bestfiction Chapter 57 Bright Moon Manor
Chapter 57 Bright Moon Manor
With hearts full of anticipation and trepidation, Xu Xiaoxiao and the others followed Uncle Li, the person in charge of the sect's handover, and soon the magnificent Haoyue Manor came into view.
The gate is made of thick, thousand-year-old ironwood, with intricate and exquisite carvings of dragons and phoenixes, exuding an ancient and imposing aura. The stone lions on both sides have wide-open eyes and are majestic, like loyal guards protecting the mountain gate.
Upon entering the village, a wide bluestone path winds its way forward, with swaying bamboo and evergreen pines and cypresses along the way, and exotic flowers blooming in the gaps, their fragrance attracting swarms of bees and butterflies.
The pavilions and towers along the way are scattered in a well-organized manner, with their eaves and brackets all coated with a faint golden light, shining brightly in the sunlight; in the distance, the mountains are surrounded by clouds and mist, just like a fairyland on earth, and also exuding a majestic spirit.
Before the group could take a closer look, Uncle Li led them to the main hall of the manor.
The hall was brightly lit by candles, and the rich aroma of sandalwood rose gently in the air.
The manor lord, Huang Hao, sat upright in the main seat, wearing a moon-white robe. The flowing cloud patterns embroidered with gold thread on the hem of the robe swayed gently in the wind, like a flowing galaxy. His face was as gentle as jade, but his eyes were as deep as an abyss, revealing a wisdom that understood the ways of the world. Every gesture he made exuded an extraordinary temperament and the majesty of a superior.
After Uncle Li finished bowing, he presented the spiritual plant. The manor lord, Huang Hao, nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Xu Xiaoxiao and the others. His voice boomed, "You all went through many hardships to escort the spiritual plant this time. It was truly not easy. I am very gratified."
Yang Qingfeng stepped forward and respectfully clasped his hands in greeting: "I am grateful for the praise from the Manor Lord. It is all thanks to the concerted efforts of my junior brothers and sisters that we were able to protect the spiritual plants and live up to the Manor's expectations."
Xu Xiaoxiao tugged at Yang Qingfeng's sleeve and muttered softly, "Senior Brother Qingfeng, we've finally arrived. My leg feels like it doesn't belong to me anymore."
Although the sound was soft, it drew chuckles from those around him.
The manor lord was also amused, and looked at Xu Xiaoxiao with gentle eyes: "The young lady looks delicate, but she has been so resilient along the way, which is truly rare. I heard that she also obtained a secret manual along the way, so she must have gained a lot?"
Xu Xiaoxiao scratched her head, somewhat embarrassed: "I did get a secret manual, but it also caused a lot of trouble. Those guys were very envious and kept chasing after me."
Yuan Mengyao chimed in at the opportune moment: "Although there were many twists and turns, we were able to temper ourselves and contribute to the sect in the future."
Master Huang Hao nodded in satisfaction: "In that case, everyone's contributions will be richly rewarded. Magic treasures, cultivation techniques, and elixirs are all provided."
As he spoke, he gestured for the servants to present several exquisite jade boxes, from which a faint light shone, clearly indicating that they contained precious items.
Xu Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up as she took the jade box and opened it to find a brand-new flying sword. The blade gleamed coldly, and runes flickered. The hilt fit perfectly in her palm, and she immediately fell in love with it, repeatedly expressing her gratitude: "Thank you, Master! My companion has finally been upgraded."
After distributing the rewards, Manor Lord Huang Hao's expression turned solemn: "There is an important matter that requires your assistance. In half a month, our manor will be co-hosting a secret realm trial with the Lingyun Sect, aiming to explore ancient ruins and search for rare treasures and lost cultivation techniques. This journey is fraught with danger; the ruins are riddled with traps and strange beasts, and many powerful forces are also eyeing us covetously. However, this is a rare opportunity. If you perform well, it will be an unparalleled honor for both the individual and the sect. Are you all willing to accept this mission?"
Yang Qingfeng was the first to clasp his hands in agreement: "I am willing to serve the manor! I will definitely work hand in hand with my junior brothers and sisters and do my best."
On the day of departure, the sect leader had spoken to him privately, saying that after successfully escorting the spiritual plants to their destination, there might be new tasks, and he should handle them as they came. He only needed to protect the lives of his junior brothers and sisters. The disciples who went out this time were the sect's most outstanding new disciples, and they all needed opportunities to gain experience. They had all already established their foundation.
Xu Xiaoxiao jumped up excitedly: "It's great to have a new mission! It's a good time to try out my new flying sword. If those strange beasts run into me, I guarantee they'll be in deep trouble!"
The senior student next to her tugged at her and teased her softly, "Don't just talk big, or you'll be scared and hide behind us when the time comes."
The crowd burst into laughter again.
Uncle Li also smiled and advised, "The dangers inside the ruins are beyond your imagination, so don't be careless. Take a good rest these next few days and practice diligently. I will also teach you some methods to deal with the traps and mechanisms in the ruins."
