"The Fated Bond of an Exiled Venerable Immortal."

Chang Feng Zenzhe knew exactly where the Black Sky Sect was located. After all, he had spent time observing its black walls and dedicated disciples from a distance when he was still a mortal — and he had once been one of its most promising disciples. However, he never dared to return after becoming a celestial official. He always believed that the sect was a haven for trouble and mysteries, and he didn't want Liu Weishan, so young and inexperienced in the affairs of the Mortal Realm, to get involved with someone like Lan Fengxian.

Qin Ziyue, on the other hand, despite being known for her impulsiveness and fearless attitude, shared the same apprehension. Still, she was the kind of person who, regardless of the circumstances, would always support Liu Weishan in his decisions. Two years after the day he was reborn as the new God of Water, she treated him like a younger brother, and that never changed. She believed in his potential, even though he was sometimes naïve when it came to the complexities of the Celestial and Mortal Realms.

The three of them formed an inseparable trio. Qin Ziyue and Chang Feng Zenzhe had been friends for more than three hundred years, ever since they ascended to the heavens as Celestial Officials. They shared a unique bond, almost like siblings who were always ready to tease each other. Their relationship was a constant subject of rumors in the Celestial Realm. Some claimed they were secret lovers, while others believed they were mortal rivals who simply couldn't stay away from each other.

The truth, however, was quite different: Qin Ziyue loved to torment Gu Qingfeng, and he, in turn, simply accepted his fate with an almost infinite patience. In the end, everyone knew that if one of them was ever in danger, the other would always be there to help.

When Liu Weishan arrived, Qin Ziyue and Chang Feng Zenzhe were absent from the Celestial Realm. At the time, rumors swirled that they were exploring the Immortal World, doing who-knows-what. However, some sources indicated that they had gotten themselves into serious trouble, drawing the ire of both the Mermaid Clan and the dreaded Giant Clan.

According to some tales, Qin Ziyue had deceived a merfolk prince during a tournament, while Chang Feng Zenzhe had provoked a giant by defeating him in a strength competition. Although they never confirmed anything, the mischievous glint in their eyes always made people suspicious.

Now, standing before the temple atop Yulongzhen Hill, with Liu Weishan still captivated by the mortal world, Qin Ziyue cleared her throat and crossed her arms.

"A-Shan, i don't want to ruin your moment of contemplation, but we need to leave soon," she said, casting a discreet glance at Chang Feng Zenzhe. "You do realize that finding Lan Fengxian won't be easy, right?"

Gu Qingfeng sighed, looking frustrated.

"It's not just difficult… it's dangerous. Lan Fengxian was exiled for a reason. Do you really think he'll want to talk?" He frowned, his dark eyes scanning Liu Weishan with concern. "We don't even know if he's still at the Black Sky Sect. He might have disappeared long ago."

Liu Weishan looked at his two friends, sensing the genuine concern behind their words. He knew this wasn't an easy decision, but Mei Xuanling rarely assigned a task without a solid reason.

"I understand your concerns, but Mei Xuanling entrusted me with this mission," his voice was firm yet gentle. "And i want to know why she believes he's connected to my destiny."

Qin Ziyue sighed and ruffled Liu Weishan's hair affectionately.

"Tsk… You've always been too curious for your own good."

Gu Qingfeng crossed his arms, gazing at the sky with a resigned expression.

"Then let's go. If something goes wrong, we can just run away, right?"

Qin Ziyue laughed.

"Run away? You? The mighty Chang Feng Zenzhe? I never thought I'd hear that coming from you!"

"I'm just being practical..."

"Practical? Or are you scared?"

Liu Weishan chuckled softly, feeling lighter with their presence. He knew that with them by his side, any challenge would be easier to face. He looked once more at the temple ahead, engraving in his mind the devotion of the mortals who worshipped him. After so many years of being disregarded by the celestials, perhaps here in the Mortal Realm, he could find a greater purpose than he ever imagined.

Gu Qingfeng let out a heavy sigh and snapped his fingers, feeling the air around him respond immediately. A gentle breeze began to swirl around the three of them, softly stirring Liu Weishan's and Qin Ziyue's robes. The dry leaves on the village ground danced in small whirlwinds, as if greeting their presence. He raised his hand and moved his fingers through the air with precision, like a musician tuning the strings of an invisible instrument. The breeze grew stronger, wrapping around them in a delicate spiral and intertwining with their bodies.

