The bleeding from Lichen's arm had stopped. Lixuan had healed her wound using his spiritual power, while Zhichen's blue light had brought the bleeding under control. The pain on Lichen's face had subsided, though exhaustion remained beneath her eyes. Rongwei was still standing nearby, repeatedly glancing at her injured arm.
"Are you absolutely sure you're alright?" Rongwei asked once again.
Lichen smiled faintly. "Yes, Rongwei. I'm fine."
Lixuan adjusted his mask. The strange pain he had experienced when Lichen was injured still lingered within him. He looked towards Zhichen. The expression in Zhichen's eyes told him that he had felt the same pain.
Just then, footsteps echoed from the entrance of the training ground.
It was Xiangu.
He held a letter in his hand. His steps were hurried, and his expression was grave. The moment his gaze fell upon everyone, he spoke without wasting any time.
"Everyone, stay here. There is something important we need to discuss."
Everyone immediately became alert.
Xiangu raised the letter. "A letter has arrived from Senior Zhiyun of the Yuzhen Clan."
Rongwei asked, "What does it say?"
Xiangu paused for a moment, looking at everyone before speaking slowly.
"Mo Yan has obtained all three fragments of Yin Mo Ji."
Silence descended upon the training ground. It was as though even the wind had stopped blowing.
Lixuan's fingers curled into a tight fist. His eyes began to turn red.
"The third fragment too?"
Xiangu nodded. "Yes. The third one as well. He now possesses the complete Yin Mo Ji."
Zhichen spoke quietly. "How is that possible? The third fragment was..."
"It was with Moren," Xiangu finished his sentence. "And he handed it over to his father, Mo Yan."
Rongwei placed a hand against his forehead.
"Then he must have become even more powerful. He was already this dangerous with just two fragments. Now that he possesses the complete Yin Mo Ji..."
Lixuan glanced towards Zhichen. Zhichen's eyes were calm, but behind that calmness lay something else—preparation and determination.
"What does Senior Yunshen say?" Lixuan asked.
Xiangu replied, "He has called a meeting this evening. Everyone must attend. We cannot afford to act recklessly now, but we must remain prepared. Mo Yan could make his move at any moment."
Lichen stood silently in her place. Her fingers moved towards the bracelet around her wrist. It was gradually growing warm. She held it a little tighter.
"Master..." she whispered.
Lixuan turned towards her. "What happened?"
Lichen thought for a moment before shaking her head.
"Nothing. It's just... I feel something strange."
Lixuan did not question her further. He knew she was probably still thinking about the voice she had heard during training—the mysterious voice that seemed to be calling out to her.
"There will be a meeting this evening," Xiangu announced. "Until then, everyone should return to their chambers and rest. And Lichen, take proper care of your injury."
Lichen lowered her head. "Yes, Chief."
Xiangu folded the letter and turned to leave. Before departing, his gaze briefly fell upon Zhichen. Zhichen gave him a slight nod, as though silently assuring him that everything was fine.
After Xiangu left, only four people remained at the training ground: Lixuan, Zhichen, Rongwei and Lichen.
Rongwei let out a long breath.
"It seems the real battle is about to begin."
Lixuan replied, "Yes. And this time, we must be fully prepared."
Zhichen spoke calmly. "First, we attend this evening's meeting. Then we decide our next move."
Everyone nodded.
The morning sunlight had grown brighter, yet a new darkness had begun to settle in their hearts.
Yin Mo Ji. Mo Yan. And a battle that was no longer far away.
Meanwhile, the warmth of Lichen's bracelet continued to intensify, as though it too could sense the approach of an impending storm.
---
Evening arrived.
The palace chamber glowed beneath the light of burning torches. Senior Yunshen sat in his usual seat, with Xiangu on his right and Zhichen on his left. Lixuan and Rongwei were also present.
Lichen was not attending the meeting. Lixuan had instructed her to rest in her chamber because of her injury.
