Coming Out
They made their way out of the restaurant having indulged in a sumptuous feast at the base of the majestic Fungwan mountain, a meal so divine that, according to the whimsical beliefs of Xuan Yi, "one has never truly lived if they had not tasted these savory dishes." However one couldn't help but dismiss such a notion as a gross exaggeration.
As they strolled along the winding streets, their every step accompanied by curious and gossipy gazes, they encountered a multitude of individuals, some of whom, whether genuinely or skillfully feigning it, appeared delighted to lay eyes upon the long-absent Xuan Yi.
The evening sun had long since surrendered to the embrace of the night as they traversed the imposing barrier and gates that guarded the inner sanctum of the Xuan Sect residences.
The sight that greeted them was nothing short of resplendent, a sight even more enchanting and vibrant than before Xuan Yi left, mirroring the lively town beyond.
It was evident that the population had flourished, a phenomenon undoubtedly linked to the influence of the Mo Sect.
The presence of additional guards and sentinels further attested to this. However, Xuan Yi faced minimal restrictions, for he was a familiar presence to all who guarded these sacred grounds.
The atmosphere in this place crackled with a powerful energy, a fervor that was sustained by potent forces and boundless vitality.
The Xuan clan, an ancient lineage that had fortified these mountains and their surroundings for countless generations, had fashioned an impregnable stronghold that defied the whims of time. Its foundations were so deeply rooted that the mere thought of disintegration seemed preposterous.
Guiding Tian Wei towards his residence, nestled amidst the expansive base of the mountain, Xuan Yi led his companion through a landscape that exuded an aura of grandeur and serenity.
Perched delicately on the gentle slope of the mountain, the house claimed its place, a haven of coolness and perpetual caresses of a gentle breeze that graced its environs throughout the year. While its location may not have offered sweeping view of the surrounding landscape, were it not for the veil of low-lying clouds, one might have been treated to the breathtaking spectacle of the sun's radiant ascent on the distant eastern horizon.
Truly, Xuan Yi was privileged. He had reveled in the lap of opulence. His abode, a palatial residence, boasted not only the trappings of wealth, but also the presence of a retinue of servants, each with their own quarters and the meticulous arrangement of pavements adorned with resplendent flowers and delicate orchids.
The estate was a masterpiece of architectural prowess, adorned with intricately constructed shades and tranquil pools that breathed life into its very essence. To further enhance its allure, a river meandered gracefully at the rear edge of the residence, its flow punctuated by the cascading symphony of a magnificent waterfall.
In his own humble estimation, Xuan Yi considered himself to be of average means. However, it was not in comparison to the common folk that he measured his own station, but rather in the context of his esteemed clan's affluence and other powerful clans, a comparison that revealed the staggering wealth that graced their name.
But for Tian Wei, whose existence had been confined to the average inns of various towns, or even the cradle of the unfathomable depths of the sea for many years, or the cosmic currents of the boundless expanse of space, the concept of home had remained an elusive dream, an unattainable privilege. His home had been the void and dangers of space, the cold and weight of the sea, and the random inns, caves, and the open sky.
Thus, the mere prospect of finding solace within these hallowed walls was an extraordinary gift bestowed upon him.
With graceful gestures, Xuan Yi guided Tian Wei through the labyrinthine corridors of the residence, leading him to the room that would become his sanctuary, his refuge from the weariness of the world.
"Hitherto, this shall be your sanctuary," he declared with poetic elegance, as if invoking the very essence of the grand hall that enveloped them.
A bed, adorned with the finest silk beddings and a soft mattress, lay at the edge of the room. A cylindrical pillow, soft as a cloud, rested upon the low-lying bed. The bed invited their weary souls to find solace in its embrace.
"This bed has borne my weight for many days. May it carry your many more," Xuan Yi murmured.
He then seated himself upon a fine soft pillow next to the low table and breathed visibly.
As Tian Wei settled upon the cushioned seat, his gaze traversed the expanse of the room, his eyes taking in the details of the space. He was about to ask Xuan Yi where he was going to sleep seeing that he had given his bed to him, before the words were preemptively spoken, as if Xuan Yi could read the very thoughts within Tian Wei's mind.
"Don't worry, " Xuan Yi reassured. "I will sleep in the guest house on the side. I think it will be fitting for me too as a marker of a new start."
The duo had yet to encounter any esteemed figures from the sect, and Xuan Yi harbored no burning desire to hasten such encounters. He was well aware that meeting with these individuals often entailed a plethora of complications and entanglements.
Today, however, his sole desire was to surrender to the embrace of rest, to tend to the aching muscles that had borne the weight of their endeavors.
Later, Xuan Yi vowed to seek out Master Hai Du, to ascertain whether they had successfully brought Ming Wen. It seemed improbable that they had not escaped the clutches of the Wailing Mountain Tribe, for the display of Wan Dao's terror had surely ensured their liberation. He didn't expect that he would see the Longsword disciples though.
Tian Wei felt a sense of belonging, a deep comfort that enveloped him. Though his initial meeting with Xuan Yi had been rocky, their shared experiences had brought them closer, and he now considered Xuan Yi a true friend.
His heart, once a dormant ember, now blazed with an intense devotion for this singular soul, the one person for whom he would willingly lay down his life and shield from harm. He had found his soul mate.
The mere thought of anyone daring to inflict even the slightest injury upon Xuan Yi ignited a fierce fire within Tian Wei, a fire that would consume the very foundations of the sect should the need arise. The mountains themselves, if they had not yet borne witness to the wrath of an immortal, would tremble in trepidation should they ever dare to provoke him.
Yet, Tian Wei was unaware that ancient sects and clans like Xuan Yi's were not to be underestimated. The true extent of their power lay concealed beneath a veil of subtlety, their might concealed by a deceptive facade. The power that was readily apparent was but a fraction of the immense force they held within their grasp.
As if challenging his unspoken vow, a distant tremor reverberated through the air, a blend of rattling and roaring that reached his ears. A low, purring rumble, faint yet discernible to his heightened senses. It resonated with an ancient aura, evoking a terror that was similar to what they had encountered in the island realm.
[
Hello,
There you go: the last of the "Coming Out" chapters.
I would like to recommend a song. It is a fitting choice for this moment:
"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
]