Xu Xiaoxiao was full of enthusiasm: "With the manor lord's reward, the help of my senior brothers and sisters, and your guidance, senior, we will definitely return in triumph!"
The group accepted the order and withdrew to their lodgings.
Along the way, they chattered excitedly about the new mission, their eyes sparkling with eager anticipation. They looked forward to the secret realm trial in half a month, hoping to shine brightly and add to the prestige of Haoyue Manor.
After receiving their orders and returning to their residences, everyone shook off their previous fatigue and focused entirely on the secret realm trial in half a month, immediately immersing themselves in cultivation.
The residence's courtyard is serene and elegant, with artificial hills and ponds complementing each other, making it an excellent place for cultivation.
Yang Qingfeng took the lead and stood in the center of the courtyard. His hands slowly formed a hand seal, and spiritual energy surged around him, causing his clothes to flutter. He was focused and uttered a low shout: "Diamond Talisman - Body Protection!"
A golden light screen instantly solidified and magnified in front of him, becoming thicker and more refined than ever before.
The junior brother watching from the side couldn't help but cheer: "Senior Brother Qingfeng, the protective talisman has become even more powerful!"
Yang Qingfeng withdrew his spiritual power and smiled modestly: "I must thank you for the experience of escorting the spiritual plants. Real combat is the most challenging, but it is also the best way to improve."
Xu Xiaoxiao was not to be outdone. Holding her newly acquired flying sword, she leaped into the air. Her sword techniques moved at will, and the flying sword hummed and vibrated, instantly splitting into several sword shadows with intersecting lights.
However, she was a little unsteady on her feet and stumbled when she landed.
Yuan Mengyao smiled and stepped forward to help him up: "Xiaoxiao, you can't rush things. The new flying sword still needs to be broken in."
Xu Xiaoxiao pouted and muttered, "I just want to practice quickly so I can show off my skills in the secret realm. When we get back, I'll have my senior brother melt my sword together with mine so my old buddy can level up."
As she was speaking, she saw Uncle Li walking over, and quickly put away her flying sword and bowed, saying, "Senior Li."
Uncle Li nodded slightly, his eyes approving: "You've practiced well, but you still need some refinement. The traps in the ruins are tricky; let me explain how to solve them first."
The group gathered around, their expressions focused.
Uncle Li picked up a twig and gestured on the ground: "Some mechanisms will shoot out arrows when triggered, attacking in a fan shape. At this time, you must not panic. You need to use your spiritual power to build a defensive shield to protect your vital points, and then look for an opportunity to destroy the mechanism's key points..."
After speaking, Xu Xiaoxiao raised her hand and asked, "Senior Li, what if we don't have time to build a defensive shield?"
Uncle Li gently tapped her head: "Then use their strength against them, use your weapon to deflect the flying arrow and lead it elsewhere."
A few days later, everyone's cultivation progressed smoothly, and they sparred and improved with each other.
In a competition, Xu Xiaoxiao faced off against a fellow disciple. Her new flying sword shone brightly, and she used the secret manual to unleash a strange sword move. A blue light flashed in her palm, and a vortex of spiritual energy suddenly appeared, trapping her disciple's movements.
Unable to break free, the senior brother smiled bitterly and said, "Junior Sister Xu, this move is too ruthless. I admit defeat."
Xu Xiaoxiao withdrew her spiritual power and said with a grin, "Senior brother, you flatter me. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to execute this move well."
Yuan Mengyao clapped her hands and praised, "Xiaoxiao has made rapid progress; these past few days of practice have not been in vain."
Turning to Yang Qingfeng, "Senior Brother Qingfeng, have you made any new breakthroughs in your defensive techniques?"
Yang Qingfeng opened his palm, gathering spiritual energy to condense a transparent shield with runes flowing on it: "I've made some progress, and my defensive power is stronger. I'll definitely be able to protect everyone in the secret realm."
As the trial approached, the manor lord, Huang Hao, personally visited the courtyard to check on everyone's cultivation progress.
Seeing Xu Xiaoxiao's swordplay move so powerful and skillful, the manor lord Huang Hao nodded in praise: "Little girl, your swordplay is sharp and has become even more composed. Very good."
Xu Xiaoxiao sheathed her sword, bowed, and said with a blush, "Thank you for the praise, Master. I am also grateful for the manor's reward and the guidance of the seniors."
Master Huang Hao added a few more words of advice: "The trial is approaching. Remember to cooperate as a team and do not act rashly. If you encounter a desperate situation, protect yourself first. Haoyue Manor does not want to lose any of its talents."
The group accepted the mission with utmost respect and trained even harder, hoping to fully utilize their skills on the day of the formal trial, return with a full harvest, bring glory to Haoyue Manor, live up to the expectations of the manor lord and the teachings of their masters, and forge their own illustrious name.