Novel Full Chapter 266: To meet at Tea Ceremony!
Chapter 266: To meet at Tea Ceremony!
“Anyway, now that you are awake, we should leave this place,” Li Yun said casually as he rose to his feet.
Mu Lan also stood slowly before turning toward him with a serious expression.
“Thank you for handling this matter without harming me,” she said sincerely. “I am truly grateful to you.”
Li Yun smiled lightly and waved his hand dismissively.
“Miss Mu, there is no need to thank me,” he said in a relaxed tone. “I only did what needed to be done.”
“Li Yun, we are about the same age, so why do you keep calling me Miss Mu?” Mu Lan asked as she looked at him with narrowed eyes, though there was a faint trace of amusement hidden beneath her serious expression.
Li Yun blinked for a moment before giving a dry laugh.
“Hehe… well…” he said awkwardly as he rubbed the side of his nose. “Cough… then I will call you by your name directly from now on. Is that fine?”
Mu Lan looked at him for a brief moment before nodding slowly, and a gentle smile appeared on her face.
“That is better,” she said calmly.
Li Yun smiled back as the atmosphere lightened noticeably after the tense events within the tomb.
“Now let us get out of here,” Li Yun said as he glanced toward the exit passage.
With that, Li Yun, Mu Lan, and Wu Lin began making their way through the ancient corridors of the tomb, stepping over broken stone and passing through halls that still carried traces of the fierce battle that had taken place.
Several minutes later, the three of them finally arrived at the entrance of the tomb and stepped outside into the open air.
The sunlight beyond the tomb entrance felt refreshing after being surrounded for so long by the gloomy atmosphere within.
Waiting outside were Han Li, Han Xue, and Shi Mo.
The moment they saw Li Yun, Mu Lan, and Wu Lin emerge safely from the tomb, the tension on their faces immediately eased, and all three visibly let out breaths of relief.
“Brother Li, Miss Mu… you all are safe!” Han Li called out as he stepped forward, genuine relief clear in his voice.
Han Xue also released a long breath she had been holding, and the worry in her eyes finally faded when she confirmed that Li Yun and the others had returned unharmed.
Shi Mo, who had maintained a stern expression until now, also quietly sighed in relief upon seeing them alive, though he tried to hide it behind his usual composure.
“Haha, it seems you all are doing well too. That is great,” Li Yun said with a smile as he looked at the three waiting outside.
Han Li shook his head lightly.
“We were the ones worrying about you,” he said. “Judging from the disturbances inside, something serious must have happened.”
Mu Lan and Wu Lin exchanged glances, while Li Yun only smiled mysteriously.
“There were indeed some complications,” Li Yun said calmly, “but everything has already been resolved.”
Han Xue looked at him with curiosity, clearly wanting to ask more, yet after seeing that everyone was safe, she chose not to press the matter immediately.
After confirming that everyone had returned safely, the tense atmosphere surrounding the tomb entrance gradually eased, and the group was finally able to speak calmly without the pressure of danger hanging over them.
Han Li looked toward Li Yun with a thoughtful expression, as though something had just come to mind, and after a brief moment of silence, he stepped forward slightly.
“Brother Li,” Han Li said in a steady voice, “in three months, Sword Saint County will host the Tea Ceremony. Have you considered going there?”
The moment those words were spoken, the expressions of everyone present shifted slightly.
The Tea Ceremony of Sword Saint County was not an ordinary gathering.
It was a renowned event throughout the Southern Martial Domain where young geniuses, sect disciples, and rising talents from various regions would gather to exchange pointers, test their strength, and establish their names before the major forces.
If the Hidden Dragon Tournament was the main dish then the Tea Ceremony was treated as an appetizer.
For many young martial artists, it was a rare opportunity to gain fame.
Li Yun naturally understood its importance.
A faint smile appeared on his face as he looked at Han Li.
“I was already planning to go,” Li Yun replied calmly. “An event that gathers so many talents would be difficult to ignore, and missing it would be a waste.”
Han Li’s eyes brightened immediately, and a smile appeared on his usually composed face.
“Good,” he said with satisfaction. “Han Xue and I also intend to be there. We may not participate, but we will definitely attend as audience members.”
Han Xue nodded quickly, and clear anticipation could be seen in her eyes.
“I want to witness the geniuses of Sword Saint County for myself,” she said before glancing toward Li Yun with a playful smile. “And I also want to see what kind of disturbance you create once you step onto that stage.”
Li Yun gave a soft laugh. “You think too highly of me.”
Han Xue folded her arms lightly and snorted. “After everything I have seen today, I suspect I may still be underestimating you.”
Even Shi Mo, who had remained silent for most of the time, finally spoke in a calm and serious tone.
“The Tea Ceremony gathers many strong young experts, and some of them are not simple figures. If you attend, you should not underestimate anyone. Many disciples from our Martial Ascension Gate should also attend this ceremony. So I would recommend you join with them in the Sword Saint County.”
Li Yun nodded slightly. “I understand.”
At that moment, Mu Lan stepped forward, her expression calm and graceful as she looked directly at Li Yun.
“I will also participate in the Tea Ceremony,” she said in an even tone. “I hope to see you there.”
Wu Lin immediately straightened beside her as if waiting for such an opening.
“If Senior Sister Mu is going, then I will naturally go as well,” he said firmly, though everyone present could easily understand his true motivation.
Mu Lan completely ignored him.
Li Yun met Mu Lan’s gaze and smiled lightly.
“You will see me there,” he said. “Since all of you are going, then I naturally cannot be absent.”
Han Li laughed softly after hearing that.
“That sounds much more like Brother Li.”
The mood of the group became noticeably lighter as their thoughts gradually shifted away from the danger of the tomb and toward the grand gathering that awaited them.
Sword Saint County.
The Tea Ceremony.
A stage where many of the younger generation of the Southern Martial Domain would gather in three months.
Li Yun looked toward the distant horizon, and a sharp light flickered in his eyes.
“Then let us meet again at the Tea Ceremony,” he said steadily. “I promise I will be there.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
With that promise made, they finally exchanged farewells and departed in different directions, while each of them knew clearly that in three months, their paths would cross once more on a far greater stage.