Chapter 149: Reunion!

Damian watched the four youngsters kowtow before him, their voices trembling with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

He couldn’t help chuckling at their solemn expressions, especially since he had only intended to formalize a relationship that had already existed in practice for quite some time.

"Alright, that’s enough ceremony for one day. Get up, all of you, and keep those Mana Crystals because they’re yours now," Damian instructed with an amused smile, gesturing for the four to rise.

Jian Rui and the others exchanged astonished glances before hurriedly thanking him again, their hands tightening around the precious crystals.

To ordinary Body Tempering cultivators, such convenient cultivation resources represented an opportunity that could dramatically improve their advancement prospects.

However, Damian had something considerably more urgent in mind than watching his new disciples cultivate.

"Now that we’ve settled that matter, it’s time to end this war. The Nightmare Corpse Sect has already suffered enough losses to make its position untenable, and I’d rather finish things properly than spend the next several months worrying about what those demonic bastards might try next," Damian declared, his expression gradually becoming serious.

The four immediately straightened, their excitement shifting toward anticipation as they realized what their Master intended.

They had spent considerable time managing the Willowbank Front while the wider conflict raged around them, so the prospect of personally accompanying Damian into the decisive stages of the war was understandably thrilling.

Naturally, Damian had no intention of throwing four Body Tempering cultivators into a battlefield dominated by Foundation Establishment experts.

However, they could accompany him to the allied command center, assist with communications and supplies, and perhaps gain valuable experience observing how a major military operation was managed.

"Master, the allied forces established a new forward camp earlier today, and the sect has already opened a teleportation connection to it," Jian Rui informed him, quickly recovering his usual administrative composure.

Shen Lian nodded with a solemn expression. "Access is heavily restricted because the destination lies within hostile territory, but your status as a Guest Elder should allow us to arrange passage."

Damian nodded appreciatively, finding the development entirely sensible given how rapidly the allied forces had advanced.

Maintaining supply lines through contested territory was a logistical nightmare, and a functioning teleportation network could reduce transportation time from days to moments.

Of course, he was also rather curious about Shengyuan’s approach to spatial transportation.

Having spent so much time using <Misty Step> and the Dual Realm Exchange System, Damian had become somewhat spoiled when it came to moving between distant locations.

However, sect teleportation arrays operated according to principles quite different from the Valorian spatial magic he was accustomed to.

"Good, then let’s go and take a look. I haven’t had much opportunity to experience a proper Shengyuan teleportation array, so this should be interesting," Damian remarked, rising from his seat and adjusting Longtian at his waist.

The four disciples immediately followed him out of the cultivation chamber, their enthusiasm evident despite their attempts to maintain proper decorum.

Damian couldn’t blame them, especially since their positions had changed rather dramatically within the span of a single afternoon.

A short while ago, they had been administrative attendants assigned to assist an unusually powerful Guest Elder.

Now, they were that same man’s formally acknowledged personal disciples!

Considering how much influence a Master’s reputation could exert within Shengyuan, the implications were hardly insignificant.

......

The sect’s teleportation hall was considerably busier than Damian expected, with cultivators moving between different sections of the facility while Deacons supervised the transportation arrays.

Several formations remained inactive, but one newly established platform attracted particular attention because of the unusually strict security arrangements surrounding it.

Armed disciples guarded the entrance, while administrative personnel verified identities, examined authorization tokens and maintained detailed records of everyone traveling toward the forward camp.

The restrictions were understandable, since allowing unauthorized individuals to enter an active military installation through a permanent spatial connection would be an exceptionally stupid security decision.

Fortunately, Damian encountered little difficulty.

"Guest Elder Damian?!" one of the supervising Deacons exclaimed upon recognizing him, his expression immediately brightening with relief.

"You’ve finally returned! We’ve heard about your accomplishments throughout the campaign, and the senior leadership will certainly be delighted to learn that you’re heading toward the forward camp!" The fellow added with a shine in his eyes.

The surrounding personnel quickly became attentive, several exchanging excited glances as they recognized the young cultivator who had become something of a legend among the allied disciples.

Damian had personally transformed the situation at Willowbank Front, supplied miraculous medicines and played a crucial role in restoring the strength of their senior leadership.

Even people who had never met him were thoroughly familiar with his name!

Damian accepted their greetings without excessive ceremony, although he was quietly pleased to discover that his efforts had earned such widespread recognition.

The Deacons quickly verified the identities of his four disciples and authorized their passage, making it clear that their accompanying him was sufficient justification for the otherwise restricted journey.

"Many thanks, Elder Damian, and please convey our respects to the senior leadership when you arrive," the supervising Deacon requested respectfully, gesturing toward the active teleportation platform.