A heavy silence filled the room. Everyone understood that this meeting was not merely meant to exchange information. It marked the beginning of a new turn in their journey.
Yunshen slowly opened his eyes and looked at everyone.
"You all know that Mo Yan now possesses all three fragments of Yin Mo Ji. As terrible as this news may be, it is also the truth. He has become far more powerful than before. This means he may soon make a major move."
Rongwei asked, "Senior, should we launch an attack before he gets the chance?"
Yunshen shook his head.
"No. Acting in haste will only weaken us. First, we must gather all our allies. There is also another important matter I need to inform you about."
Everyone turned their attention towards him.
Yunshen continued, "The marriage of Mingzhao, Chief of the Lianyu Clan, has been arranged. He is to marry Princess Yuhuan of the Zhilan Clan."
The moment Lixuan heard that name, something stirred within him.
He lowered his face.
Mingzhao.
His elder brother.
His marriage had been arranged.
Yunshen continued, "We must attend the wedding as well. It is an auspicious occasion for the Lianyu Clan."
Xiangu spoke up. "But, Father, Mo Yan..."
Yunshen interrupted him.
"I know. And I believe Mo Yan will certainly make a move. During an important occasion like a wedding, all the clans gather together. For Mo Yan, this would be the perfect opportunity to launch an attack."
Zhichen asked quietly, "Then are we supposed to attend without making any preparations?"
"No," Yunshen replied. "We will go fully prepared. We must attend the wedding, but we must also remain vigilant."
Rongwei remarked, "Does that mean we will have to carry our swords even to a wedding?"
Xiangu smiled faintly.
"Rongwei, your sword would probably refuse to go anywhere without you."
Rongwei puffed out his chest proudly. "That is true."
Lixuan remained silent.
Countless thoughts occupied his mind. Mingzhao's wedding. The threat of Mo Yan. And the brother he had not seen for seventeen years.
Would Mingzhao recognise him?
Would he be able to conceal his identity?
Zhichen glanced at Lixuan. He understood what was troubling him.
Yunshen spoke again.
"We will depart for Lianyu tomorrow morning. It is a wedding celebration, but we must also ensure our own safety. Most importantly, keep a close watch on Mo Yan."
Everyone nodded.
Yunshen closed his eyes.
"That concludes today's meeting. Everyone should begin making their preparations."
The others gradually rose from their seats. Lixuan stood up as well, but an unfamiliar restlessness had settled within him.
Tomorrow, he would return to Lianyu.
The place where he had spent his childhood. The place where his elder brother was now the Chief. The place where the truth about his past might finally come to light.
Zhichen approached him.
"Everything will be alright."
Lixuan looked at him. "Who knows?"
"I'm here, aren't I?"
Lixuan said nothing. He merely gave a slight nod.
The two of them left the chamber together.
The corridor was cool, and the moon had already climbed high into the night sky.
A new destination awaited them the following morning.
Lianyu.
---
It was night.
The full moon shone brightly in the sky. A gentle breeze swept across the palace rooftop.
Lixuan and Zhichen were once again at their usual place, sitting beside the rooftop railing beneath the moonlight.
Lixuan removed his mask and placed it beside him. His face was clearly visible beneath the moonlight. His eyes showed signs of exhaustion, but the uneasiness within them was far deeper.
Zhichen glanced at him.
"Are you thinking about Mingzhao?"
Lixuan smiled faintly. "How did you know?"
"You've barely spoken since the meeting ended."
Lixuan took a long breath.
"We're going to Lianyu tomorrow. The same palace. The same people. And Mingzhao... my brother... is now the Chief. He's getting married. And I..."
Zhichen asked gently, "What will you do when you get there?"
Lixuan lowered his head.
"I don't know. Will I even be able to see him? Will I be able to control myself? Will he recognise me?"
Zhichen asked, "Do you want him to recognise you?"
Lixuan remained silent for a few moments before answering softly.
