The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 225: The Heavenly Fairyland

"Yes," the blind old Daoist said with a warm smile, tilting his head back for a hearty sip of spirit wine as he gently patted Yun Wenzhan's small head.

"Can't you stay? If you leave, Father and Aunt Shuang will be sad, and all the elders in the family will miss you too," Yun Wenzhan said, his bright, round eyes fixed earnestly on the old Daoist. His childlike voice carried a sincere plea for him to stay.

"Yes, Blind Grandpa! Please don't leave! Tell us more stories about the immortals in the mountains," another child chimed in earnestly. He was slightly older than Yun Wenzhan and was none other than Yun Wenyuan, Yun Yan Bai's son.

"Blind Grandpa, my mother makes delicious meals! If you stay, I'll bring you lots and lots of tasty food every day. Please don't leave, okay?"

Little Yun Wenxin, dressed in a simple white dress, looked at the old Daoist with wide, hopeful eyes, her voice soft and sweet.

"Blind Grandpa, my father recently dug a pond and channeled the Purple Mist Spirit Spring from Yunzhang Mountain into it. The pond is full of spirit fish now! If you stay, my sister and I can catch fish for you to eat!"

Yun Wenlong and his sister Yun Wenfeng, sitting obediently nearby, also joined the chorus, their voices filled with earnestness.

"Hahaha! You little ones are so thoughtful. You've warmed this old man's heart—truly, you have," the blind Daoist chuckled, his hand gently patting each child on the head.

"Since coming to your Yun family, I've watched your clan grow step by step to what it is today. I've seen you little ones grow, one by one, into strong and promising youths. It has brought me great joy.

"But," he said with a sigh, "there are things I must do, and for that, I must leave."

Hearing this, the children were disheartened, but the old Daoist's kind and loving demeanor eased their sadness somewhat. He seemed like a wise and gentle grandfather cherishing his grandchildren.

"Blind Master, where are you going? Can't you tell my father and Aunt Shuang? Maybe they can help you!" Yun Wenzhan asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Haha! Little one, I'm off to do something earth-shattering—something beyond what your father and Aunt Shuang can handle for now," the Daoist said with a laugh.

"But," he added with a twinkle in his sightless eyes, "I see that you all have extraordinary potential. One day, you will surpass your elders. Who knows? Perhaps I'll call on you little ones for help in the future!"

As the children giggled at his words, the Daoist continued to stroke their heads affectionately.

At that moment, the elders of the Yun family arrived.

Led by Yun Yunyang, they approached with solemn expressions. They, too, had heard of the blind Daoist's impending departure and were reluctant to let him go.

After nearly twenty years of living among them, the Daoist was no longer just a benefactor but family—a mentor, protector, and elder whose presence was deeply cherished.

His teachings had been instrumental in Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang's success. The Yun family's ability to grow quietly without falling prey to the Yulin Wang Clan's ambitions was also largely thanks to his guidance.

"Haha! I'm only leaving for a while; there's no need for such a send-off," the Daoist said with a laugh, shaking his head as he looked at the gathered crowd.

"May I ask where you're heading this time, Master Daoist?" Yun Yunyang inquired respectfully, his tone filled with reverence.

"To Tianwai Heaven, the Sword Ruins Realm," the Daoist replied, his voice suddenly turning serious.

"There are matters I must settle, debts that need reckoning. If all goes well, I shall return within twenty years. If not… do not think of me again."

The Daoist's words carried a weight that silenced everyone. He raised his head toward the azure sky, and though his eyes were clouded and blind, they seemed to gleam with piercing light that reached beyond the heavens.

Hearing this, the mood among the Yun family turned heavy.

They had long known that the Daoist had remained with them to heal. By all rights, he should have left years ago. But to protect their family and witness the growth of Yun Yantian, Yun Yanshuang, and the younger generation, he had stayed year after year—until nearly twenty years had passed.

"Master,"

A mature and graceful Yun Yanshuang stepped forward, her voice soft yet steady as she addressed the Daoist.

Yun Yantian followed, his expression heavy as he looked at his departing master, his heart filled with sorrow and gratitude.

