The forest was silent — too silent.
Bai Yujing slowed his steps, talisman glowing faintly in his hand. "The spiritual trail ends here," he murmured.
"Then it's close," Bai Chengxing replied, tightening his grip on his spear.
A sudden chill swept through the trees. From the shadows, a twisted spirit emerged, its hollow gaze fixed on them, corrupted energy crackling in the air.
It lunged.
Yujing's blade flashed, sigils sparking to life as Chengxing spun his spear, forcing the spirit back. The wards sealed the area, trapping it within the glowing perimeter.
"Now!" Yujing commanded.
With a sharp motion, Chengxing unraveled a spirit pouch, its runes flaring. The spirit shrieked as it was pulled into the pouch, the forest falling silent once more when the seal snapped shut.
Yujing exhaled slowly, eyes sharp. "Another remnant. Send word — the rifts are widening faster than we thought."
(Baoli Zhong)
The afternoon sun bathed Baoli Zhong in gold, yet the courtyards felt unnervingly still without Yuxi and Yijun.
Mo Yuming leaned on a low stone railing, arms crossed, her sharp gaze scanning the empty grounds. A faint shimmer traced her fingertips, the Mo Clan's artistic energy subtly bending the light around her — a telltale sign she was attuned to spiritual disturbances.
"Lost in thought again?" a calm voice called.
Yuming turned to see Feng Xiaoyan approaching, robes rippling slightly in the soft breeze. Her eyes narrowed, and the surrounding air seemed to stir with her wind-based aura, brushing leaves gently along the stone paths. "Not lost," she replied with a smirk. "Just… waiting for trouble to find me."
She arched an eyebrow. "Trouble usually does."
"I felt something earlier," Yuming said, glancing toward the center of the courtyard. The shimmer in her hands pulsed faintly. "Some spiritual energy. I didn't follow it — didn't want to get caught alone."
Xiaoyan's expression stiffened, a swirl of air circling around her. "Then we go together."
Yuming's smirk widened. "Good. Let's see what's stirring in Baoli Zhong."
Together, they moved silently through the courtyards. Xiaoyan's wind swept lightly over the stone floors, carrying subtle warnings of movement, while Yuming's artistic energy made every shadow and glimmer of spiritual residue visible to her trained eye.
A sudden chill ran through the courtyard, gusts of wind spiraling unnaturally. Petals scattered in chaotic swirls, buffeted by Xiaoyan's protective winds.
From the shadows, a twisted spirit emerged, glowing faintly, its hollow eyes fixed on them. Corrupted energy crackled, trying to break free.
Yuming's fingers glowed with artistic energy, runes forming along her arm. "Found our trouble."
Xiaoyan raised his hand, summoning a tight vortex of wind to trap the spirit in place, preventing its chaotic movements. "Seal it!"
The spirit lunged, shrieking, but Yuming swung her spirit pouch, her energy running through the sealing runes. The runes flared brightly as Xiaoyan's wind constricted around the spirit, guiding it into the magical pouch. With a sharp pop, the pouch snapped shut, leaving the courtyard calm again.
Yuming exhaled, smirking.
Xiaoyan gave a small nod, eyes scanning the courtyard. "Stay alert. More could follow."
"Always so serious, like Feng Lingxi. " Yuming teased, rolling her eyes. "Fine, lead the way, Feng Xiaoyan."
They moved deeper into Baoli Zhong, their combined powers leaving a subtle trail of wind currents and shimmering artistic energy, ready for whatever danger came next.
The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the open windows of Fengming, casting long shadows across the polished floors.
Feng Yangguang sat quietly in the study, a rare moment of ease on his usually stern face. Across from him, Ms. Ye, leaned forward, speaking softly about some delicate arrangements in the manor. Her voice carried warmth, and for once, Yangguang's usual tension seemed to melt away.
"…and if we adjust the schedule slightly, it'll give everyone more time to prepare." Ms. Ye suggested, her fingers brushing over the papers gently.
Yangguang nodded, leaning closer. "You always notice the little things that I miss," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
For a few minutes, the world outside faded — just the two of them, quiet and focused, sharing a rare intimacy.
