Chapter 64: A sudden task
In the backyard of the Great hanging Temple, elder Su paced anxiously, his footsteps echoing the turmoil in his heart. With each deep breath, he fought to steady himself, but the gnawing worry never left.
"Elder, please stay calm. I'm sure the sect leader will resolve this," one disciple urged, concern etched on their face.
"That's right, elder su. No matter how much they insist, I'm confident the sect leader will support you and Sister Su," another added, trying to reassure him.
Elder Su nodded, though doubt lingered in his mind. "True, the sect leader raised Yun-Yun since childhood." Yet, the fear of losing her clawed at him. Joining the supreme Moon Sect was a dream for many, but he could not entrust his daughter to anyone else. Yun-Yun was a prodigious talent in the Mist Sect, capable of remarkable achievements. Who knew if they would even give her the chance to shine there?
He gazed at the leader's hall, determination flickering within him. "I must act before they do."
Inside the meeting room, three venerable elders sat together, sipping tea as they awaited the sect leader. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Moments later, a man entered, draped in a flowing silk robe, his piercing eyes glimmering with wisdom. His pale complexion and neatly trimmed beard added to his commanding presence.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting," he said respectfully, settling into his seat.
"It's no problem. Please, don't trouble yourself. We came here unexpectedly," one elder replied, glancing at the leader's busy demeanor.
"Ha ha, thank you. This success is all thanks to the supreme Moon Sect," the leader said.
"Please, help yourself. It wouldn't feel right for only us to enjoy this exquisite tea," one master smiled, eager to share.
The sect leader rolled up his sleeves and poured himself a cup. "I was expecting your arrival. In fact, I received a letter mentioning our meeting."
One elder waved his hand, laughing lightly. "The sect leader is truly insightful. Even without knowing when we'd arrive, he awaited us. If I had known you were so eager, I would have come sooner!"
"Ha ha, indeed, brother. We've kept the sect leader waiting, and I feel quite ashamed," they continued, their camaraderie vibrant. The sect leader noted their banter with keen interest:
[I can gain an advantage here!]
Meanwhile, in the second hanging temple, elder Su rushed to the training ground. Every step was fueled by his desire to protect his only daughter. He was a sensitive man, unwilling to let any harm come to her, especially after losing his son on a mission to cleanse demonic beasts.
[I can't let those scoundrels from the Moon Sect take Yun-Yun from me too!]
He called out to a disciple and stood by the training hall door. The disciple bowed and hurried toward a girl among the inner disciples. Known as the "Goddess" among them, Su Yun had a sculpted figure and a delicate nose, as if crafted by the heavens. Her long raven hair flowed behind her, and her fierce determination shone in her large eyes whenever she wielded a weapon, captivating all around her.
"Senior Sister Su!! Senior Sister Su!!!"
Su Yun, her skin glistening with sweat and her cheeks flushed, turned toward the disciple.
[Wow, she truly is a goddess!]
The disciple quickly composed himself and delivered elder Su's message. Su Yun shook her head, a smile lighting her face.
[Oh my! She just smiled at me! The goddess smiled at me!]
With determined, graceful steps, she approached the wooden door to meet her father.
"Elder Su, this humble disciple sends you greetings!"
"Oh, Su Yun, my daughter. There's no need for such formality with your old father."
"As you wish, Father. What brings you here? I heard you're hosting guests from the supreme Moon Sect."
At the mention of the Moon Sect, Master Su's expression hardened.
"Su Yun, my daughter. You must leave the sect for a while to undertake a task."
Her eyes widened in surprise. This mission was unexpected, and receiving it directly from her father felt disconcerting.
"Father, may I ask if something has gone wrong?""
Master Su forced a laugh, attempting to mask his anxiety.
[This girl sees right through me, just like her late mother. But it's for her own good. I wish I could tell her to stay hidden until those masters leave. There's no other way... Forgive me, my daughter; I won't let them take you from me!]
"Ha ha, no, not really. Honestly, I'm just weary from work. When I learned you'd have to go on a mission, I decided to come deliver the message myself, both to see you and ease my own burden... if that's okay?"
Taken aback, Su Yun stepped back, her hands flailing. "No, no, no!!! Of course not, Father! Seeing you is my heart's desire."
She quickly composed herself, bowing deeply. "Please take care of your health, Father."
Faced with this moment, Elder Su felt tears prick at his eyes. He opened his arms and embraced her tightly. "Yun-Yun! You are this old man's greatest treasure!"
The inner disciples watching felt a wave of emotion wash over them, quickly averting their gaze. Realizing this, Su Yun flushed, stammering, "F...F...Father!! Please!!! They're watching us!"
But Master Su, lost in the joy of the moment, heard nothing.
[Yes, Yun-Yun, everything must be this way.]