The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: The protagonist; Heir of Fenixia | Calm, level-headed, and reassuring
Miao Miao: Yena's friend | a flower spirit | Playful, caring, and perceptive
Jin Yue: Heir of Huliya | Loyal, determined, and deeply compassionate
Lan Xuan: Ruler of Huliya; Jin Yue's maternal aunt | Strong-willed, intelligent, and protective
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After some chasing, they both stopped in front of a tea shop, panting.
Miao Miao, breathless, huffed, "You... You're really fast!"
Jin Yue smirked between breaths, his chest rising and falling with exertion. "Of course, I am."
As they caught their breath, Jin Yue's expression suddenly shifted. He had noticed a familiar figure lurking behind a distant shop.
Miao Miao followed his gaze and turned around. "What are you looking at?" she asked, but saw nothing.
Jin Yue quickly masked his thoughts and waved a hand dismissively. "No one, you silly. Anyway, you should head back to the inn—it's almost sunset. I need to go home and convince my aunt."
Miao Miao nodded. "If it were earlier times, I would've sneaked after you just to see what trouble you'd land in… but I trust you now." She straightened up, offering him a soft smile. "Alright, you can go. I'll head back to the inn—Yena might need me."
Jin Yue gave a small nod. "Hmm… I'll be back soon."
With that, they parted ways.
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When Miao Miao reached the inn, she found Yena still waiting at the restaurant.
Yena glanced up as Miao Miao entered, her brow furrowing slightly. "Why are you alone? Don't tell me you two fought again?"
Miao Miao waved a hand. "Aiyaah, we didn't. He just had to go home."
Yena hummed in understanding. "Makes sense. He probably has a lot to explain to his aunt... especially with that immortal root ginseng. I hope this doesn't cause too much trouble for him."
Miao Miao sighed, resting her chin on her palm. "He's definitely going to get an earful... What if he doesn't come back? What if his family won't let him?"
Yena gave her a reassuring smile. "He'll come back. He's stubborn like that, but he's also strong. He'll find a way to convince them. Don't worry."
She took a sip of her tea, her gaze distant, lost in thought.
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After parting ways with Miao Miao, Jin Yue had barely walked a few steps when a figure appeared in his path.
Man:"You must come with me, young master. Your aunt is waiting."
Without a word, Jin Yue followed, knowing better than to resist. They boarded a carriage, and after a brief ride, arrived at his home—the royal palace of Huliya.
As he stepped out, the man bowed respectfully and left. The grand palace loomed before him, its towering gates casting long shadows under the evening light. Taking a deep breath, Jin Yue pushed the heavy doors open.
He walked straight into the great hall, where his aunt, Lan Xuan—the current ruler of Huliya—sat at the center, fingers pressed to her temples in evident frustration. The moment she saw him, her exhaustion flared into anger, and she rose abruptly from her seat.
Lan Xuan:"How dare you! Do you have any idea what you've done?" Her voice echoed through the hall, filled with both anger and concern.
Jin Yue froze as her words echoed.
Lan Xuan: "Do you realize how rare that herb is? How could you just steal it?"
She sank back into her chair, exhaustion overtaking her fury.
Jin Yue glanced at the guards and ministers in the room before gesturing for them to leave. Once the hall was empty, he took a step forward.
Jin Yue:"Aunt, I'm sorry. I know how important it was, and—"
Lan Xuan:"Then why did you do it?" she cut him off, eyes sharp with disappointment. "Have you forgotten why I kept it?"
Jin Yue exhaled, his shoulders tense. "I know… you saved it in case my health worsened."
Since birth, Jin Yue had suffered from a rare condition, and the immortal root ginseng had been preserved as a last resort for him. He hadn't told Yena or Miao Miao—he never wanted them to feel guilty. It had been his decision to take the herb, and he would bear the consequences.
Lan Xuan:"Then tell me why you stole it."
Jin Yue:"My friend needed it. It was urgent—she would have died without it."
