The Journey of Flower

Early next morning, Hua Qian Gu left with Yun Yin for Mount Mao. Naturally, she brought along Tang Bao. It was her first time flying on a sword high in the sky so she was nervous. Tang Bao clung onto her shoulder and was preoccupied with the candy Luo Shi Yi had given it.

Along the way, Yun Yin talked about Mount Mao. Hua Qian Gu listened carefully and tried her best to remember everything. Yun Yin was afraid Hua Qian Gu was tired so he wanted them to rest often, but she declined because she did not want them to be late.

When they arrived at Mount Mao, the big bells in the Main Hall rang 12 times while thousands of disciples knelt in front of Jiu Xiao Wan Fu Palace. The disciples surprised Hua Qian Gu by shouting in unison “Welcome Sect Leader back to the mountain!” and almost caused her to fall off her sword in an undignified heap. Fortunately, a disciple was there to steady her.

Hua Qian Gu walked into the Main Hall and sat down in the gold chair situated high above everything. Groups after groups appeared in front of her to pay respect, including the elders of Mount Mao and honored guests from the other sects. Next was the official ritual of Hua Qian Gu accepting the position of sect leader. Finally, everyone knelt down to commemorate all those who were killed by demons. Through each event, Tang Bao was in Hua Qian Gu’s ear and whispered what she needed to do.

The ceremony lasted the entire day. In the beginning, everyone at Mount Mao had worried that their sect leader was a 12 years old girl. Now, they were reassured because she acted impeccably. More importantly, everyone saw that Hua Qian Gu had the Emotionless sword, which was Bai Zi Hua’s renowned weapon. Everyone understood this represented Bai Zi Hua’s tacit approval of this matter. Bai Zi Hua was the leading authority in the immortal realm so if he supported her, that was good enough for everyone else.

The next morning, Yun Yin knocked on Hua Qian Gu’s door to wake her up. She told him she had dreamed of the dead disciple from Mount Lao thanking her. Yun Yin said Mount Lao already claimed his body.

Yun Yin said he can make delicious lotus congee and left for the kitchen. However, he returned quickly and did not carry any food. He was pale and said Hua Qian Gu needed to go with him because there was an emergency.

Yun Yin flew down the mountain, and Hua Qian Gu quickly followed behind. She asked where they were going, but he did not answer. She became suspicious and told Yun Yin that they would need to send a message to Mount Lao so the sect can claim the bones of its disciple, who had died here. He agreed and continued on, but he felt Hua Qian Gu was not following him. He turned around and saw her cautiously looking at him. She said he was not Yun Yin and demanded to know his identity.