for yourself? Not for the sect, not for your family, not for advancement. Just for joy?"
Yun Qingxue considered. "I... I don't remember. Maybe when I was a child?"
"Then we're going somewhere. I'll clear it with the Patriarch—frame it as joint cultivation training in a spiritually rich environment. Which isn't even a lie; we'll cultivate. But we'll also just... live for a bit."
"Where would we even go?"
"I have an idea. There's a place Elder Shen mentioned once—the Azure Mist Valley, about two days' travel east. It's rich in spiritual energy, beautiful, and largely uninhabited except for some harmless spirit beasts. Perfect for both training and... not training."
Through the Dao Thread, he felt her hesitation warring with desire. She wanted this—wanted escape, wanted freedom, wanted time with him away from watching eyes. But years of duty and responsibility fought against such selfishness.
"What if something happens while we're gone? What if the sect needs me?"
"Then they'll send someone to fetch us. We're two days away, not two continents. And Yun Qingxue?" He met her eyes seriously. "You've been carrying the weight of sect and family expectations since you were twelve years old. You've earned the right to take a few days for yourself. If anyone objects, I'll fight them."
She smiled at that—him, Divine Domain Level 2, offering to fight anyone who'd object to the Sacred Disciple taking personal time. The image was absurd and touching in equal measure.
"Alright," she decided. "Two days. But we really will train—I'm close to Divine Domain Level 5, and I need focus to break through."
"Deal. And I need to solidify Level 3. It's been trying to break through for days now, but I can't quite push past the threshold."
They brought the proposal to Patriarch Cloud that afternoon. The ancient cultivator listened, his expression unreadable.
"You want to leave the sect for joint cultivation training in Azure Mist Valley."
"Yes, Patriarch," they answered together.
"And this has nothing to do with wanting private time away from political pressure and scrutiny?"
Lin Feng and Yun Qingxue exchanged glances.
"That's also a factor," Lin Feng admitted.
To their surprise, Patriarch Cloud smiled. "Good. I was beginning to worry you'd both forgotten how to be young people instead of just political pieces."
"Patriarch?"
"You're both barely out of your second decade of life, yet you carry burdens that would crush most cultivators twice your age. Taking a few days to simply be yourselves is not selfishness—it's necessary for mental health and cultivation balance." The ancient cultivator's expression grew more serious. "However, you must take precautions. The three traitors know about you now. While I doubt they'll move this quickly, I won't risk your safety."
He produced two jade talismans, intricate and pulsing with contained power. "These are emergency evacuation talismans. If either of you is threatened by someone you can't handle, crush the talisman. It will transport you directly back to this cultivation chamber, regardless of distance or interference."
"These must be incredibly valuable," Yun Qingxue said, examining hers.
"They cost me fifty years of cultivation to create. I made them two centuries ago for disciples I expected to explore dangerous territories." Patriarch Cloud's voice held old sadness. "Those disciples died before using them—killed by enemies too fast for even emergency measures. Don't let that happen to you."
"We'll be careful, Patriarch. Thank you."
"One more thing." The ancient cultivator's gaze intensified. "Your Dao Companion bond is strong now—strong enough that cultivating together will accelerate both your advancements significantly. But such cultivation also deepens the bond, making it harder to maintain separate identities. Remember who you are as individuals, not just as bonded partners."
"We understand, Patriarch."
"Do you? Because I've seen Dao Companions lose themselves in each other, become so synchronized they could no longer function independently. It's a form of spiritual codependency, and it's dangerous." His expression softened. "I'm not saying don't deepen your bond. I'm saying maintain your individual cores while doing so. Stay Lin Feng and Yun Qingxue who love each other, not 'LinQingxue' who are two halves of one whole."
The warning resonated. Through the Dao Thread, they felt its truth—their souls were merging gradually with each cultivation session, each shared experience. It felt natural, even beautiful. But carried too far...
"We'll be mindful," Lin Feng promised.
"See that you are. Now go. Take your few days. Return stronger and, hopefully, happier."
They departed at dawn the next morning, before most of the sect had woken. Xiao Ling caught them at the gate, having somehow learned of their plans.
"You're leaving," she said, not quite accusatory but close.
"Just for a few days," Lin Feng assured her. "Training trip."
"Training trip." Xiao Ling looked between them with knowing eyes. "Right. Training. That's what young people call it these days."
Despite the tension, Lin Feng laughed. "We really will train. But yes, also... other things."
"Be safe. And Lin Feng?" She hugged him suddenly. "Be happy. You've been so focused on surviving and protecting everyone that I don't think I've ever seen you truly happy. Maybe these few days will change that."
