Chapter 62: Lan Xuetong

The New Moon Sect sprawled across a vast expanse, its central hall towering with majestic presence, countless structures stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Yun Che followed Summer Yuanba as they walked toward the quarters arranged by Si Kong Han. Along the way, they encountered numerous disciples of the New Moon Sect, most under twenty, with fifteen- or sixteen-year-olds not uncommon, though this age group generally stood at the nascent Profound Realm. Many greeted Summer Yuanba en route—after all, his age and stature made it hard to miss him.

“How many disciples does the New Moon Sect now have?” Yun Che asked.

“I recall over three thousand,” Summer Yuanba thought for a moment. “The sect’s age limit for disciples is fifteen to eighteen; most leave by twenty. A large portion will eventually join the Azure Wind’s official forces.”

“Though, brother, do you truly intend to attend that banquet tonight?” Summer Yuanba asked with some concern.

“An opportunity to witness nearly all the top factions of New Moon City—how could I miss it?” Yun Che tilted his head. “Yuanba, you don’t seem eager to go. Is there something amiss with this banquet?”

“Not exactly a problem, just… well…” Summer Yuanba hesitated, then spoke with a touch of irritation. “Recently, when the new head of the Si went into office, they also held a grand banquet. At that gathering, invited sect disciples, citing friendly sparring and camaraderie, challenged our contemporaries. Ten challenges—ten defeats for the New Moon Sect. The new head lost face completely, and our sect was mocked throughout the city for years.”

“Hah, clearly those sects were showing the new head who the real power was in New Moon City,” Yun Che laughed.

“Exactly. I heard the same happened when the previous head took office. But a new head can’t skip such gatherings without inviting ridicule. This time will likely be the same. If we attend, we might be challenged… losing isn’t bad, but those people often resort to vicious tactics. Last time, two senior brothers were seriously injured and never fully recovered. The head can only endure such humiliation in silence.”

“Does the New Moon Sect really have such poor cultivation?” Yun Che frowned.

“Not at all. It’s just that those major sects are incredibly powerful. Though the New Moon Sect was founded by the royal family, they’ve existed for centuries, with deep roots, resources, and inherited profound arts beyond our reach. Their recruitment standards are also higher. Entering a royal-founded sect means aspiring to serve the throne. These sects attract the most gifted, who’d rather join established sects than royal factions. Our disciples’ average strength surpasses smaller sects but pale beside the major ones.”

Summer Yuanba’s words were entirely reasonable. In truth, Yun Che had joined the New Moon Sect for reasons unknown, seeking opportunity, never intending to serve the royal family. He pondered and asked, “Which factions surpass the New Moon Sect in New Moon City?”

“Hmm, let me think…” Summer Yuanba considered seriously, then said slowly, “There are seven: Xuan Xin Sect, Yun Yang Sect, Tie Zhongmen, Qi Kou Jian He, Feng Yun Sect.” After a pause, his voice grew cautious: “These five sects—some over five hundred, even a thousand years old—have deep influence in New Moon City, their combined strength surpassing ours. If not for our royal backing, we’d likely have been suppressed long ago. Beyond these five, there are two other unchallengeable giants: Xiao Sect and Ruo Tian Men’s branch sects in New Moon City. Though merely branches, with Xiao and Ruo Tian behind them, they’re unmovable kings.”

“Xiao Sect and Ruo Tian Men’s branches?” Yun Che tapped his jaw. He understood—these were nominally branches, but in reality, the most gifted were exiled to the outer ranks due to low status, not the discarded Xiao family.

“Still, our New Moon Sect isn’t easy prey,” Summer Yuanba patted his chest, unhappily. “Though five years ago that banquet cost us our dignity, that was then. Now we have many talents—we’re no longer weak… Ah, brother, meet Li Wu Hao. Seventeen, already at the third level of the Profound Realm. He inherited family arts—extremely gifted.”

