Chapter 43: The News

As he soared through the sky on his sword, a sudden change occurred. Just as Yin Tianfang leaped high above, he felt an unexpected heaviness in his body. His flying sword slipped from his control, refusing to obey him, and in the next instant, he plummeted straight into the Clearwater River with a loud splash.

Breaking through the surface in a shower of droplets, Yin Tianfang emerged from the water, coughing violently as he spat out mouthfuls of river water, his face blank with confusion.

“Where do you think you’re going, boy?” A figure strode across the waves, treading the water as if it were solid ground. He fixed Yin Tianfang with a half-smile, half-smirk, and asked his question.

Yin Tianfang’s heart sank as he looked at the newcomer. He forced a laugh. “Elder Xuan Yin, what brings you here? Didn’t you say you’d see me tonight?”

The little fellow landed on Yin Tianfang’s head, flapping its wings in outrage as it chattered indignantly at Elder Xuan Yin.

“Were you trying to run away? Do you think I mean you harm?” Elder Xuan Yin crouched by the river, looking at Yin Tianfang with a probing gaze.

“Of course not,” Yin Tianfang replied with a nervous chuckle. “How could Elder Xuan Yin possibly be such a person?”

“You were once a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, a student of Daoist Wuchen. Yet a few months ago, Daoist Wuchen was gravely wounded and died in his secret chamber. His head was shattered, and the attacker’s cultivation was likely at the first stage of Qi Condensation. Only you had free access to that chamber. So, you became a traitor, hunted by your fellow disciples of Azure Cloud Sect.” Elder Xuan Yin spoke slowly, each word like a stone in the river.

As he spoke, Yin Tianfang’s expression grew increasingly somber. When Elder Xuan Yin finished, Yin Tianfang remained silent, simply gazing at him.

“Come with me.” Seeing that Yin Tianfang did not respond, Elder Xuan Yin flicked his sleeve, sweeping Yin Tianfang and the little creature into the air. In a flash, they pierced through the void and arrived at the rear mountain of the main peak of the Mystic Dao Sect. Releasing his grip, Elder Xuan Yin led him to an ancient stone stele, formed seals with his hands, and pressed his palms forcefully against the monument. Ripples shimmered across the stone wall behind it.

Without hesitation, Elder Xuan Yin strode forward, his body passing through the stone wall and vanishing from sight.

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up and come in!” Elder Xuan Yin’s voice echoed from within, jolting the dazed Yin Tianfang awake. He studied the stone wall for a moment, then stepped forward. As he lifted his hand to touch it, ripples spread beneath his fingers, and his hand slipped through as if nothing barred the way.

Carrying the little fellow, Yin Tianfang strode ahead. His body melded into the stone wall and disappeared. Once they had entered, the stone wall returned to its former, unremarkable state.

A thunderous roar of water filled his ears. He found himself in a cavern, at whose mouth a mighty waterfall cascaded down in a torrent, unleashing a constant, resounding thunder. With the little creature in tow, Yin Tianfang made his way toward the cave’s exit.

Passing through the curtain of falling water, he was greeted by a scene like paradise itself—an otherworldly haven. The air was thick with the scent of blossoms, and melodious birdsong danced in his ears. Before him, a small river wound its way through the landscape, its waters so clear that every stone at the bottom gleamed. The smooth, rounded boulders had been polished by years of flowing water. In the distance, verdant woods and exotic flowers stretched as far as the eye could see, and nestled among the hills was an exquisite courtyard villa.

Not far away, Elder Xuan Yin stood quietly, his back to Yin Tianfang as he gazed into the distance.

“Elder, what is this place?” Yin Tianfang walked up to him, unable to hide his bewilderment. He had never imagined such a hidden paradise within the Mystic Dao Sect.

“This is your home,” Elder Xuan Yin replied, looking toward the distant villa among the hills and water. He strode toward it.

“My home?” Yin Tianfang was more mystified than ever. How could this be his home?

Seeing Elder Xuan Yin walk on ahead, Yin Tianfang hurried to catch up. Soon, Elder Xuan Yin stopped before the villa’s gate.

“Your father and mother once lived here,” Elder Xuan Yin said, pushing open the gate and stepping inside. Yin Tianfang stood rooted to the spot.

The words “father and mother” were at once familiar and profoundly strange to him. He had grown up never knowing his parents, not even what they looked like, not even his father’s name. As a child, he had watched other children being doted on by their parents and envied them deeply.

Back then, he often wondered where his parents were and why they had abandoned him.

“Perhaps you think your parents are no longer in this world. After all, what parent would willingly leave their child for more than a decade? But you are grown now.” Elder Xuan Yin stood in the courtyard, turning to address the stunned Yin Tianfang at the gate.

“Yet, your parents are still alive. They had no choice but to leave you,” Elder Xuan Yin continued.

“No choice? Is that reason enough to abandon your child and disappear for more than ten years?” Yin Tianfang stood at the threshold, meeting Elder Xuan Yin’s gaze, his voice trembling. Even now, suspicion lingered in his heart toward this elder’s motives.

Elder Xuan Yin understood his doubt, but offered no further explanation. Instead, he turned to survey the courtyard, speaking slowly. “This place was your father’s former abode. Once, when he returned from a journey, he brought a woman with him—your mother. They lived here for a time, and soon your mother became pregnant. When she was close to giving birth, your father’s enemies found them. To protect his wife and unborn child, your father lured the enemies away alone and never returned. After your birth, your mother took you and vanished without a trace.

“Those enemies were powerful, but killing your father would not have been easy. So he’s likely still alive, and if he is, your mother should be safe as well.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Yin Tianfang fixed Elder Xuan Yin with a searching look.

He had only met Elder Xuan Yin after joining the Mystic Dao Sect—their lives had never intersected before. Why would this elder tell him such things? And how did he know all this?

“You must be wondering how I know all this,” Elder Xuan Yin said.

“All things in this world have spirits. With the right fortune, even a mountain spirit can cultivate the Dao. I am the spirit of this very mountain. Enlightened by a great master, I have since followed him, devoting myself to cultivation. That master was your father. I served him as my lord, and you, young master, are my little lord.” Elder Xuan Yin’s words struck Yin Tianfang like thunder.

“This place was once the home of your lord and lady. You may stay here for a while. I will teach you the methods to enter and leave at will. I will take my leave now. When you’re ready, come find me.” A stream of light shot into Yin Tianfang’s brow, and Elder Xuan Yin vanished from the courtyard.