With the departure of Boundless Martial Palace, the Tea Ceremony had effectively co to an end.
No one needed to announce it aloud. No elder had to strike a bell, and no host needed to declare the gathering closed. Everyone present understood the truth instinctively. Nothing else that happened today could possibly surpass what had already unfolded upon Heaven Dew Peak.
There had been fierce battles between rising geniuses. There had been the arrival of three major forces. There had been open confrontation between sect elders in front of countless witnesses. Huang Chen himself had descended. And at the center of every storm stood Li Yun.
Compared to all of that, any ordinary sparring match or refined tea discussion would only feel lifeless and dull.
Thus, disciples from every sect gradually began leaving Heaven Dew Peak.
The once lively summit, though still crowded, had already begun to empty. Broken stone pathways were now filled with departing figures. So stepped carefully around shattered pillars and deep cracks in the earth, while others continued speaking excitedly about the events they had just witnessed. Voices rose from every direction like a sea of astonished gossip.
"The Tea Ceremony this year will be rembered for decades."
"I still cannot believe Li Yun fought Xian Li and even exchanged fists with Huang Chen."
"That monster appeared from nowhere."
"If such a person rises fully, the Southern Martial Domain will not remain peaceful. I bet Li Yun will create even bigger storm at the Hidden Dragon Tournant three months from now."
Above the summit, the crystal flying boat of Ice God Valley was the first to move.
"Very well. Elder Shen, I hope to see the disciples of the Martial Ascension Gate do well in the Hidden Dragon Tournant this month." Elder Mu said as their boat began to move.
"I hope the sa for the disciples of the Ice God Valley as well." Peak Lord Shen Ming said smiling.
Cold mist swirled beneath the boat’s hull as ancient formations awakened one after another. Pale blue light shimred across the vessel while streams of frost qi spiraled through the air. Elder Mu stood at the front with her usual calm dignity, while the younger generation of Ice God Valley gathered behind her.
Among them stood Mu Lan.
Before the vessel fully departed, her gaze found Li Yun below. For only a brief mont, the chaos of the summit seed to fade around them. She gave him a slight nod, simple and restrained, yet carrying unmistakable aning. Gratitude remained there. So did quiet acknowledgnt.
Li Yun smiled and returned the gesture.
Then the crystal vessel rose into the sky, cutting through drifting clouds before vanishing into the distance.
Soon after, Peak Lord Shen Ming of Heaven Mandate Peak stepped to the edge of the Martial Ascension Gate flying boat and looked toward Li Yun below.
"Li Yun."
His voice descended clearly across the damaged summit.
"Co et later at the Boulder Inn."
Li Yun imdiately cupped his fists upward.
"This disciple understands."
Shen Ming gave a single nod.
The three Peak Lords then withdrew toward the center of the vessel. Sword qi began circling around the ship’s hull like protective dragons, and the massive flying boat slowly rose into the air before turning toward Sword Saint County. Monts later, it too disappeared beyond the skyline.
With both great forces gone, the oppressive pressure over Heaven Dew Peak finally vanished completely.
The air itself felt lighter. Many disciples unconsciously straightened their backs, only then realizing how suffocating the earlier tension had been.
Li Yun remained standing on the ruined summit for several breaths, gazing over the broken arena and the departing crowds. Then familiar voices reached him.
"Brother Li!"
Han Li strode over with Han Xue and Huo Ming beside him.
Han Li’s face was still flushed with excitent, as though the blood in his body had not yet cald from what he had witnessed.
"Today was unbelievable!"
He slapped Li Yun on the shoulder with enough force to stagger an ordinary man, though Li Yun naturally did not move at all.
"You fought Xian Li head-on and defeated him. Then you even exchanged fists with Huang Chen himself. He is 3rd rank genius in the Hidden Dragon Rankings and is one of the strongest geniuses of the Southern Martial Domain. I still feel like I am dreaming."
Han Xue’s beautiful eyes shone brightly as she looked at Li Yun.
"And that clash of pressure earlier..."
She shook her head in disbelief.
"Three cultivation arts at the thirteenth layer. Brother Li, exactly how many secrets are you hiding?"
Even Huo Ming, who was usually calr and more reserved than the siblings, let out a bitter laugh.
"I thought I had already overestimated you," he admitted. "Now I realize I was blind from beginning to end."
Li Yun only smiled lightly.
"I rely encountered so fortunate opportunities."
Han Li snorted imdiately.
"Good fortune does not let soone survive a punch from Huang Chen."
Han Xue laughed softly.
"Nor does it let soone anger Yan Luo so badly that she nearly started a war."
The four of them spoke while descending the damaged paths of Heaven Dew Peak together. Broken stone crunched beneath their feet. Fragnts of pavilions lined the road, while disciples from many sects secretly glanced toward Li Yun as they passed. Whispers followed him everywhere.
His fa had completely exploded after today.
So looked at him with admiration. So with envy. So with caution. So with fear. But no one looked at him with indifference anymore.
After so ti, Han Li’s expression grew slightly regretful.
"Our Burning Heaven Sect has matters to handle in Sword Saint County," he said. "We need to leave now."
Han Xue also nodded.
"We ca for the Tea Ceremony, but sect affairs cannot be delayed."
Huo Ming cupped his fist toward Li Yun with greater sincerity than before.
"Brother Li, I hope we et again soon."
Han Li grinned broadly.
"Next ti we et, do not beco even more terrifying. Leave so dignity for the rest of us."
Han Xue smiled warmly.
"Take care, Brother Li."
Li Yun cupped his fists toward all three of them.
"Travel safely."
The siblings and Huo Ming then turned onto another mountain path and gradually disappeared among the many departing disciples.
Li Yun watched them leave for a mont before lifting his gaze toward the distant city below.
Sword Saint County stretched beyond the mountain, prosperous and grand beneath the fading daylight. And sowhere within that vast city stood the Boulder Inn.
It was one of the most famous inns in the entire county, known as a gathering place for experts, wandering geniuses, sect representatives, rchants, and hidden figures from many lands. News, conflict, alliances, and opportunities often passed through its doors.
Since Peak Lord Shen Ming had asked to et him there, Li Yun naturally had no reason to delay.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Then he stepped forward and began making his way toward the Boulder Inn.
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