Chapter 734: Longing for Someone

Translator: Timothy_ Editor: GlobeGlotter

Ice Lake, demoted from special grade sect status after the last sect tournament due to internal conflicts, now bordered on third-grade status. Recently, however, it gained notoriety through the recruitment of a genius disciple, Mu Xiaoyun. Their fame stemmed largely from Yun Ziyi, the Magical Merchant Association's representative, who frequently visited Ice Lake and befriended Ji Yilan and Mu Xiaoyun.

People envied the close relationship between Ice Lake and the Magical Merchant Association, recognizing that many vital resources were beyond monetary purchase. Most believed Yun Ziyi’s proximity to Ice Lake was due to Mu Xiaoyun, whose presence brought exceptional fortune to the sect.

Mu Xiaoyun was a level one talent and strikingly beautiful. Mo Ying, her companion at Hang Shui, was largely forgotten; few considered him worthy of such a divine genius.

The Ice Lake, the sect's emblem, reflected a solitary figure. A blue-clad woman stood atop the highest nearby rock, gazing into the distance.

Her husband had promised to return within six months, yet three years had passed. Three years ago, she searched for him daily, but to no avail. Only his instruction to wait at Ice Lake prevented her departure.

“Husband, I’ve reached Chi Gathering stage 3, why haven’t you returned?” Mu Xiaoyun murmured.

Ji Yilan approached, sighing. “Martial Sister Xiaoyun, let’s go back. Sister Ziyi brought invitations to the hidden sects martial arts tournament.”

Ji Yilan was exasperated. Despite repeated attempts to dissuade Mu Xiaoyun, she remained steadfast, spending countless hours each day waiting at the rock, regardless of the weather. Two footprints marked her constant vigil. Had she dedicated that time to cultivation, she'd be earth level; instead, she was at black level peak, stage 6 in the Star Rain cultivation method, surpassing even Ji Yilan's stage 5.

Mu Xiaoyun, startled, replied slowly, “Martial Sister Yilan, I don’t want to go. You go.” She returned to her former residence with Ye Mo, a place she hadn’t left in two years. Despite Ji Yilan and Grandma's concern, Mu Xiaoyun's exceptional talent allowed her to reach black stage peak with minimal cultivation. They could only acquiesce.

Worried, Ji Yilan insisted, “Martial Sister Xiaoyun, you must go! These invitations are rare; our sect only received one, but Sister Ziyi secured several more.”

Confused, Mu Xiaoyun looked back. “Sister Yilan, Husband told me to wait. What if he can’t find me? Besides, I dislike such events; why must I attend?”

“Martial Sister Xiaoyun, the grade three to grade two sect-ascending Tournament is one year away. Participants must be under 30. You’re our key asset; you must go,” Ji Yilan explained.

Mu Xiaoyun conceded, “I’ll go to the tournament, but not the hidden sects martial arts tournament. I’ll wait for my husband here.”

“The hidden sects martial arts tournament helps third-grade sects ascend. It fosters understanding and allows contestants to learn from one another, sharing cultivation experiences. One can't cultivate in isolation,” Ji Yilan argued. Pausing, she added, “You must go to Chan City to register for next year's tournament. Even if you skip this one, personal registration is required.”

“Okay, but my husband—” Mu Xiaoyun began, but Ji Yilan interrupted.

“Don’t worry. I told Grandma; if your husband returns, she'll immediately notify you via messenger hawks. You can return anytime.”

“No need. Just tell him where I am. He’ll find me,” Mu Xiaoyun insisted, confident her husband had a valid reason for his absence.

Chan City, the hidden sects' largest city, mirrored Hang Shui City, situated at the hidden sects' center. This martial arts tournament, focusing on younger generations, created a bustling atmosphere. Guarded by numerous great heaven masters, Chan City was immune to trouble.

Upon their arrival, Mu Xiaoyun and the others found accommodation scarce and expensive. However, Ice Lake disciples had pre-arranged lodging; the Magical Merchant Association's headquarters were in Chan City.

After settling in, Ji Yilan visited Mu Xiaoyun, finding her lost in thought. “Xiaoyun, let’s walk. It’s better than staying indoors all day.”

Mu Xiaoyun reminisced about her time in Hang Shui City, recalling her husband's nighttime flights and shared shopping trips. She yearned for his presence, but lacked interest in accompanying Ji Yilan.

“Sorry, Martial Sister Yilan, I’ll stay here.”

For days, Mu Xiaoyun remained indoors, except for registration. On the third day, as the hidden sects martial arts tournament commenced, Yun Ziyi rushed to Mu Xiaoyun. “Martial Sister Xiaoyun, I think I saw your husband.”