Then… the sound of rapid footsteps and a loud, exaggerated groan shattered the moment.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Mei'yin barreled into the room, hands flailing dramatically. "Brother! Finally! I need—" She froze, eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. "Oh… so this is what you were doing while I was stuck here like a caged bird!"
Yangguang groaned, rubbing his temples. "Mei! I'm in the middle of something—"
"Middle of something? Hah! Looks like playing house!" Mei'yin sneered, crossing her arms.
"Playing house?" Yangguang snapped, standing. "I happen to be managing the .... the.... Ahhh! Unlike some people, I don't throw tantrums over bird hunting!"
Mei'yin puffed her cheeks. "At least I get some fun!"
Ms. Ye cleared her throat delicately, giving Yangguang a pointed look, but he ignored it.
"You're impossible," Yangguang muttered. "Do you want me to chase you out, or do you plan to stay and interrupt everything?"
Mei'yin tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Maybe both. Maybe neither. Depends on how fun you make it, brother!"
Yangguang sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're lucky I can't stay mad at you for long…"
Mei'yin grinned triumphantly. "Of course! That's why I keep testing you!"
Ms. Ye shook her head slightly, suppressing a smile. "You two really are like cats and dogs."
Yangguang shot Mei'yin a pointed glare. "And you just keep being the annoying kitten."
Mei'yin stuck her tongue out. "Better a kitten than a boring old lion!"
With the room filled with laughter, sighs, and playful bickering, the afternoon passed in its usual chaotic harmony — the unmistakable rhythm of Fengming life.
Mei'yin crossed her arms, pouting but determined. "Brother, tell Mother to send me back to Baoli Zhong. I… I need a change of scenery."
Yangguang leaned against the table, smirking, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh? And let me guess… you want to see someone in Baoli Zhong?" He tilted his head teasingly. "Yuxi, isn't it?"
Mei'yin stiffened, glaring at him. "N-no! Don't be ridiculous! I just… miss the place. That's all."
Yangguang raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Right… just the place. Nothing else. Sure."
Mei'yin stomped her foot, trying to appear unconcerned. "Exactly! I mean… it's not like it's about Yuxi! He's busy anyway, on some mission or whatever!"
Yangguang chuckled, clearly enjoying the act.
Mei'yin groaned in frustration. "Brother! Stop teasing me!"
Yangguang leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Fine, I'll tell Mother to let you go back — on one condition."
Mei'yin's eyes lit up. "Anything! I'll do anything!"
He smirked, fingers tapping the table. "You give me and Ms. Ye a little time alone. That's all I ask."
Mei'yin blinked, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "Al-one… time? Fine! But it's not like I care about that or anything!"
Yangguang shook his head, laughing softly. "I knew you'd agree eventually. I'll speak to Mother, but you'd better not cause trouble while you're gone."
Mei'yin puffed her cheeks, pretending to glare. "Trouble? Me? Never…" She shot him a sly glance, already plotting.
Yangguang only sighed, smiling faintly as he shook his head. "Some things never change."
The sound of hurried footsteps faded as Mei'yin disappeared down the hallway, leaving the study in a rare silence.
Yangguang leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath. "Finally… peace."
Ms. Ye stepped closer, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's about time you stopped pretending to be serious all the time."
Yangguang chuckled, "You have no idea how much I appreciate this quiet. Just… you and me, even for a few minutes."
Her eyes softened, the corners of her lips curving gently. "Then let's make the most of it. No interruptions, no worries… just this moment."
Yangguang offered a hand. "Shall we?"
Ms. Ye placed her hand in his, and for a few moments, the world outside Fengming ceased to exist. The quiet was filled only with the unspoken trust and the subtle intimacy of two people who understood each other beyond words.
Ye Yubao's anger intensified as he gazed at their dead men, victims of the four clans' combined forces that sought to crush their joyful plan.
He turned to his father, who sat sternly on his throne, surrounded by a dark aura. "Father, can't we do something? Half of the men and spirits I released have been slaughtered and captured by them. They're going too far! We need to teach them a lesson!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with anger.