"No. Not yet. First, we must deal with Mo Yan. If Mingzhao discovers that I'm alive, he will forget about his wedding and come after me. I don't want the happiness of his life to be overshadowed because of me."
Zhichen replied, "You think too much."
"And you think too little."
A faint smile appeared on Zhichen's lips.
"Yet, somehow, we're still together."
Lixuan looked up at the moon.
"Everything will change from tomorrow onwards. Mo Yan will certainly make some kind of move. And we will have to remain alert even during the wedding."
Zhichen nodded. "Yes. But we're prepared."
Lixuan turned towards him.
"Do you really think we're prepared? Mo Yan now possesses the complete Yin Mo Ji. He is far more powerful than before. And we still don't know how to use our powers together."
Zhichen answered quietly, "We'll discover that when the time comes."
"You're that confident?"
"I have confidence in you."
Lixuan remained silent for a while, his eyes fixed on Zhichen's. There was a quiet depth in those eyes, a sense of trust and a strangely comforting reassurance.
"If I weren't here..." Lixuan began softly.
"If you weren't here, then I wouldn't be here either."
Lixuan turned his face away. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Why do you always say things like that?"
Zhichen did not answer. He simply turned his gaze towards the moon.
The two remained seated in silence. The breeze was cool, and the night grew deeper.
They would be leaving for Lianyu the following morning. Both of them carried the same question in their hearts—
What would happen next?
But at that moment, beneath the moonlight, they needed no answers.
Having each other was enough.
---
The following morning.
Light clouds drifted across the sky, while sunlight peeked through them. Shenmei Palace had been awake since early morning. Servants hurried from one place to another, horses were being prepared, and travel supplies were being packed.
Lixuan placed his mask over his face, fastened his sword to his waist and stepped out of his chamber.
Rongwei was already standing in the courtyard, holding his sword. Zhichen was there as well, calm and prepared. Xiangu was supervising the arrangements.
The moment Rongwei noticed Lixuan, he spoke.
"Master Xiu, you've actually arrived on time today. What a miracle!"
Lixuan shot him a sharp glare.
"Watch your tongue this early in the morning."
Rongwei laughed and immediately covered his mouth.
Just then, Yunshen arrived. He held a small letter in his hand. Looking at everyone, he asked, "Is everyone ready?"
Xiangu lowered his head. "Yes, Father. Everything is ready."
Yunshen said, "Lichen will be accompanying us as well."
Lixuan looked towards him.
"Senior, she isn't fully recovered yet. She was injured yesterday."
Yunshen replied calmly, "I know. But leaving her here alone could be even more dangerous. Mo Yan's influence reaches everywhere. Besides, all the clans will gather for the wedding. Keeping her with us will be the safer choice."
Lixuan remained silent for a few moments. Then he glanced at Zhichen, who gave him a slight nod.
"Very well," Lixuan said. "I'll go and bring her."
He headed towards Lichen's chamber.
The door was half open. Lichen was sitting on her bed, her hands resting in her lap. The bandage around her arm had been tied securely, and a faint mark from yesterday's injury was still visible.
"Lichen," Lixuan called.
Lichen raised her face towards his voice.
"Master? Are we leaving?"
Lixuan nodded. "Yes. You're coming with us too."
A faint smile appeared on Lichen's lips.
"Really?"
"Yes. But be careful. The journey is long, and there will be many people there."
Lichen lowered her head.
"I'll manage, Master."
Lixuan looked at her. Yesterday's mysterious voice, her injury and the pain he had felt—all of it remained fresh in his memory.
And now, he was taking her along with him.
She was his responsibility.
His concern.
"Come on," he said.
Lichen stood up and extended her hand. Lixuan gently held her wrist and slowly led her towards the courtyard.
Everyone was already prepared there. The horses stood waiting, and the servants were ready to accompany them.
Yunshen looked at everyone once before speaking.
"Let us depart. Lianyu is far away, and danger could be waiting for us anywhere along the road."
Everyone nodded.
