The day had passed over the rectangular bamboo structures of the Ye family residence, casting neat, constantly shifting shadows across the polished floor. Ye Dohua, also known as Ms. Ye, stood near a low table, her eyes sharp as she examined medicinal herbs and texts on health. In front of her, Ye Dushen, her younger brother, frowned as he read the reports concerning the villagers' health.
"The fever is spreading faster than expected," Ye Dohua said, calm yet tinged with concern. "If the contaminated water sources aren't addressed immediately, it won't just be a few people affected—we could lose many families."
Dushen gripped his scroll a little tighter. "I wanted to inform the neighboring clans, but they hesitate. They're already burdened with duties after the recent disturbances caused by spirits. We cannot rely on them completely. It's fortunate that Master Lei allowed you to stay here temporarily."
A sudden sound came from the door. Ye Shanying entered—a fourteen-year-old boy, but with a maturity beyond his age. His eyes were steady and sharp, his posture precise, like someone used to observing everything without missing a detail. Though a Ye, he was a distant cousin of the two.
"Cousins," he greeted, bowing slightly. "I have news about Ye's latest plan."
Ye Dohua's eyes lit up. "Tell us. What have you discovered?"
Shanying carefully laid a small scroll on the table. "He is moving faster than expected. Villages in the southern hills have reported unusual illnesses, sudden disappearances, and destructive spirits. It is all carefully planned—to weaken Fengming before he even reaches the capital. My sources suggest he may be seeking help from nearby clans."
Dushen furrowed his brow, gripping his sword. "He dares to threaten our people while we are busy? Brave, but foolish."
Shanying nodded, expression unshaken. "I've seen him testing patrols, observing responses, assessing loyalty and skill. If we don't act now, his influence will reach farther than expected. The health of the villages may only be the first step in his plan. I've even encountered his men before, especially his right-hand Su Yeng, whom I faced during the celebration night at Baoli Zhong. They are strong, but they struggle when their opponent moves quickly."
Ye Dohua's gaze softened as she looked at her cousin. "You've grown, Shanying. Even at fourteen, your understanding surpasses most here. But we must act cautiously. Fear spreads faster than any illness or destruction."
Shanying remained unshaken, his gaze firm. "I understand, Sister Ye. That's why I reported immediately—to ensure we can act proactively, not just respond too late."
Finally, Ye Dushen spoke, calm yet authoritative. "Prepare ourselves. Strengthen the villages, inform our allies, and watch carefully. Shanying, continue your observations. Every detail you gather is important. Be careful."
The young observer bowed slightly. "I won't fail you."
The three of them stood in quiet understanding, feeling the weight of responsibility. Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, carrying faint echoes of distant chaos—a reminder that the shadow of Ye's plan reached farther than anyone could see.
The sun dipped behind the distant hills of Fengming, turning the forest into long streaks of gold and shadow. Feng Yangguang moved swiftly through the underbrush, the air swirling around him with every step. His Wind power stirred the leaves, alerting him to danger before he even saw it.
Ahead, a figure emerged—Ye Yubao. A dark aura surrounded him, his presence enough to make the nearby trees tremble.
"You shouldn't have come here," Yubao said, his voice calm but filled with menace. "These lands are no longer safe for your kind."
Yangguang's eyes narrowed. "And yet, here you are, standing in my way. I won't let you harm these people."
Without another word, Yubao attacked, his energy flaring violently. Yangguang countered immediately, releasing a blast of wind that collided with Yubao's force, creating a shockwave that sent leaves and debris flying in all directions.
The fight raged like a storm. Yangguang's Wind powers allowed him to move unpredictably, slicing through Yubao's attacks while launching his own blasts with precision. Yubao retaliated, his strikes sharp and relentless, matching Yangguang's power blow for blow.
Then, a sudden pulse of energy rippled through the forest. Yuxi had arrived, sensing the violent surge of spirit energy from afar. His Blast energy radiated around him like a faint halo.
Yangguang gestured toward Yubao, whose aura was growing chaotic. "I can handle him… but your help will tip the scales."
