Chapter 21: The Return to Dao Harmony Palace

Chapter 21: The Return to Dao Harmony Palace

The journey back to the Dao Harmony Palace was filled with a meditative silence, the events of Moonshadow Forest lingering in Xuan Yu's mind. He had left the villagers safe, their memories altered to shield them from the true horrors they had faced. Now, his focus was on the next steps, particularly the need to understand the strange dark energy that had culminated in the black pill resting within his World of Rebirth.

Upon reaching the sect grounds, Xuan Yu made his way directly to the Mission Hall. The grand hall was bustling with disciples, all engaged in their own tasks and missions. As he entered, several heads turned, whispers following his steps. His presence always commanded attention, but today, it was accompanied by an air of secrecy and urgency.

Approaching the Mission Hall's overseer, Elder Li, Xuan Yu offered a respectful bow. Elder Li, a stern but fair man, looked up from his scrolls with a curious glint in his eyes. "Xuan Yu, back so soon? I assume your mission was successful?"

"Yes, Elder Li," Xuan Yu replied calmly. "The villagers have been rescued and the rogue cultivators responsible have been dealt with. There were some complications, but nothing beyond control."

Elder Li nodded, making a note in his records. "Excellent work, as always. Is there anything else of note that should be reported?"

Xuan Yu shook his head, his expression neutral. "Nothing that needs further attention. The area is secure."

With the formalities concluded, Xuan Yu turned and left the hall, his thoughts already shifting to the next priority. He needed to see Ming Yue and inform her about the pressing matter at hand. As he approached his residence, he could sense her presence, a beacon of warmth and concern.

Ming Yue was tending to the plants in the garden though her expression was of worry and yearning. The moment she saw Xuan Yu, her eyes lit up with relief. She rushed to him, her hands reaching out to touch his arm, as if reassuring herself that he was indeed there.

"Xuan Yu, you're back!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of relief and worry. "I was so anxious when you didn't return two weeks. Are you alright?"

Xuan Yu smiled softly, his hand gently caressing her cheek. "I'm fine, Ming Yue. The mission was more complicated than anticipated, but everything is under control now."

They stood there for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. Ming Yue's worry melted into a soft smile, her eyes reflecting her love and trust. "Come inside," she said, pulling him towards their residence. "You must be exhausted."

Inside, the atmosphere was calm and serene, a stark contrast to the dark energies of the forest. They spent some quiet moments together, Ming Yue fussing over him, making sure he was comfortable and had something to eat. Her presence was a balm to his weary spirit, her love a source of strength.

After a while, Xuan Yu's expression turned serious. "Ming Yue, I need you to contact the Matriarchs and call them here immediately. There is something important that I need to discuss with them."

Ming Yue nodded, understanding the gravity of his request. She reached for a special jade token, an artifact that allowed direct communication with the Matriarchs. Holding it in her hand, she infused it with her Qi, sending out a silent call.

Within moments, three ethereal figures appeared, each radiating an aura of immense power and wisdom. They acknowledged Ming Yue with a nod before turning their attention to Xuan Yu.

"Xuan Yu," Matriarch Ye Ling said, her voice gentle but commanding. "What is so urgent that you have contacted us so abruptly?"

Xuan Yu looked at them and said, " I need you to come here immediately. This matter is important and can't be discussed like this."

All the three matriarchs nodded and the three ethereal figures dissipated.

After a while, the matriarchs arrived at the residence where Xuan Yu led them to the garden and Ming Yue brought some snacks and tea.

While Ming Yue was serving everyone the tea and snacks, Xuan Yu glanced at Yu Yan, who understood immediately. With a wave of her hand, she created an isolating barrier around them, ensuring their conversation would remain private. The air shimmered briefly before settling into a calm, impenetrable silence.

"Thank you, Matriarch," Xuan Yu began. "What I am about to tell you must remain within this circle. The mission to Moonshadow Forest was not just about rogue cultivators. There was a dark energy at play, something ancient and malevolent."

He narrated the events in detail, describing the sacrificial ritual, the dark energy core, and the subsequent battle. He also mentioned the black pill, a tangible manifestation of the dark energy that his World of Rebirth had absorbed. The Matriarchs listened intently, their expressions growing more grave with each revelation.

"Such dark energy is rare and dangerous," Matriarch Jian said thoughtfully. "For it to surface now is concerning."

Matriarch Ling nodded in agreement. "We must investigate this further. The origins of this energy and its implications could have far-reaching consequences."

Xuan Yu held up the black pill, its dark surface pulsing faintly with an inner light. "This is the result of the dark energy. It's contained for now, but I can sense its power. We need to understand it, to prepare for any future threats it might pose."

Matriarch Yu Yan extended her hand, examining the pill. "This will require careful study. We cannot afford to underestimate the potential dangers."

Matriarchs looked at each other and then, Yu Yan said, " Xuan Yu, we think that it's better for you to study the pill as you the knowledge that no one in this world could comprehend."

Xuan Yu then nodded accepting her statement.

Ming Yue, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "What should we do next? How can we ensure the safety of the sect and the villagers?"

Matriarch Ling smiled reassuringly at her. "We will take all necessary precautions. Xuan Yu, you have done well to bring this to our attention. We will begin our research immediately and keep this matter confidential."

Xuan Yu nodded, his resolve firm. "Thank you, Matriarchs. I will assist in any way I can."

With the discussion concluded, the Matriarchs dispelled the barrier and prepared to depart. "Rest for now, Xuan Yu," Matriarch Ye Ling advised. "You have done enough for today."

As the figures of Matriarchs faded, Xuan Yu turned to Ming Yue, who hugged him tightly. "I'm glad you're safe," she whispered. "

Xuan Yu held her close, and put all these events in the back of his mind and just relished in her comfortable hug.