The following morning dawned with Li Tao's departure for urgent matters at Lingyun Peak, leaving Xue Xinyu to ponder the unsettling dream that had visited him during the night. As he grappled with the question of its reality, he found himself bereft of the chance to discuss it with Li Tao, who had already left before dawn broke over the mountains.

After their usual breakfast, Liang Zhiguan dutifully led Xue Xinyu around the peak. "Shizun, why am I being shown around?" he finally mustered the courage to ask, his confusion palpable.

Xue Xinyu, ever the master of deception, responded with a straight face, "Why doubt your shizun, Liang Zhiguan?" Liang Zhiguan immediately began to stammer out an apology, but Xue Xinyu waved it off. "No need for apologies. It's all part of your training. A true disciple must know their surroundings like the back of their hand."

The excuse sounded convincing enough to Liang Zhiguan, who nodded eagerly. "Of course, Shizun! I understand now."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Liang Zhiguan led Xue Xinyu around the peak, unaware of the hidden agenda behind their "training." Xue Xinyu, meanwhile, was on high alert, doing his best to avoid any awkward encounters from Liang Zhiguan's past with Liang Chen.

"I realise I've been quite strict with you, Liang Zhiguan," Xue Xinyu began, his voice carrying a softness that contrasted with his usual commanding tone. The gentle lilt of concern was unmistakable. "But it was all for your own well-being. I wanted to shield you from the dangers of the world outside, to protect the innocence of your childhood."

Liang Zhiguan glanced at him, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. He had never heard his shizun speak with such tenderness before. Encouraged by the reaction, Xue Xinyu took a deep breath and continued, "However, I see now that I may have been overprotective. I want you to experience what's left of your childhood, to feel the freedom that comes with it."

A few weeks before the highly anticipated Wayfarer Trial was set to begin, Xue Xinyu had been summoned to Fenghuang Peak, a prestigious invitation extended to many peak masters. Originally, Zhou Xin, the peak lord, was to attend, but his pressing duties had kept him occupied. Hence, Xue Xinyu was chosen to represent in his stead.

As the letter of summons arrived, intricately sealed and bearing the mark of Fenghuang Peak, Xue Xinyu knew he would have to attend alone. But with no one to look after Liang Zhiguan, he made the decision to bring his disciple along.

"It's fine, I'm old enough," Liang Zhiguan muttered, his cheeks tinged with a rosy blush of embarrassment. He meticulously folded Xue Xinyu's robes, placing them into a travel bag with care.

"I know that," Xue Xinyu responded, his tone carrying a hint of teasing as he leaned casually against the doorframe. His arms were crossed in a posture that was both authoritative and relaxed, watching Liang Zhiguan with a kind of paternal affection. "But you're still coming with me."

It was early in the morning, the first light of dawn casting a soft, golden glow over the room. The two had been in discussion since the previous evening. Despite the light filtering through the windows, which brought a promise of a new day, Liang Zhiguan remained resolute in his desire for independence.

Sighing in resignation, Liang Zhiguan grabbed another bag, efficiently filling it with more clothes and essentials. "Fine," he conceded at last, his tone carrying a hint of resignation as he slung the bag over his shoulder, his sword clutched firmly in hand.

Xue Xinyu, known for his aversion to the confinements of carriage travel, preferred the liberating sensation of flying on their swords. The thought of soaring through the skies, unbounded and free, was far more appealing than the cumbersome trappings of land-bound transport. Consequently, they packed lightly, preparing to make the journey to Fenghuang Peak through the air.

Following Liang Zhiguan, they stepped out onto the terrace, the expansive view of the peak stretching out before them in a breathtaking panorama. The sky was a canvas of pastel hues, the sun rising with a gentle radiance that bathed the landscape in a serene light. The tranquillity of the morning belied the anticipation that hummed beneath their calm exteriors.

Before departing, they ensured that the house was securely locked. Liang Zhiguan hefted the bags onto his back, adjusting their weight with the practised ease of one accustomed to travel. As he prepared to mount his sword, Xue Xinyu stepped forward, his movements graceful and purposeful. He gently took one of the bags from Liang Zhiguan's shoulder, slinging it over his own with a quiet determination.

Liang Zhiguan raised an eyebrow, "I'll carry it myself, Shizun," he insisted. "I'm not that old yet," Xue Xinyu replied with a chuckle, pulling his sword out with a flick of his wrist, his qi making it glow softly. "I can manage just fine."

With a reluctant nod, Liang Zhiguan accepted Xue Xinyu's outstretched hand, using it to steady himself as he climbed onto his own sword.

