At that life-and-death moment, Lin Yun, certain that both he and Mo Qing were doomed, had broken through that layer of unspoken feelings, making a promise to Mo Qing, fulfilling a sense of closure before death.
Yet, both survived.
Having made the promise, Lin Yun would not go back on his word.
“Disciple, come with me to the hall first,” the middle-aged man leading Mo Qing said, stepping forward.
“May I ask who you are, Senior?” Lin Yun looked at the man politely.
This black-robed Eternal seemed familiar to Lin Yun. During the Zhutian Alliance’s siege, he had conjured an energy form to save Mo Qing.
However, since joining the Heavenly God Palace, Lin Yun hadn’t met him or learned his exact identity.
During Lin Yun’s initiation trial, no one from the Shadow Hall had attended.
“Lin Yun, this is my master, the Vice-Hall Master of the Shadow Hall,” Mo Qing introduced.
“I see. Greetings, Vice-Hall Master,” Lin Yun saluted immediately.
“Lin Yun, I’d heard about you setting a new record in the initiation trial. When I first saw you outside Xingwu City, I sensed that if you survived, you might achieve great things. But back then, I still underestimated you,” the black-robed Eternal said, looking at Lin Yun.
“You flatter me, Hall Master,” Lin Yun replied with a courteous smile.
After a pause, Lin Yun tentatively asked, “Vice-Hall Master, if Mo Qing and I were to become dao companions, the Shadow Hall… wouldn’t object, would it?”
The atmosphere grew tense.
The black-robed Eternal pondered briefly before saying, “If you were merely ordinary, the Shadow Hall would never agree. But with your remarkable achievements, you’re worthy. So, the Shadow Hall’s stance is simple: we won’t interfere. It’s up to you two.”
A dao companion differs from a spouse.
A dao companion is a partner in cultivation, sometimes a spouse, but not always. Most often, it’s a marital partnership, but if not, it’s a cultivation ally. The prerequisite is shared ideals and the willingness to face life and death together!
Having a dao companion aids mutual progress in cultivation and joint defence against enemies, far better than venturing alone. The path of cultivation is lonely, and a dao companion provides companionship.
But finding a suitable dao companion is extremely difficult, especially for prodigies. A companion must have sufficient strength and talent, and most importantly, unity of heart and purpose, willing to face life and death together—a rare quality.
The black-robed man knew of Lin Yun’s prodigious talent.
In his view, Mo Qing forming a dao companionship with such a prodigy could complement their growth and benefit her.
Hearing this, Lin Yun and Mo Qing both sighed in relief, smiles spreading across their faces.
Lin Yun knew that without his strength, the Vice-Hall Master would never have agreed.
In the end, strength speaks loudest.
“Disciple, let’s go. Follow me to the hall to meet Vice-Palace Master Yao for the initiation ceremony,” the black-robed man said.
“Yes,” Mo Qing replied, following him towards the Heavenly God Palace’s main hall.
“I’ll come too,” Lin Yun said, trailing behind.
He stopped outside the hall, waiting.
Soon, Mo Qing emerged.
She had received her communication bracelet, officially joining the Heavenly God Palace.
“Lin Yun, in a month, I’ll take the initiation trial. I just heard from Vice-Palace Master Yao that you set the highest record in the trial’s history. You’re always so earth-shattering, whether at the Heavenly Sword Sect or now at the Heavenly God Palace,” Mo Qing said with a smile, her gaze sweet.
“Senior Sister Mo Qing, prepare well for the trial. I’m looking forward to your results,” Lin Yun said with a grin.
He had no idea of Mo Qing’s current strength.
The trial would reveal it.
At that moment, Vice-Palace Master Yao stepped out of the hall.
“Lin Yun, you’re here and didn’t come in to greet me?” Yao said with a cheerful smile.
“Vice-Palace Master Yao, you were conducting Mo Qing’s initiation ceremony. I didn’t wish to intrude,” Lin Yun said politely.
“Lin Yun, it’s been over five years since you joined the Heavenly God Palace. I heard you’ve been an ascetic these past years. How’s your progress?” Yao asked.
Given Lin Yun’s brilliance, Yao naturally cared about his cultivation.
“Some gains,” Lin Yun said with a polite smile.
“Entering the Mahayana realm is a major boundary leap. No need to rush, you have time. My expectation is for you to reach it in two or three millennia,” Yao said.
The Mahayana realm requires insight, so the time taken varies. Some reach it quickly, while others remain stuck, never crossing the threshold—a common fate for many Eternals.
“I’ll strive hard,” Lin Yun said.
“By the way, Lin Yun, you seem quite concerned for your old friend Mo Qing. She’s become an Eternal, and you’re the only one who came,” Yao said, stroking his beard with a smile.
Usually, other Eternals don’t attend new initiations, offering congratulations via bracelet afterward.
“No secret, Vice-Palace Master Yao. Senior Sister Mo Qing and I have faced life and death together several times, and we plan to become dao companions to progress together,” Lin Yun said.
“Dao companions, eh? Haha, you’re quite fortunate. Female Eternals are rare, and you’ve claimed one as soon as she emerged. Many Eternals will be jealous,” Yao laughed.
Then, his tone shifted. “A hero deserves a beauty, and you’re worthy! I’ll congratulate you in advance.”
“Thank you, Vice-Palace Master,” Lin Yun saluted.
“Thank you, Vice-Palace Master,” Mo Qing quickly saluted too.
“Alright, I won’t disturb you,” Yao said, heading back into the hall.
“Mo Qing, I’ll take you to your residence in Heavenly City. Follow me,” the black-robed man said.
With that, he soared into the air.
Mo Qing and Lin Yun followed.
In the sky.
“Senior Sister Mo Qing, that’s my residence in Heavenly City,” Lin Yun pointed out as they passed his mansion.
Soon, the black-robed man led Mo Qing to another residence.
“Disciple, this is your home in Heavenly City from now on,” he said, gesturing to the mansion.
“Thank you, Master,” Mo Qing saluted.
“Here are five hundred Haoyue Crystals. Absorbing them can enhance an Eternal’s realm. This is my reward for your ascension,” the black-robed man said, handing her the crystals.
“Thank you, Master,” Mo Qing accepted the Haoyue Crystals.
