The idea of reaching a realm where such things no longer swayed her… where she could live free from the weight of temptation… it was intoxicating.
Who wouldn't want that? To be above the petty struggles of mortal, to walk a path untouched by the world's most primal urges.
i hesitated, but the words finally left her lips, a whisper barely audible.
"Brother monk… can you teach the path of nature?"
Julian turned to her, his smirk softening into sothing more serious. For a brief mont, his eyes seed to pierce her soul, as if asuring the weight of her request.
"Do you understand what you ask, young i'er?" he said. "The path of nature is not just a martial art. It requires more than discipline. It requires self-mastery."
i's heart fluttered, but she nodded, determination igniting in her chest. She had seen many powerful cultivators in her life, but none who spoke with such calm and unshakable confidence.
"I understand," she replied, her voice firm now. "I am ready."
Julian's smile remained calm, but beneath the mask of the monk, his mind was already working in a different direction. A part of him was genuinely intrigued by this young woman.
She was ambitious, driven by sothing deeper than just the pursuit of power—she wanted freedom, immortality, and the ability to rise above earthly desires.
Julian found her determination fascinating. He could also sense the potential in her, a spark that could grow into sothing extraordinary.
And, of course, there were... other benefits to ntoring soone like her.....hmmm.
He laughed inwardly at the thought, the mischievous glint in his eyes glowing brighter. He had to remind himself to keep his focus, to maintain the monk's appearance.
With a slight chuckle, he turned back to her.
"That's good," he said, his voice taking on a slightly more serious edge.
"But rember, i'er, following this path requires more than simple willpower. It is not just about learning techniques or increasing strength. You must actively interconnect with —your ntor. Your body must be in union with mine. Only then can the true nature of the path reveal itself to you."
i's eyes widened, and for a mont, Julian could see the hesitation in her. The bond he was proposing was not a re teacher-student relationship, it was sothing more...sothing physical.
"Are you ready for it?" he asked, watching her reaction carefully.
i's breath hitched slightly. She hadn't expected him to be so direct, but there was sothing in his voice that made her heart beat faster.
This wasn't just a ntor speaking to her—this was a man who held the key to her ambitions, her desires, and her potential.
Her mind raced, but the determination in her eyes never wavered. "I am ready," she whispered.
Julian's smile deepened, and though he held back the full extent of his emotions, a flicker of satisfaction played in his eyes.
What Julian just did was nothing new—it was rely a refined version of a practice that was already deeply rooted in the world.
Faith and Religion.
The age-old act of guiding, manipulating, or even brainwashing people under the guise of righteousness and purpose. Hiding control in sacred words and noble ideals.
When a lone man like Julian does it, it seems twisted and manipulative. But scale it—have hundreds, thousands follow the sa belief, repeat the sa lines, submit to the sa structure—and suddenly, it wasn't manipulation.
It was a system. And the masses would call it holy. They would kneel to it, die for it and kill for it.
So Julian didn't feel the slightest guilt for coaxing the young lady. In his eyes, he wasn't stealing anything—he was trading. And besides, he really was in a position where he could give anything she longed for, be it power, purpose or even a status of god.
Maybe not the way she imagined it, but his way. That was enough.
As i's gaze still lingered on him with a mix of wonder and confusion, Luoshi and Feng returned, breaking the mont. Feng had a grin on his face, clearly pleased about sothing trivial, while Luoshi offered occasional glance at Julian.
They wandered through the rest of the market, the air filled with the scent of ats and incense. Once they passed through the outer gates of the city, Luoshi stopped and, without a word, brought out three swords.
"Are you capable of sword flight?" she asked curiously.
Julian gave a soft smile and nodded, "Yes, young miss."
Satisfied, Luoshi handed him one of the swords, then gave the remaining two to Feng and i. The three disciples channeled their Qi into the blades and the swords began to hover. Then, almost in sync, the three gracefully leapt onto their blades.
Julian's smile deepened. With a subtle gesture, he channeled a thread of his mana—not enough to give anything away, but just enough to mimic their flight. The sword beneath him responded instantly, lifting him into the air with perfect ease.
The three disciples watched him closely, trying to catch even a faintest hint of an unusual movent or qi—but Julian gave them nothing.
Luoshi narrowed her eyes. He's either extrely talented… or he really is a saint in disguise.
They soared through the skies, the wind brushing against their robes as the setting sun made everything mysterious and ethereal.
Below them, villages were scattered like cattle—so quiet and peaceful, others bustling with late market traffic. Occasionally, they crossed paths with other cultivators mid-flight, who passed by in colorful glow of their own power.
i silently stood on top of her sword, but her mind was anything but calm. Julian's voice repeated in her head—"Your body must be in union with mine. That is the way of nature." She bit her lower lip, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks.
Union... does that an... am I really going to... with brother monk?
She shook her head, trying to chase away the heat spreading down her neck. The image flashed shalessly in her mind—her body entangled with his, naked ad bare. She stiffened, eyes widening slightly as she forced herself straight.
No, she told herself. Not like that. That's not what this is.
Union, she reminded herself, wasn't about lust or desire. It was harmony. It was the sacred path beyond worldly restraints. She clenched her hands and slowed her breathing.
It's not about giving in to desire.
Still, the image of Julian—his tranquil smile, his silent strength—remained stubborn in her mind.
After an hour, Julian finally caught a sight of a towering peak piercing through the clouds. The mountain was majestic—wide at the base and smaller as it went upwards.
At various levels of the mountain, grand pavilions, temples, and grand pagodas stood, built directly into the rocky surfaces. The structures glowed faintly under formation arrays, giving the entire mountain a serene yet powerful aura.
Luoshi turned to him with a warm, proud smile. "Welco to the Heavenly Moon Sect."
Julian joined his palms and bowed slightly, his gaze still admiring the vast beauty before him. "It's beautiful here, young miss. Truly fitting for a sect of such renown."
Then, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "What might be the difference between the cities and structures placed at different heights on the mountain?"
Luoshi responded calmly, her voice carrying the tone of soone who had morized this lesson well.
"The lower regions of the mountain house the Outer Sect—those are disciples still in early stages of cultivation or new recruits. The middle levels are for the Inner Sect, where more promising and powerful disciples live and train. Finally, the peak of the mountain is reserved for the Sect Master and the Grand Elders. That area is the most sacred—entry is heavily restricted."
Julian nodded, taking everything in. His gaze narrowed as they soared closer to the mountain. Amidst the presence of many disciples, his senses locked onto a singular presence.
It was calm—unnaturally so—and held a kind of power that pressed faintly against the surrounding space. Unlike the flaring and excited aura of rising disciples or the heavy authority of elders, this aura was concealed, but imnse.
He focused harder, weaving his focus gently through the flow of energy around the mountain.
That person… that was the strongest one here.
At first glance, the aura belonged to a man. But Julian's eyes slowly sharpened.
No... sothing's off.
The fluctuations in qi, the subtle rhythm of breathing, even the slight softness hidden beneath the mask—it didn't add up.
Julian smirked faintly. "So this is your little ga, Heavenly Moon…"
Luoshi had said the Sect Leader stayed at the peak, hidden from view, revered like a legend. But the truth was far more curious.
That sa Sect Leader was right there, walking among the inner sect, disguised as just another male disciple. A woman cloaked in illusion, watching her disciples from up close.
They landed softly within the illuminated courtyards of the inner sect. Lanterns swayed gently in the wind, casting golden light over the tiled roofs and polished pavents.
Luoshi gave a quiet nod. "I'll report to the peak first," she said. "Rest well."
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