Chapter 22: Conversation between Master and Disciple

After giving his disciple their mounts, Wang Chu returned to the main pavillion. Everyone was familiarizing with their mounts except Murong Lingyun. 

"Master, can I talk to you about something?" Murong Lingyun broke the silence when he followed Wang Chu into the pavilion.

Wang Chu nodded and signaled for him to go on. He valued Murong Lingyun's insight; his second disciple always saw things from another angle.

"Master, first I want to talk about Han Ming, Xiao Chi's tutor. My spy already reached out to him but in order for him accept the condition, he wants me to meet with him in person." Seeing the sky devouring beast turn into an island and the testing gate solidify only confirmed his suspicion that they might close off from the outside world soon.

As Murong Lingyun went on speaking, Wang Chu couldn't help but feel proud of his disciples' analytical skills. Among them all, despite having least natural talent for cultivation potential, what made Murong Ling Yun so valuable was how closely he observed things around him.

"Lingyun," said Wang Chu suddenly curious, "what do think about your senior brother and junior brother?"

Murong Ling Yun paused before responding "Senior brother undoubtedly strong, maybe even strongest prodigy I've ever met this generation. But sometimes acting too fast without thinking could be his downfall too – like during our fights together where often times he'll force moves even though they aren't effective just because he wants show dominance over me. We saw that earlier when he got annoyed when the stallions didn't follow him."

"As for junior brother…" pausing momentarily before continuing "…I believe that his wildness poses challenge to my guidance. Senior Brother shared some stories with me about bearers of the Sacred God Demonic Physique from upper realms; we need someone who can tame Xiao Chi's wild side or else it will become dangerous later on when he grows up, if you were not here to watch him, master."

Turning his attention to Murong Lingyun's request regarding Han Ming, Wang Chu replied, "I trust your judgment, Lingyun. If Han Ming wishes to speak with you in person, then go ahead and arrange the meeting. Gather whatever information you can about his intentions and the conditions he proposes. 

"Thank you, Master. I will proceed with caution and keep you informed of any developments,"

Murong Lingyun acknowledged, appreciating Wang Chu's trust in him. Wang Chu nodded,

"Good, remember to return within a day. I will be entering seclusion soon, and I need to discuss our next steps with you before I do. Also, bring Xiao Chi with you. He can use the Cloud Chasing Kun to travel faster."

Understanding the urgency of the situation, Murong Lingyun bowed respectfully before his master. "Understood, Master. I will make the necessary arrangements and return promptly. After the discussion with Wang Chu, Murong Lingyun stepped out of the main pavilion,

Su Chen noticed Murong Lingyun's departure and approached him, curiosity evident in his expression. "Junior Brother, what were you and master talking about"? Su Chen asked, his tone casual yet intrigued. 

"We were discussing Xiao Chi's tutor since master is going into seclusion."he replied vaguely, deciding not to divulge the specifics of their conversation.

Su Chen nodded in understanding of Murong Ling Yun's answer. "Alright then; just let me know if there is anything I can help with," he said supportively.

Glancing over at Xiao Chi who was petting his new mount with a smile on his face, Murong Lingyun cleared his throat before coming up to him.

"We are going to have to leave the island, Xiao Chi," he said gently trying to get Xiao Chi's attention off of Little White.

"Leave?" Xiao Chi looked up at him with confusion written all over his face. "But why? I just got Little White!"

Smiling reassuringly down at him, Murong Ling Yun patted him on the head. "Master has allowed us to leave so that you may meet your tutor," He explained patiently. "And don't worry; we can bring Little White along if we want too! Besides that though, there will be lots of delicious food waiting for us when we get there."

At this mention of bringing Little White and even more so the promise of food Xiao Chi's eyes widened and any lingering reluctance turned immediately into excitement. "Really? Okay then let's go!" He exclaimed eagerly agreeing to accompany Murong Ling Yun.