And so, the Shenmei entourage slowly departed from the palace.
Yunshen and Xiangu rode at the front, followed by Zhichen and Lixuan, with Lichen accompanying them. Rongwei rode at the very back, his sword by his side.
The wind was blowing, and clouds drifted across the sky.
A single question occupied everyone's mind.
How would they be welcomed in Lianyu?
Would everything be as they had imagined?
Or was something entirely different waiting for them?
---
The journey was long.
The winding roads passed between mountains, along the edges of dense forests and across vast stretches of open land. The Shenmei entourage continued moving forward at a steady pace. The sound of horses' hooves echoed through the air.
Lichen was seated on a horse with Lixuan in front of her. Behind her blindfold, she tried to sense the world around her—the direction of the wind, the movement of the horse beneath her and the distant calls of birds.
Everything felt different.
This was the first time she had travelled such a long distance.
Rongwei brought his horse closer to theirs.
"Lichen, is this your first time travelling so far?"
Lichen nodded. "Yes."
"Are you nervous?"
"A little. But I'm enjoying it."
Rongwei laughed.
"Just be careful. These are all ancient clans. People there ask a lot of questions. And your Master doesn't particularly enjoy answering every single one."
Lixuan turned around and looked at him.
"Rongwei, if you say one more unnecessary word, I'll throw you off your horse right here."
Rongwei immediately closed his mouth.
"Alright, alright. I'll be quiet."
The sun climbed higher in the sky, and the road gradually opened up. The distant mountain peaks became clearly visible. The sky was blue, with only a few white clouds scattered across it.
Zhichen brought his horse alongside Lixuan's and spoke quietly.
"We'll reach Lianyu by evening."
Lixuan nodded. "Yes."
"Are you alright?"
Lixuan glanced at him.
"It's just... a strange feeling. After seventeen years, I'm returning to my home."
Zhichen said nothing. He simply continued riding alongside him.
After some time, Yunshen brought his horse to a halt.
"Let's rest here for a while. The road ahead will be difficult."
Everyone stopped their horses.
They rested beneath a small tree and drank some water. Rongwei took out a few fruits and distributed them among everyone.
Lichen slowly ate one of the fruits. Even behind her blindfold, a faint smile could be seen on her face.
"Master Xiu," Rongwei said, "what do you know about Mingzhao, the Chief of the Lianyu Clan?"
Lixuan's hand paused for a moment.
He looked towards Rongwei. "Why?"
"Just curious. I've heard that he's a very calm and sensible Chief. And his future wife, Princess Yuhuan, is said to be both beautiful and intelligent."
Lixuan lowered his gaze.
"That's what I've heard too."
Zhichen glanced at him. He understood what was going through Lixuan's mind.
Xiangu changed the subject.
"Let's move. We shouldn't delay any longer."
Everyone mounted their horses again and continued their journey.
The sunlight gradually began to fade. Evening was approaching, and the walls of Lianyu were no longer far away.
Lixuan's heart was beating faster.
He was going to meet his elder brother.
After seventeen years.
And he would be meeting him in a form that no one could recognise.
---
Evening had fallen by the time the Shenmei entourage arrived at the entrance of the Lianyu Clan.
The walls were tall, illuminated by the light of torches. Soldiers stood outside, swords in their hands. From within, the distant sounds of the markets could be heard. The entire place carried the atmosphere of a festival. Preparations for the wedding were underway.
As Yunshen and his companions approached the entrance, a soldier stepped forward and bowed.
"Greetings, Senior Yunshen. Chief Mingzhao had already informed us of your arrival. You are all most welcome."
Yunshen inclined his head. "Thank you."
The entourage entered.
The courtyard of Lianyu was filled with activity. Servants hurried from one place to another, lanterns illuminated the surroundings, and the fragrance of flowers drifted through the air.
Everywhere they looked, there were signs of celebration.
Yet, beneath all that festivity, there was also a strange stillness.
