Reunion

"One last time, let me help you…" In his final moments, the mysterious elder, like a candle flaring brightly before it goes out, seemed to stabilize without fading further.

Wan Lingyue moved anxiously through the mountain forest, her gaze filled with determination. Ever since Wu Xi had fallen into the ravine, his image had haunted her thoughts. Clutching her ancestral jade pendant, she silently prayed, "Wu Xi, you have to be safe…" She took a deep breath, feeling an inexplicable pull from the pendant, as though it held a guiding power that could lead her to him.

As she passed through the dense woods, she suddenly sensed a faint warmth from the jade pendant, now emitting a soft glow. She paused, frowning at it, watching as the light expanded to surround her, like invisible hands guiding her steps. Wan Lingyue realized that the pendant was responding to her wish, leading her toward Wu Xi's location.

At the same time, Wu Xi sat cross-legged within the sealed domain, fully immersed in the flow of energy from the "Lingxi Tongtian Technique" imparted by the elder. Yet he could feel a faint, nagging sense of longing, something he knew was connected to Wan Lingyue. For now, though, he could only wait, trusting in the elder's guidance.

Suddenly, the elder appeared beside him, his expression both solemn and gentle. "Wu Xi, someone dear to you is looking for you." The elder sighed, a soft light flashing in his eyes. He raised his hand, and a thread of spiritual energy wound around his palm, extending outward from the cave and forming an ethereal bridge, connecting to Wan Lingyue.

This bridge of energy resonated with her pendant, its light intensifying before it swiftly pulled her to Wu Xi's side.

Wan Lingyue's vision blurred, and after a brief jolt, she found herself in a dim cave, facing Wu Xi, who sat quietly as if he had been waiting for her. She stared at him in astonishment, her breath catching as she asked, "Wu Xi… is it really you?"

Wu Xi opened his eyes and, seeing Wan Lingyue so close, was surprised yet somehow felt that her arrival was inevitable, as if destined.

He stood respectfully before the elder, his heart filled with reverence for this guardian who had watched over countless ages. Though he was thrilled to learn the "Lingxi Tongtian Technique," he felt the weight of future responsibilities. He understood that the elder was the final barrier holding the evil energies at bay, while he himself had become one of the few witnesses to this ancient guardianship.

"Child," the elder's voice echoed softly in the cave, frail yet firm, "this is as far as I can take you. You both must leave now…" Turning away, he raised his hand, a gentle spiritual force enveloping Wu Xi and Wan Lingyue.

Wan Lingyue, stunned, instinctively grabbed Wu Xi's wrist and shook her head slightly. "Senior, why won't you come with us?" Her eyes held a mixture of sympathy and regret. She had never imagined encountering someone in this remote forest who would selflessly devote all his power to protecting others.

The elder smiled and shook his head gently. "My task is complete; this place no longer requires me." His gaze was serene, as though he had long accepted this end. Gently, he touched Wan Lingyue's forehead and said softly, "Children, the path ahead is yours to walk."

The spiritual light gathered, forming a soft mist around them. Wu Xi felt its warmth, like the comforting farewell of a loved one, tinged with deep affection. He stepped forward, his eyes misty. "Master, I will remember your teachings and live up to your expectations."

The elder's smile deepened, his eyes filled with a distant tenderness. "Remember to keep kindness in your heart. The burden you carry is heavier than you realize, but it will also lead you to a brighter future."

At that moment, ancient runes began to glow in the cave, forming a path of light leading outward. Wu Xi and Wan Lingyue felt a gentle but steady force guiding them toward the exit.

"Senior—" Wan Lingyue called, her gaze full of sorrow. But in that moment, she saw the elder's figure gradually fading, his eyes still carrying a gentle smile. Their presence seemed to have brought him final peace and release.

"Go, and fulfill your mission," his voice drifted like a soft breeze, whispering in their ears.

The light flickered, and the cave disappeared. When Wu Xi and Wan Lingyue came back to their senses, they found themselves standing in the lush forest. Wan Lingyue lowered her gaze in silent grief, while Wu Xi clenched his fists, feeling a deep sense of loss. They knew that this ancient guardian had left the world forever, leaving behind only his compassionate smile.

"Wu Xi…" Wan Lingyue's voice trembled as she spoke.

"I know." Wu Xi looked into the distance, his eyes resolute. "We will carry on his will, no matter how difficult the path ahead."

4o