After she left, Yun Qingxue observed: "She's perceptive for a fifteen-year-old."
"She's been through more than most adults. Suffering ages you."
They traveled east, moving at speeds that normal cultivators couldn't match. Divine Domain cultivation allowed them to leap between mountain peaks, cross valleys in moments, traverse distances that would take mortal travelers weeks.
The journey itself was liberating—no watching eyes, no political calculation, just movement and conversation and the gradually changing landscape as they left sect territory.
"I've never traveled like this," Yun Qingxue admitted during a rest stop. "Every journey I've taken has been formal—delegations, security, planned routes. This is... spontaneous."
"You've never just explored? Gone somewhere without a specific purpose?"
"Sacred Disciples don't have that luxury. Every action has political implications, every journey serves sect interests. Even my closed cultivation sessions are scheduled and announced." She looked at the forest around them with wonder. "This is the first time in years I've been somewhere that the sect doesn't know exactly where I am and what I'm doing."
"How does it feel?"
"Terrifying. And wonderful." She turned to him, eyes bright. "Is this what freedom feels like?"
"I think so. Though I'm new to it too—I spent fourteen years as a servant, then weeks hiding my cultivation and dodging assassination attempts. This is my first taste of real freedom as well."
They sat together on a clifftop, watching the sun arc across the sky, and simply existed. No cultivation, no planning, no strategy. Just being.
Through the Dao Thread, their emotions synchronized—peace, contentment, the quiet joy of shared presence. This was what the bond was meant for, Lin Feng realized. Not just power enhancement or strategic advantage, but genuine connection between souls.
I love her, he thought, and felt her response through their link—surprise, then warmth, then the echo of his sentiment reflected back.
I love you too. I've known for weeks but was afraid to admit it, even to myself.
They didn't speak it aloud yet. The Dao Thread made words unnecessary—they knew, felt, understood each other's hearts completely.
Azure Mist Valley appeared on the second day, living up to its name. The entire valley was perpetually shrouded in azure-tinted mist that glowed faintly with spiritual energy. The concentration here was remarkable—every breath drew in Qi, every step passed through energy-rich air.
"This is perfect," Yun Qingxue said, extending her spiritual sense. "No human presence for miles, spiritual energy denser than most cultivation chambers, and..." She smiled. "It's beautiful."
The valley was indeed beautiful. Ancient trees with silver bark and azure leaves, streams that ran with water so pure it seemed to glow, flowers that released gentle pulses of spiritual energy as they bloomed.
They found a sheltered glade near a waterfall—the sound providing natural privacy, the mist concealing them from distant observation. Lin Feng set up basic formations for protection and privacy, while Yun Qingxue prepared a cultivation space.
"Two days," she said. "Two days to just be ourselves and advance our cultivation without political pressure. What should we do first?"
Lin Feng considered. "Cultivate first, establish our advancement. Once we've broken through—you to Level 5, me to Level 3—we can relax without feeling we're wasting opportunity."
"Practical and romantic. An unusual combination."
"I try."
They settled into meditation, sitting across from each other with hands touching, the Dao Thread pulsing between them. The Azure Mist Valley's energy flowed into them effortlessly, accelerated by their perfect meridians and refined cultivation techniques.
Lin Feng dove into the Inverse Void Dao, seeking the breakthrough to Divine Domain Level 3. The Law of Liberation was solidified—he could free things from constraints with reliable consistency. But Level 3 required expansion—projecting his domain beyond his immediate surroundings.
The Eternal Void isn't limited to my physical location. It's a concept, a truth about reality. It should exist wherever I will it to exist.
He extended his consciousness, pushing the boundaries of his domain outward. One meter. Two meters. Five meters. Ten.
The strain was immense. Maintaining the Eternal Void even around himself took concentration. Expanding it felt like trying to hold back a flood with bare hands.
The Void Emperor did this effortlessly. His domain could encompass entire battlefields, affecting hundreds of enemies simultaneously.
But he was Demi-God level. I'm just Divine Domain Level 2 trying to reach Level 3. Different scales, different expectations.
Through the Dao Thread, he felt Yun Qingxue's own struggle—she was pushing toward Level 5, trying to achieve perfect control of her Ice Phoenix Domain. Their efforts synchronized unconsciously, the Dao Thread carrying encouragement and energy between them.
Hours passed. The sun set, the moons rose—all three in alignment again, their Trinity Mirror casting perfect silver light through the azure mist.
