The entrance to the Cloud Mist Secret Realm slowly closed behind them, that swirling spiritual energy vortex finally turning into a faint point of light, completely disappearing into the cliff face. All the surviving Qingxu Temple disciples, along with several elders responsible for receiving them, finally set foot on the sect's familiar land. The air was filled with the mixed scent of green grass and sandalwood, completely different from that crisis-filled, mixed spiritual energy environment in the secret realm, making every returner let out a long breath of relief, the nerves that had been taut for days finally able to relax.
The group appeared somewhat silent, lacking the clamor and anticipation of departure, with more of the exhaustion and heaviness of surviving calamity. Almost everyone bore injuries of varying severity, their clothes torn and bloodstained, their expressions difficult to hide the haggardness. Some close disciples supported each other, quietly discussing their encounters in the secret realm. When mentioning fallen fellow disciples, voices would involuntarily lower, the atmosphere heavy.
Tang Xiaoqi walked in the middle section of the group. His condition was somewhat better than most fellow disciples—aside from the weakness from massive spiritual power depletion, he had no obvious serious injuries. He unconsciously touched his chest, that warm jade pendant transmitting a stable sensation through his clothing. In his mind, that dangerous scene at the exit still occasionally flashed back—those strange black vines winding around several fellow disciples like venomous snakes, frantically draining their spiritual power. Others were helpless, while he, before everyone's eyes, employed that "Basic Purification Technique" obtained from the secret realm cave. The soft and firm white light flowed from his palm, and wherever it passed, the demon-energy-filled vines encountered their nemesis, rapidly withering and retreating...
The astonishment-filled probing gazes of the elders present then, as well as the incredulous low exclamations from surrounding fellow disciples, were still clear in this moment. Xiaoqi knew that some things, from the moment he decided to act, had already become different.
Sure enough, just upon returning to the sect square, the disciple on duty responsible for counting numbers and preliminary inquiries noticed him. Not just the duty disciple—many outer and inner court disciples who had previously not paid much attention to this "little waste" junior with mediocre aptitude now cast their gazes toward him, their eyes filled with curiosity, surprise, and even a trace of imperceptible awe. Low discussions spread through the crowd like ripples.
"Did you hear? In the final moments, it was that Tang Xiaoqi who used some strange technique to save Senior Brother Zhang and the others..."
"Really or not? Isn't he only at middle Qi Refining? And those black vines—even several Foundation Establishment senior brothers couldn't do anything about them..."
"Absolutely true! Many people saw it. That white light shone, and the vines withered on their own! They say it was an opportunity he obtained in the secret realm..."
"I really couldn't tell before that he actually had this kind of ability..."
These words intermittently drifted into Xiaoqi's ears, making him somewhat uncomfortable. He was used to being inconspicuous, used to not being noticed in corners. Now suddenly becoming a focal point, he just felt his whole body was wrong. He could only slightly lower his head, staring at his own shoe tips, hoping for the quick dissolution of the assembly.
Eldest Senior Brother and Third Senior Sister walked over. Eldest Senior Brother still had that steady demeanor. After carefully checking Xiaoqi's condition and confirming he was fine, he patted his shoulder, approval in his eyes: "Xiaoqi, well done. In this secret realm, you not only preserved yourself but could even rescue fellow disciples, bringing glory to our Qingxu Temple's name. Very good." His words were few but carried great weight.
Third Senior Sister was more direct. She grabbed Xiaoqi's neck, forcefully rubbing his hair. Though the movement was still "rough," her tone carried undisguisable excitement and lingering fear: "Good kid! Hiding it deep enough! That purification technique was beautiful! At the time, it scared all of us—we thought... forget it, good that you're back! Good that you're back! Let's see who dares call you the 'little waste' I brought out now!" As she spoke, she deliberately glared at several disciples who had once gossiped, scaring them into shrinking their necks.
Xiaoqi was choked a bit breathless, but his heart was warm. His senior martial brother and sister's recognition was more important than any others' discussions.
Soon, the Temple Master and several core elders appeared, expressing condolences to all disciples who had safely returned, mourning those who had fallen, and announcing that all disciples who had participated in the secret realm trial could have three days of rest, after which they could exchange their harvest for sect contribution points, with additional rewards based on performance. When his gaze swept over the crowd, Xiaoqi could feel that the Temple Master's sight paused slightly on him—that gaze was deep, seeming to already know something.
After dissolution, Xiaoqi didn't rush back to his quarters to rest or find familiar friends to share experiences like other disciples. He first went to the Pill Hall, using some lower-grade healing pills he had collected in the secret realm and barely refined with his frying pan to exchange for some better-quality golden sore medicine and Qi recovery powder. Then he quietly distributed these medicines to several fellow disciples who had been more seriously injured in the secret realm and whose family circumstances didn't seem prosperous.
