Translator: Kazeyuki_ Editor: Jimmy_
“Eh?” Recovering from the shock, Qin Wushuang nodded immediately, “Your sister is a heroine and would never concede to a man. She has helped me a lot, and is my good friend.”
“No wonder, when my sister sent over a couple of letters, she would always ask about you. Especially when you came back to help the country. Killing the two Martial Saints, she expressed an even higher opinion of you. My sister said that she would come to visit me at the Stargaze Palace. Hopefully, she can meet you at that time and have a chat.”
“Sure, sure.” Qin Wushuang remembered Tong Yao’s straightforward style and her personality that valued friendship and passion. He was also somewhat impressed. He told Tong Yan to gather outside the Green Cloud Palace with those disciples from the Bai Yue tonight. Qin Wushuang would treat them.
The current Qin Wushuang was a top figure at the Green Cloud Palace. He had the authority to treat a few of his hometown friends.
That night, Tong Yan came with the five other disciples from the Bai Yue and arrived at the door of the Green Cloud Palace. Qin Wushuang led them into the Palace and offered to serve them tea.
Although they were all offspring from the Bai Yue, up to this point, the gap in their statuses were plainly visible. Half a year ago, they were still starting from the same place, and was competing for top spot in the martial arts exam.
Now, Qin Wushuang was already the victor of the Core ranking competition. And they were still a little Initial Stage disciples in the Stargaze Palace.
While they gazed upon the magnificent sight of the towering and imposing Green Cloud Palace, it gave them a feeling of awe like one standing before a great mountain. They knew that most likely in their entire lifetime, they would have no chance to even get close to Qin Wushuang.
Before Qin Wushuang had even entered the sect, he had been chosen by a Palace Master. And they could only barely qualify to study under an Elder. This had already strengthened their difference.
After they had entered the sect, Qin Wushuang had directly become an Advanced disciple. And they could only start from the lowest rung of the ladder as an Initial Stage disciple.
During the year-end exam, they had only achieved average scores. Qin Wushuang had won first place and charged through the Advanced disciple exam with perfect scores in all six categories.
Then, he continued his blazing momentum and directly acquired the title of champion of the Core ranking competition. From this point, he had become an existence that they could only look up to.
After taking a tour to the exterior Green Cloud Palace, Xi Men Xing complemented: “Marquis Wushuang, back in the Southcloud State City, I knew you were not meant to stay in that pond. In fact, I didn’t expect that you had such deep potential. Indeed, you have charged all the way into the sky in one go. Now, the entire Great Luo Empire should be spreading your legend and dream-like existence, right? I believe that once the news of how you became the champion of the Core ranking competition spreads back to the Bai Yue, the entire country will undoubtedly be stirred up and everyone will start to worship you.”
Earlier, Wan Jinpeng and He Zichong had doubts about Qin Wushuang’s strength. At least, before the battle at the West Wind Hollow with Qi Yinfeng, they’d had a lot of doubts.
However, reality had enlightened them of the so-called miracle!
Now, while they were inside the Green Cloud Palace, they felt much more aware of this sacred and dignified miracle.
“Ha ha, I think we are really lucky. Being a mere disciple at the Initial Stage, we are able to celebrate with the most exceptional disciple among the young generation in the Stargaze. If we tell others, most likely many would be jealous.” He Zichong also sighed as he was rather awed by the solemn atmosphere in the Green Cloud Palace.
Inwardly, they also developed a matchless admiration of the Palace Masters. As the saying goes, a teacher for one day, a father for life. Most likely, they would have no chance to study with a teacher at the level of a Palace Master.
On the contrary, Wan Jinpeng was a realistic person as he smiled: “Marquis Wushuang, we are all people from the same country. In the future, if we encounter any problems regarding training, please teach us without holding back.”
Tong Yan immediately said: “Wushuang is kind-hearted, for sure, this little matter is not a problem.”
Qin Wushuang smiled: “Since we come from the same place, it would not be a problem for us to spar during our free time. Even if we had not come from the same place, being disciples of the Stargaze Palace, it’s our duty to spar and interact with each other. Don’t feel too restrained.”
Qin Wushuang could see that these few people still felt somewhat constrained. He could understand them. After all, with their current position, it was tough for them to act freely in the Green Cloud Palace.
Only when he said those words, Tong Yan and the others became much more relaxed. They also become more engaged in the conversations and asked questions relating to training.
Currently, these six were only Pre-Sky Realm warriors and had not yet reached Stage Nine of the Genuine Force. Thus, to Qin Wushuang, their questions were simple to answer. Even two or three suggestions had helped them tremendously.
The gathering only ended around the middle of the night.
…
In the blink of an eye, the last day of the lunar year had arrived. On this day, all the disciples of the Stargaze Palace had walked out from all four corners. Regardless of training or isolation, they left it behind them.
Naturally, they should relax and bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new on this day. This was Qin Wushuang’s first new year since he had left the Eastwood Town.
There was the so-called saying of how one would miss their loved ones during the holidays. During this holiday, Qin Wushuang felt slightly homesick even though he had only been gone for a month since his last return.
When he thought about his father, his sister and that little guy inside his sister’s womb, Qin Wushuang felt a deep warmth inside of him.