With effortless grace, Yuxi descended, his Blast energy crackling and merging with the wind currents around Yangguang. Together, the two heirs formed a deadly combination: Yangguang's Wind and Blast forcing Yubao back, while Yuxi's precise Blasts cut off escape routes.
"You again," Yubao hissed, sensing the overwhelming energy. "I thought I could act freely here."
Yuxi's calm eyes met Yubao's, the air around him shimmering. "Fengming is not yours to corrupt."
The battle escalated. Yangguang sent gusts of wind carrying focused Blast attacks, while Yuxi struck with pinpoint explosions, creating a continuous chain of pressure. Trees groaned under the strain, and the ground cracked where their combined powers met Yubao's energy.
Finally, Yubao staggered, overwhelmed by the unrelenting assault. With a desperate surge, he retreated into the shadows, leaving behind a scorched patch of forest.
Yangguang sheathed his weapon, the wind settling around him. "I knew you'd show up."
Yuxi's expression softened, though his Blast energy still hummed faintly. "I sensed the disturbance. You should have called."
Yangguang smirked. "And miss the chance to test him first?" The forest was quiet now, the echoes of wind and blasts fading.
The northern pass was cloaked in mist, the chill biting at the warriors' skin. Qin Yijun stood at the forefront, his men arrayed around him with disciplined precision. Spirits swirled in the air, dark and writhing, their wails echoing through the narrow valley.
Across from them, Su Yeng emerged, flanked by his own men and a contingent of restless spirits. His aura was sharp and commanding, the energy of corruption crackling faintly in his presence.
A sly grin tugging at his lips. "You think you can stop me here?"
Yijun's gaze was steady. "We hold the line. That is enough."
Without warning, the spirits surged forward, a chaotic wave of dark energy. Yijun's men braced, forming barriers with their weapons. Yijun struck first, his skillful blasts cutting through the closest spirits, scattering them in bursts of light.
The clash was violent. Spirit and man collided with energy crackling through the mist. Yijun moved with precision, striking where needed while coordinating his men, each move calculated to minimize losses.
From a ridge far away, Bai Chengxing observed, leaning casually against a tree. He allowed himself a faint smirk.
A few moments later, the general of Bai's men approached him, urgency in his voice. "Master Bai, we should assist Yijun! He's struggling with Su Yeng and the spirits—your men could turn the tide!"
Chengxing stretched lazily and shook his head. "Let them manage. I'm here to watch, not intervene." His tone was casual, almost teasing, but firm. "Besides… it's more entertaining this way."
The general clenched his jaw but did not argue further. He knew better than to push Chengxing when his mind was made up.
Su Yeng's men countered with ruthless efficiency, the spirits creating chaos as they tore through the ranks. But Yijun's command was unwavering; his men responded flawlessly, coordinating attacks and defenses as if they were a single organism.
Despite the coordination, Su Yeng proved elusive. He moved like a shadow, avoiding direct confrontation while manipulating the spirits to sow confusion.
Finally, after a tense and grueling battle, Yijun's strategy prevailed. Su Yeng's men were scattered, the spirits subdued temporarily. Yijun's men cheered, though exhaustion was etched on every face.
But Su Yeng himself had vanished into the mist before Yijun could reach him.
Yijun clenched his fists, his jaw tight. "Damn it… he slipped away."
From the distant ridge, Bai Chengxing continued to watch, a faint grin on his lips. Victory was not his concern today; the unfolding fight had been entertainment enough.
The library of Baoli Zhong was quiet, filled with the soft rustle of pages and sunlight spilling through the tall windows. Feng Xiao sat with her sisters, Lingxi and Mei'yin, poring over scrolls and notes.
The sudden creak of the main door drew their attention. Yujing had arrived, a cart behind him stacked with supplies — medicine, books, and other essentials recently needed in the library.
"Yujing," Feng Xiao greeted him softly. "Everything's here. Thank you for bringing it."
He gave a calm nod, setting the cart down. "It was necessary. I wanted to make sure the supplies reached here quickly."
Lingxi's gaze flicked to him. "All by yourself?"
