After the ceremony, Rowan and Silver Moon made their way to the lounge of the Field Operations Department. The space was elegant and quiet, furnished with soft sofas and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the sprawling city below.
"So, with half a month off, where are you planning to go?" Silver Moon asked. She had changed into casual clothes, and without her combat gear, she looked softer, more at ease.
Rowan thought for a moment. "I originally wanted to go back to Earth and see my friends. But with the distance, most of the time would be spent traveling. I'd barely have any time left once I got there."
"That's a shame," Silver Moon said with a nod. "Earth really is quite far from here."
"What about you?" Rowan asked.
A faint trace of longing flickered in her eyes. "I want to go back to the Silverblue Empire. It's been three years since I last went home. Ever since I became a field agent, I've been constantly on missions. There's rarely time to return."
The mention of the Silverblue Empire stirred Rowan's curiosity. It was renowned across the cosmos as a civilization of swordsmanship, a place where warriors honed both skill and spirit.
"It must be beautiful there," Rowan said.
"It is," Silver Moon replied, a gentle smile forming. "We have a unique sword culture, and the landscapes are breathtaking. Especially Silver Moon Lake. It's said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the universe."
"Silver Moon Lake? The same as your name?"
She nodded. "My codename comes from my hometown. My real name is Su Yinyue. I grew up by that lake."
Rowan noticed the warmth in her gaze as she spoke, and an idea surfaced in his mind. He hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate.
Silver Moon seemed to read his thoughts. "Rowan, if you don't mind, would you like to come with me to the Silverblue Empire?"
He blinked in surprise, though the idea instantly appealed to him. "Are you sure?"
"Of course," she said with a smile. "I'd like my family to meet my partner. The one who saved my life."
A quiet warmth settled in Rowan's chest. "Then I won't refuse. I've always wanted to see your sword culture up close."
"Great," she said, clearly pleased. "We'll leave tomorrow. I'll take care of the arrangements."
The next morning, they met at the company's private spaceport. Silver Moon wore a silver-blue outfit that carried a hint of her homeland's style, elegant yet understated. Rowan kept things simple, dressed for travel with a small bag slung over his shoulder.
"That's our ship," she said, pointing toward a sleek mid-sized vessel. "It'll take about three days to reach the Silverblue Empire."
The ship gleamed with a silver-white hull, the company's insignia emblazoned along its side. Inside, it was well-equipped with comfortable lounges, entertainment areas, and a panoramic observation deck.
"This is more luxurious than I expected," Rowan admitted.
"The company takes care of its people," Silver Moon replied. "At least our journey will be comfortable."
As the ship lifted off and left the spaceport behind, the endless expanse of stars unfolded beyond the viewing window. Nebulae shimmered in the distance like drifting clouds of light.
During the journey, Silver Moon gave Rowan a detailed introduction to her homeland.
"The Silverblue Empire has existed for over thirty thousand years," she explained, pointing to a region on the star map. "It consists of seven primary planets. The capital is Silverglow, the center of politics and culture."
"And your home?" Rowan asked.
"The third planet, Swordheart." Her voice softened. "It's the sacred ground of swordsmanship. The best academies and training grounds are there. I grew up learning the sword on that world."
"When did you start?"
"At three years old," she said with a smile. "In our empire, nearly every child learns swordsmanship. It's tradition. But very few reach the level of a Sword Saint."
"Your family too?"
"Yes. My father is a sword master on Swordheart. My mother is also a high-level swordswoman. I have a younger brother who just became a full-fledged swordsman this year."
The more Rowan heard, the more intrigued he became. In his imagination, the Silverblue Empire was a place where discipline, philosophy, and martial excellence intertwined.
Three days passed quickly.
As they approached the empire's borders, Rowan looked out and froze in awe.
Seven planets floated in the distance, arranged in a graceful arc, each glowing faintly with a silver-blue radiance.
"It's incredible," he said quietly.
"This is only the beginning," Silver Moon replied with a smile. "Wait until you see Swordheart."
They made a brief stop on Silverglow to complete entry procedures. The capital was a highly developed world, filled with towering structures and bustling traffic. Yet even within its modern skyline, traditional architecture stood proudly, reflecting the empire's deep heritage.
From there, they transferred to a unique form of transportation.
"This is a sword vessel," Silver Moon explained.
The craft resembled a massive blade, leaving a shimmering silver-blue trail as it cut through the sky.
"It's both practical and symbolic. It represents our reverence for the sword."
As they neared Swordheart, Rowan felt his breath catch.
The planet was covered in vast forests, dotted with crystal-clear lakes. Towering mountains pierced the clouds, each crowned with elegant structures. These were the legendary training sanctuaries of sword cultivators.