His father's gaze snapped to him, sending a shiver down his spine. "Are you ordering me?" Yubao shook his head. "Let them think they're winning. The more they kill my men, the stronger I become! And besides, the lives you've sacrificed have been enough to empower me. We don't need to worry anymore. Let's make them think we've retreated, that we've weakened!" His father smiled at Yubao. "Do you understand?"
... "Yes, Father."
(Fengming)
Before Yangguang departed for his mission, he bowed to his parents. "Father, Mother, I have a request. May Feng Mei'yin return to Baoli Zhong? She's been here for a month, and we've seen her progress. As her older sibling, I ask that you send her back, as it'll take longer if she waits me."
Madam Yan raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Are you sure this is your request or your sister's? Are you pitying her? If Mei's manipulated you into asking me, I won't allow it."
Yangguang shook his head. "No, Mother. This is my request for her sake. You know she'll learn a lot there. She needs it."
"I won't—"
"You're right, Yang. I'll send your sister back to Baoli Zhong tomorrow." Master Lei interrupted his wife.
Yangguang smiled. "Thank you." He bowed and left before his mother could say more.
"Are you sure about your decision?" Madam Yan asked.
"Yan, our daughter is grown. She shouldn't be disciplined like this. Mei won't do things she knows she can't handle." Master Lei's words calmed Madam Yan.
———
Mei'yin woke up feeling cheerful and headed to her father's room. "Good morning, my wonderful father," she greeted brightly. "You called for me?"
"Sit down, Mei," her father offered.
The door opened, and Ms. Ye entered with a medicinal drink for Master Lei. She greeted them both before placing the drink down and smiled at Mei and went out.
Mei's eyes lit up. "She's so beautiful, isn't she?" Mei asked. " Brother could marry her," Mei joked, causing her father to choke on his drink. "Are you okay?" Mei asked, concerned.
Her father smiled. "You always say the most unexpected things, Mei. I have great respect for the Ye family."
Mei leaned in, curious. "Aren't the Ye family our enemies? I learned from my guard that Ms. Ye is the niece of the leader, Ye Xuan, so she's cousins with the one I fought in Baoli Zhong, isn't that right?" Mei asked.
"No, Mei, you're mistaken. I have a story to tell you, and listen carefully... Ms. Ye's father was my close friend, kind, caring, helpful, and reliable, just like her. His name was Ye Huayong." Mei's attention was piqued, and she sat up straight.
"The Yunhai, Moya, Louyang, and Lantian realms are led by Great Master Wang Tianming, my mentor. He had four disciples: myself, Bai Yue, Qin Jian, and Mo Yanli, Mo Xiang and Mo Yuming's father. Because Ye Huayong was a close friend, we trained together and became friends. However, he was never accepted as a disciple by Great Master Wang Tianming."
"Is that why some Ye family members are bad?" Mei asked.
"No, Mei. Before Great Master passed away, he entrusted us with the four realms to govern. As his most promising disciple, I received Yunhai, the largest realm. I gave the eastern part of Yunhai to Huayong because he had people to protect. Huayong had a sworn brother who studied demonic arts and betrayed him. This brother killed Huayong's people and occupied his territory. Huayong died protecting his people because I couldn't help due to many reasons. Mo Yanli helped Huayong instead. I sent reinforcements, but they both perished. Ye Xuan occupied half of the eastern part of Yunhai. I promised Huayong to help his remaining people especially his children."
Mei's eyes showed concern. "Why didn't you help? What were the reasons?"
"Because it was against the rules. He wasn't one of the four leaders, so we couldn't intervene, even if we wanted to," her father replied.
"B-but why did Master Yanli help?" Mei asked.
"Because Master Mo was fearless and disregarded rules. He helped the oppressed, even if it meant disobeying orders. We're not like him, and I regret that. Believe me, Mei," her father said, his eyes showing sorrow.
Mei's expression turned somber. "I read the history books, but they didn't mention any of this."
"That's because we kept it hidden, known only to those who need to know. I told you so you'd understand, Mei," her father said.
"When did this happen, Father?" Mei asked.
"Eighteen years ago, when you're still a child, Mei."
Mei stood up. "I see the sadness in you, Father. I believe and understand you. I'll head back to Baoli Zhong now."
Her father looked at her. "Take care, dear Mei, tell your sisters as well." Mei smiled and nodded.