Li Hua and Mo Xing maintained their positions at the formation's right flank, their established rhythm of movement and communication requiring fewer words with each passing day. Their connection developed in small moments—shared glances when Elder Fu described upcoming challenges, fingers brushing during meal preparations, occasional quiet conversations beneath the stars when they were finally able to rest.
The other disciples gradually accepted this unspoken pairing as natural, even expected—with the notable exception of Mei Lin, whose narrowed eyes followed their interactions with calculated assessment. Whatever conclusions she drew remained unvoiced, but her frequent whispered conversations with certain senior disciples suggested she hadn't abandoned her interest in their unusual dynamic.