Liu Weishan watched intently, feeling the energy of the wind brushing against his skin as soft as feathers. He had always found Gu Qingfeng's connection with the elements fascinating. Unlike other celestial cultivators who used brute force to manipulate the environment, Gu Qingfeng had a peculiar and graceful way of bending the world to his will.

Qin Ziyue, however, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, clearly impatient.

"Taking too long, Brother Gu?" she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Chang Feng Zenzhe preferred her to call him Shixiong or Gēge, but to annoy him, she always did the opposite.

Gu Qingfeng shot her a sideways glance, a small smirk forming on his lips. He didn't need to reply. With a subtle movement, he twirled his wrist, and in an instant, the wind gently lifted them off the ground, as if they were light as feathers being carried by the air currents.

Liu Weishan felt a slight flutter in his stomach as his feet left the ground. He instinctively grabbed Qin Ziyue's sleeve but quickly relaxed, noticing Gu Qingfeng's absolute control over the technique.

As they ascended higher, the small houses of the village gradually shrank in size, and the once-familiar scenery now expanded into a vast tapestry of mountains, rivers, and forests. Liu Weishan looked down, observing the neatly arranged fields and the tiny colorful dots of villagers going about their daily routines. The view was peaceful, but his mind was far from it.

Chang Feng Zenzhe maintained a serious expression. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the mountains that housed the Black Sky Sect lay hidden among dense banks of mist. A place where he had spent years of his life — learning, fighting, and inevitably leaving traces he preferred to forget. Even after so many years, his name must still echo through those marble halls, carrying both the same respect and lingering resentments.

Liu Weishan noticed Chang Feng Zenzhe's distant look and asked softly:

"Are you alright?"

Chang Feng Zenzhe blinked a few times, pushing away the memories that threatened to suffocate him. He forced a weak smile and responded in a neutral voice:

"I am. Just thinking about what awaits us when we arrive."

Qin Ziyue scoffed.

"What awaits us? Trouble, for sure. I don't know why Mei Xuanling would send us after Lan Fengxian... We don't even know how he'll react to seeing three celestial officers knocking on his door."

Liu Weishan pressed his lips together, feeling a slight unease. Now, he would have to meet that dangerous man in person. The wind carried them higher and higher, and soon, the Black Sky Sect would appear before them — a fortress shrouded in mysteries and long-forgotten memories of Gu Qingfeng.

Gu Qingfeng made a subtle gesture with his hands, and the wind around them thickened, becoming stronger. The gentle breeze that once surrounded them now roared like a powerful current, propelling them at an astonishing speed. The world below became a blur of colors, and within moments, the majestic mountains that housed the Black Sky Sect emerged on the horizon — imposing and mysterious, wrapped in thick mists.

The sect gradually revealed itself, its colossal walls stretching toward the sky as if trying to touch it. From a distance, its presence was already overwhelming — a fortress of black stone and gold that radiated a cold and austere aura. Liu Weishan was impressed, and his eyes sparkled with fascination. Up close, it would be even more magnificent, filled with secrets and stories lost over the centuries.

After soaring through the skies for a few minutes, they finally landed before the massive gates of the sect, which remained closed and guarded by a group of disciples with rigid appearances and impeccable postures. Their black robes gleamed under the diffuse mountain light, and their penetrating gazes assessed the newcomers with a mix of caution and respect.

Before Gu Qingfeng could say anything, a voice thundered from the heavens, echoing through the mountains like distant thunder.

"Gu Qingfeng! You're back, you brat."

The voice was deep, resonating in all directions, filled with powerful and warm energy.

"Come on, boy! I want to see you with my own eyes!"

Gu Qingfeng froze for a moment, his eyes widening slightly as he recognized the voice. It was impossible to forget that tone, full of authority and vitality — a sound he hadn't heard in centuries. His master. The legendary Master of Black Flames, whose fame spanned realms for his mastery of the destructive flames that once nearly set the skies ablaze during a legendary battle.

The disciples, who had remained vigilant until then, exchanged glances and turned to Chang Feng Zenzhe. In unison, they bowed deeply, showing profound respect.

"We greet Senior Gu Qingfeng!", They said in chorus, their voices filled with reverence.

Chang Feng Zenzhe merely nodded, his gaze maintaining the same seriousness as always, but Liu Weishan noticed a faint glimmer of nostalgia in his eyes. Without further delay, the gates opened with a deep rumble, revealing the vastness of the Black Sky Sect.

