After the incident with Zhao Ming, Luo Qingyan became famous. Not for talent, not for strength but for one specific reason: He could not be touched.
"Did you hear? Zhao Ming's sword stopped mid-air!"
"That's impossible."
"It's true! It was like something blocked him!"
"…A defensive artifact?"
"No. Something else."
Luo Qingyan leaned against a pillar, eating melon seeds.
"…I love being mysterious."
Lin Yufeng stood beside him.
"You are not mysterious. You are a problem."
"Same thing."
Across the courtyard eyes followed him with curiosity, suspicion, and hostility.
"…They're going to try again, aren't they?" Luo Qingyan asked.
"Yes."
"…Can I fake my death?"
"No."
"…This contract is really limiting my options." Luo Qingyan complained
That night Shen Wuyou gave Luo Qingyan a new rule.
"You will not leave Qingyun Peak after sunset."
Luo Qingyan blinked.
"…Why?"
Shen Wuyou stood by the open window, moonlight outlining his figure.
"…Because I said so."
"…That's not a reason." Luo Qingyan argued
"…There are things in this sect that do not follow rules."
Luo Qingyan tilted his head.
"…Like me?"
Shen Wuyou's gaze shifted slightly.
"…Worse."
There was silence.
"…If I leave?" Luo Qingyan asked.
"…I will come find you."
The way he said it with calm and certainty was more terrifying than any threat.
"…You're obsessed with me," Luo Qingyan said.
Shen Wuyou did not respond. But for a split second the golden thread pulsed warmly.
Too warm.
"…That's definitely not normal." Luo Qingyan muttered.