The third day dawned, and with it, the Beiming Sect arrived at the appointed meeting place.
Upon learning of their arrival, Long Jianyu promptly summoned Yun Qingjue, instructing him to escort the Beiming Palace Lord, Xue Baitian, to a secluded location away from prying eyes.
At the remote site, around thirty elite Beiming warriors stood in disciplined formation, flanking their formidable leader, Xue Baitian, and his only son, the aloof Young Master Xue Wuya.
The surroundings were wild and untouched—East Wood Peak, their chosen rendezvous, rose sharply from the earth like a stone spear, crowned by ancient, towering trees whose dense, dark canopies blocked out much of the daylight.
The forest's shadows seemed to deepen the sense of secrecy and anticipation in the air.
Nestled in the heart of the peak was a hidden cave, its entrance veiled by thick undergrowth and accessible only by climbing more than eight hundred winding, uneven stone steps.
Above, the very tip of the mountain pierced through a restless sea of clouds and swirling fog, creating an otherworldly scene where earth and sky seemed to blur together.
It was in this shrouded, mystical setting that Yun Qingjue led the Beiming delegation, following Long Jianyu's orders, to the clandestine meeting with destiny.
Everyone took a moment to settle themselves as they finally arrived at the secret cave, each person catching their breath after the arduous climb.
The air inside was cool and damp, a welcome relief from the strain of ascent.
Yun Qingjue quietly approached Palace Lord Xue, offering him a cup of clear, cold water.
"Lord Xue, please have some water," he said, his tone respectful yet composed.
Palace Lord Xue accepted the cup without hesitation, lifting it to his lips and drinking deeply.
"Thank you," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with gratitude.
Turning to address the rest of the group, Yun Qingjue gestured towards a set of water containers arranged nearby.
"For the rest of you, water is here. Please help yourselves."
At his words, the gathered warriors moved quickly—some with relief, others with silent discipline—to quench their thirst, the simple act of drinking together briefly easing the tension of their secret meeting.
While everyone was preoccupied with quenching their thirst and recovering from the climb, Palace Lord Xue found his curiosity drawn to their surroundings.
He paced slowly about the cave, his keen eyes sweeping over the rough-hewn walls and the subtle glimmers of mineral veins that caught what little light filtered in from outside.
The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient stone, a testament to the cave's seclusion.
His gaze eventually settled on Yun Qingjue, who moved among the warriors, quietly ensuring each man was cared for. Sensing Lord Xue's scrutiny, Yun Qingjue met his eyes and offered a reassuring smile.
"This place was created by Dijun himself," Yun Qingjue explained in a low, respectful tone. "He couldn't summon you to his own retreat, so he chose this as the site for our meeting."
A startled gasp escaped from Lord Xue Baitian's lips.
"I see… So Dijun made this place himself? Why would he choose here, instead of meeting me elsewhere?"
Yun Qingjue's lips curled into a faint, knowing smirk.
"Only Dijun can answer that, my lord," he replied, a hint of wry amusement in his voice.
"Dijun…?" Palace Lord Xue echoed thoughtfully, his voice carrying a note of reminiscence as he slowly stroked his white beard. His eyes narrowed with curiosity as he regarded Yun Qingjue. "If I recall, it was Long Jianyu whom you once served so loyally. Tell me—have you found yourself a new chief?"
A quiet, enigmatic smile flickered across Yun Qingjue's lips.
The smile hinted at secrets left unspoken, his eyes reflecting a depth of loyalty and history that words could not easily capture.
Yet, he offered no direct answer, allowing the silence to settle between them, heavy with unvoiced meaning.
Palace Lord Xue let out a soft sigh, the lines on his face deepening as he relented.
"Forget it," he murmured, waving a hand as if brushing away the lingering questions. "Since you are the one arranging this meeting, I will trust your judgment." His tone held a mixture of resignation and faith, signaling that, for now, he was willing to set aside his doubts.
Meanwhile, the low hum of conversation faded into tense silence as the distinct echo of firm, commanding footsteps reverberated through the cavern.
The sound grew steadily louder, amplifying the anticipation in the air.
Instinctively, everyone turned their attention toward the narrow threshold at the heart of the cave, eyes fixed on the shadowed entrance.
An expectant hush settled over the group as they waited, every breath held, for the figure who would soon emerge.
Not long after, a solitary shadow stretched across the cave floor, its edges flickering in the dim light.
Soon, its owner stepped forward—a striking figure whose very presence radiated confidence and authority.
Every step he took was measured and assured, his astonishing demeanor captivating all who watched, leaving no doubt that he was someone of extraordinary significance.
As the man emerged fully into the cave, he halted, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
His cold, penetrating eyes lingered on each face, scrutinizing the gathered warriors and leaders with an air of silent authority.
The brief pause seemed to weigh heavily in the air, as if he was measuring every soul before him, his expression unreadable and composed.
Palace Lord Xue Baitian and the Young Master Xue Wuya were momentarily stunned by the man's icy demeanor, their expressions betraying a mix of awe and uncertainty.
