257: Chapter 265 Liu Yu's Farewell

Early the next morning, as the horizon just began to turn fish-belly white, the first rays of sunlight pierced through the light mist, dyeing the sky in a soft orange-pink. The rosy light spread across the bluestone road like brocade. Before the main gate of the Liu Family estate, the morning mist swirled like light gauze, and the air was filled with a crisp scent of vegetation, mingled with the fragrance of earth and the faint sorrow of parting, making the very air seem stagnant. Even the usually noisy birds lowered their voices at this moment, as if afraid to disturb this solemn moment of farewell. A few fallen leaves swirled in the wind, landing on the vermilion steps, adding a touch of tranquility and desolation, as if even heaven and earth were mourning this departure.

Liu Yu was dressed in a simple and elegant set of green robes. The fabric shimmered with a gentle luster in the morning light; though not extravagant, the cut was well-fitted, outlining her dignified figure. Her hair bun was unadorned by jewels, held in place only by a warm white jade hairpin. She lacked the stern majesty of a Family Head today, but her brow held a maternal warmth she couldn't hide, and faint bloodshot streaks in her eyes suggested she hadn't slept well last night. In her hand, she tightly gripped a command token as red as fire. The token appeared to be carved from rare thousand-year red jade, with faint light snaking across its surface as if it contained an eternal flame, emitting a scorching yet not biting fluctuation of spiritual power—a symbol of the Foundation accumulated by the Liu Family over centuries. She solemnly handed the token to Lu Yang, her fingertips trembling slightly at the moment of contact, as if entrusting him with a weight of a thousand pounds. Her eyes were full of trust and earnestness, even mixed with an imperceptible trace of reliance—it was a desperate gamble after fully entrusting her daughter's future and the Family's hope to him, the smoothest path she could pave for her daughter.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, this journey is long and will not be easy. This is the 'Blazing Flame Command,' passed down through generations of my Liu Family. Seeing this command is like seeing the Family Head herself. If you have any needs along the way, wherever my Liu Family's influence reaches, you may use this command to mobilize resources; none shall dare disobey." Liu Yu's voice was light, yet every word was clear, like a morning bell striking in the silent street, its echo rippling through the empty space before the gate with unquestionable authority. This generous gift, and the trust and weight it carried, was significant indeed—enough to make any Loose Cultivator green with envy or even invite fatal trouble. It showed the depth of her sincerity; she had already come to view Lu Yang as the Family's most solid ally.

Lu Yang's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of deep blue spiritual light flashing in his pupils as he saw the token's texture clearly. He reached out his long fingers to take the command token, feeling the warm spiritual power radiating from it—a temperature that seemed to penetrate the heart, carrying the residual warmth of Liu Yu's palm and her lingering spiritual power. He did not decline but accepted it naturally, his fingertips tracing the intricate flame patterns on the token. After sensing the vast power and exquisite Restrictions within and confirming everything was correct, he tucked it into his wide sleeve, placing it close to his body next to his Storage Pouch. He cupped his fists and spoke solemnly, his tone more serious than ever before: "I appreciate Family Head Liu's kindness. Since this command is both a token of trust and a responsibility, I will not be formal if the need arises in the future. I shall certainly do my utmost to assist, living up to this command and your trust."

Beside them, Liu Yan had long since finished her preparations. She wore a crisp set of misty-purple martial attire that outlined her slender yet powerful figure. The sword at her waist trembled slightly in the morning breeze, the gems on its scabbard refracting the morning light with a faint hum, making her look heroic and valiant—like a budding rose with thorns, beautiful yet resilient. However, her clear eyes remained fixed longingly on her mother as if she could never see enough of her. Her eyes shimmered with tears of reluctance, which she struggled to hold back so they wouldn't fall and ruin her makeup. Her eyes were slightly red, making her appear both pitiable and incredibly stubborn.

She took a few steps forward, no longer able to suppress the bitterness in her heart. She hugged Liu Yu tightly, burying her cheek in her mother's shoulder, her voice choking slightly with a hint of a tremor: "Mother, you must take care of yourself. Do not overwork yourself. Once your daughter has succeeded in her cultivation, I will surely return to honor you and never leave your side again."

