celebration

### The Celebration

The festival was in full swing, with lanterns glowing warmly against the night sky and laughter echoing throughout the celebration grounds. **Xiao Ling**, now 21, stood among her fellow Cloud Knights, a bright smile on her face as she enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and comrades. The air was thick with the scent of delicious food, and the sound of music filled the atmosphere, creating a festive and joyful ambiance.

### Chen and Jiang Tao

**Chen**, a spirited young woman with short, dark hair and a mischievous glint in her eyes, nudged **Jiang Tao**, a tall and earnest young man with a kind smile. They both shared a glance, knowing that the weight of what they were about to discuss loomed heavy in the air.

"Do you think we should tell her?" **Chen** asked quietly, her voice almost drowned out by the revelry around them.

**Jiang Tao** sighed, staring up at the stars twinkling brightly in the clear sky. "I don't know. She's so happy right now. Do we really want to ruin this moment?"

### The Dilemma

The two friends had been debating the matter for weeks now. They both knew about **Li Wei**—Xiao Ling's brother—and the devastation he had caused on the Murim world. It was a truth they had learned from their parents, and it weighed heavily on their hearts.

"Do you think she deserves to know?" **Chen** continued, her eyes still fixed on the stars. "What if he comes after her next? What if he's planning to do the same to Xianzhou?"

Jiang Tao nodded slowly, acknowledging the concern. "She's strong, but this isn't just about her ability to fight. It's her brother we're talking about. She needs to be prepared."

### A Difficult Decision

After a moment of silence, **Chen** spoke up again. "I just can't shake the feeling that keeping this from her is a betrayal. She has a right to know what's out there, especially when it involves her family."

**Jiang Tao** finally turned to her, his expression serious. "So, we tell her. But we have to be careful how we approach this. She might not take it well."

"Let's find her," **Chen** said resolutely, pushing herself up from the grass. "We can't let this linger. It's better she hears it from us than from someone else… or finds out in the worst way possible."

### Finding Xiao Ling

They made their way back to the celebration, weaving through the throngs of jubilant Cloud Knights and townsfolk. It didn't take long to spot **Xiao Ling**, her laughter ringing out as she shared stories with her comrades, her eyes bright with joy.

"Xiao Ling!" **Chen** called out, catching her attention.

As **Xiao Ling** turned to them, her smile faltered slightly at the serious expressions on her friends' faces. "What's wrong?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.

**Jiang Tao** stepped forward, taking a deep breath. "Can we talk? It's important."

Xiao Ling's brows furrowed, the lighthearted atmosphere shifting as she sensed the gravity of their tone. "Sure. What is it?"

### The Revelation

As they stepped away from the festivities, under the shimmering stars, **Chen** and **Jiang Tao** prepared to share the burden of truth. They knew it was going to change everything for **Xiao Ling**—that this revelation could shatter her world.

"Xiao Ling," **Jiang Tao** began, looking her in the eyes, "there's something we need to tell you about your brother, Li Wei…"

As the words hung in the air, the weight of the past threatened to collide with the hopeful present, setting the stage for a confrontation with truths long buried and emotions long restrained.

### The Decision to Wait

As **Jiang Tao** and **Chen** stood there, watching the flickering stars overhead, they exchanged glances, their hearts heavy with the unspoken truth about **Li Wei**.

"I don't want to ruin her happiness," **Jiang Tao** finally admitted, his voice low. "Maybe we should hold off for now."

**Chen** nodded, though her expression remained troubled. "You're right. We can't just drop a bombshell on her like that, especially not tonight. She deserves to enjoy this moment."

**Xiao Ling**, sensing the tension in the air, looked back and forth between her friends. "Is everything okay? You two seem… off."

### Putting on a Brave Face

"Of course! Just enjoying the festival," **Chen** quickly replied, forcing a bright smile onto her face. "Let's go join the others! We can't let them have all the fun without us!"

**Xiao Ling** seemed unconvinced but followed her friends as they returned to the celebration. They blended back into the jubilant crowd, where laughter and cheers filled the air, and for a moment, they were able to escape the weight of their secret.

### Celebrating Under the Stars

As the festivities continued, **Xiao Ling** immersed herself in the joy surrounding her. She danced with her comrades, shared stories of battles fought, and celebrated the bonds forged within the ranks of the Cloud Knights.

But in the back of **Jiang Tao** and **Chen's** minds lingered the knowledge they had decided to withhold. The thought of **Li Wei**, of what he had done and what that meant for **Xiao Ling**, hung like a shadow over their hearts.

### The Future Ahead

As the night wore on and the stars twinkled above, they couldn't shake the feeling that the time would come when they would have to confront this truth. When they would have to tell **Xiao Ling** about her brother and the darkness that loomed beyond their world.

But for tonight, they would savor the joy of friendship and the celebration of their achievements as Cloud Knights, holding onto the hope that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.

And so, the festival continued, filled with laughter, music, and fleeting moments of happiness, even as a storm brewed quietly on the horizon.

### General Mei Lan's Speech

As the celebrations carried on, **General Mei Lan** stepped onto a raised platform, commanding the attention of the crowd with her authoritative presence. The revelry gradually hushed, and all eyes turned toward her, curiosity and respect etched on their faces.

"**Knights of the Cloud, fellow warriors, and honored guests!**" she began, her voice strong and clear, resonating through the gathering. "Today, we celebrate not just the graduation of our newest knights but the enduring spirit of our order!"

### Acknowledging the Graduates

She gestured towards **Xiao Ling** and her fellow recruits, pride evident in her gaze. "Each of you has faced countless challenges, pushing through trials that would break the weak. You have proven yourselves worthy, demonstrating courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to our cause!"

The crowd erupted in applause, cheers ringing out for the newly minted Cloud Knights. **Xiao Ling** beamed, feeling a rush of accomplishment and belonging.

### The Heart of a Knight

"Being a Cloud Knight is not merely a title," **General Mei Lan** continued, her tone becoming solemn. "It is a lifelong oath. You are protectors of the Xianzhou, warriors who uphold justice and safeguard the innocent. Remember, the path ahead will be fraught with challenges, but together, we stand unbroken."

She paused, letting her words sink in. The air was thick with anticipation as the audience absorbed the weight of her message.

### The Oath

"Now, let us solidify this bond! All knights, draw your swords!" At her command, the crowd erupted into action, blades glinting under the night sky.

"Repeat after me!" **General Mei Lan** called, her voice ringing out like a clarion call.

**General Mei Lan:** "As clouds that cover the heavens…"

**Crowd:** "As clouds that cover the heavens…"

**General Mei Lan:** "Will the knights protect the Xianzhou!"

**Crowd:** "Will the knights protect the Xianzhou!"

"Together, we vow to stand as one!"

"Together, we vow to stand as one!"

### The Final Note

With the oath echoed back to her, **General Mei Lan** smiled, satisfaction in her eyes. "Remember this moment, for you are now part of something greater than yourselves. Together, we will face whatever challenges come our way!"

The crowd erupted into cheers once again, the celebration renewed with a sense of purpose and unity. **Xiao Ling** felt a thrill run through her as she looked at her comrades, realizing that they were not just allies; they were family, ready to protect their world.

### A Night to Remember

As the festivities continued, laughter and excitement filled the air once more, the weight of responsibility mingling with the joy of camaraderie. The night felt alive with possibilities, and while uncertainty loomed in the distance, for now, the Cloud Knights were united in their strength and their shared oath to protect all they held dear.