"The connection has been stabilized, and the receiving formation is prepared to accept your group."

Damian acknowledged the instruction before leading Jian Rui and the others onto the circular platform.

Intricate array patterns covered its surface, with several embedded Spirit Stones supplying the energy necessary to maintain the formation.

The moment the supervising Deacon activated the array, the patterns began glowing with pale light, and the surrounding Spiritual Energy surged toward the formation’s central structure.

Damian immediately examined the process with considerable interest, recognizing several spatial principles despite the obvious differences between this method and the techniques he normally employed.

Then the world abruptly disappeared!

An uncomfortable sensation seized his body as the formation pulled him through space, producing a strange impression that he was falling through an endless void.

Although the actual process lasted only a brief moment, the sudden loss of ordinary spatial orientation was sufficiently unpleasant that Damian instinctively tightened his control over his internal energy.

Fortunately, the sensation disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.

The next instant, he found himself standing upon another teleportation platform, surrounded by unfamiliar buildings and several waiting cultivators.

His four disciples appeared alongside him, looking somewhat pale but otherwise perfectly unharmed.

Damian blinked, briefly considering the experience before comparing it against his usual methods of transportation.

Damn, the Dual Realm Exchange System’s teleportation is considerably more refined than this thing!

Whether he employed the Permanent Realm Passage or ordinary Valorian spatial magic, he rarely experienced anything quite so uncomfortable.

The sect’s array had certainly accomplished its purpose, but the journey felt rather crude compared to the almost effortless transitions he had grown accustomed to.

Then again, it was hardly fair to compare a conventional cultivation formation against something created by an absurdly powerful System.

Shaking off the lingering sensation, Damian finally turned his attention toward their destination and immediately found himself pleasantly surprised.

What he’d expected to see was a forward camp!

Considering that the allied forces had only recently established their position within Nightmare Corpse Sect territory, Damian imagined a collection of military tents surrounded by defensive formations, makeshift barricades and exhausted cultivators desperately preparing for another battle.

Instead, the place looked like a miniature town!

Proper buildings stood along neatly arranged streets, accompanied by numerous temporary structures that had been erected with remarkable speed.

Supply depots, medicinal stations, cultivation facilities, administrative buildings and various commercial establishments were scattered throughout the settlement, creating an unexpectedly sophisticated military installation.

Damian even spotted several food vendors serving passing disciples, while groups of cultivators rested beneath shaded awnings or gathered around temporary dining areas.

The entire place possessed an extraordinary level of organization, especially considering how recently the allied armies had advanced into the region.

"Well, I’ll be damned! These people certainly know how to establish a forward operating base," Damian remarked, surveying the settlement with genuine appreciation.

Jian Rui and the others appeared equally impressed, especially since they were accustomed to the comparatively modest facilities available at the Willowbank side.

Although the smaller front had gradually improved under Damian’s influence, it could hardly compare to an installation supported by the combined resources of two major cultivation sects.

However, the buildings weren’t the only thing that surprised Damian.

Rather, it was the atmosphere of the place.

Despite being situated within hostile territory, the forward camp was remarkably peaceful, with disciples chatting comfortably, merchants conducting business and various personnel going about their responsibilities without any obvious sense of urgency.

Laughter could occasionally be heard from the dining areas, while several groups of younger cultivators appeared more interested in discussing their recent victories than preparing for future engagements.

There was confidence in the air, certainly, but also a considerable degree of relaxation that bordered upon complacency.

And strangely enough, Damian found himself responding to it!

The familiar tension he normally carried while traveling through Shengyuan gradually diminished, his shoulders relaxing as he observed the ordinary activities unfolding around him.

For some reason, the bustling settlement reminded him of the cities he had known back on Earth, where people could stroll through crowded streets without constantly expecting someone to attack them over a perceived insult.

It was an oddly nostalgic sensation.

Damian hadn’t realized how thoroughly he had grown accustomed to living in dangerous environments until the atmosphere of this camp briefly reminded him what ordinary civilian life once felt like.

The sounds of casual conversations, food being prepared and merchants haggling over prices were remarkably effective at convincing his instincts that everything was perfectly safe.

Heh, would you look at that?

A few buildings, some people laughing and a couple of food stalls, and my brain is already trying to convince me I’m back on Earth.

The realization amused him, although it also served as a useful reminder of how easily appearances could influence judgment.

A peaceful atmosphere was pleasant, but this particular settlement remained surrounded by hostile territory, and Damian wasn’t about to mistake temporary confidence for permanent security.

His four disciples seemed similarly affected.

Bo Wen was already examining the supply facilities with professional interest, while Lin Meiyu appeared delighted by the orderly layout and bustling atmosphere.

