5 Inroductions II

"May I have your attention again, please," Xue Mingyu's voice resounded through the grand hall, commanding the disciples and elders to focus their gaze on her. "I kindly request that everyone except Yue Xuan and myself leave the hall. We have matters to discuss that require privacy."

Reluctantly, the disciples and elders began to disperse, their curious glances lingering on Yue Xuan before they departed. Soon, the grand hall emptied, leaving only Xue Mingyu and Yue Xuan standing in its vast expanse.

Yue Xuan turned his attention to the Matriarch, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Matriarch, I have been wondering about the nature of the Forbidden Lotus Sect. Could you enlighten me?"

Xue Mingyu's composure faltered for a moment, her delicate features betraying a hint of nervousness. She composed herself before responding, "Yue Xuan, the Forbidden Lotus Sect is a dual cultivation sect."

She held her breath, waiting for his reaction, uncertain of how he would receive the revelation. Dual cultivation was a practice that involved the cultivation of both spiritual energy and physical intimacy, a path that was often met with mixed reactions and preconceived notions.

To her surprise, Yue Xuan remained calm and composed, his expression unfazed. His response was steady, devoid of judgment or hesitation. "I see. Every sect has its own unique practices and philosophies. I respect the traditions of the Forbidden Lotus Sect."

Xue Mingyu couldn't help but feel relieved by his open-mindedness. It was a pleasant surprise to witness his acceptance and understanding. The initial tension that had gripped her began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of admiration for the man before her.

With a smile that radiated gratitude, she said, "Yue Xuan, your understanding and acceptance are truly appreciated. It warms my heart to know that you are open to embracing the diverse ways of cultivation. It bodes well for our future endeavors together."

Now make them leave the grand hall. Then they are met by the elders outside, whom are not happy with the sudden announcement. They then protest to it, upon which the matriarch get's mad and makes it so they can't refute. Then the elders ask where he will be staying to which the matriarch replies that he will be staying in the Silver Lotus Pavillion, to which the elders lose it and demand he stays in with the outer court disciples ngering the matriarch further. She then makes a concession allowing him to stay at the north wing of the sect in a lone building.

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As Yue Xuan and the Matriarch stepped out of the grand hall, they were met with a group of disgruntled elders. Their faces bore expressions of surprise, irritation, and even anger. They wasted no time in voicing their protests.

"What is the meaning of this, Matriarch? How can you simply announce the induction of an outsider as an elder without any prior discussion or agreement?" Elder Zhang, a stern-looking man, demanded.

Matriarch Xue Mingyu's eyes flashed with determination as she responded firmly, "I have made my decision, and it is final. Yue Xuan has shown exceptional potential and possesses valuable knowledge and skills that can benefit our sect."

The elders continued to argue, raising their voices in protest. However, the Matriarch's patience wore thin, and her voice rang out with authority. "Enough! I am the Matriarch, and my word is law within this sect. You will respect my decision and abide by it."

Slightly taken aback by her firmness, the elders reluctantly fell silent. Sensing their growing discontent, Matriarch Xue Mingyu added, "Yue Xuan will be staying in the Silver Lotus Pavilion."

The announcement triggered an uproar among the elders. They clamored and voiced their objections, demanding that Yue Xuan be placed with the outer court disciples instead.

The Matriarch's brows furrowed, her voice tinged with frustration. "You dare question my authority? Fine. If that is your demand, Yue Xuan shall stay at the north wing of the sect in a separate building."

Though not entirely satisfied, the elders grudgingly accepted the concession, knowing they had pushed the Matriarch to her limit. With that settled, they dispersed, leaving Yue Xuan and the Matriarch alone to proceed to his new residence.

As they walked along the path towards Yue Xuan's new residence, Matriarch Xue Mingyu couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. "Yue Xuan, I apologize for the state of this building. It may not be as grand as the others, but I assure you, it is the best we can provide at the moment."

Yue Xuan smiled warmly, reassuring her, "Matriarch, there's no need to apologize. You have already shown me great kindness by offering me a place to stay. I am grateful for your generosity."

They approached the large, dilapidated building situated on the raised stone platform. Its weathered walls and crumbling pillars spoke of its age and neglect. Surrounded by the sect's walls and built on a small hill, it stood somewhat isolated from the main areas of the sect.

Yue Xuan surveyed the surroundings and nodded. "It may not be luxurious, but it has its charm. I appreciate the solitude and quietness it offers."

Matriarch Xue Mingyu couldn't hide her surprise at his response. She had expected him to be disappointed or dissatisfied with the modest accommodation. Instead, his serene acceptance left her pleasantly surprised.

"I'm glad you feel that way," she replied, her voice tinged with relief. "If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to let me know. I will make sure you are taken care of."

