Chapter 9: Jinyan Sect.

While the rest of the disciples got busy packing up their things in respect to the following day's departure ,Baili Ming was still stalling, reluctant to leave the place. He had this almost irresistible urge to see Liu Yihan once again even if it would be from a distance. He knew he was getting distracted especially when he knew his master's expectations towards him but the distraction was too hard to ignore.

‎"Shi Xiong when will we be leaving?"Gong Ke asked as he walked towards him. The window to their room was open the room they were in overlooked the view of the market. Baili Ming was staring out looking lost in the view but his thoughts were actually somewhere else .

‎"We'll be leaving the day after tomorrow."

‎"Huh!?" Gong Ke jumped in shock not sure he had heard him correctly. Baili Ming wasn't one to procrastinate things or stall around. Him doing that meant he had something important to carry out the following day.

‎"And what will we be doing here?"

‎"You'll see,"Baili Ming said subtly,"Go tell the others we won't be leaving tomorrow,"Baili Ming said finality. For the first time he was going to lie to his Master about his extended stay . When the other sect members were informed they were surprised as well but none of them questioned about it.

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‎So the following day while others explored the market fully,Baili Ming,with the help of Gong Ke,invited Liu Yihan to meet him at a restaurant . The girl showed up and when she asked the reason for the meeting he simply declared he was worried about her after what had happened at Wuxia Conference. He wanted to know how she was fairing, just like the gentleman he was.

‎"I sincerely apologize for Changsun Yue's actions. He tends to be irrational sometimes but with me here he won't harm you,"he said in a serious tone as if he was making a lifetime promise.

‎"I appreciate your concern and I already forgave him. I just hope he behaves well the next time we meet,"Liu Yihan spoke in a calm tone, maintaining her composed demeanour that everyone admired about her.

‎"Thank you Miss Liu."

‎"If that's all I would like to take my leave."

‎"Miss Luo,wait,"Baili Ming blurted out,a little too loud something in contrast with his elegant self,"Sorry about that,"he continued feeling embarrassed,"I would like to invite you for a drink if you don't mind,"he requested looking at her expectantly.

‎Liu Yihan instantly nodded agreeing to his request. It was the first time she tasted traditional Chinese wine and she wasn't disappointed like she expected to be . Baili Ming took his time observing her silently, taking in her features and engraving the details in his memory.

‎"So Young Master Baili I guess this where we part."

‎"I wish to see you again. I have a feeling well see each other soon,"he said smiling tenderly at her.

‎"I hope your prediction comes true Young Master Baili,"She said bidding her farewell and walked away. Baili Ming watched her fondly till she disappeared out of sight. She was his dream type of girl - a beautiful, elegantly composed girl and strong too.

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‎Stretching endlessly in hues of amber and gold,the golden plains lay beneath a sky often painted with fiery sunsets and gentle golden dawns. These plains were one of the legendary physical features in Dihuang Continent . They not only had remarkable beauty but also a unique ecosystem. The grasses there shimmered like gold under sunlight ,a phenomenon amplified by the region's rich soil, saturated with minerals that impacted a glowing luster to the plant life. It was said that there were ancient gold mines hidden beneath the plains.

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‎Nestled in the heart of the golden plains stood the fortress of Jinyan Sect,the most powerful sect in jianghu. The sect was well known for its unmatched mastery in martial arts, focusing on sheer strength,agility and discipline. The heart of the sect was the Golden Flame Hall,a massive hall where sect meetings were held. Surrounding it were several courtyard where trainings were done , dormitories and pavilions. From the overall architecture to the surrounding,it was one of the richest sects.

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‎Immediately the disciples came back they reported back at Golden Flame Hall, where their master was waiting for them. By now they were sure their master had heard about the uproar Changsun Yue caused but the boy wasn't nervous at all even after knowing how strict their Shifu was. There at the other end of the hall on a raised dais,a man dressed in grey robes with white hair and a short white beard sat in a lotus position with his eyes closed while he stroked his chin calmly and proudly. With his heightened senses,Linghun Yun didn't need to open his eyes to sense his disciples approaching the hall.

‎"Shifu,"they all called out in unison and bowed to greet him.

‎"You're back,"Linghun Yun spoke lazily, "Ming'er how was the Conference?"

‎"It was great except for a few things."

‎"Changsun Yue,"

‎"Yes, Shifu."

‎"You're grounded in the Disciplinary Hall for half a month,"the old man declared shooting his piercing snake eyes open. His eyes were the scariest part of him all. His penetrative gaze looked like he would drill holes in someone's soul.

‎"Yes Shifu,"Changsun Yue heeded without retaliation.

‎Changsun Yue left from there to start his punishment. Linghun Yun never allowed room for negotiations.

‎"The rest of you can leave except Baili Ming,"he said and the disciples were relieved to escape his claws.They leapt out of the hall fearing they might be held back if they stayed even a second longer.

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‎"I heard you've taken a liking to the young lady from Xiuhua Sect that you even dared to meet her,"Linghun Yun began when it was only the two of them in the room.

‎Baili Ming instantly fell on his knees knowing he had gotten in trouble.