He did this very low-key, without making a scene, simply saying "Senior Brother/Senior Sister, this might be useful" before setting down the medicine and leaving. The disciples who received the pills were first astonished, then showed grateful expressions. They all knew Tang Xiaoqi wasn't well-off ordinarily. These pills might not be precious, but this timely assistance was weightier than anything.
After doing this, Xiaoqi dragged his exhausted steps toward his simple little courtyard located halfway up the mountain. Pushing open the creaking wooden gate, everything in the courtyard was as before. In the corner, in the small medicine patch he had opened up, several low-grade spirit herbs gave off a faint glow in the sunset. An indescribable sense of peace instantly enveloped him. This place was his safe harbor.
He washed his face and hands carefully, changed out of those torn and dirty disciple robes, and put on clean clothes. Then, habitually, he walked to the kitchen corner and picked up that black, unremarkable frying pan. The pan body was ice-cold, the touch familiar. He lit the stove fire, put in a little animal fat, then took out some ordinary rice and wild vegetables and mushrooms he had picked from the back mountain that contained no spiritual energy, preparing to make himself something to eat.
When the pan heated up and the oil boiled, the ingredients sizzling as they hit the pan, accompanied by rising cooking smoke, Xiaoqi's heart finally completely settled. He expertly flipped the pan and ladle, watching the food in the pan gradually become fragrant under the licking of flames. This pan had accompanied him through those most difficult early days at Qingxu Temple, helping him "supplement his meals," assisting him in feeling fire-attribute spiritual power, and even blocking a fatal blow for him when he first encountered a demon beast. It and the jade pendant on his chest were both his most important secrets and companions.
While stir-frying, Xiaoqi reviewed this secret realm journey. The harvest was undoubtedly huge. Not only had his cultivation broken through to middle Qi Refining, but more importantly, he had obtained that "Basic Purification Technique" jade slip that seemed closely related to his background, and had verified its power in actual combat. There was also that accidentally obtained Vermilion Fruit, plus the large quantity of collected spirit herbs, enough to exchange for quite a few contribution points. But the risks were equally huge. He had exposed the purification technique, attracting the elders' attention. In the future, questioning would likely be unavoidable. Moreover, that residual demonic energy in the secret realm, the traces Eldest Senior Brother had discovered—all were like a dark cloud, presaging greater storms.
"Sigh..." Xiaoqi lightly sighed, scooping the stir-fried vegetables onto a plate. He knew that from the moment he came out of the secret realm, he was no longer that Tang Xiaoqi who could hide behind others and peacefully be a "little waste."
Just then, a faint rustling sound came from outside the window. Xiaoqi raised his head alertly, only to see a white shadow agilely dart in, steadily landing beside the stove—it was that familiar rabbit spirit. Its ruby-like eyes first vigilantly swept around, then fixed on Xiaoqi... or rather, the plate of food in his hand, its little nose twitching constantly.
Xiaoqi froze for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh. The secret realm was filled with dangers, and he had almost forgotten about this little fellow. He hadn't expected it to follow out on its own and accurately find his residence.
"You greedy thing, your nose is pretty sharp." Xiaoqi's mood inexplicably improved. He used chopsticks to pick a small pinch of green vegetables without salt, placing them on a clean stone piece to the side. "Here, eat. Just don't steal things again this time."
The rabbit spirit tilted its head looking at him, then at that pinch of green vegetables, seeming to hesitate a bit, but ultimately unable to resist the aroma's temptation. It leaned over and started eating in small bites, its fluffy tail twitching.
Watching the quietly eating rabbit spirit, a genuinely relaxed smile appeared on Xiaoqi's face for the first time in these days. He picked up his own rice and vegetables, walking to sit at the small stone table in the courtyard. The sunset's afterglow dyed the sky a warm orange-red. Distant mountains were dark, a clear breeze passed, bringing the fresh scent of grass and trees.
He slowly ate his meal. The taste wasn't particularly good, but it was grounding. The jade pendant on his chest transmitted a steady warmth, as if soothing his chaotic thoughts. Outside the courtyard gate, occasionally footsteps and conversation sounds of other disciples passing by. It seemed someone mentioned "Tang Xiaoqi" and "Purification Technique," but the sounds quickly faded away.
The trouble from sudden fame, future uncertainties, the mystery of his background... these troubles still existed. But at this moment, sitting in this familiar little courtyard, hearing the lingering sound of the spatula and iron pan colliding, watching a rabbit spirit gnawing on green vegetables, feeling the spiritual power slowly recovering within his body, Xiaoqi's heart was serene.
He had returned safely. This was Qingxu Temple, his temporary home. No matter how many storms were outside, at least for now, he could peacefully finish this meal, then have a good sleep. The road ahead was still long, but since he had already stepped onto this path, he could only, and must, walk forward step by step.
Night gradually fell, warm lights coming on in the little courtyard.