Xuan Yi basked in an overwhelming sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his weary shoulders. The arrival of the grand elder, from who knows where, seemed almost too perfectly timed, as if the universe itself had conspired in his favor.
Gratitude welled up within him, mingling with a weary sigh that escaped his lips. The terror of elder Tai's sword loomed over him like a dark cloud, and he doubted whether he possessed the agility to evade its deadly strike.
After all, elder Tai was a seasoned elder, having reached the Perfect Body phase. The gaping difference in strength between them, like the vast expanse between heaven and earth, seemed insurmountable.
Descending the mountain, Xuan Yi couldn't help but sigh, his footsteps heavy with contemplation. His mind was consumed by the mysterious energy that had surged through his body. It was a potent force, dense and powerful, that felt as though if he was even a little careless, it would rip his body into shreds. It felt both foreign and intimately familiar, a paradox he struggled to comprehend. Perhaps, he might ask Tian Wei.
However, the world around him seemed oblivious to his inner turmoil. The people and disciples who had gathered on the mountain were preoccupied with their own thoughts, still reeling from the aftermath of the chaotic clash. The stray energies that had unleashed havoc upon them lingered, leaving them nursing wounds, both physical and emotional. For many, this was an unprecedented conflict, the grandest spectacle they had ever witnessed.
The seasoned travelers among them knew all too well the devastating power that a mere Tempered Bone disciple could unleash upon the distant, unfortified villages scattered across thousands of miles. However, witnessing the formidable Mount Fungwan quiver and the very fabric of space threaten to rupture was a surreal experience that transcended the boundaries of their imagination.
Xuan Yi himself was not immune to these thoughts that swirled in everyone's mind. Following this experience, his worries multiplied, his questions multiplied, and with each passing moment, he was met with new surprises.
Did a formidable creature lurk within the depths of his homeland, just as it did in the island realm? And what were these beings, these creatures, that possessed such unimaginable power? He longed to meet the immortal Wan Dao, to seek answers to these burning questions. Yet, perhaps it would be wiser to seek enlightenment from his father.
But first and foremost, Xuan Yi's concern lay with Tian Wei. He had felt Tian Wei's breakthrough just before he himself had made his breakthrough
Similarly, Tian Wei felt the tremors of Xuan Yi's breakthrough and the imminent danger posed by the elder's attack. He would still have made it time to rescue Xuan Yi but he wasn't sure it was necessary. Whether it was because he clearly understood the strength of Xuan Yi or whether he was grossly overestimating Xuan Yi's was up for debate.
Tian Wei descended gracefully from his elevation, where he had hovered, overseeing the momentous collision that had just unfolded. Paying no mind to the wincing disciples and the curious gazes that followed his every move, Tian Wei strode purposefully through the courtyard.
Xuan Yi's servants were generally loyal and would not divulge information about his breakthrough especially when it felt so strange. The tale of his breakthrough would remain confined to whispers and clandestine discussions, shared only among the servants who resided within the sacred confines of the Light Pavilion.
Tian Wei found a tranquil resting spot, nestled in the front court of the house, where a serene pool and flourishing lotus flowers created an idyllic ambiance. It was designed for the purpose of savoring tea or indulging in a delightful outdoor feast.
The servants seamlessly resumed their duties as though the extraordinary events of the morning had never occurred. Swiftly and efficiently, they presented a sumptuous breakfast spread and an assortment of fruits to Tian Wei, who sat upon the raised platform.
Just as the first morsel was served, Xuan Yi came bearing a grin of achievement on his face.
Tian Wei was well aware of the profound sense of pride that surged within Xuan Yi as he surpassed several cycles, bypassing the fourth cycle of the Tempered Veins phase to enter the coveted realm of Tempered Bones.
Though Xuan Yi still remained a phase below Tian Wei, he couldn't help but bask in the glory of his own achievement. After all, he couldn't help but feel that Tian Wei had an unfair advantage, possessing an immortal soul that allowed him to effortlessly leap from the early stages of Tempered Bones to the realm of True Spirit.
He, on the other hand, had ascended a staggering ten cycles into the forth cycle of Tempered bones, a remarkable feat for a mere mortal.
Tian Wei only smiled back at him, giving him the approval look he sought. And Xuan Yi's grin widened.
Yet, amidst the facade of exultation, Tian Wei also saw the near imperceptible distress and worry on Xuan Yi's face. It was a minuscule flicker of worry that fought to break free from the confines of his triumphant grin.
Though Tian Wei couldn't quite put his finger on the source of Xuan Yi's distress, he sensed its presence, a shadow lurking in the depths of Xuan Yi's eyes.