Cultivating with Top Enlightenment

Taoist Longshan was the first to step forward, followed by the hunched figure of Qin Yun. Everyone was initially startled, but upon seeing Taoist Longshan's expression, they gradually relaxed. Qin Yun looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar figures in front of him; tears instantly blurred his vision. He wanted to call out the names of his fellow senior brothers but felt as if something was caught in his throat.

A silhouette flashed over and pinched Qin Yun's ear:

"You sly old Ba! Have you grown wings? Sneaking out for years without a word. Do you think your third senior sister doesn't exist?"

Ye Qinghe huffed angrily, her eyes were a bit red, but her hands showed no mercy, applying considerable force, making Qin Yun grimace:

"Ah, easy, I was wrong, I'm wrong, senior sister! I'll never dare again!"

The sourness in everyone's hearts instantly dissipated, and all began laughing.

Song City laughed heartily beside them:

"Third senior sister, use more force! Otherwise, this brat won't remember!"

Qin Yun quickly pleaded for mercy, and Ye Qinghe finally let go after a while, standing with hands on hips, mockingly:

"Next time, I'll pinch off your ear!"

She looked Qin Yun over again, disdainful:

"I'll search for some exotic fruits to enhance your appearance when you return next time. You're so young yet look so old, walking out together, people might think you're my ancestor!"

Everybody erupted in laughter.

Qin Yun also smiled wryly.

Yet, he felt a warm glow in his heart, sensing the concern from his senior sister, alleviating much of his initial worries.

The atmosphere gradually quieted down.

Qin Yun took a deep breath, clasped his fists, and saluted his fellow senior brothers:

"Everything is Ba's fault; I am willing to take any punishment or scolding!"

Luo Wentian chuckled, patting his shoulder:

"It's good to have you back."

Everyone came forward, some patting his shoulder, some touching his head, some thumping his chest, and Jiang Baishan with slightly reddened eyes gave him a fierce hug.

Zhuang Chen and Li Ling just watched since Qin Yun had already descended the mountain before they joined, but they were also very pleased; it was a joyous occasion for True Martial Mountain.

Finally.

All eyes fell on Ning Qi.

Qin Yun didn't know when he became slightly nervous.

Ning Qi's lips curled slightly, revealing a gentle smile:

"Eighth senior brother, welcome home!"

Qin Yun teared up instantly.

He hastily wiped his eyes with his sleeve but couldn't stop the tears. During the years down the mountain, whenever he thought of True Martial Mountain, his deepest regrets were feeling like he had let down Taoist Longshan and Ning Qi, feeling he had failed to act as a senior brother.

As a senior brother, he should have protected his junior brothers, but he allowed jealousy to arise, which was so wrong.

Everyone felt deeply moved.

Sometimes, a single moment of difference can change the direction of one's life.

Qin Yun quietly said:

"Jiu, I have some things I want to say to you."

Ning Qi nodded.

The two walked side by side, heading towards the Scripture Pavilion.

Everyone exchanged glances; as they saw the disciples looking at themselves, Taoist Longshan just waved a hand:

"No matter, let the senior and junior talk alone."

Watching the backs of Ning Qi and Qin Yun, he sighed inwardly.

Some things need to be resolved by the two of them; otherwise, it remains a knot in the heart.

Ning Qi and Qin Yun walked side by side.

How many times had they walked this path before? But back then, Ning Qi sat on Qin Yun's shoulders, and now, Ning Qi had grown into a handsome young Taoist while Qin Yun had grown old.

"Unknowingly, Jiu, you've grown so much. I remember when I went down the mountain, you were only six." Qin Yun said in a low voice.

Ning Qi sighed:

"Indeed, time flies, and five years have passed."

Five years, a span that can be both short and long; sometimes a Celestial Human Realm secludes for more than five years, but to Ning Qi, it was indeed long. Back then, he was in the Inner Essence Realm, but now he could rival a Martial Saint, an unbelievable gap.

Unknowingly, the two had reached close to the Scripture Pavilion.

This now-expanded Scripture Pavilion was no longer as it was before.

Qin Yun looked up, his eyes complex:

"Jiu, the person who stopped me that night was you, wasn't it."

He referred to five years ago when his heart demon had emerged and he prepared to secretly invade the Seeking Tao Institute; he was stopped and awakened by Ning Qi's slap.

Initially, he always thought that person was the unknown foundational strength of True Martial Sect, but later, with True Man Tianjian's sudden emergence and Ning Qi's subsequent action, he finally connected the dots.

Ning Qi didn't deny it, slowly nodding, apologetically:

"That night, I didn't recognize you initially, which led to accidentally injuring you. Forgive me, eighth senior brother."

Qin Yun just smiled bitterly and shook his head:

"Ultimately, it was my fault. Jiu, if I hadn't given in to evil thoughts, none of this would've happened."

He solemnly apologized, bowing deeply.

Ning Qi sighed and helped him up:

"Eighth senior brother, it's all in the past; lingering in it bears no meaning. If we dwell deeply, I have my share of issues too. Let's move forward together and strive to elevate True Martial Sect to even greater heights!"

Qin Yun nodded vigorously.

Unknowingly, they arrived outside the Seeking Tao Institute, a place where Qin Yun was repelled without stepping outside the courtyard back then. But now the Institute was no longer as he remembered.

Surrounded by True Martial Peach Trees with delicate blossoms, as if in a dream; even in autumn, these now non-ordinary True Martial Peach Trees remained vibrant.