Lixuan looked around.
The same palace.
The same walls.
The same courtyard where he had once run around as a child.
Everything had changed, yet some things remained exactly as they had been.
He adjusted his mask and kept his gaze lowered.
Rongwei whispered, "Wow... This palace is enormous. And look at all these decorations!"
Lichen heard him and smiled faintly.
"There are so many sounds. Everyone seems very happy."
Zhichen glanced towards Lixuan. His expression was calm, but there was something else hidden in his eyes.
He spoke softly.
"Everything will be alright."
Lixuan gave a slight nod.
Just then, a man approached from inside the palace. His steps carried confidence, and a faint smile rested on his face. He first bowed to Yunshen and then to Xiangu.
"Senior Yunshen, Chief Xiangu—the Chief of Lianyu welcomes you all. Chambers have already been prepared for your stay. Please, come inside."
Xiangu asked, "Thank you. Would it be possible to meet the Chief?"
"Certainly. The Chief will meet all the guests after the evening meal."
Everyone nodded.
Lixuan lowered his face even further.
The man had not recognised him.
No one had.
And that was his greatest relief.
The entourage proceeded deeper into the palace, where separate chambers had been assigned to them. Each room had been carefully decorated, and the light of the lamps danced across the walls.
Lixuan escorted Lichen to her chamber.
"Rest for now. We'll all meet after dinner."
Lichen lowered her head. "Yes, Master."
Lixuan then headed towards his own chamber.
He closed the door, removed his mask and shut his eyes before taking a deep breath.
He was home.
After seventeen years.
And yet, he felt like a complete stranger.
Hidden within his own palace.
Far away from his own identity.
The night grew deeper. The palace continued to glow with lights, while Lixuan stood silently inside his chamber, caught between his worry about meeting his brother and his determination to keep the truth hidden.
---
It was time for the evening meal.
The palace dining hall glowed with light. Various dishes had been arranged across a long, low dining table. The light from lamps and torches gave the entire chamber a golden appearance.
Yunshen, Xiangu, Zhichen, Lixuan, Rongwei and Lichen were shown to their assigned places. Several important members of the Lianyu Clan were also present. Palace servants moved around, busily serving the food.
Just then, the doors opened, and a man entered.
There was weight in his footsteps, a coldness in his eyes and the same arrogance on his face.
Chen Yu.
A Senior of the Lianyu Clan.
Lixuan's father.
Immediately behind him, another man entered with measured steps. He wore white and blue robes, with a slender sword fastened around his waist. His eyes were peaceful, though exhaustion could also be seen on his face.
It was Mingzhao.
Lixuan's elder brother.
Lixuan lowered his face even further. He had already adjusted his mask.
His hands had grown slightly cold, and a storm was raging within his heart.
Chen Yu looked towards Yunshen and inclined his head slightly.
"Senior Yunshen, welcome."
Yunshen returned the gesture.
"Thank you, Senior Chen Yu. This occasion is special for us as well."
Chen Yu then turned towards Xiangu, who also bowed in greeting.
Mingzhao stepped forward and greeted everyone.
"Welcome to Lianyu. I hope your journey here was pleasant."
Xiangu replied, "Yes, Chief. The journey was quite comfortable."
Mingzhao's gaze slowly moved across everyone present.
When his eyes fell upon Lixuan, they paused for a brief moment.
That mask.
That calm expression.
Those eyes...
Lixuan lowered his gaze.
His heart was pounding violently.
Mingzhao gave a slight nod and took his seat. Chen Yu sat down as well.
The meal began.
The fragrance of the dishes spread throughout the hall. Rongwei immediately started eating, while Lichen ate slowly. Zhichen remained quiet.
Chen Yu spoke to Yunshen.
"Senior Zhiyun of the Yuzhen Clan will arrive tomorrow evening. The people of the Zhilan Clan will also be coming. The wedding ceremonies will begin from tomorrow."
Yunshen nodded. "I see. Is there any news about Mo Yan?"
