The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Heir of Fenixia; Divine | Calm, level-headed, and emotionally mature.
Miao Miao: Yena's friend| a flower spirit; divine being | Playful, expressive, and always full of energy.
Jin Yue: Heir of Huliya | Charismatic and well-mannered.
Su Wanyin: Noblewoman of Su clan | Confident, elegant, and emotionally transparent.
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The conversation with his aunt had left Jin Yue deep in thought. But the moment he returned to the inn, all his worries faded at the sight of a familiar figure.
Yena was strolling near the entrance. When she spotted him, a soft smile curved her lips.
Jin Yue stopped in front of her, his expression softening. "Did you not get my message? I asked someone to let you know I wouldn't be coming today—I didn't want to trouble you this late."
Yena hesitated. "Oh… I did. But I was worried you might be in trouble because of the herb."
Jin Yue blinked. "Worried? About me?"
Yena gave a small nod. "Hmm… we're friends, aren't we?... Miao Miao's been looking after me all this time, so I told her to rest—she's finally taking a break."
He exhaled. "First, let's go inside. You shouldn't be walking around—it's not great for your health."
Yena didn't argue. They headed into the inn and found a quiet corner by the window in the warmly lit restaurant.
Yena studied him for a beat before asking, "Are you okay?"
Jin Yue leaned back slightly. "Yeah, I am." His voice was calm, but something weighed behind his words. "My aunt gave me permission to go to Tianlong—to participate in the tournament."
She raised a brow, watching him closely. "Then why do you sound like you don't want to go?"
He gave her a crooked smile. "Are you a mind reader now?"
"Maybe," she teased.
He chuckled softly, then looked out the window. "I think she just wants me out of Huliya—to keep me away from the investigation into the Mystical Forest."
There was a pause before he added, "My mother died because of it."
Yena's gaze softened. "Your mother?"
Jin Yue forced a small smile. "I never told you about her, did I? She was an incredible ruler—kind, wise, and strong. People respected her." His voice carried a rare fondness. "Unlike others, she cared deeply for the Mysticals… protected them. Right up until the end."
"And your father?"
Jin Yue's smile faded slightly. "He passed away long before I was born. My aunt raised me."
Silence settled briefly between them.
Yena finally asked, "How did you find out about your mother's connection to the forest?"
"I overheard my aunt talking to someone. That's when I started looking into it." His voice lowered. "I need to know the truth. If that forest is linked to her death… I have to find out."
Yena nodded. "Isn't that why you want to go to Tianlong? To grow stronger, so you can protect the people you care about?"
Jin Yue's fingers curled slightly. "Yes. But…" His voice dropped. "I'm afraid of leaving her alone in all this."
Yena paused. Then, quietly, "Would you like to hear my story?"
Jin Yue lifted his gaze, surprised. It was the first time she'd offered to share something about herself.
She traced her finger around the rim of her teacup, gathering her thoughts. "My mother died when I was born. I didn't know anything about her… until four years ago."
She took a breath. "That's when I learned her death wasn't… natural."
He didn't interrupt.
"I was always weak as a child," she continued. "So I had to keep proving myself. But once I learned about her… everything changed. I didn't want power for the sake of strength anymore—I wanted the truth."
Her voice was steady, but Jin Yue could hear the emotions woven into her words.
"My uncle told me that if I wanted answers, I had to become strong enough to seek them. Strong enough to protect myself and the people around me."
She finally looked at Jin Yue. "That's why I'm here. I'm not searching for power to prove myself anymore—I just want to be strong enough to stand on my own and defend those I care about."
Jin Yue was silent for a long moment. Then, "What about your father? He's not…?"
"I don't know where he is." Her fingers clenched her sleeve. "And I don't want to know."
He looked at her gently. "What will you do once you become powerful enough?"
Yena smiled faintly, her voice soft. "I don't desire power for its own sake. I want the truth—the kind that's been hidden in the quiet for far too long."
Her tone softened. "So don't overthink things. Once we meet your master and finish the tournament, we'll find the answers you're searching for. Together."
A small smile tugged at his lips. "Then I'd like to do the same for you."
The moment of mutual understanding passed between them.
"You should get some rest," he said. "Tomorrow's going to be a long journey."
"I'm fine," Yena said, stretching slightly. "I could run all the way to Tianlong if I had to."
Jin Yue chuckled. "So, you know how to joke. You always seemed so distant before… but now, you feel different."
Yena tilted her head thoughtfully. "I've always been grateful to you. But I like to remain composed in front of others. That's just… how I am. But with friends—with family—it's different."