Shen Lian studied the defensive arrangements with considerably greater enthusiasm than usual, and even Jian Rui seemed relieved to discover that the allied command center was operating under such favorable conditions.

"Master, this place is incredible!" Lin Meiyu remarked with unconcealed admiration, looking between the buildings and the numerous cultivators passing through the streets.

Damian nodded, recognizing that the sects had likely employed cultivators, specialized construction techniques and previously prepared materials to accelerate the process.

With sufficient Spiritual Energy and appropriate Daoist Arts, conventional construction schedules could become little more than mere annoyances.

Nevertheless, he found the sheer amount of activity rather impressive.

Instead of immediately heading toward the command center, Damian decided to explore the encampment at a leisurely pace.

His four disciples accompanied him as he wandered through the busy streets, observing the different facilities and occasionally asking questions about the arrangements.

Longtian floated beside him throughout the excursion, its elegant blade moving through the air with such smooth control that it almost appeared to be sightseeing alongside its owner.

Damian occasionally adjusted its position through <Object Control>, allowing it to drift around him while he examined the surroundings.

The sight naturally attracted considerable attention.

Although Flying Swords were hardly unheard of in Shengyuan, Longtian’s unusual appearance and the effortless manner in which Damian controlled it immediately distinguished the weapon from ordinary artifacts.

Several passing cultivators paused to inspect it, only to become considerably more interested when they recognized the young man walking with it.

Whispers gradually spread through the surrounding crowd.

Some disciples identified him as the mysterious Guest Elder responsible for the Holy Water that had transformed the war, while others recalled hearing about his extraordinary combat achievements.

A few even recognized his distinctive foreign appearance, confirming that the famous cultivator from the Evergreen Sect had finally returned!

Damian noticed the attention but chose not to concern himself with it.

He had long since accepted that anonymity was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, especially after participating so openly in major events across both worlds.

Fortunately, the attention remained respectful, and nobody appeared foolish enough to challenge him simply because his cultivation realm seemed comparatively modest.

However, he and his disciples hadn’t traveled particularly far before a commotion developed farther along the street.

Two groups of cultivators were approaching rapidly, their movements attracting considerable attention as nearby disciples instinctively made way.

At their head were two exceptionally beautiful women whose familiar appearances immediately caught Damian’s attention.

Mu Qingyao and Shen Xueyi!

The former wore elegant Evergreen Sect robes that complemented her mature beauty, her graceful movements carrying the confidence of someone who had long become accustomed to commanding attention.

Shen Xueyi remained equally striking in her pale-blue attire, her characteristic veil concealing the lower half of her face while her cool eyes remained focused upon Damian.

Both women had evidently received news of his arrival!

Damian’s expression softened as he watched them approach, genuine pleasure appearing upon his face at the sight of two people he had grown rather fond of during his previous stay.

Considering the circumstances under which they had parted, he was particularly interested in seeing how they would behave now that their respective families were no longer facing the same desperate conditions.

Interestingly, both beauties reacted quite strongly to his smile.

Mu Qingyao’s expression brightened immediately, her heart skipping a beat as the familiar young man regarded her with unmistakable warmth.

Shen Xueyi maintained her usual composed appearance, although the slight change in her gaze betrayed that she was hardly unaffected by his return.

"Damian! You’ve finally returned!" Mu Qingyao called with delighted surprise, slowing as she reached him.

The beautiful maiden regarded him from head to toe. "We heard that someone matching your description had arrived through the teleportation formation, but I almost couldn’t believe it until I saw you myself!"

Damian didn’t bother answering immediately.

Instead, he stepped forward and drew the beautiful cultivator into his arms, embracing her firmly before giving her a thorough kiss in full view of everyone present.

The sudden display of affection caught Mu Qingyao completely off guard, although she quickly recovered enough to return his embrace.

Unfortunately for her dignity, the surrounding cultivators had already witnessed everything!

By the time Damian finally released her, Mu Qingyao’s beautiful face had become noticeably flushed, and she looked at him with an expression caught somewhere between embarrassment and delight.

Several members of her entourage appeared thoroughly astonished, evidently unaccustomed to seeing the normally composed beauty behave so openly in public.

"You shameless fellow! Couldn’t you have waited until we were somewhere private?" Mu Qingyao complained softly, although her hands remained comfortably against his chest.

Damian merely smiled, finding her reaction rather endearing, especially considering the circumstances surrounding their developing relationship.

He had missed her during his stay in Valoria, and pretending otherwise simply because other people happened to be watching struck him as thoroughly unnecessary.

However, there was another beauty standing nearby.

Shen Xueyi watched the interaction with her usual reserved expression, although she had already begun preparing herself for the possibility that Damian would greet her with little more than polite acknowledgment.