Liu Yu gently patted her daughter's back. The warmth from her palm made her eyes redden, and her heart felt as if it were being squeezed, bringing waves of sorrow. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes appeared particularly clear at this moment. She took a deep breath, forcing down her reluctance, and said softly: "Silly child, the path of immortal cultivation is long and treacherous. Do not be distracted by personal feelings. With Fellow Daoist Lu looking after you, I am at ease. Go now, do not miss the hour. The road ahead is long; remember to stay safe. I will wait for you at home."

That majestic Blazing Crimson Sun Tiger also seemed to sense its master's low mood. Its massive body crouched low, its fur bristling slightly as it let out a low growl, a sound as muffled as thunder echoing before the empty gate. It nuzzled against Liu Yan affectionately, its rough tongue licking the back of her hand. Though it was a Yao Beast, it possessed human-like understanding. There was no fear of the long journey in its bell-like eyes; instead, they glinted with an eager excitement. Two streams of scorching white air puffed from its nostrils, causing the grass on the ground to wither. Its sharp claws scratched the ground, sending sparks flying from the bluestone with a piercing grinding sound, as if the unknown north was a new hunting ground waiting for it to conquer, to tear through all obstacles, and to protect its master's safety.

Just then, several powerful fluctuations of spiritual power faintly arrived from the distant horizon, like stones thrown into a calm lake, disturbing the morning's tranquility with a hint of prying malice. Although the fluctuations were subtle and intentionally hidden behind the clouds, they could not escape the sharp perception of the experts present. Liu Yu's expression turned cold instantly, the warmth in her eyes vanishing, replaced by a sharp, blade-like cold light. Her Aura shifted abruptly, becoming like an unsheathed sword, sharp and brimming with Killing Intent.

She gave a cold laugh, her gaze like lightning shooting straight toward the direction of the fluctuations. The spiritual power of the Core Formation Realm within her body erupted, turning into a terrifying invisible pressure that spread out like a physical force. It whipped up the fallen leaves on the ground, its momentum so overbearing that the surrounding air hummed, and even the stone lions at the gate seemed to tremble, making sounds of being overwhelmed.

"Since you are here, why not show yourselves? Hiding and skulking—where are your manners!"

Following her cold shout, the Void Realm in the distance distorted slightly, like ripples on water, revealing several figures dressed in gold-patterned robes specific to the Imperial Family. Leading them was a white-haired old man, also at the Core Formation stage. At this moment, his face looked rather grim; forced by Liu Yu's pressure, his figure swayed slightly, and the clouds beneath his feet scattered somewhat, making him look quite pathetic as his sleeves fluttered without any wind. His gaze swept over Liu Yu, Lu Yang, and that terrifyingly powerful Blazing Crimson Sun Tiger. He secretly lamented his luck, cold sweat pouring down his back. His original intent to test them instantly vanished, replaced by deep regret and fear, cursing himself for being too greedy for merit.

Originally, they had heard that the internal strife of the Liu Family had been settled and wanted to test the Family's strength while its new Foundation was still unstable, perhaps even taking the opportunity to suppress them and seize some benefits. However, they hadn't expected that not only did the Liu Family show no signs of decline, but they had also gained two Core Formation combatants out of thin air, along with a Yao Beast of unfathomable strength standing guard. Combined with Lu Yang, whose cultivation was unfathomable and whose Aura was as deep as an abyss, this concentration of power had already exceeded the Imperial Family's expectations. It was enough to make the Imperial Family wary and afraid to act rashly, lest they draw fire upon themselves and bring about the destruction of their clan—an unthinkable consequence.

"Hehe, Family Head Liu, you misunderstand. This old man was merely passing by. Seeing that your esteemed residence has honored guests departing, I specifically came to say farewell and ask for a cup of wine." The old man gave a forced laugh, his eyes flickering as he dared not look Liu Yu in the eye. His words were full of excuses, and he unconsciously took half a step back. He even forgot to open the folding fan in his hand, appearing flustered as the veins on his forehead pulsed.