The sound of gongs, drums, fireworks and different types of singing swayed across the entire sky of the Stargaze Palace. The current Stargaze Palace was having its most emotional day of the year.
Qin Wushuang also interacted with his own fellow disciples. Under the organization of Zhou Fu, she led a group of female disciples and adorned the Green Cloud Place with decorations full of joy. Everywhere, there were decorations of banners and lanterns that was full of new year’s spirit.
Qin Wushuang was somewhat surprised. In his mind, he thought that a major sect like the Stargaze Palace, besides training, they would not care too much about these little things like other secular places. Unexpectedly, the entire Stargaze Palace was like the secular world and valued the joy of celebrating the new year. The atmosphere was extremely rich.
On the night of the new year, all disciples of the Green Cloud Palace gathered together in one place to celebrate.
After the feast, Tan Zhongchi found Qin Wushuang.
“Teacher, what do you need of me?” Qin Wushuang asked as he walked before Tan Zhongchi.
“Regarding that problem you talked about, today I talked to the Head Palace Master. I didn’t know that these words would cause him to sigh. Wushuang, do you know what he said?”
“I don’t know.” Qin Wushuang smiled.
Tan Zhongchi said with a smile: “The Head Palace Master actually gave a long sigh and he told me with gratification: ‘Second, I have been telling you guys about these words for many years. Until this moment, you are the first one that came to talk to me about it.’ When I heard those words, I felt extremely ashamed. He had always been worried about this matter and was troubled by it. Wushuang, I am ashamed. I have always thought about how to compete with the Head Palace Master, and I’ve lost sight of the bigger picture. If it wasn’t for your words that woke me up, I don’t even know how long I would have stayed blind. The Head Palace Master is able to have a clear vision due to his breadth of mind. Indeed, he is way above me and the other Palace Masters. Although the Green Cloud Palace had taken four of the top ten spots, for my breadth of mind, I still must lower my head before the Head Palace Master.”
As he spoke, he glanced at Qin Wushuang with appreciation in his eyes: “Wushuang, the Head Palace Master was extremely surprised when he heard that you are the one that mentioned this problem. He said that he wanted to meet with you privately and talk with you. Do you have the courage to go?”
Qin Wushuang said with a smile: “Since the Head Palace Master is the head of the Stargaze Palace, regardless of whether I feel scared that he wants to see me, I should pay him a visit. I would think that he is the same as you, a kind and wise elder. I don’t have any fear.”
Tan Zhongchi laughed: “Everyone at the Stargaze Palace knows that the Head Palace Master is a kind and wise elder. For me, maybe I am kind in the eyes of you lot. However in the eyes of the other disciples, I am afraid I am an extremely serious and intolerant old guy.”
Qin Wushuang smiled gracefully. He knew his teacher’s personality as he was extremely kind and overprotective of his own line of disciples. Thus, in the eyes of the outsiders, he appeared somewhat intolerant. However, his teacher’s personality did not lack compassion.
“Ok, go now. The Head Palace Master said that after dinner, he would wait for you at the astronomical observatory.”
“The astronomical observatory?” Qin Wushuang was surprised.
“What?” Tan Zhongchi said with a smile, “For that astronomical observatory, it’s a place only us the old guys are qualified to go. The Head Palace Master is meeting you there to show you that he is granting you prestigious treatment.”
The astronomical observatory was located at the highest place behind the giant martial arts stage. It was a tall building that connected with the sky and the earth with majestic temperament. Usually, it was a place where the Five Palace Masters would go to watch their disciples battling. Thus, the observatory represented a mighty and sacred site.
Naturally, Qin Wushuang was somewhat shocked when he heard that the Head Palace Master was waiting for him at the astronomical observatory. He said goodbye to Tan Zhongchi and headed toward the observatory.
After trekking to the higher ground, he had finally arrived beneath the foot of the astronomical observatory. Qin Wushuang started to climb the stairs as if climbing a tall tower with a dozen of floors. Finally, he arrived at the top. With the cold wind breezing by, he looked down and the giant Stargaze Palace appeared like a chess board. Each Palace, Pavilion, and hall were organized in a good arrangement like chess pieces.
Thus, it was apparent of how high he was.
“Qin Wushuang is here, Head Palace Master.” Qin Wushuang bowed towards a vivid and floating figure in the dark.
“Qin Wushuang…” The Head Palace Master slowly turned around and a trace of a mysterious smile lingered on his face, “You are here.”
“I am here as per my teacher’s order to see you.”
“Yes, I am not talking about your presence, but the genius arranged by the destiny has finally come.” Zhuo Buqun, the Head Palace Master smiled lightly. He waved his hand to motion Qin Wushuang to come over.
Qin Wushuang stood while holding the railing. As he felt the cold breeze, the incomparable height and watched the entire Stargaze Palace beneath it, a wave of emotion rose up in his heart.
“Qin Wushuang, as you stand here, do you feel the loneliness and the coldness at the top?”
A trace of surprise could be seen in Qin Wushuang’s eyes. For a brief moment, he did indeed have such a thought. Did the Head Palace Master have the miraculous ability to read one’s mind?
