In the days following the commotion stirred by his return, Lin Mu found a mont of peace.
Though the elders continued to debate the significance of his 111 trials and whispered about Daoist Star Slayer's appearance, Lin Mu quietly stepped away from the center of attention. He had no desire to dwell in accolades or bask in awe-filled stares. His path had grown longer, and his responsibilities heavier.
Instead, he chose to spend his ti where it truly mattered—reuniting with his people.
It was just past dusk when he arrived at the Jade Echo Retreat on the residential peak of the sect.
And waiting there, as promised, were the ones who had stayed behind.
"Lin Mu!"
ng Bai was the first to rise, his grin wide and his eyes gleaming. Daoist Chu followed close behind, and soon after, there was a flurry of movent.
A hiss echoed as two serpentine shadows darted toward Lin Mu—Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang. The twin snakes coiled affectionately around his arms and shoulders, their white and black scales glinting under the twilight sky. Xiao Yin flicked her tongue against his cheek while Xiao Yang coiled snugly around his wrist, humming with warmth.
"You're back Master!" They hissed.
Ashy, the little bird, swooped down from the rafters above, letting out a proud chirp before landing squarely on Lin Mu's head.
"You took soooo long!"
And then ca a joyous ow.
"Masterrrrrrrr!"
Little Shrubby barreled into Lin Mu like a ball of fluff and strength combined, nearly knocking him over as he tackled him into a hug.
Lin Mu let out a laugh—a rare, clear sound of genuine joy.
"I missed you all too," he said as he patted each of them.
"I thought you were gonna co out looking ancient and with a long beard," ng Bai teased as they sat around the low table. "Instead, you still look like the sa handso master."
Daoist Chu chuckled. "We were starting to place bets on whether you'd ever co back at all. Three years is a long ti."
Lin Mu raised a brow. "It felt like much longer inside. But I suppose in the outside world, it passed in a bit faster."
Dishes began to appear on the table—simple but well-prepared fare. Little Shrubby had spared no effort in making the al. Brоught tо yоu by thе fоlks аt
A large clay pot of Immortal beast stew bubbled at the center, accompanied by fluffy Immortal long grain rice, wild pickled immortal herbs, and honeyed lotus petals.
Ashy helped herself to a roasted spirit locust while Little Shrubby greedily dug into a plate of glazed Immortal at ribs. The Twins slurped up what looked like blood jelly, enjoying it a lot.
They ate together, laughter and warmth slowly filling the air like incense.
Lin Mu, with gentle nudges from his companions, eventually shared what he could about the trials. He spoke of the endless dark, the emotional illusions, the formless sword phantom, the debate of philosophy, and the final empty plane where he attained the Sword Heart.
He didn't go into every trial—there were simply too many—but each story left ng Bai and Daoist Chu in awe.
"Wait, you actually debated soone in the sword path?" ng Bai blinked. "With words?"
"And each sentence turned into a sword strike," Lin Mu said, sipping calmly from his teacup.
Daoist Chu rubbed his temple. "You've truly left most in this generation in the dust."
"I just followed the path to the end," Lin Mu said, though his tone was quiet, almost distant.
After a mont, he leaned back and asked, "So… what happened while I was gone?"
ng Bai exchanged a glance with Daoist Chu, then shrugged.
"Honestly? Not much," he said. "The sect's been stable. There were a few internal duels and so minor skirmishes outside with other sects, but nothing major."
"What about the Ephera Sect? Any activities from them?" Lin Mu asked.
It was the part he had been most concerned about being gone for three years.
"nothing. I've been keeping tabs on them and High Elder Gu Jin has also been investigating it with the Sect's Disciples, but they all seem to have gone into hiding." Daoist Chu answered.
"Hmm... Perhaps they're biding their ti." Lin Mu muttered before looking at Daoist Chu. "And what did you do all this ti?" he asked next.
"I've mostly been cultivating," Daoist Chu added. "Guiding a few junior disciples here and there. But we made sure your room was maintained. We knew you'd co back."
"And I've been improving too!" ng Bai said, almost proudly. "I've gotten really deep into advanced formation theory. The elders of the Formation Hall even invited to help reinforce so of the outer defensive networks. They said I'm getting close to the proficiency of a Formation Grandmaster."
"Your cultivation?" Lin Mu asked.
"Peak Dao Shell," ng Bai answered. "I've already ford expanded my shell to ten ters, and I can feel the embryo wanting to take shape. I think I might be able to form my Dao Embryo soon, if I just get the right enlightennt."
"You've grown fast," Lin Mu said with approval.
ng Bai rubbed the back of his neck, grinning. "I've also been sparring a lot. The Xian Sword Sect disciples are intense, but it's helped grow. I haven't fought you for a while, but… I can probably last a few more exchanges now."
"Probably," Lin Mu smirked.
Little Shrubby raised his paw. " too! I got stronger! Look, look—my fire can be blue now!"
The little beast let out a puff of bright azure fla from his mouth, singing a patch of grass.
Lin Mu smiled warmly. "You're all growing. That's good. I'm proud of all of you."
They lapsed into silence for a while, the al continuing under a starlit sky. The bond between them, forged through fire, tribulation, and shared mories, remained unbroken despite the long separation.
And for the first ti in three long years, Lin Mu allowed himself to breathe—truly breathe—not as a cultivator burdened by trials, but as a friend, a brother, and a senior.
Even as the future lood with greater challenges—he knew one thing for certain.
He was not alone.
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