And in that light, with the valley's energy flowing through them and their souls connected through the Dao Thread, both cultivators simultaneously broke through.
Lin Feng felt his domain expand violently—the Eternal Void erupting outward in a sphere fifty meters across. For a moment, the entire glade was consumed by his domain: darkness studded with silver stars, the Law of Liberation freeing everything within from normal constraints.
Gravity became negotiable. Time flowed uncertainly. Even the spiritual energy of the valley was liberated from its usual patterns, swirling in impossible ways.
Then he pulled it back, contained it, refined it. Divine Domain Level 3.
At the same moment, Yun Qingxue's Ice Phoenix Domain manifested—her own breakthrough to Level 5. The temperature plummeted, snow falling upward, ice crystallizing from pure spiritual energy.
Where their domains touched, instead of conflicting, they merged—creating that gray equilibrium space where void and ice achieved perfect balance.
They opened their eyes simultaneously, both breathing hard from the exertion, both radiating new power.
"We did it," Yun Qingxue said, her voice filled with wonder. "Both of us. At the same time."
"The Dao Thread synchronized our breakthroughs. Your advancement helped pull me forward, mine helped push you higher." Lin Feng stood on shaky legs, offering his hand. "We're stronger together than apart."
"Much stronger." She took his hand and stood. "I feel like I could fight Divine Domain Level 7 opponents now. My ice techniques have completely refined—I can freeze things I couldn't even affect before."
"And I can project my domain across significant distances. Create spaces where my laws override reality." Lin Feng demonstrated, manifesting a small sphere of Eternal Void twenty meters away. "I could trap enemies in that space, free allies from binding techniques, manipulate combat areas without being physically present."
"Show off."
"Just demonstrating. You show me yours."
Yun Qingxue smiled and manifested her own domain enhancement—a ice phoenix construct made of pure frozen spiritual energy, beautiful and deadly. "At Level 5, I can create semi-independent constructs that act on my will. This phoenix can fight autonomously while I direct it."
"That's incredible."
"It's strong enough to contend with Sovereign Monarch level opponents. Not defeat them alone, but provide serious challenge." The phoenix dissolved back into spiritual energy. "Combined with your void techniques, we could probably handle Sovereign Monarch Level 3 or 4 cultivators if absolutely necessary."
"Let's hope it's not necessary. But good to know we're not completely helpless anymore."
They spent the next hours testing their new capabilities, pushing their expanded domains to understand their limits. Lin Feng found he could maintain his fifty-meter domain for about ten minutes before exhaustion set in. Yun Qingxue's constructs could last longer but required constant spiritual energy to maintain.
Finally, exhausted but satisfied, they collapsed near the waterfall, the mist cool on their overheated skin.
"Tomorrow we do absolutely nothing cultivation-related," Yun Qingxue declared. "No training, no technique refinement, no strategic planning. Just existing."
"Agreed. We earned it."
They sat in comfortable silence, listening to the waterfall and the soft sounds of the valley at night. Above, the three moons painted everything in silver light, their Trinity Mirror configuration perfect and beautiful.
"Lin Feng," Yun Qingxue said quietly. "What happens when the three traitors come? When we can't hide anymore, can't run, have to face them directly?"
"We fight. Together. Using everything we've learned, every advantage we have."
"And if we can't win?"
"Then we survive. Escape. Regroup. Try again." He turned to face her. "But I refuse to accept that we're doomed. The Void Emperor lost because he was alone, betrayed by the person he loved most. We have each other, genuinely allied. That has to count for something."
"I hope you're right." She leaned against him. "Because I don't want this to end. This freedom, this happiness. I want it to continue."
"Then we'll make it continue. We'll get strong enough that even Demi-Gods think twice. Strong enough that the threats facing us become manageable rather than overwhelming."
"That's ambitious."
"I've been doing impossible things since I found the Void Emperor's cave. One more impossible thing won't hurt."
She laughed softly. "Your optimism is either inspiring or delusional. I haven't decided which."
"Why not both?"
They remained there as night deepened, two souls connected by destiny and choice, united against threats that would kill them if given the chance.
But tonight, those threats felt distant. Tonight, there was only peace, love, and the quiet certainty that whatever came next, they would face it together.
The gathering storm would break eventually. The three traitors would come. New dangers would emerge.
But for now—for these precious few days—Lin Feng and Yun Qingxue were simply two young people in love, powerful but still learning, connected by bonds that went deeper than technique or strategy.
And in the end, perhaps that was their greatest strength.
Not the power they wielded, but the love they chose.
END OF CHAPTER 20
TO BE CONTINUED...