Yujing shrugged, a faint smile touching his lips. "I couldn't leave it to chance. It's better I delivered them personally."
Mei'yin, however, could not resist. She leapt from her seat and snatched a bundle from the cart, twirling it above her head. She spun toward Yujing, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't you think I'm stronger than you?"
Yujing's lips twitched in amusement, though he kept his composure. "Careful, Mei'yin. That bundle isn't a toy."
Mei'yin pouted, placing it down but leaning closer.
Feng Xiao shot her sister a gentle look. "Mei'yin…"
As Yujing began to step toward the door, Mei'yin blocked him with a playful stomp. "Wait! You and Sister Xiao need a moment, don't you? I insist! You can't just leave like this without talking !"
Feng Xiao blinked, slightly embarrassed, while Yujing looked down at the tiny whirlwind that was Mei'yin.
"I… suppose a brief moment won't hurt," Yujing said softly, kneeling slightly so that Mei'yin could meet his gaze.
Mei'yin clapped her hands together, satisfied. "Good! Now go!"
Yujing chuckled lightly, giving Feng Xiao a calm nod before stepping aside, giving them the space Mei'yin demanded.
Lingxi shook her head, smiling. "Some things never change."
The library returned to its quiet rhythm, the air now filled with the subtle tension of unspoken words between Xiao and Yujing, while Mei'yin's mischievous grin lingered, satisfied that she had done her part.
Yujing picked up a book from the cart, testing its weight. "I'm glad I could bring these. You'll have what you need now."
Xiao smiled faintly. "It's more than enough. You didn't have to come yourself, you know."
"I wanted to," Yujing said simply. His voice was steady, but there was a warmth in his eyes that made Xiao's chest tighten slightly.
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear again, glancing down at the scroll in front of her. "I appreciate it. Truly."
He reached out and set a hand briefly on the edge of her scroll. "I know how much these mean to you."
Xiao looked up, catching his gaze, and allowed herself a small, genuine smile. "You always seem to know what's needed, Yujing."
He returned the smile, a faint curve of lips, calm and reassuring. "Only because I pay attention."
For a few heartbeats, they simply shared that quiet space, their conversation light but meaningful. It wasn't filled with grand declarations or dramatic gestures—just two people, understanding and steady, sharing a moment amidst the chaos of their world.
Finally, Yujing straightened. "I should go. More places need attention."
Xiao nodded. "Thank you again…."
"Always," he said softly, before stepping toward the door. He paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Take care, Xiao."
"You too," she replied, a small, content smile lingering as he left.
Days had passed since Yuming returned to Moya, and Mei'yin was growing restless. The halls of Baoli Zhong felt unusually quiet, and even her sisters' presence couldn't fill the void left by her friend. She lounged across her bed, feet swinging, muttering complaints under her breath.
"I'm bored! Absolutely bored!" she exclaimed, tossing a cushion across the room. "Why does life have to be so… so ordinary without Yuming around?!"
Her mind buzzed with mischievous ideas, each more daring than the last. Finally, she hatched a plan. She would roam around Moya, explore the streets and markets, and perhaps find some excitement—just a day or two. But she knew if she told Xiao or Ling, they would never allow it.
With a sly grin, Mei'yin pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled a quick note:
> "I'll be gone for a day. Don't worry, I'll be back. (◠‿◕)"
She left the note on the table where her sisters would find it and quietly slipped out of the house, careful not to make a sound.
When Xiao and Ling found the note, they exchanged glances. Lingxi's lips pressed into a thin line, while Xiao picked up the paper, reading it carefully. Then, with a small sigh, Xiao tore the note into pieces, her fingers lingering over the scraps for a moment.
"She's grown up," Xiao said softly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and pride. "I know she's safe… let her be."
Lingxi nodded silently, understanding but unable to suppress a faint smile. Mei'yin's rebellious streak might be exasperating at times, but it was also a sign of the independent spirit she had always admired.
Outside, the sun shone over the quiet streets of Baoli Zhong, unaware of the small whirlwind of energy that had just vanished into the city, leaving her sisters with only the faint echo of her laughter behind.