Jin Yue's voice softened. "I like you this side of you too."
A brief silence passed before Yena cleared her throat. "Umm… should we head to our rooms?"
Jin Yue blinked, slightly flustered. "Oh… yeah. We should."
They walked side by side up the staircase, a comfortable silence settling between them. As they reached their doors, Jin Yue turned to head into his room—but Yena's voice gently stopped him.
"Jin Yue—"
He turned, his brows slightly raised.
"You're not alone," she said. "No matter what happens, you have people who trust you."
Her words were simple, but they carried a quiet sincerity.
Before he could respond, she gave him a small nod and turned away.
"Good night."
And with that, she disappeared into her room.
Jin Yue stood there for a moment. Then, a quiet chuckle escaped him, and a soft smile lingered on his lips.
He finally stepped into his room, heart a little lighter.
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The next morning, they rose with the sun and prepared to leave.
Miao Miao stretched and sighed. "Finally, we're off to Tianlong… but I'll miss this place. Sigh, the baozi…"
Jin Yue raised a brow. "You mean the food here?"
Miao Miao huffed in response, and Yena chuckled.
As they stepped outside the inn, a group of women suddenly surrounded them.
One of the women called out, "Yueye! Where are you going?"
Jin Yue froze. Miao Miao blinked. "Yueye?!"
Yena leaned toward Miao Miao and whispered just loud enough for others to hear. Clearing her throat with a teasing smile, she added, "People close to him call him that. Not everyone—just the close ones."
Jin Yue turned to her, his head tilting slightly. "It's not like—"
Another woman interrupted, "Yueye-ya, you've been avoiding us again! Where do you think you're sneaking off to?"
"That's right!" another chimed in. "We haven't seen you in ages. You can't escape today!"
Jin Yue chuckled awkwardly. "So many lovely ladies here... huh…"
Miao Miao looked away in disbelief, while Yena was clearly amused by the sudden shift in his demeanor.
Then, a beautiful and elegantly dressed woman stepped forward.
"You didn't think you'd leave unnoticed, did you?"
Jin Yue:"…You…"
Elegant Woman:"Yes. Me."
Jin Yue exhaled heavily. "Su Wanyin. Don't you have anything better to do? Why are you here?"
Su Wanyin crossed her arms. "Why can't I be here? Where are you going? Tell me."
Rather than replying to her directly, Jin Yue turned to the group with a faint chuckle."Ladies," he said with easy charm, "I'm off to the Sect Tournament. I'll be training outside the province for a while. With some luck, I'll be back soon… hopefully as the champion."
The group erupted in chatter.
Su Wanyin frowned. "What do you mean?"
Jin Yue shrugged, maintaining composure. "Time for me to head out, beautiful ladies. Wish me luck."
He somehow managed to charm his way through, gently persuading them to leave. Miao Miao and Yena stood quietly, observing as he handled the situation with practiced ease.
Miao Miao muttered, "How difficult it must be to live the life of a handsome man."
Yena replied dryly, "Beats me."
One by one, the crowd began to disperse—though Su Wanyin remained behind.
Jin Yue:"Why aren't you going?"
"Take me with you," she said plainly.
"Take you? Where?!"
She titled her head. "You know where."
"You want to go to Tianlong?" he asked, incredulous.
She glanced at Miao Miao and Yena, shifting slightly to peer past Jin Yue's shoulder. "I just… don't want you going alone."
"I'm not alone," he replied firmly. "Besides, did you even ask your father?"
Su Wanyin stomped lightly, speaking in a low voice. "Why bring my father into this?"
Jin Yue flicked her forehead lightly. "When are you going to grow up? Your father will be furious if he finds out you're planning to leave Huliya without permission."
Su Wanyin grabbed his hand, her voice pleading. "Please. I'll be bored here!"
Jin Yue gently pulled his hand away. "You'd better focus on your cultivation while I'm gone. Maybe enter the tournament yourself."
She pouted "Then join my sect. You could get in easily, with your position and power."
"I already have a master," Jin Yue said, calm but firm. "I'm not joining any other sect."
"Then let me come—"
"No." He cut her off. "Go home. Focus on your cultivation. I'll be back soon."
With that, he slung his bag over his shoulder, picked up the remaining luggage, and walked away.
Miao Miao hurried after him, while Yena offered Su Wanyin a courteous bow before turning to follow.
Su Wanyin stood there, clearly upset, as she watched him disappear down the path.
And just like that, they left Huliya behind—finally setting off toward Tianlong.
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