Wuji took a seat at the table across from Jinhai and Zhen, his mind still lingering on Mei’s absence. He smiled at the two, happy to see his old friends again after two years, but the question that had been gnawing at him wouldn’t leave his mind.

After some small talk and greetings, Wuji finally asked, “Where’s Mei? I thought she’d be with you.”

At the mention of Mei’s name, both Jinhai and Zhen exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to something more somber. Jinhai sighed heavily, his strong, broad shoulders sagging a little, and Zhen looked away, his eyes distant as though recalling a distant memory.

Wuji’s brows furrowed as he sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere. “What happened?” he asked, his voice more serious now.

Jinhai looked at Zhen before turning back to Wuji. “It’s… a long story. We didn’t expect you to ask so quickly.”

Wuji leaned forward, concern etched on his face. “Tell me.”

---

It was about a year ago. They had been training together just like they always had—pushing each other, challenging their limits, preparing for the sect exams. Wuji had already left Celestial Harmony Village by then, but his advice and guidance had always lingered in their minds. Mei, in particular, had taken his words to heart, training hard each day as if Wuji himself was watching her progress.

One afternoon, while they were sparring in the open fields near the village, a strange sensation filled the air. The wind seemed to shift, carrying with it a subtle, ethereal energy that made the hairs on the back of Jinhai’s neck stand on end. Zhen, always perceptive, had felt it first. He stopped mid-motion, his eyes scanning the sky as if searching for the source of this unusual presence.

Then, out of nowhere, she appeared.

Descending gracefully from the sky, a woman floated toward them. She wore a veil over her face, obscuring her features, but the elegance of her bearing was undeniable. Her long, flowing white hanfu, embroidered with delicate light blue designs, fluttered in the breeze. And on her chest, a blue emblem with two interlocking lotuses shimmered faintly.

Jinhai and Zhen were frozen in place, awe-struck by the sight. They had heard of cultivators who could fly, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. The woman landed lightly before them, her presence serene yet powerful, as though she commanded the very air around her.

Without hesitation, the mysterious woman walked straight toward Mei, who had been standing a few paces behind Jinhai. Mei, though brave in the face of beasts and dangers, couldn’t hide her fear in that moment. Her eyes widened as the woman approached, and she instinctively took a step back.

The woman reached out, gently grasping Mei’s wrist. For a brief moment, there was silence as the woman seemed to be examining something. Her veiled face gave away little, but after a few moments, she nodded to herself.

“You,” the woman said, her voice soft but authoritative. “Would you like to become my disciple?”

Mei’s face paled, her lips parting in shock. Despite her bravery in the face of beasts and hardship, this was something entirely different. Her heart raced—she had never seen someone fly before, let alone have such a powerful presence approach her directly. She didn’t know how to respond, fear gripping her.

Sensing her reaction, the woman’s posture shifted. She lowered her head slightly, as if embarrassed, and spoke again in a much gentler tone. “Forgive me for startling you. I am from the Illusory Lotus Sect, a faraway sect known for its mastery of illusory techniques. I was passing through this region for some business when I sensed… you.”

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The woman paused, then continued, “You possess a rare physique—one known as the Phantom Lotus Physique. It perfectly aligns with our sect’s cultivation techniques. With it, you have the potential to reach heights that few others can.”

Mei remained silent, processing everything she had just heard. It all seemed so unreal. A moment ago, she was training with her friends, preparing for the sect exams. Now, this powerful cultivator was standing before her, offering her a path she never imagined.

Sensing her hesitation, the woman stepped closer. “I know this may be sudden, but you must understand that an opportunity like this is rare. With me, your cultivation will be smooth, and you will have the resources you need to grow. I cannot stay here long… you must make your decision.”

Mei’s mind raced. She remembered sitting under a tree with Wuji not long before he left for his travels. He had always been like an older brother to her, guiding her with his wisdom and sharp mind. She remembered one of the things Wuji had told her during one of their many conversations: “Never let an opportunity pass you by, Mei. If something presents itself, grab it with both hands.”

Those words echoed in her mind now. She glanced at Jinhai and Zhen, who had both been watching the exchange in stunned silence. Jinhai gave her a firm nod, his eyes serious. Zhen, though quieter, nodded as well, his expression calm but supportive.

Taking a deep breath, Mei met the woman’s gaze. “I… I’ll do it. I’ll become your disciple.”

The woman’s eyes, though hidden behind her veil, seemed to light up with satisfaction. “Excellent. We will perform the formal master-disciple ritual at our sect, but for now, we must leave soon. You will have one day to gather your things and say your goodbyes.”

Mei’s heart sank at the thought of leaving her friends behind, but she knew this was the right choice. She had to follow this path, no matter how difficult it might be.

---

As the day wore on and Mei packed her belongings, a thought occurred to her. She didn’t want to leave without giving something back to her friends, who had been with her through everything.

That evening, when the woman came to take Mei away, Mei stood her ground and made a bold request. “Before I go… I want to ask something.”

The woman tilted her head, curious. “What is it?”

Mei, her small frame standing tall with resolve, looked directly at her new master. “I won’t go with you unless you give Jinhai and Zhen cultivation techniques. They’ve been training as hard as I have, and I don’t want to leave them without something to help them grow stronger.”

The woman, caught off guard by the request, blinked behind her veil. Mei’s determination surprised her, and she let out a soft chuckle, amused by the little girl’s audacity. “You’re quite the clever one, aren’t you?”

Mei didn’t back down. Her large, innocent eyes looked up at the woman expectantly. “Please. They’re my friends.”

The woman sighed, then extended her hand toward Jinhai and Zhen. “Very well. Let me see their spiritual roots.”

After examining them briefly, she nodded and produced two cultivation manuals, tailored to suit each of their spiritual roots. “These will help you grow stronger, though you must work hard to make full use of them.”

Jinhai and Zhen both accepted the manuals gratefully, bowing in respect.

“And what about Wuji?” Mei asked, her voice quieter now. “He’s not here, but he always used a sword… and he loves wood-carving. Could you give something to him, too?”

The woman raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Wood-carving, you say?”

Mei nodded, reaching into her pouch and pulling out a small wood carving—one that Wuji had made for her after they had successfully hunted their first Qi beast together. It was a small but intricate carving of the beast, and despite its size, the details were impressive.

The woman studied the carving closely, clearly impressed. “This boy… he has a talent.” She reached into her robes and produced a book. “This is a martial technique. Give it to him.”

Mei smiled brightly, taking the book. “Thank you.”

The next day, Mei departed with her new master, leaving Jinhai and Zhen with heavy hearts, but also with new hope. They promised to train hard and meet Wuji again when the time came for the sect exams.

---

Back in the present, Jinhai sighed as he finished the story, his eyes meeting Wuji’s.

“Mei’s gone, Wuji,” Jinhai said quietly. “But she left something for you.” He reached into his bag and pulled out the book Mei had received from the woman of the Illusory Lotus Sect.

Wuji took the book in his hands, his heart swelling with emotion. Mei had remembered him, even in such a life-changing moment. He smiled softly as he looked at the book, feeling both pride and sadness.

“She’s doing well, right?” Wuji asked, his voice soft.

Zhen nodded. “We haven’t heard from her since she left, but… she’s strong. She’ll be fine.”

Wuji held the scroll tightly, his resolve hardening. “I’ll see her again one day. I promise.”

With that, they fell into a contemplative silence, the bond between them even stronger despite Mei’s absence.