The tension in the cave was palpable until Young Master Yun Qingjue stepped forward, his face brightening with a reassuring smile. He bowed deeply and respectfully to the newcomer.
"Dijun, you finally came," Yun Qingjue greeted, his voice steady with both relief and reverence.
Long Jianyu turned to Yun Qingjue, his stern gaze softening.
With a gentle gesture, he patted Yun Qingjue's head and said, "Enough with the formality. There's no need for such ceremony here."
Afterward, Long Jianyu strode forward with quiet authority, the soft echo of his footsteps filling the cave.
Yun Qingjue followed a few steps behind, his presence silent and respectful.
When Long Jianyu came to a halt before the gathered assembly, all eyes turned to him.
Among them, Young Master Xue Wuya narrowed his eyes, studying Long Jianyu intently.
There was a flicker of recognition in his gaze—a nagging sense that he had seen this man somewhere before.
Yet, no matter how hard he tried, the memory eluded him, leaving him unsettled and curious.
I can hardly imagine this man living in seclusion, far from the bustle of the capital. There's nothing ordinary about him—his presence radiates a formidable, almost overwhelming aura. And yet, there's something about him that tugs at my memory. Why does he seem so familiar to me?
Xue Wuya's mind churned with confusion, his thoughts spiraling as he tried to grasp the elusive memory.
The cave seemed to hold its breath until, at last, Long Jianyu broke the silence.
"Why do I get the feeling that our Palace Lord Xue doesn't remember me at all?"
Long Jianyu remarked, a playful glint in his eyes and a teasing lilt to his voice.
Recognition suddenly dawned on Palace Lord Xue's face, his stern expression giving way to surprise and warmth.
"Forgive me, Lord Long," he replied, his tone respectful and tinged with nostalgia. "It has been far too long since we last met."
With a respectful bow, Xue Wuya quickly turned his attention to his father, surprised to see him offer such genuine courtesy to this man.
Lord Long?
The name echoed in Xue Wuya's mind as he studied Long Jianyu more closely. Then his gaze shifted to Yun Qingjue, who stood at ease beside his master, his posture relaxed yet loyal.
Could it be that this is the master Yun Qingjue admires and serves with such devotion? If so, why had my father never mentioned him to me before?
The question lingered in Xue Wuya's thoughts, deepening his sense of curiosity and intrigue.
"This young master of yours, Yun Qingjue, is truly devoted," Palace Lord Xue remarked, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at Yun Qingjue. "He went to great lengths to summon me here, in such a secluded place. I can't help but wonder, Lord Long, what pressing matter requires such secrecy?"
He let out a soft chuckle, brushing his hand over his knees as if to soothe them.
"This mountain is so remote, and at my age, those endless steps nearly did me in. Any more of this, and I fear my knees might give out entirely."
Long Jianyu's lips curved into a faint, apologetic smile.
"Forgive me for the trouble, Lord Xue. I assure you, at our next meeting, I'll choose a place less taxing for you. You have my word."
Palace Lord Xue waved a hand dismissively, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"It's fine. No harm done."
Long Jianyu gestured graciously toward a cluster of stone seats arranged nearby.
"Please, make yourself comfortable."
As everyone settled themselves, Yun Qingjue moved quietly among them, preparing and serving tea with practiced grace.
The warm, fragrant aroma drifted through the cave, offering a sense of calm after the arduous journey.
Palace Lord Xue accepted his cup, nodding approvingly.
"Yun Qingjue, you've done well. Lord Long is fortunate to have such an upright and dependable right hand."
Yun Qingjue bowed his head modestly, a gentle smile on his lips.
"Dijun has guided me since my youth. I am truly grateful for his care and teaching."
Long Jianyu remained quiet, though a subtle warmth flickered in his eyes at Yun Qingjue's words.
The moment passed in silence, broken only by the soft clink of porcelain as tea was poured.
After taking a thoughtful sip of his tea, Palace Lord Xue cleared his throat, his gaze settling on Long Jianyu.
"I heard you've been unwell these past years," he began, his tone gentle but direct. "Now, after three centuries, you finally have the courage to meet me again. Have you fully recovered?"
Long Jianyu froze mid-sip, the cup lingering at his lips as the question hung in the air.
His eyes sharpened, silently measuring the concern and curiosity in the faces before him, while the tea remained untasted in his mouth.
In an instant, Long Jianyu composed himself, masking any trace of discomfort.
"As you know, these past three centuries have not been easy. I was gravely wounded in a protracted conflict, which forced me into seclusion here to recover."
Palace Lord Xue nodded in understanding, his expression softening.
"I see. I'm glad to hear you have finally regained your strength. In recent days, our sect has been especially vigilant due to a personal crisis. I assume Yun Qingjue has already informed you of the situation."
Long Jianyu inclined his head.
"Indeed, that is precisely why I called you here, Lord Xue. I wish to ask for your cooperation—of my own accord—in addressing this matter."