Chen Yu's expression hardened for a moment.
"There has been no news so far. However, I've already ordered my soldiers to remain on high alert."
Mingzhao spoke up.
"I don't want anything to go wrong during such an auspicious occasion."
Xiangu replied, "We are prepared as well. The soldiers of Shenmei are also keeping watch."
Rongwei suddenly interjected, "Soldiers at a wedding? That sounds rather unusual."
Chen Yu shot him a sharp look.
Rongwei immediately closed his mouth.
Lixuan continued eating slowly. He did not dare to look up even once.
Mingzhao's gaze kept returning to him. He did not recognise his younger brother, yet something about the masked guest seemed to hold his attention.
Zhichen leaned slightly towards Lixuan and whispered, "Are you alright?"
Lixuan gave a faint nod.
"It's just... a little strange."
Zhichen said nothing and returned his attention to his own plate.
The meal eventually came to an end.
Everyone began getting up and heading towards the exit. Lixuan stood and walked towards the door.
Just then, Mingzhao's voice stopped him.
"Wait."
Lixuan froze.
His heart skipped a beat.
Mingzhao spoke again.
"Are you... Xiu? The Royal Singer of Shenmei?"
Lixuan slowly lowered his head.
"Yes."
Mingzhao studied him for a few moments before speaking quietly.
"Your eyes... they remind me of someone."
Lixuan lowered his head even further.
"It's nothing like that, Chief. I have an ordinary face."
Mingzhao smiled faintly.
"Not ordinary. Something special."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Lixuan remained standing where he was.
A breeze passed by him. His mask still covered his face, but tears had gathered in his eyes.
Zhichen approached and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come on."
Without saying anything, Lixuan followed Zhichen towards their chambers.
He had met his brother.
For the first time in seventeen years.
And yet, he had met him as a stranger.
The night grew deeper.
The palace of Lianyu continued to glow with lights, but silence had settled inside the chambers.
Lixuan removed his mask and placed it on the table. He stood near the window, listening to the faint sounds of the celebrations outside.
His heart was far from peaceful.
Zhichen opened the door and entered without saying anything. He closed it behind him and walked over to stand beside Lixuan.
"Did Mingzhao recognise you?" Zhichen asked quietly.
Lixuan shook his head.
"No. But he sensed something. His eyes... they seemed to know me. Yet, when he saw my mask, he said nothing."
Zhichen replied, "We must remain alert until the wedding day. Chen Yu has increased the number of soldiers as well. Mo Yan could attack at any moment."
Lixuan turned towards him.
"Do you really think he'll come?"
"Yes. I believe he will."
Lixuan took a deep breath.
"The ceremonies will begin tomorrow. Senior Zhiyun of Yuzhen and the people of Zhilan will also arrive. Everyone will be gathered here. And that will be the greatest opportunity for Mo Yan."
"We're prepared."
Lixuan smiled faintly.
"You always say that we're prepared. But are we really?"
Zhichen looked into his eyes.
"You are here, and I am here."
Lixuan lowered his face.
"Lichen... Her arm was injured yesterday. And both of us felt the pain. What is this, Zhichen? Have you ever experienced something like that before?"
Zhichen remained silent for a few moments.
"Yes. Whenever you get hurt, I feel it too."
Lixuan looked at him in surprise.
"Since when?"
"I don't know. Perhaps it has always been this way."
Silence settled between them.
The wind blew gently outside the window. The light of the lamps flickered, dancing slowly across the walls.
Then, a faint knock came from the door.
Lixuan quickly put his mask back on.
Zhichen opened the door.
A servant stood outside.
"Chief Xiangu has requested the presence of both of you in his chamber. He says there is something important to discuss."
The two exchanged a glance.
Without saying anything, they followed the servant.
The night was deep, and the palace corridors were quiet.
Yet, an unfamiliar uneasiness stirred within both of them.
As though something was about to happen.
Something beyond their control.