Taking to the air, Xue Xinyu felt a familiar unease rise within him. Flying from Qi Yun Peak, so high up, always unsettled him. But with the sunrise painting the sky in beautiful hues of pink and gold, he found the journey tolerable.

As they began their descent, Xue Xinyu's sharp eyes picked out a figure waiting patiently at the gate below. Feng Mingzhu stood there, his form silhouetted against the lightning sky. His posture was one of impatience, his arms crossed over his chest, yet the relief in his stance was palpable. It was evident he had been waiting for some time.

"Finally, you're here," Feng Mingzhu called out, his voice carrying a blend of impatience and relief. His eyes, sharp and discerning, locked onto Xue Xinyu as he descended, his sword slicing smoothly through the air.

Xue Xinyu alighted gracefully, his movements fluid and controlled, like a dancer stepping onto the stage. "Thank you for welcoming me so warmly, Feng-shidi," he responded, a hint of playful irony in his tone.

Feng Mingzhu's gaze shifted to Liang Zhiguan, standing slightly behind Xue Xinyu, his expression tinged with surprise. "How come you're not alone?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. The question hung in the air, mingling with the morning mist that lingered around them.

Xue Xinyu scratched his head, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "Ah, well..." He hesitated, searching for the right words to explain the unexpected company. "I didn't want to be so alone here," he finally admitted, meeting Feng Mingzhu's gaze with an apologetic look.

Sighing softly, Feng Mingzhu turned to greet Liang Zhiguan with a welcoming expression. "It's been a while, young Liang," he said, his voice warm and inviting as a gentle smile graced his lips.

Liang Zhiguan, feeling a wave of shyness wash over him, nodded in response and quickly tucked himself behind Xue Xinyu, hoping to hide his embarrassment. Sensing his unease, Xue Xinyu placed a reassuring hand on Liang Zhiguan's head, patting it gently to offer comfort and support. With a comforting gesture from Xue Xinyu, they moved forward, stepping into the lively heart of Fenghuang Peak's city.

The city of Fenghuang Peak was a vibrant tapestry of life and energy. The streets were a whirlwind of activity, teeming with people from all walks of life. Bustling crowds filled the pathways, weaving their way through a myriad of colourful stands and stalls. Vendors called out to passersby, each offering an enticing array of foods, trinkets, and goods. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the scent of exotic spices, creating an intoxicating blend that permeated the air.

Laughter rang out, the joyous peals of children playing in the streets mixing with the melodic chatter of merchants negotiating their wares. This lively scene was a stark contrast to the serene and rule-bound Qi Yun Peak, which often lay in quiet stillness, its calm only occasionally broken by the rustle of leaves or the soft murmur of the wind. In comparison, Fenghuang Peak was a thriving hub of commerce and community, its streets alive with a vibrant, pulsating energy.

The city's beauty was nothing short of enchanting. Its architecture, a harmonious blend of soft beige tones and lush verdant greens, captured the essence of nature itself. Lush plants and vibrant flowers adorned the streets, spilling over window sills and climbing up walls, their bright colours a stark contrast against the muted hues of the buildings. 

Each house seemed a masterpiece, crafted to blend seamlessly with the environment, as if grown from the earth itself. The city's design celebrated nature, creating an organic charm that made Fenghuang Peak a breathtaking sight to behold.

As they walked through the bustling streets, many people turned to greet them with warm smiles and friendly words. "Welcome, Peak Master Xue," some called out, their voices filled with respect and admiration. Others offered a simple, yet heartfelt, "Good morning," acknowledging both Xue Xinyu and Liang Zhiguan with kind nods and cheerful waves.

"You haven't been to Fenghuang Peak in a while, right?" Feng Mingzhu asked, guiding them through the bustling market with an air of familiarity.

"Indeed, it has been quite some time," Xue Xinyu responded, his tone measured and thoughtful. The truth was, he had never set foot in this place before, but Huai Xiaozhun had. To maintain the pretence of familiarity, Xue Xinyu spoke as if he were an old acquaintance of the city, masking his inexperience with practised ease.

"The other peak masters are staying at a residence close to the meeting hall. Your room is there too," Feng Mingzhu announced, sounding a bit like a hotel concierge. He led them up a series of stone steps that zigzagged their way to a higher part of the mountain, making Xue Xinyu wonder if this city had a hidden deal with a fitness club. 

This elevated area housed the palace, which perched majestically on the mountainside, looking like the kind of place where dramatic proclamations about destiny were made on a regular basis.