11 Flight to Mount Reverence

The flight to Mount Reverence was longer than Xinyu expected. Who knew a day could be so long?

Atop the flying sword, Mudan and Xinyu passed by various terrains that ranged from lakes to forests and to mountains. Cities and people flashed by in a blur below.

As Xinyu stood on the flying sword behind a fearless Mudan, her knees grew weak several times, but she did not utter a single word. She had to refrain from looking down less she wanted her heart to burst to death. If she were to fall from such a height, her flesh and bones would be crushed senseless when it hit the ground.

Just the thought made Xinyu's stomach churn. She nibbled on some taro cake to settle the nauseating feeling.

When the Sun finally passed the highest point in the Sky, more and more people appeared in her peripheral view. They were all heading towards the same direction. All of them rode on their own unique flying devices. Some rode on a sword, some rode on canoes, and some even rode on clouds! Few rode on carriages and on animals several times bigger than their normal size.

Everyone seemed to be from different walks of life and of various ages. There were children who looked as though they had only lived for ten years, and there were some who looked around twenty years of age.

Some were dressed in fine robes embroidered with fancy designs while others in simple, scholarly robes. Few rode with a companion; most of those people were dressed in humble clothes but still stood proudly among those from a distinguished background.

They all flew together for quite some time. Eyes darted everywhere as everyone studied each other.

They would all be competing to become a disciple at the esteemed White Cloud Sect. Spots would be limited, and only the best of the best could enter. Those flying here would be noteworthy opponents, because if they did not have the ability, they would be traveling on land and would arrive at Mount Reverence on the day of the examination or with only a few days to spare at the most.

A few eyes landed on Xinyu but quickly moved on when they deemed she wasn't an opponent worthy of attention. This would have offended others, but Xinyu did not mind. She was never one for attention. Plus, she was not here to compete with them, she was here to do the biddings of Fate. Whatever he wanted her to do, Xinyu's measly existence would follow.

When the people's gazes went to the girl guiding the flying sword, however, their eyes almost popped out from their sockets.

In addition to being such a stunning beauty, Mudan was wearing the pale-blue White Cloud Sect uniform. What was a White Cloud Sect disciple doing here? Why was she helping a commoner?

Their hearts twisted with envy and disdain as their eyes traced back to the ordinary, freckle-faced girl.

What was so special about this girl? She couldn't even navigate her own flying device! They couldn't even sense an ounce of Qing energy from her. It either meant her cultivation level was far above theirs or that she didn't have any Qing energy; it should most likely be the latter!

They wanted to speak out, but they did not dare to offend Mudan. Even though they weren't aware of her background as the beloved daughter of the Immortal Liu House, they all believed they must leave a good impression on this White Cloud Sect disciple. If they managed to pass the examination, Mudan would be their senior!

With this in mind, they kept their mouth shut and shot daggers at Xinyu with their eyes.

Xinyu didn't notice their burning hatred. Her thoughts were solely focused on keeping her legs from shaking. No way was she gonna die disgracefully by falling off a flying sword!

Just a few hundred steps away from them, a young man looked at the two girls nonchalantly. His eyes were sharp and deep with handsome features. He wore a simple, black robe brandished with gold lining.

He stood on a carriage decorated with beaded tassels and lanterns as a majestic, winged horse pulled it along the clouds. At the door of the carriage was a sign; it read: Immortal Jun House.

The young man leaned toward the opening and whispered to the person inside the lavish carriage.

"Young Miss, Lady Mudan of the Immortal Liu House is riding with a girl. She seems to be a commoner," the young man said with a lowered head.

The person inside smiled. She looked around fourteen years old. Her face was as fair as jade. Long, straight hair as black as the night Sky draped down her graceful figure. She wore a lovely pink dress embroidered with spring lilies. Everything about her exuded innocence and youth, but the smile on her pouty lips did not reach her large, pearl-like eyes.

"Really now? This Liu Mudan dares to abandon me for a mere commoner?" Her voice jingled like bells. Despite her word choice, her tone was still very light. "I, Jun Lingzhu, will show her what a grave mistake she's made."

Her smile widened. It looked as if a flower had bloomed.

The young man did not reply and kept his head lowered.

As the Sun reached the halfway mark between noon and dusk, the air grew thicker and thicker with Qing energy. Simultaneously, everyone lowered their flying devices. Clouds cleared away to reveal the greatness of Mount Reverence. It stood with an imposing magnificence as evergreen trees climbed up to the peak that glowed white from the snow of this past winter.

Quickly, they descended down from the clouds and headed towards the city that resided just below the base of the mountain. As soon as the two companions arrived on land, Xinyu jumped off the flying sword.

It felt amazing to be on solid ground once again! She couldn't help releasing a sigh of relief. If she could, Xinyu would have hugged the Earth this very moment!

"How was the flight?" Mudan asked as her sword shrunk to its normal size and went back into its sheath. "You did quite well for someone who never rode on a flying sword before."

"It was doable," Xinyu said simply. Mudan did not need to know that she nearly died from a heart attack whilst the wind blew against the sword.

Unbeknownst to her though, Mudan wanted to laugh at this freckle-faced girl. Despite Xinyu's attempt to appear calm, Mudan could tell she was nervous during the whole flight! She could even feel Xinyu shaking, but didn't say anything as to not embarrass her.

"Mhmm," Mudan held in a smile and said no more before striding through the streets.

Xinyu naturally followed behind by three steps.