Murong Lingyun nodded, pleased that Xiao Chi was willing to accompany him. Although they've only been together for a short period of time. Xiao Chi is considered the king of the island, their master adore him and also his senior brother dotes on him, even Old Ji, the cold wood is surprisingly warm when it comes to his junior brother, so if his junior brother decline, he can't force him to go with him.

Turning to Old Ji who was standing there he said, "Old Ji, please open the testing gate."

Raising an eyebrow at Murong Ling Yun, Old Ji looked down at him questioningly. "Are you sure young master? Shouldn't we wait for your masters orders?"

Looking back over his shoulder at Xiao Chi who nodded his head eagerly in agreement with opening the gate now Murong Ling Yun then confirmed firmly. "Yes we've already talked about it, so just open up."

When he heard Wang Chu's voice echo through the pavilion saying "Open the gate for them, Old Ji".

Old Ji glanced at Murong Lingyun, then at Su Chen, before speaking. "As you know, only cultivators of the Law Manifestation Realm and above can open the gate. This is because the gate requires the application of a law to unlock," he explained.

The first time he tried to open this gate, Old Ji assessed the materials the gate was made of and what mechanism it used. A gate that can only be opened with a manifested law? Unheard of. Most cultivators don't show the laws they comprehend. It is an enormous taboo to show your law in front of others, much less use it as a way to open a gate.

Murong Lingyun then followed Xiao Chi towards the waiting Cloud Chasing Kun with a nod of gratitude towards Old Ji.

As they walked up to the Cloud Chasing Kun, Xiao Chi turned to the majestic beast with begging eyes. "Little White, Murong Lingyun is my senior brother… Can you let him ride on your back too? We have important matters."

Hesitating at first, but it seemed like The Cloud Chasing Kun understood Xiao Chi's words. It nudged its head gently and indicated that Murong Lingyun could come over.

Climbing onto the Cloud Chasing Kun's back after Xiao Chi had persuaded it so well, Murong Lingyun nodded his thanks towards him before returning his focus onto what needed to be done.

Just then, Wang Chu walked out from within the pavilion. "Be careful outside there. I sense quite many cultivators in the Law Manifestation Realm within close proximity of this island."

Murong Lingyun furrowed his brow, contemplating Wang Chu's words. The sudden influx of powerful cultivators could indeed be attributed to his recent defeat to Su Chen. Despite the Yan Empire's modest stature, his reputation had undoubtedly spread across the realm, drawing the attention of various factions and individuals.

When they were about to set off for their journey, Murong Lingyun looked at Xiao Chi with pondering eyes. "How fast does Little White fly?"

Grinning widely and excitedly sparkling eyes responded: "Don't worry senior brother! Little White is super fast."

There was no way Murong Lingyun could not smile at such enthusiasm from Xiao Chi. Although he believed in the speed of the Cloud Chasing Kun, it was more so that he worried about complications that may arise during their trip.

"Indeed, Little White is amazing…" Murong Lingyun agreed. "But let's be cautious — we don't want to run into any unnecessary troubles."

Old Ji approached Murong Lingyun as he prepared to depart on the Cloud Chasing Kun. With a knowing look, Old Ji spoke reassuringly, "Do not worry, young master. Although the Cloud Chasing Kun is still in its infancy stage, no cultivator below the Domain Creation Realm can hope to catch up to its speed."

Murong Lingyun nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. With the assurance from Old Ji, he felt more confident in their ability to travel safely and swiftly.

As they prepared to leave, the Cloud Chasing Kun burst through the testing gate with incredible speed, leaving behind a trail of energy in its wake. The spies stationed near the coastal line reported the departure of Murong Lingyun and Xiao Chi from the island, sparking curiosity among those who observed from afar.

Whispers spread among the onlookers as they speculated about where Murong Lingyun and Xiao Chi were headed and the mysterious beast they rode upon. 

Meanwhile, Xiao Chi laughed joyfully as the wind whipped through his hair, reveling in the exhilarating sensation of riding atop the Cloud Chasing Kun. Murong Lingyun couldn't help but marvel at the speed and grace of Xiao Chi's mount, his thoughts drifting to their enigmatic master and the mysteries that surrounded him.