They entered the sect, walking slowly as Liu Weishan marveled at every detail around them. The sect was a true empire within the mountains. Training fields were filled with disciples practicing powerful techniques, their energies reverberating through the air like invisible waves.

"Incredible...", Liu Weishan murmured, amazed by the grandeur of the place.

The group followed a path of dark stones until they reached the main hall, where an old elder patiently awaited them. His simple gray robes contrasted with the imposing presence that emanated from him. His wise eyes settled on Gu Qingfeng, assessing him with a mix of nostalgia and expectation.

Gu Qingfeng felt a tightness in his chest. Decades had passed, but standing before his master still stirred an almost childlike apprehension within him. There were so many things he wanted to say, so many questions, and a subtle fear that he might not act with the same confidence as before.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and, without further hesitation, bowed deeply in a respectful gesture.

"Master, this disciple has not been filial. I hope you can forgive this ruthless celestial officer... "His voice was firm, but laden with repressed emotions."

The elder, Zhugue Wei, placed his hand on Gu Qingfeng's head, his calloused fingers pressing gently against his unruly hair. His gaze was profound, filled with wisdom accumulated over countless years. He let out a long sigh, trying to appear reasonable.

"Qingfeng, my disciple...", his voice was low but firm. " You are no longer just a simple cultivator. Your path is your own now, and there are things in life we can never hold onto forever."

Gu Qingfeng remained silent, absorbing his master's words, feeling a mixture of nostalgia and melancholy. Zhugue Wei offered a discreet smile and gestured for him to sit. The elder brought out a jade wine jar, filling two fine porcelain cups.

"Come, sit down. It's been a long time since we shared a good drink."

Gu Qingfeng hesitated for a moment but accepted the invitation. He knew that refusing would be an offense, and deep down, he felt he needed this moment. He sat beside his master, and together they began reminiscing about old times — talking about past missions, forgotten rivalries, and even the punishments Gu Qingfeng had received in the past for his stubbornness.

It was then that Qin Ziyue, as restless as ever, crossed her arms and whispered to him:

"Chang Feng Zenzhe, we need to find Lan Fengxian. We don't have time for drinks right now!"

Gu Qingfeng rolled his eyes and turned to Zhugue Wei, deciding to get straight to the point.

"Master, actually... We came here because we need to speak with the Exiled Officer... Lan Fengxian."

The old master frowned, deep in thought. He remained silent for a few minutes, contemplating, before finally speaking:

"Lan Fengxian...", he said slowly, his eyes narrowing as if recalling a distant memory. "He has been here at the sect for two hundred years. He lives on an isolated peak, known as the Residence of the Clouds. It is the highest point among the mountains, shrouded in mist year-round. If you go there, you will surely find him. But be careful... whether he receives you or not will depend entirely on his mood."

Qin Ziyue exchanged a glance with Liu Weishan, her face showing determination.

"Great! Let's go there right now", she moved quickly, ready to leave, but Zhugue Wei raised his hand, stopping her.

"Gu Qingfeng, you must stay. I need to speak with you a little longer... After all, it's been three hundred years. We can let your friends find Lan Fengxian on their own. Fate is inevitable, and the consequences are the proof of what we will face in the future."

Gu Qingfeng sighed heavily, resigned.

"Fine... but if they return with broken bones, it's your fault."

Qin Ziyue just shook her head and grabbed the sleeve of Liu Weishan's blue hanfu, pulling him out of the hall.

"Let's go before he changes his mind."

Liu Weishan, a bit hesitant, followed her, his mind full of both anticipation and fear. They were about to meet the legendary Lan Fengxian, known as the Venerable God of Death, a title that echoed in the darkest corners of the immortal world. However, within the Black Sky Sect, he was respectfully called Cang Yuehan, a reflection of his distant and impenetrable personality.

The two made their way toward the highest peak of the Black Sky Sect, where the Residence of the Clouds was hidden among the thick mist that wound through the mountains like ghostly veils. With each step they took, the temperature seemed to drop, and the air became thinner, as if even the environment itself was trying to push intruders away.

It could have been the work of some restriction cast by Lan Fengxian, but neither of them felt anything unusual. Qin Ziyue wrapped herself in her cloak, gazing at the vast, misty expanse ahead. She sighed, crossing her arms as she walked alongside Liu Weishan.