"There," Silver Moon said, pointing. "That's Silver Moon Lake. My home is by the shore."
The lake was breathtaking. Its surface reflected the sky like a mirror, glowing with a dreamlike silver-blue hue. Mountains and ancient buildings framed it like a painting.
The vessel descended gently onto a small port by the lake.
As they stepped off, a soft breeze greeted them, carrying the scent of flowers and fresh water.
"Silver Moon!"
A young man hurried toward them. He looked to be in his early twenties, with silver hair and blue eyes that mirrored hers. His posture was upright, his presence sharp and disciplined.
"Yinhui!" Silver Moon rushed forward, embracing him tightly.
"Sis, you're finally back!" he said, his voice full of emotion. "Father and Mother have missed you. So have I."
"I've missed all of you too," she replied, her eyes glistening.
She turned. "Let me introduce you. This is my partner, Rowan. Rowan, this is my brother, Yinhui."
Yinhui studied him carefully before bowing deeply. "Thank you for saving my sister. Our family owes you a great debt."
"There's no need for that," Rowan said quickly, helping him up. "She's saved me too. We look out for each other."
"Come," Yinhui said with a grin. "Father and Mother are waiting. They've prepared a feast to welcome you."
They walked along a stone path by the lake. Flowers lined the way, their fragrance lingering in the air. The distant mountains and still waters created a sense of peace that felt almost unreal.
"It's beautiful here," Rowan said. "No wonder your empire produces such remarkable swordsmen. Training in a place like this would calm anyone's mind."
"Our father always says that swordsmanship is not just technique," Yinhui replied. "It's the cultivation of the heart. Strength without virtue is meaningless."
After about ten minutes, they arrived at a refined courtyard nestled on a hillside. Bamboo surrounded the area, and the architecture felt both ancient and serene.
At the gate stood a man and a woman.
Silver Moon's father was tall and composed, his presence dignified despite his simple robes. Her mother, graceful and gentle, radiated warmth.
"Silver Moon, my daughter!"
Her mother stepped forward and embraced her tightly.
"Father, Mother… I'm home."
Tears finally fell from Silver Moon's eyes.
Her father remained composed, but the softness in his gaze betrayed his feelings. "You've worked hard."
Rowan watched quietly, feeling both warmth and a faint ache of homesickness.
"Father, Mother, this is Rowan," Silver Moon said, wiping her tears. "I owe my safe return to him."
Her father stepped forward, studying Rowan carefully.
"I can sense strong psychic power within you," he said with a nod. "To stand as her partner, you must be exceptional."
"You're too kind," Rowan replied humbly. "I've learned a great deal from her."
"Good," the man said, clearly satisfied. "Strength without arrogance. That is rare."
Her mother gently took Rowan's hand. "Thank you for taking care of our daughter. From today onward, you are not just a guest, but a friend of this family."
"Thank you," Rowan said, genuinely moved.
"Come inside," she said warmly. "Dinner is ready."
The courtyard was exquisite. Flowing water, arranged stones, and carefully placed plants created a sense of harmony. At its center lay a small pond where silver fish glided beneath the surface.
"This is where I grew up," Silver Moon said. "My room is over there, the training hall is there, and Father's study is on that side."
"It feels like a hidden paradise," Rowan said.
Dinner was lavish. The dishes were unique, crafted from local ingredients, both delicious and nourishing.
As they ate, Silver Moon recounted her recent missions. When she mentioned being captured, her mother's grip tightened. When Rowan's rescue came up, her father's gaze sharpened with approval.
"Rowan," her father said, raising his cup, "to face a stellar-ranked opponent and still choose to save your partner speaks of true courage and loyalty. I respect that. A toast, to true friendship."
"To friendship."
After dinner, Yinhui proposed showing Rowan the nearby training grounds.
"Tomorrow is a rest day. Many swordsmen will gather by the lake. You'll be able to see our techniques firsthand."
"I'd like that," Rowan said immediately.
The next morning, Rowan woke to the sound of birdsong.
He opened the window. Fresh air filled his lungs, carrying the scent of water and blossoms. The lake shimmered in the morning light, surrounded by misty mountains.
"Rowan, time to get up!" Silver Moon called from outside. "We have a special arrangement today."
He quickly got ready and stepped into the courtyard.
Silver Moon stood there in training attire, her posture sharp and composed. Yinhui stood beside her, already holding a sword.
"Good morning," Rowan said.
"Good morning," her mother replied, approaching with a beautifully prepared breakfast. "This is a traditional Silverblue morning meal. Try it."
Rowan smiled, sensing that this "special arrangement" was about to be far more than just sightseeing.
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