“The one in white over there is stronger. I think he’s named Xu Ao Ran. Eighteen, already at the fifth level of the Profound Realm! Both are our peers. But our sect’s strongest aren’t them—it’s Murong Ni and Xue Ru Nü, our two recognized geniuses. Tonight’s banquet, the elders will bring them. With them here, we won’t suffer like five years ago…”

Summer Yuanba’s voice faltered. Ahead, a young man in white robes and a girl in a snow coat walked side by side. The man, perhaps eighteen or nineteen, was strikingly handsome—tall, refined, with a face like jade, the kind that could make any young woman swoon.

The girl beside him was even more breathtaking. She seemed the same age, with deep, longing eyes and cherry lips, elegant eyebrows like a crescent moon. Most enchanting was her faint smile—warm and inviting, like incense carried on the wind. Her snow-white neck and flowing form gave her an ethereal grace, as if a princess from the royal palace herself.

They moved like characters from a painting, their arrival stealing all attention. The young man spoke softly to the girl, glancing at her reactions. She smiled warmly, saying nothing. Her gentle step seemed to float like a fairy dancing in flowing robes, her flawless neck radiating noble elegance.

“How beautiful,” Yun Che murmured. Though her beauty rivaled Summer Qingyue, none could match her. The subtle nobility she exuded was beyond Qingyue’s reach. What struck Yun Che most was her calm eyes and serene expression. Beautiful girls like her usually carry some pride; his wife Qingyue was a prime example. Yet this girl was gentle, her gaze soft like water, her brows free of arrogance. That natural smile melted hearts instantly.

“Murong Ni, Xue Ru Nü!”

As Yun Che admired silently, Summer Yuanba pulled him forward.

“Murong? Xue Ru Nü? Ah, those must be the two I mentioned…” Yun Che thought.

“Brother Summer, shall you rest at the quarters?” The girl smiled, greeting Summer Yuanba. When her voice came—soft, melodious, pure—it sent a warm current through Yun Che’s ears into his heart. Close enough to see her eyes and smile, he felt their gentleness, their intoxicating softness.

The girl’s gaze then met Yun Che’s, curious. “Are you…?”

“Heh, he’s my brother-in-law. Just joined our sect today. We’re in the same group!” Summer Yuanba grinned. “Brother, these are Murong Ni and Xue Ru Nü—our two most outstanding peers. They’re truly exceptional.”

Yun Che stepped forward, smiling politely. “Brothers Ni and Nü, I’m Yun Che, newly arrived. Please look after me.”

Murong Ni bowed slightly, acknowledging him. His eyes lingered on Yun Che, then drifted away, his brows arched with disdain—clearly annoyed they’d interrupted his “two-person world” with Xue Ru Nü.

“Oh? You’re in our group too?” Xue Ru Nü examined Yun Che thoroughly, laughing. “You look young, yet you’ve already reached the Profound Realm. No wonder Si Kang Lao assigned you to our group. The girls in our group will be thrilled to have such a handsome junior. Be careful, junior. Hmm? Wait—you called me ‘brother’ just now. Are you already married?”

Before Yun Che could answer, Summer Yuanba beat him to it. “Yes, yes. My brother-in-law is only sixteen, but married half a year ago.”

“Oh… so Yun Shijun is just sixteen. Rushing into marriage so young—your bride must be beautiful,” Xue Ru Nü smiled.

“Haha… anyway, please look after me, brothers,” Yun Che felt awkward, then turned to Xue Ru Nü with a grin. “I suspect, Sister Nü, you’re not from around here, aren’t you?”

“Oh? How do you know?” She blinked her lovely eyes.

“Because New Moon City’s energy feels restless, the spiritual qi a bit turbid. It couldn’t nurture someone as refined and graceful as you.”

Xue Ru Nü paused, lips curving slightly. “Yun Shijun is not only good-looking but talented, and your tongue’s sweet. Too bad you’re already married, or Sister Nü might… hehe.”

It was clearly a playful jest, yet it drew a sharp glare from Murong Ni beside her.

Yun Che seemed oblivious, smiling warmly to Xue Ru Nü. “No trouble at all. My wife promised she won’t mind me finding other wives.”