His aunt scoffed. "Friend? Jin Yue, how many 'friends' do you think you have?"
Jin Yue met her gaze. "I know I never had any true friends before... but I do now. And she's a good person, someone who means a lot to me, even though we've only known each other for a short time."
His aunt's expression darkened. "So, you wasted a priceless herb—the only one we had—jeopardizing your health for someone you barely know? How naive can you be, Jin Yue? You are the heir to this province. Is your life something you can so easily gamble away?"
Jin Yue:"I told you, she's not just 'someone'. I trust her."
His aunt let out a weary sigh, rubbing her temples again. "You've disappointed me, Jin Yue. I won't argue with you any further. Go to your room. We'll discuss this later."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing alone in the vast hall.
Jin Yue had known this confrontation would be difficult, but her reaction still weighed on him. Her fury was undeniable, but beneath it, he had seen the worry in her eyes. It wasn't just the herb—it was the fear for his health.
After a moment, he called for one of his men.
Jin Yue:"Deliver a message to my friends. Tell them I won't be returning tonight."
The man nodded and left. Jin Yue lingered for a moment, then quietly made his way to his room.
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Several hours passed. After a long meeting with the ministers, Lan Xuan finally made her way to Jin Yue's room.
Jin Yue, who had been pacing, immediately turned when she saw her enter.
Jin Yue:"Aunt."
Lan Xuan sighed as she settled into the chair by the table. "You didn't have to do that, you know... What will you do now, child? It's not like we can find that herb again so easily."
She paused, her gaze thoughtful, before adding, "You've put yourself in a dangerous position for someone you barely know. I need you to think carefully about the consequences of your actions."
Lan Xuan had always been a motherly figure to Jin Yue. His father had passed away long ago, and his mother had left the world the day he was born. It was his aunt who raised him, caring for him with unwavering devotion. Because of his peculiar health condition, she was always extra cautious, shielding him from stress—whether it was the province's affairs, his cultivation, or anything that might burden him. All she ever wanted was for him to grow up safe and healthy.
Now, seeing his reckless decision, she could only sigh, her concern now more about his well-being than the herb.
Jin Yue remained silent for a moment, understanding that her anger was rooted in her worry for him. He walked over and knelt beside her, taking her hand.
Jin Yue:"I'm fine, Aunt. You don't have to worry. I'll take care of myself."
Lan Xuan studied his face carefully, then sighed once more. "I still can't understand… who is this friend that made you do something so reckless?"
Jin Yue shook his head. "It wasn't her. It was me." He stood up and walked to the window, his voice softening. "I wasn't able to think straight. All I knew was that I couldn't let her die… I couldn't watch her in agony."
Lan Xuan followed him, standing by his side. She exhaled heavily. "You're just like your mother. She always cared deeply for her friends…" Her tone shifted, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Tell me, is she beautiful?"
Jin Yue hesitated, then blushed slightly. "Yes, she—" He stopped himself. "Aunt!"
Lan Xuan chuckled, clearly amused. "I see now."
Jin Yue groaned, flustered. "You don't! It's not like that. We're just friends."
Lan Xuan raised an eyebrow playfully. "Did I say otherwise?" Then, her expression softened. "Listen, Jin Yue, I wasn't just angry because of the herb. Huliya's facing many challenges right now, and you're the only heir to this province. I let my emotions get the better of me, and I'm sorry for shouting earlier."
Jin Yue smiled slightly. "I know you care, Aunt. I'm glad you're not angry anymore. Seeing you smile again, it makes me feel better."
His expression grew serious. "Aunt… the Mystical Forest. Is that part of what's been happening?"
She nodded. "Yes. But you don't need to worry about that. I'll handle it. Focus on taking care of yourself."
Jin Yue nodded, but her next words surprised him.
Lan Xuan:"You… You can go to Tianlong if you wish."
Jin Yue turned to her, stunned. "How did you—"
Lan Xuan scoffed. "Tch, you think you can hide anything from your aunt? You little brat."