"It seems that Lan Fengxian preferred to hide from the world rather than live it to the fullest", she murmured, a curious tone of disapproval in her voice. "Has he always been like this?"

Liu Weishan remained silent for a moment, staring at the dense fog surrounding them. He didn't know much about Lan Fengxian, aside from his infamous reputation and the stories circulating through the immortal realms. Even so, the idea of meeting someone so powerful and feared left him uneasy.

"Hiding from the world isn't always a choice... sometimes, it's a necessity", he replied, thoughtfully.

Qin Ziyue suddenly stopped and looked at the covered peak.

"It won't be easy to find him in this place. He must have countless hidden formations and barriers to keep away curious people", she rubbed her chin, pondering. "Let's split up. That way, we'll have a better chance of finding him."

Liu Weishan looked at her with an uncertain expression.

"Split up? Are you sure? This place doesn't seem very friendly. That would be a stupid idea."

Qin Ziyue gave a confident smile and poked his shoulder.

"I know how to take care of myself. You go to the residence on the peak and see if he's there. If there are any problems, scream loud enough and I'll be nearby", she said in her usual mischievous tone. "But i know you can take care of yourself too, your cultivation level isn't that low."

Liu Weishan let out a resigned sigh and nodded.

"And you? Where will you go?"

"I'll search the surroundings of the peak and even inside the sect if necessary. If he's not in the residence, he might be wandering around", she raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Who knows, maybe he went to buy wine and never came back? Look, i'm doing this for you. I don't like this Lan Fengxian one bit."

He just shook his head, already used to Qin Ziyue's teasing.

"Alright. Let's meet here in two hours if we don't find anything."

Qin Ziyue waved and, without wasting time, disappeared quickly into the misty shadows, leaving Liu Weishan alone in front of the winding path leading to the highest peak. He took a deep breath and began to climb, feeling a strange weight in his chest. The silent aura of the place seemed to be watching him closely, as if Lan Fengxian was aware of every step he took.

After a few minutes of searching, Liu Weishan felt a light breeze brushing past him, then he leapt into the air and propelled himself toward the trees ahead, using them as stepping points to climb faster to the top. The sensation of freedom as he jumped from branch to branch was almost hypnotic, but he kept his attention focused, climbing until the trees began to thin out, and he saw the highest peak ahead, almost covered in thick mist.

The path, which had seemed deserted until then, now gave way to this area of isolation, as if Lan Fengxian wanted to hide from the world, escaping reality and everyone who sought him.

In a few seconds, Liu Weishan reached the top of the mountain and suddenly spotted a small, isolated residence, a simple place but, at the same time, filled with tranquility. Despite its dark aura, there was something serene about it. The surrounding space was adorned with cherry trees, whose soft blossoms floated slowly in the wind, and the scent of three-flavor tea, an elixir known for healing the soul and soothing the spirit, wafted through the air.

Liu Weishan felt a strange sensation as he realized that, up here, time seemed to pass more slowly, as if the environment itself was made to slow down the mind and body. He descended from one of the trees in a fluid movement, landing gently on the ground. His hair fluttered softly in the wind for a few seconds before settling gently on his shoulders, moving with the breeze. He adjusted the long sleeve of his hanfu, the fabric fitting with precision, and began walking slowly and attentively, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of Lan Fengxian.

The silence that reigned in the area was almost absolute, with the only sounds being the distant ripples of a small lake and Liu Weishan's soft breathing, in tune with the calm around him.

When he took a few more steps toward the residence, a powerful aura, charged with a terrible murderous intent, invaded his being, causing his senses to sharpen instantly. Liu Weishan stopped immediately, his body tensing as he turned to face the source of this aura.

A man suddenly appeared, stepping out of the shadows with the grace of a storm about to break, a figure of imposing presence, wearing a black hanfu that fluttered in the wind and a gray cloak adorned with feather-like details. He looked like a predator, a living shadow, and his black sword gleamed with a lethal shine as it pointed directly at Liu Weishan.

Without hesitation, the man flew toward Liu Weishan with impressive speed, the sword aimed at him. The attack was brutal and precise, but Liu Weishan was prepared. Using his lightness technique, he moved quickly, his body rising into the air in a fluid, almost ethereal movement. At the same time, he created an energy barrier around himself, protecting himself from the sharp blade of the sword that cut through the air with unusual force.

