C18 At the Top of the Bright Peak.

The following day, the fully assembled members of the Celestial Eagle Cult, led by the White-browed Eagle King and others, set out en masse toward Bright Peak, west of the Kunlun range.

As for Lin Yuanjian, Zhang Wuji, and Wey Yixiao, their exceptional speed had put them well ahead of the group. Wey Yixiao once again experienced the chilling prowess of Lin Yuanjian, whose mastery of the Lightness Skill made his own abilities seem insignificant by comparison. Shortly after they began their journey, Wey Yixiao was left far behind, despite Lin Yuanjian being encumbered by Zhang Wuji, whose presence did nothing to slow him down.

This realization led Wey Yixiao to question the very essence of his life's work. What was the point of his decades of dedication to the Lightness Skill? If Lin Yuanjian could have heard Wey Yixiao's inner turmoil, he might have responded with a wry, "Sorry, but being able to fly is simply extraordinary."

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Lin Yuanjian and Zhang Wuji had traversed thousands of kilometers, crossing vast stretches of the Kunlun Mountains. They settled in a sheltered, windless hollow.

"Master, according to the map my uncle provided, we're now very close to Bright Peak," Zhang Wuji said, tracing a route on the weathered map.

"Indeed, let's take a short rest here," Lin Yuanjian replied, effortlessly gliding to a rock at the peak's summit.

As the sun's rays faded, the sky was painted with a blood-red hue, casting the rugged mountains below in a crimson glow.

Zhang Wuji, filled with admiration, inquired, "Master, what do you call this Lightness Skill you've been using?" Throughout their journey, he had witnessed the astonishing nature of this skill—gliding on the wind without any need for leverage.

Lin Yuanjian gazed into the distance, a soft shake of his head the only reply. "This is not a Lightness Skill."

Not a Lightness Skill? Zhang Wuji was taken aback. Could this be the legendary flight technique of immortals?

His mind raced with possibilities.

Lin Yuanjian spoke with depth, "If you seek understanding, you might consult Taoist Zhang. The path of immortality is intimate, while the Buddha's way is one of decay. To follow such paths, one must often relinquish much."

"I understand," Zhang Wuji said, nodding solemnly, no longer dwelling on the matter. He knew in his heart what sacrifices might be necessary.

"Master, why must we hurry so?" he asked.

Lin Yuanjian watched the sunset about to disappear behind the mountains and leapt from the mountaintop, saying, "We're off to find Yang Dingtian."

Zhang Wuji was startled. "Cult Master Yang? Hasn't he been missing for over a decade? Master, do you know his whereabouts?"

Lin Yuanjian replied calmly, "Yang Dingtian's disappearance could only mean one of two things: he's been imprisoned or he's met with an accident. If it were imprisonment, the Bright Cult would have long since fallen into other hands, not scattered as it is now. Therefore, he must have met with an accident." He couldn't afford to appear omniscient; too many suspicions from Zhang Wuji would be difficult to dispel.

Zhang Wuji concurred, "What you say makes sense, Master."

Lin Yuanjian went on, "For years, the Bright Cult has scoured the land for any sign of Yang Dingtian, overlooking one crucial place."

Zhang Wuji felt a surge of curiosity. "Which place?"

"The Bright Cult's secret passageway," Lin Yuanjian revealed.

"And where might this secret passageway be?"

Lin Yuanjian shrugged. "That, I do not know. First, we'll head to Bright Peak to meet Left Envoy Yang. His forces should have already gathered there."

"I wonder if Little Sister Buhui is around; it's been years since I last saw her," Zhang Wuji mused, lost in a wave of nostalgia.

Lin Yuanjian couldn't resist a jibe: "First Sister Zhiruo, now Little Sister Buhui—your charm with the ladies is quite remarkable."

Zhang Wuji, flustered, scratched his head. "That's not..."

"Let's take a short break before we press on," Lin Yuanjian suggested, settling into a cross-legged position on the ground. Having flown for thousands of kilometers, his internal energy was significantly depleted. Yet, the two Spirit Apertures he had opened were continuously drawing in the power of the universe, swiftly replenishing his strength.

In no time at all, Lin Yuanjian was back at his peak. "Let's go, Wuji."

"Oh," came Zhang Wuji's response, though he remained rooted to the spot.

"What's the holdup? Expecting me to carry you?" Lin Yuanjian shot him a stern look.

"No, not at all. I can walk on my own; I wouldn't dare impose on Master..." Zhang Wuji protested.

"If only you'd said that sooner," Lin Yuanjian remarked dryly. "Carrying you is no small feat, you know."

Zhang Wuji, left with little choice, simply stroked his chin and feigned ignorance.

As the last sliver of sunlight lingered before nightfall, they set off toward Bright Peak, one after the other.

Ten minutes passed, and they came upon a trail leading to the Bright Cult's main altar.

"Halt! Who goes there?" In an instant, they were encircled by over a dozen sword-wielding men clad in yellow—the signature color of the Sharp Gold Flag, one of the Five-element Flags.

Zhang Wuji greeted them with a bow. "Fellow disciples of the Bright Cult, I am Zhang Wuji, grandson of the Eagle King, Yinn Tianzheng. The Eagle King is en route to Bright Peak with the Celestial Eagle Cult, and my master and I have come ahead. Please allow us to proceed to the main altar."

"You claim to be the Eagle King's grandson? Can you prove it?" The leader of the Sharp Gold Flag disciples raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

"Seize them!" someone called out. "They could be spies from the six major sects."

Zhang Wuji produced a small red iron token. "This is the Flame Order of the Bright Cult. Surely this can vouch for my identity?"

The leader scrutinized the token before conceding, "Indeed, this is the Flame Order. But we still can't let you pass without the Chief Flag Bearer's consent."

"What's going on here?" A crisp voice echoed down the mountain path, and a young girl in yellow descended, lantern in hand. The soft glow revealed her exceptionally lovely features—though only sixteen or seventeen, her beauty was unmistakable.

"Miss," the Sharp Gold Flag leader addressed her with deference, "these two were attempting to access the main altar, and we've stopped them."

The girl's eyes narrowed with intensity. "And who might you be?"

Lin Yuanjian observed the girl closely, surmising her identity. Chances were high she was Yang Buhui; the respect shown by the Bright Cult disciples was a clear indicator. Apart from Yang Xiao's daughter, who else would command such regard?

"Is that you, Buhui? It's me, Zhang Wuji." Zhang Wuji gazed at the girl, her face bearing a striking resemblance to Ji Xiaofu's, and exclaimed with joy.

"Ah?" Yang Buhui gasped in surprise, quickly circling around Zhang Wuji.

"Don't you remember? I was the one who took you to the Kunlun Mountains to seek out your father. See, I still have the flame token you gave me!"