Jin Yue scratched his head sheepishly. "I didn't mean to hide it… but you've always been against it."
Lan Xuan sighed, her gaze distant. "I was… and I still am. But thinking about it now, you need to become strong enough to lead Huliya one day. The Sect Tournament might be the challenge you need to grow."
Jin Yue studied her face. "Aunt, are you okay? If you need me here, I'll stay.""
Lan Xuan smiled warmly, shaking her head. "When I wanted you to stay, you insisted on leaving. And now that I want you to go, you hesitate. Just go, Jin Yue. Participate in the tournament, make me proud." She took both his hands gently, her voice turning soft. "But promise me, Jin Yue. Keep yourself safe, and protect those you care about. Understood?"
Jin Yue squeezed her hands. "I will." Then, after a pause, he asked, "Aunt, can I ask you something?"
Lan Xuan: "Of course."
Jin Yue:"Where did you get the Immortal Root Elder Ginseng? It's incredibly rare…"
His aunt let go of his hands and walked toward the window, stopping in front of it. "It's a long story. Your mother had it."
Jin Yue's eyes widened. "Mother…?"
Lan Xuan's voice softened. "She refused to consume it when her time came. She said… someone else would need it more than her one day. So, she made me keep it. Perhaps she knew you would need it."
Jin Yue's mind swirled with emotions, but before he could process, Lan Xuan turned back to him.
Lan Xuan:"Jin Yue… do your friends know your true identity?"
Jin Yue hesitated. "No, they don't. I don't know how to tell them. I've never had a friend to confide in, so I'm unsure of how to start."
Lan Xuan nodded thoughtfully. "If they are truly your friends, they'll understand you. But… it's not the right time. Your identity is something you need to be cautious with. The world is not kind to those who hold such power. Your primordial spirit…, you know how rare that is, don't you?... You'll have time to tell them when the moment is right."
Jin Yue nodded, a weight settling on his chest as he absorbed her words.
Lan Xuan:"You're staying the night, right?"
Jin Yue hesitated before shaking his head. "No… My friends and I are leaving the city tomorrow."
Lan Xuan:"Tomorrow?" She frowned but quickly composed herself. "I see… that's understandable. The competition will commence soon—less than three months from now. I wish you all success."
"Thank you, Aunt," he said, pulling her into a brief hug. After releasing her, he bowed deeply and added, "I promise I'll make you proud. And don't worry, I'll take good care of myself."
Lan Xuan nodded, but as he turned to leave, she smirked.
Lan Xuan:"Next time, bring your beautiful friend with you. I'd like to meet her."
Jin Yue stomped his foot like a child. "Aunt! I told you, it's not like that!"
Lan Xuan chuckled. "Alright, alright. Go now, before I change my mind."
Jin Yue seeing her smile, felt better and said "Good Night, Aunt" and left. As his footsteps faded, a figure stepped forward from the shadows near the entrance—Royal Chancellor.
He watched the young man disappear into the night before speaking.
Royal Chancellor:"Do you really think this is the best way to keep him from Huliya's affairs?"
Lan Xuan stood in silence for a moment, her gaze lingering on the path Jin Yue had taken.
Lan Xuan:"I don't want him involved in the Mystical Forest investigations. He had to be stopped."
The Chancellor stepped forward, brow furrowed. "How long do you think you can keep him away from it?"
Lan Xuan finally turned to face him, her expression hardened. The Chancellor bowed slightly in respect.
Lan Xuan:"As long as I must." Her voice was steady, unwavering. "I won't let him become a pawn in someone's wicked scheme. I'll protect him… and Huliya."
She waved her hand, dismissing him. He bowed once more before departing.
Left alone, Lan Xuan stood in silence, staring into the distance. Her fingers curled into a fist in quiet resolution. She glanced at Jin Yue's room one last time before turning and stepping away, leaving the silence of the night behind her.