"You two are my most cherished disciples. Though your innate talents may pale compared to the spirit-root prodigies of the sacred sects, I am immensely proud to have you as my students.

"I believe that one day, both of you will rise higher and go farther than anyone could imagine.

"Remember, the heights one can reach in cultivation are not determined solely by talent or natural gifts," the blind Daoist said, his tone filled with both encouragement and warmth.

"We will remember your words, Master!"

Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian replied solemnly, their voices firm. Then, the siblings knelt before the Daoist, bowing three times with reverence.

"Master, we know little of your past, nor do we fully understand why you must journey to the Sword Ruins Realm.

"But we vow to train diligently, to grow stronger step by step, so that we may one day catch up to you and share your burdens.

"For years, you've guarded our family from the shadows, guiding us and protecting us as we grew. Now, it's time for us to take on that responsibility and protect you in return!"

Yun Yantian straightened, his eyes resolute as he gazed at his master.

"Master, I share the same resolve," Yun Yanshuang added, her voice unwavering.

"We ask only that you take care of yourself in the Sword Ruins Realm and wait for us!"

"Hahaha! Very well! I will remember your words," the Daoist said, his laughter rich and hearty. Yet, unbeknownst to most, his clouded eyes glistened faintly with unshed tears.

"Master Daoist, safe travels!"

Seeing the heartfelt goodbyes exchanged between the Daoist and his disciples, the rest of the Yun family, led by Yun Yunyang, bowed deeply to bid him farewell.

"Farewell, everyone!"

"I hope that when we meet again, your Yun family will have become a mighty celestial clan, renowned across the immortal realms!"

The Daoist rose slowly, his expression serious as he returned their bows.

As his final words fell, his figure faded like a shadow into the mist.

Outside Yunzhang County, atop a mountain peak.

Yu Chunqiu stood waiting, his posture calm yet respectful.

When he spotted a streak of light speeding through the sky toward him, he immediately clasped his hands in greeting.

"Junior Yu Chunqiu greets the revered Daoist Master!"

"Hahaha! Yu, my young friend, what brings you here?"

Descending from the sky, the Daoist chuckled as he looked at the waiting figure with curiosity.

"I've been waiting here to request the honor of traveling alongside you," Yu Chunqiu explained earnestly.

"Oh? Do you know where I'm headed?"

"To Heaven, the Sword Ruins Realm," Yu Chunqiu replied confidently.

"It seems you've learned quite a bit," the Daoist remarked, his tone tinged with amusement.

"I've heard some rumors," Yu admitted with a modest bow.

"Your cultivation level is not high enough to survive in the Sword Ruins Realm. There will be grave dangers."

"With you by my side, I doubt I'll encounter any trouble I can't face," Yu Chunqiu said with a grin.

"You little rascal…" The Daoist shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Well, if you're so determined, then come along. You can keep me company on the journey.

"Have you bid farewell to the Yun family?"

"I've already said my goodbyes to Yun Yunrui," Yu Chunqiu replied.

"Good. Then let's set off together!"

The Daoist laughed heartily before turning his gaze to the heavens. With a wave of his sleeve, an immense power surged skyward.

The skies churned as clouds parted, revealing a massive, ancient bronze gate high above. Its presence exuded an aura of age and solemnity, as if it had stood since the dawn of time.

Beams of divine light cascaded from the gate, illuminating all of Yue Kingdom.

The Daoist raised his voice, his words carrying a majestic resonance:

"I, Wu Sheng, hereby open the Heavenly Gate to ascend to the fairyland Tianwai Heaven, enter the Immortal Realm, and step into the Sword Ruins Realm."

The towering bronze gate slowly creaked open, releasing a radiant beam of light that descended upon the mountaintop, enveloping the Daoist and Yu Chunqiu in its brilliance.

The light carried them upward, drawing them into the ancient gateway.

As their figures vanished into the gate, the divine radiance receded, and the bronze gate itself dissolved into the sky, leaving no trace behind.

That day, Yue Kingdom trembled.

The appearance of the bronze gate and the cascading divine light left cultivators and rogue immortals across the kingdom in shock and awe.

To those who witnessed it, the spectacle was akin to a divine miracle, a vision etched into their memories for eternity.