Yue Xuan bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Matriarch. Your kindness is more than enough."

With that, they entered the old building.

Inside the building, Yue Xuan was greeted by a spacious but sparsely furnished room. The worn wooden floor creaked beneath his steps as he explored his new surroundings. The room had a simple bed, a small table, and a dusty bookshelf with a few ancient texts. The air was musty, and the faint scent of aged parchment lingered in the air.

Matriarch Xue Mingyu followed him inside, her eyes filled with concern. "I apologize for the lack of comfort, Yue Xuan. We will do our best to improve the conditions here for you."

Yue Xuan turned to her, his gaze warm and understanding. "Matriarch, please do not worry. This humble abode is more than enough for me. I appreciate your efforts."

The matriarch's eyes softened as she looked at him, a mixture of gratitude and admiration in her expression. She had expected him to feel disappointed or resentful, but his resilience and acceptance touched her deeply.

"I'm glad to hear that," she replied, her voice tinged with relief. "If there is anything you need, any arrangements or adjustments you require, please don't hesitate to inform me."

Yue Xuan nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Matriarch. Your support means a lot to me. For now, I will settle in and familiarize myself with this place."

Matriarch Xue Mingyu smiled warmly. "Very well. Take your time and make yourself at home. If you need anything, I am just a message away."

With a final bow of gratitude, Yue Xuan watched as the matriarch made her way out of the room, leaving him to his thoughts. As he stood alone in the quiet space, he contemplated the events that had led him here and the mysteries that surrounded his past.

alone in his room, Yue Xuan surveyed his surroundings. The sight of the worn-out furniture and dusty corners prompted a desire for tidiness. 'I guess, I might as well clean this place. It will definitely help me clear my head.'

With a determined expression, he resolved to clean the humble abode that had been assigned to him within the sect.

He rolled up his sleeves and set to work, sweeping away the dust that had settled on the wooden floors. His hands moved with purpose, clearing away the clutter that had accumulated over time. As he diligently cleaned each nook and cranny, his mind drifted to thoughts of cultivation.

He pondered the cultivation techniques he had learned in the celestial realm, considering how to adapt them to this mortal realm. Although his cultivation had been temporarily lowered due to the damage inflicted upon his dantians, he knew that he possessed the knowledge and determination to regain his former strength.

With a broom in hand, Yue Xuan continued his cleaning, his mind consumed with thoughts of refining his qi and channeling his energy. He swept away not just the physical dirt, but also the metaphorical obstacles that stood in his path.

As the day slowly transitioned into night, the room took on a renewed sense of order and cleanliness. Yue Xuan stood back, admiring his efforts and feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him. The physical act of cleaning had brought a sense of clarity to his mind, allowing him to focus on the cultivation path that lay ahead.

"I suppose it's time to put the Celestial Moonlight Technique into practice," Yue Xuan murmured to himself, his gaze focused and determined. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, he carefully crossed his legs, assuming the lotus position.

As he closed his eyes, a serene calmness washed over him. The knowledge of the Celestial Moonlight Technique resided within his mind, as if imprinted in his very being. It felt as though he had performed this cultivation countless times before, it was just like the system had said.

With each breath he took, his body relaxed, and his consciousness delved deeper into the mystical realm of cultivation. The room became suffused with a gentle aura, a hazy luminescence that resonated with the power of the moon.

As his focus intensified, five small moons materialized above his head, radiating a soft, ethereal glow. They hovered in perfect alignment, casting a subtle shimmering light upon his form. The moonglow enveloped him, as if a celestial blessing bestowed upon him from the heavens themselves.

Yue Xuan's body seemed to merge with the moonlight, his inner energy responding to the celestial energy flowing through him. With each passing moment, he harmonized his breath with the rhythm of the moons, drawing upon their mystical essence.

In this state of deep concentration, he visualized the intricate movements and intricate energy flow described in the Celestial Moonlight Technique. His mind and body synchronized, as if he were dancing with the moonlight itself, becoming one with the celestial forces surrounding him.

As he continued to cultivate, his aura grew more refined, his inner energy expanding and purifying. He could sense the dormant power within him awakening, gradually ascending to higher realms. The room became filled with a serene ambiance, as if the very essence of the moon had descended upon this humble space.

Time seemed to lose its meaning as Yue Xuan immersed himself in his cultivation practice. His focus was unwavering, his determination unyielding. He knew that this was just the beginning of his journey, but he embraced it with open arms, eager to reclaim his celestial heritage and forge a new destiny.

In the quiet solitude of his room, bathed in the gentle moonlight, Yue Xuan continued his cultivation, delving deeper into the realms of the Celestial Moonlight Technique. With each passing moment, his connection to the celestial forces strengthened.