After all, their relationship remained considerably less established than his connection with Qingyao, and she had no intention of embarrassing herself by demanding affection he hadn’t offered.

Unfortunately, Damian had other ideas.

He approached her without hesitation, gently drawing the beautiful cultivator closer before carefully lowering her veil.

Shen Xueyi’s eyes widened as she realized what he intended, but she neither resisted nor attempted to withdraw when he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips.

The surrounding crowd became even more astonished!

Unlike Mu Qingyao, who possessed a naturally charming and expressive personality, Shen Xueyi was widely known for her cool temperament and emotional restraint.

Seeing her accept such an intimate gesture from a young cultivator in broad daylight was therefore an extraordinary spectacle, particularly for the Azure Water disciples accompanying her.

Damian withdrew after a moment, studying her reaction with quiet interest.

A faint blush had appeared upon Shen Xueyi’s cheeks, and for once, the ordinarily composed beauty seemed uncertain about what expression she was supposed to wear.

However, she made no attempt to reprimand him, merely restoring her veil after a brief hesitation.

"Welcome back, Fellow Daoist Damian," Shen Xueyi offered softly, her voice remaining composed despite the unusual warmth in her eyes.

Damian regarded both women with unmistakable affection, pleased to discover that neither had become distant during his absence.

Nevertheless, he remembered why he had returned to Shengyuan in the first place, and the surrounding military activity provided more than enough reason to postpone any further romantic indulgence.

"Well, it’s good to see you both looking so well, especially considering everything I’ve heard about the recent fighting. Jian Rui has already brought me up to speed, but I’d like to speak with the senior leadership before deciding what comes next, so where’s the command center?" Damian asked, finally returning his attention toward the larger matter at hand.

Mu Qingyao immediately offered to escort him, while Shen Xueyi quietly indicated that the senior representatives of both sects were already assembled.

The two women fell into step beside Damian, their entourages accompanying the group as they made their way through the increasingly crowded streets.

Naturally, the spectacle attracted even more attention.

An unfamiliar young cultivator accompanied by two famous beauties, four personal disciples and a floating Flying Sword was hardly an ordinary sight.

More importantly, the affectionate greetings had made it abundantly clear that Damian’s relationship with the two women extended considerably beyond simple political cooperation.

Damian noticed several curious glances directed toward him, but he had more important things to consider.

As they approached the command center, he quietly examined the surrounding defensive arrangements, noting the presence of reinforced structures, guarded approaches and several subtle array formations.

Despite the almost carefree atmosphere elsewhere in the camp, the military leadership had clearly invested considerable effort into securing its operational headquarters.

That was reassuring.

The command center itself occupied a substantial building near the heart of the settlement, its entrance guarded by experienced cultivators from both allied sects.

Mu Qingyao and Shen Xueyi led Damian through the entrance without difficulty, their identities and accompanying Guest Elder status making further formalities unnecessary.

Upon entering the main chamber, Damian immediately noticed several familiar features of Shengyuan’s military hierarchy.

A group of high-ranking Qi Condensation Deacons stood in orderly arrangements behind two prominent seats, their robes and insignia identifying representatives from both the Evergreen Sect and Azure Water Sect.

Their composed expressions and powerful spiritual fluctuations made it clear that these were experienced cultivators entrusted with coordinating the campaign.

However, Damian’s attention was drawn toward the two individuals occupying the seats.

On the left sat Mu Jianhong!

The Evergreen Sect Master looked almost nothing like the decrepit, half-dead figure Damian had encountered previously.

His formerly withered appearance having been completely replaced by the vigorous bearing of a powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator.

His hair was now lustrous black, while his well-developed physique filled his robes comfortably, making him appear decades younger than before.

Damian couldn’t help feeling a measure of satisfaction as he examined the result of his previous efforts.

On the right sat an unfamiliar man whose appearance was considerably more unusual.

The fellow possessed remarkably soft, effeminate features, with carefully applied makeup reminiscent of the elaborate cosmetics worn by traditional Geishas.

An ornate phoenix coronet adorned his head, while an elegant fan rested between his fingers, completing an appearance that was both extravagant and strangely dignified.

Even more interestingly, Lan Ruyue stood respectfully beside him!

Considering that the restored Elder possessed Half-Step Foundation Establishment cultivation and enjoyed considerable influence within the Azure Water Sect, Damian immediately recognized the significance of her deferential posture.

Whoever this mysterious individual happened to be, he was clearly someone important enough to command the respect of the sect’s senior leadership.

However, Damian had little opportunity to contemplate the matter further.

The moment he entered the chamber with Mu Qingyao, Shen Xueyi and his four disciples, the conversations within the command center gradually fell silent.

Every pair of eyes turned toward the young man who had just arrived!