Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 2984: A Few Days Of Peace

In the days following the commotion stirred by his return, Lin Mu found a moment of peace.

Though the elders continued to debate the significance of his 111 trials and whispered about Daoist Star Slayer’s appearance, Lin Mu quietly stepped away from the center of attention. He had no desire to dwell in accolades or bask in awe-filled stares. His path had grown longer, and his responsibilities heavier.

Instead, he chose to spend his time where it truly mattered—reuniting with his people.

It was just past dusk when he arrived at the Jade Echo Retreat on the residential peak of the sect.

And waiting there, as promised, were the ones who had stayed behind.

”Lin Mu!”

Meng Bai was the first to rise, his grin wide and his eyes gleaming. Daoist Chu followed close behind, and soon after, there was a flurry of movement.

A hiss echoed as two serpentine shadows darted toward Lin Mu—Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang. The twin snakes coiled affectionately around his arms and shoulders, their white and black scales glinting under the twilight sky. Xiao Yin flicked her tongue against his cheek while Xiao Yang coiled snugly around his wrist, humming with warmth.

”You’re back Master!” They hissed.

Ashy, the little bird, swooped down from the rafters above, letting out a proud chirp before landing squarely on Lin Mu’s head.

”You took soooo long!”

And then came a joyous meow.

”Masterrrrrrrr!”

Little Shrubby barreled into Lin Mu like a ball of fluff and strength combined, nearly knocking him over as he tackled him into a hug.

Lin Mu let out a laugh—a rare, clear sound of genuine joy.

”I missed you all too,” he said as he patted each of them.

”I thought you were gonna come out looking ancient and with a long beard,” Meng Bai teased as they sat around the low table. ”Instead, you still look like the same handsome master.”

Daoist Chu chuckled. ”We were starting to place bets on whether you’d ever come back at all. Three years is a long time.”

Lin Mu raised a brow. ”It felt like much longer inside. But I suppose in the outside world, it passed in a bit faster.”

Dishes began to appear on the table—simple but well-prepared fare. Little Shrubby had spared no effort in making the meal.

A large clay pot of Immortal beast stew bubbled at the center, accompanied by fluffy Immortal long grain rice, wild pickled immortal herbs, and honeyed lotus petals.

Ashy helped herself to a roasted spirit locust while Little Shrubby greedily dug into a plate of glazed Immortal meat ribs. The Twins slurped up what looked like blood jelly, enjoying it a lot.

They ate together, laughter and warmth slowly filling the air like incense.

Lin Mu, with gentle nudges from his companions, eventually shared what he could about the trials. He spoke of the endless dark, the emotional illusions, the formless sword phantom, the debate of philosophy, and the final empty plane where he attained the Sword Heart.

He didn’t go into every trial—there were simply too many—but each story left Meng Bai and Daoist Chu in awe.

”Wait, you actually debated someone in the sword path?” Meng Bai blinked. ”With words?”𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

”And each sentence turned into a sword strike,” Lin Mu said, sipping calmly from his teacup.

Daoist Chu rubbed his temple. ”You’ve truly left most in this generation in the dust.”

”I just followed the path to the end,” Lin Mu said, though his tone was quiet, almost distant.

After a moment, he leaned back and asked, ”So... what happened while I was gone?”

Meng Bai exchanged a glance with Daoist Chu, then shrugged.

”Honestly? Not much,” he said. ”The sect’s been stable. There were a few internal duels and some minor skirmishes outside with other sects, but nothing major.”

”What about the Ephemera Sect? Any activities from them?” Lin Mu asked.

It was the part he had been most concerned about being gone for three years.

”nothing. I’ve been keeping tabs on them and High Elder Gu Jin has also been investigating it with the Sect’s Disciples, but they all seem to have gone into hiding.” Daoist Chu answered.

”Hmm... Perhaps they’re biding their time.” Lin Mu muttered before looking at Daoist Chu. ”And what did you do all this time?” he asked next.

”I’ve mostly been cultivating,” Daoist Chu added. ”Guiding a few junior disciples here and there. But we made sure your room was maintained. We knew you’d come back.”

”And I’ve been improving too!” Meng Bai said, almost proudly. ”I’ve gotten really deep into advanced formation theory. The elders of the Formation Hall even invited me to help reinforce some of the outer defensive networks. They said I’m getting close to the proficiency of a Formation Grandmaster.”

”Your cultivation?” Lin Mu asked.

”Peak Dao Shell,” Meng Bai answered. ”I’ve already formed expanded my shell to ten meters, and I can feel the embryo wanting to take shape. I think I might be able to form my Dao Embryo soon, if I just get the right enlightenment.”

”You’ve grown fast,” Lin Mu said with approval.

Meng Bai rubbed the back of his neck, grinning. ”I’ve also been sparring a lot. The Xian Sword Sect disciples are intense, but it’s helped me grow. I haven’t fought you for a while, but... I can probably last a few more exchanges now.”

”Probably,” Lin Mu smirked.

Little Shrubby raised his paw. ”Me too! I got stronger! Look, look—my fire can be blue now!”

The little beast let out a puff of bright azure flame from his mouth, singing a patch of grass.

Lin Mu smiled warmly. ”You’re all growing. That’s good. I’m proud of all of you.”

They lapsed into silence for a while, the meal continuing under a starlit sky. The bond between them, forged through fire, tribulation, and shared memories, remained unbroken despite the long separation.

And for the first time in three long years, Lin Mu allowed himself to breathe—truly breathe—not as a cultivator burdened by trials, but as a friend, a brother, and a senior.

Even as the future loomed with greater challenges—he knew one thing for certain.

He was not alone.