Chapter 4: Echoes of Rumors and Revelations

Chapter 4: Echoes of Rumors and Revelations

Ming Yue closed the book she was reading and stretched, her slender fingers flexing gracefully. She decided it was time to check on her unexpected guest. With a soft rustle of her robes, she left the library and moved silently through her residence. She found Xuan Yu in a deep sleep, his breathing steady and calm. Satisfied that he was still resting, she adjusted her clothes and smoothed her hair before leaving her residence.

She made her way to the teleportation formation, her mind already shifting to the impending meeting. As she approached the formation, the operator looked up and awaited her command. "Harmony Peak," she said in a cold, authoritative voice that contrasted sharply with the gentleness she had shown Xuan Yu.

With a swish, she found herself standing in front of a grand entrance with a plaque that read "Harmony Peak." Unlike the Medicine Hall, which boasted three peaks, Harmony Peak was a single, massive peak. Despite its solitary nature, it was expansive, dominated by four majestic buildings. Three of these buildings served as the residences of the matriarchs, while the fourth was a grand ancient mansion where all important meetings took place. It was also the favored gathering place of the matriarchs.

As Ming Yue approached the grand ancient mansion which was called "Harmony Palace", she couldn't help but be amazed by its beauty and intricate design. Even though she had visited many times before, the exquisite details and mysterious aura of the palace never ceased to captivate her. The building seemed to breathe with ancient power, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and delicate paintings that told stories of the sect's long and illustrious history.

Entering the vast hall, Ming Yue immediately spotted the three matriarchs. The First Matriarch, Yu Yan, looked like an untouchable goddess. Her silver hair flowed gracefully down her back, and her gray eyes exuded a gentle, yet commanding aura. She sat poised, her demeanor calm and serene.

The Second Matriarch, Yin Mei, was a breathtaking beauty with a moderate figure. Her blond hair shimmered like gold, and her golden eyes sparkled with an inner light. She exuded confidence and charm, her presence vibrant and dynamic.

The Third Matriarch, Ye Ling, was incredibly beautiful, with an hourglass figure, black hair, and silver eyes that seemed to pierce through any facade. She had a playful yet intense aura, always ready to engage in a spirited debate or challenge.

The three matriarchs were engrossed in a game of chess, their attention only briefly diverted when Ming Yue entered. Ye Ling, who was watching the game with a keen eye, looked up first.

"Greetings, First Matriarch. Greetings, Second Matriarch. Greetings, Third Matriarch," Ming Yue said, bowing respectfully.

The matriarchs nodded in acknowledgment. Ye Ling, with her silver eyes gleaming with curiosity, spoke first. "Ming Yue, do you have any guesses why we called you here?"

Ming Yue met her gaze evenly. "I don't know the reason."

Yu Yan, the First Matriarch, who always had an ethereal and untouchable presence, chimed in, her voice soft yet firm. "Don't tell me you don't know."

Ming Yue's brow furrowed slightly. "What do I not know?"

Yin Mei, the Second Matriarch, spoke next, her golden eyes assessing Ming Yue carefully. "There's a rumor going around the sect that you've fallen for a man and brought him into the sect while carrying him."

Realization dawned upon Ming Yue. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding. "It is true that I brought an unconscious man into the sect. While I was collecting herbs in the Dark Forest, I heard an explosion from somewhere far away. When I reached the site, I found an unconscious man lying in a crater. I checked him and found he was unharmed except for some minor bruises, which shocked me as he was a mortal with no cultivation. So, I brought him with me instead of letting him get devoured by the beasts. As for the rumors, they aren't true. I am not naive and gullible enough to just fall for someone."

The matriarchs exchanged knowing glances. "We understand," they said simultaneously.

Yin Mei leaned forward slightly. "Ming Yue, what do you know about him?"

"Just that his name is Xuan Yu and he was in a place he couldn't leave. Besides that, he doesn't remember how he got here. He is asleep right now," Ming Yue replied.

Ye Ling's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Keep an eye on him and try to find out more about him. Whether you choose to keep him with you or not is up to you."

Yu Yan gave a gentle nod. "You can go back now, Ming Yue."

Ming Yue bowed again. "Thank you, Matriarchs."

She turned and left the hall, her mind a whirl of thoughts. As she exited Harmony Palace, the intricate designs and ethereal beauty of the building once again caught her eye, reminding her of the deep mysteries and powerful history contained within its walls.

Upon returning to her residence, she immediately went to check on Xuan Yu. She found him sitting beneath a tree in the garden, gazing at a book in his hands. The soft sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on his contemplative face. Ming Yue paused for a moment, watching him. There was something undeniably intriguing about this man who had appeared so mysteriously in her life.

While Ming Yue was returning, Xuan Yu was already awake.

Xuan Yu looked around the room and found no one. Then, he looked outside from the window and it was already night-time.

The moon was up in the sky with soft silvery glowing stars. This scene evoked the memories of him accompanying his dao companions... No... His wives. He already regretted that this realisation 'they were his wives instead of just dao companions' dawned upon him during his time in Garden Of Eternal Remorse not before.

He swore to himself he will reunite with them once again and redeem himself.

At this moment,

"You're awake," Ming Yue said, stepping closer.

Xuan Yu looked up, a faint smile on his lips. "Yes, and I feel much better. Thank you for taking care of me."

Ming Yue nodded, her expression softening slightly. "It's nothing. Do you remember anything new?"

Xuan Yu shook his head. "No, just bits and pieces. But I feel there's something important I need to remember."

Ming Yue studied him for a moment before speaking. "You can stay here until you recover fully. But know this: I have a duty to my sect and will not tolerate any deception. Be honest with me, and you will find me a friend."

Xuan Yu met her gaze, his eyes steady. "I have no reason to deceive you. I am grateful for your help, and I will do my best to repay your kindness."

Ming Yue gave a curt nod. "Very well. Rest now, and we'll talk more later."

As she turned to leave, Xuan Yu called out, "Ming Yue?"

She paused and looked back.

"Thank you," he said again, his voice sincere.

She gave him a brief smile before walking away, her mind already turning to the tasks at hand. The rumors might have been unfounded, but there was no denying that Xuan Yu's presence had already begun to ripple through the sect, and through her own life, in ways she had not anticipated.