Chapter 261 – Heart Toward the Moon Sends Longing, Seeking the True Self

The moon at the edge of the night sky sometimes resembles a small boat, a curved eyebrow, or a sickle.

Regardless of its ever-changing forms, it always evokes boundless yearning.

Ye Kuang couldn’t help but look up at the sky, unsure what to feel, and suddenly let out a long sigh for no apparent reason.

It seemed like melancholy with no clear origin, or perhaps the heavy pressure of the long road ahead, yet it couldn’t conceal his soaring fighting spirit.

His expression, however, evoked different feelings in those who saw it.

It was infectious, making one feel how small they were beneath the vast heavens, or like intertwined emotions narrating the rich feelings inherent to every mortal.

Even the Four Sages were inevitably moved upon sensing this.

Looking at Ye Kuang’s back, they seemed to see another person.

That was none other than the head of Qian Dao Academy, Qing Ge!

The two were like polar opposites: one aloof and detached, indifferent to all matters; the other vividly emotional, imbuing everything with feeling.

Thus, it was foreseeable that if they ever met, it would be a clash of titans.

Unbeknownst to them, a figure was quietly approaching from the shadows, as leisurely as a stroll in a courtyard!

Behind this person followed countless others, their confused gazes shifting left and right as if puzzled.

“Ah… It’s Senior Brother Qing Ge!”

“And the Hundred Divisions of Qian Academy, even Eldest Senior Sister is here!”

“Welcome, Senior Brother!!!”

In that moment, the entire scene erupted into a flurry of commotion, plunging everyone into inexplicable fervor.

If a celebrity’s appearance could cause endless disturbances, then there existed a type of person who could ignite the passionate gazes of countless young men and women.

That person was Senior Brother Qing Ge!

Witnessing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: “Dragons among men are rare, but when storms approach, they always stir towering waves.”

A group of people slowly came into view before the crowd.

Without exaggeration, their attire was resplendent, each piece a masterpiece among masterpieces.

Their cuffs were embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, their collars subtly hinting at the auspicious union of the mythical creatures, making them all appear like nobles of high status.

If not for the uproar, Ye Kuang might have mistaken them for actors filming a period drama.

But it had to be said, the leader was indeed imposing and talented, worthy of being called a peerlessly handsome man—graceful and dashing.

This person carried a trace of melancholy between his brows, as if burdened by countless worries, yet his steps were always measured, neither too much nor too little, perfectly balanced.

“So that’s Qing Ge?” Ye Kuang murmured to himself, unable to hide his astonishment.

Simultaneously, the moment their eyes met, the aura they exuded was starkly contrasting—one overwhelming like a raging inferno, the other calm as still water.

This vivid contrast left the onlookers momentarily stunned, and the previously boisterous atmosphere fell into a chilling silence.

Seeing this, Ye Kuang frowned involuntarily, clearly not expecting this person to be such a formidable rival!

It had to be acknowledged, the aura surrounding Qing Ge was perfectly aligned with the natural order of the Dao, seamless and untraceable.Qing Ge: “Junior Brother Moyan, care to give me an explanation?”

The moment these words were spoken, an unexpected tension swept through the scene.

The first to bear the brunt was none other than Senior Brother Xiao.

“Eldest Senior Brother, I…”

Seeing Xiao Moyan struggling to form a coherent response, Qing Ge scanned the surroundings, his gaze gradually growing calmer.

In that instant, the surrounding crowd collectively lowered their proud heads, choosing silence as none dared even breathe loudly.

Qing Ge: “Do you all know how long I’ve waited for tonight? Do you understand what this means to me?”

“Eldest Senior Brother…”

“Senior Brother Qing Ge…”

Xiao Moyan: “Senior Brother, this junior admits his mistake.”

Hearing this, Qing Ge suddenly turned to face the graceful figure approaching lightly, offering an apologetic smile before saying: “Junior Sister Ling Wei, it seems tonight’s banquet cannot proceed as planned.”

His tone carried undeniable helplessness.

Meanwhile, Ye Kuang grew puzzled upon hearing this and suddenly looked toward a particular figure across the way.

Instantly, a captivating presence entered his view, causing both his body and spirit to tremble.

The flowing sleeves of her pale yellow robe outlined distinct contours, like a meticulously carved work of art… Complemented by the dark golden phoenix-crying-to-the-heavens pattern, it strikingly elevated her jade-like figure beyond ordinary beauty.

Even the term “banished immortal” seemed inadequate to describe her presence.

Though her features were partially concealed by an embroidered hood, it couldn’t obscure her striking curves.

She was none other than the female sage, Xiao Lingwei!

Ye Kuang: “Sister…”

But then he suddenly realized how perfectly matched Qing Ge and Xiao Lingwei appeared together.

Rather than merely being a talented scholar and beautiful lady with respective statuses, they seemed like a divinely ordained pair, perfectly suited in every way.

Though Ye Kuang didn’t fully understand matters of the heart, he clearly grasped something at that moment.

If heaven had any human compassion, he might have laughed wildly three times toward the sky:

“The joys and sorrows of this world are ultimately heaven’s will that cannot be defied.”

“There may be heartache, but that marks the beginning of letting someone go. When recalling past events and people, they become merely beautiful memories.”

“And you, so unexpectedly, have also astonished people. This shared Soul might be predestined across three lifetimes, but some people and events are destined only to leave traces in each other’s lives, teaching you certain lessons and introducing you to certain individuals. If one can understand these simple truths, this becomes the meaning of continuing forward and growing along the journey…”

Turning around!

Ye Kuang then strode away with swift steps, so quickly that others barely noticed before his figure had already vanished from the scene.

Leaving behind only an atmosphere of celebration.

As the saying goes, though under the same sky we stand on different grounds, the people and events we encounter are but fleeting meetings.

In this moment, Ye Kuang finally cultivated a heart willing to wander the martial world with sword in hand.

In his thoughts, no matter how beautiful the memories, if constantly revisited, they lose their proper significance.

Being able to traverse lonely times and witness the dawn’s light presents greater challenges than remaining stagnant in the present.

For a time, even his true consciousness seemed somewhat influenced.

If the heart remains untouched, how can one comprehend life’s inherent meaning? Without genuine reflection, how can one’s solitary courage and unyielding spirit ignite and blossom?

Though the road may be long, perseverance will eventually lead to the destination.Yet the journey ahead, much like the person before us, requires bearing certain burdens alone, growing independently until maturity is attained.

Once Ye Kuang released the knots in his heart, he too embarked upon a path—one of seeking his true soul and spirit.