The man's sword passed by Liu Weishan, but the pressure from the air made the surroundings tremble slightly. Liu Weishan moved further away, with the man following closely, fury in his eyes. He noticed the penetrating, cold look in the man's gaze, but what held him for a few seconds was not just the anger, but the almost imperceptible glint in the man's eyes. It was as if, for a brief moment, the man had looked directly into his soul, something Liu Weishan hadn't expected from an exiled officer.

The two landed simultaneously on the ground, the sound of their feet hitting the earth breaking the heavy silence. The man, still holding the sword, approached, and his gaze fixed powerfully on Liu Weishan. Then, he asked in a deep, distrustful voice:

"Who are you? What are you doing in my residence?"

Liu Weishan remained unshaken. His heart was still calm, and his mind focused on the goal. He looked directly into the man's eyes, his face softening as an aura of kindness enveloped him. With a smile, he spoke calmly, trying to disarm any hostility in the environment.

"I didn't come to cause trouble", Liu Weishan said, his voice soft but firm. "I'm here simply to discuss something important with you."

The man looked at him for a few more seconds, as if evaluating him, his eyes still filled with suspicion. Liu Weishan maintained his calm posture, unhurried, waiting for the other's reaction. He knew that Lan Fengxian was someone complicated, marked by the solitude of his exile and the bitter experience with the heavens.

Lan Fengxian remained still, his dark eyes analyzing every detail of Liu Weishan, trying to decipher the intriguing presence of the beautiful young man who dared to stay so close, without any sign of fear or hesitation. His expression remained impassive, but inside, his mind was brimming with questions and distrust.

"I haven't had dealings with anyone in years", he said, in a rough and tired tone. "And even if i had, i don't intend to get involved with strangers."

Liu Weishan, however, didn't retreat. On the contrary, his steps became softer and more calculated, advancing with an unwavering confidence that seemed to envelop the environment like a serene and irresistible breeze. There was something about his presence that was almost enchanting, as if each gesture was measured to dissolve any resistance.

It seems that it is in these moments that the cruel cunning of Jinlan Shuiyi, the God of Water, reveals itself.

Lan Fengxian felt his throat dry for a moment, unable to comprehend why that young man showed not even a flicker of fear. Everyone who dared to approach him, even the most renowned cultivators of the Taoist sects, either cursed him or tried to face him in fierce battles. Yet this being, so beautiful and formidable, only drew closer, with a sharp yet incredibly calm gaze. And Cang Yuehan hardly blinked as he stared at him.

"Such a terrifying creature..." Lan Fengxian thought, his eyes sinking into Liu Weishan's flawless features. "What exactly is he?"

Only a few steps away, Liu Weishan gave a faint smile, his eyes gleaming with natural cunning. When he finally stopped in front of Lan Fengxian, his voice was captivating, laden with a subtle provocation and unquestionable command:

"Mei Xuanling sent me. The Celestial Court is facing problems and..."

Before he could finish, Lan Fengxian abruptly interrupted him, his voice filling the silence with a sharp coldness.

"Seeking the pieces of the Divine Artifact", he narrowed his eyes, watching Liu Weishan's expression with a mix of exasperation and weariness. "Yes, i know about that. She visited me a few hours ago... and i almost killed her for trying to force me into doing something i don't want to."

Liu Weishan narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing this. Mei Xuanling was not someone easily intimidated, much less easily defeated. "So, he tried to kill her?" He crossed his arms, taking a few steps back, his mind racing with quick thoughts. Lan Fengxian observed the movement with a sharp gaze, noticing the subtle change in Liu Weishan's expression.

"But that arrogant Goddess told me that my fate is tied to someone called Jinlan Shuiyi", Lan Fengxian's eyes gleamed with curiosity and irony. "That's you, isn't it."

Liu Weishan kept his gaze fixed on Lan Fengxian for a moment, and the atmosphere between them grew heavy with tension and an odd sense of familiarity. Then, he simply nodded, his eyes, which had been kind, now taking on a sharp coldness like ice, reflecting all the seriousness that the situation demanded.

Lan Fengxian tilted his head slightly to the side, observing Liu Weishan as though trying to see beyond his flawless composure.

"Interesting...", Cang Yuehan murmured, almost to himself, while Liu Weishan maintained his firm and confident posture, his gaze unwavering and his aura refined. He crossed his arms elegantly and gave a cold smile, though deep inside, the disquieting thought still echoed that Lan Fengxian was also truly a remarkable creature.

To be continued...