"Good." Hou Yan replied, her arms folded tightly across her chest, her expression unreadable as she surveyed the courtyard.
With the tense situation finally resolved, the gathered disciples and elders gradually dispersed, their footsteps echoing softly on the flagstones as the courtyard emptied.
Master Yun Ji, his demeanor solemn, beckoned Li Haoran aside for a private conversation—a moment not only for earnest discussion, but also for paying his respects to Yue Chan, whose steadfast devotion as a master had not gone unnoticed.
Outside, beneath the gentle sway of willow branches, the three top disciples convened at a stone table.
Their conversation, though measured, brimmed with unspoken questions and the subtle tension of shifting allegiances.
Su Mei broke the silence, her gaze sharp and searching.
"You're forging your own authority now, aren't you? What was your plan, Chan'er?"
The round stone table, weathered by years of wind and rain, was flanked by three equally worn stone benches—each one perfectly placed for the trio's intimate gathering.
Yue Chan, ever serene, quietly poured fragrant tea into the empty cups before her, the delicate steam curling between her fingers as she offered the first cup to Su Mei and then to Hou Yan.
"Authority? Who said that?" Yue Chan's voice was soft, yet there was a cool undertone to her question, her eyes never leaving the rim of her cup.
"Chan'er, you're the only one who's ever had the chance to sever the connection to our sect like this," Hou Yan said, worry etching her brow. "Li Haoran became your disciple, and by accepting him, you've shifted the balance within the sect. Elder Qing Yun—his original master—has become your rival in guidance. Can you imagine how Elder Qing Yun must feel, watching his favored disciple turn away so abruptly?"
Yue Chan listened intently, her fingers tracing slow circles along the rim of her teacup.
She finally looked up, meeting the concerned eyes of her two martial sisters.
"I am not his rival," Yue Chan replied, her tone measured. "Li Haoran chose me as his master, but that does not mean I have severed his ties to Elder Qing Yun. This arrangement, as I see it, is simply a means to further his cultivation—a contribution, not a division."
Su Mei and Hou Yan exchanged a meaningful glance, a shared sigh slipping past their lips as the weight of the situation settled between them.
"Has Elder Qing noticed what's been happening between you and Li Haoran?" Su Mei asked quietly. "I hope all goes smoothly—conflict would only make things harder."
Yue Chan shook her head, offering a reassuring smile.
"Master and Li Haoran are speaking now. I doubt their conversation will be very different from ours. Don't worry about me. Once they're finished, we'll head for the Thunder Sect. I owe Elder Qing Yun my respect, and I intend to explain everything to him myself—so the sect will understand and there will be no misunderstandings."
"I'm glad to hear your reasoning, Chan'er. Good luck!" Su Mei said warmly, her voice tinged with genuine affection.
"I wish you the same, Chan'er." Hou Yan added, reaching out to pat Yue Chan's hand reassuringly. "Elder Qing is a good person. I'm sure he'll understand you." She paused, resting her chin thoughtfully on her fist. "But I am curious about something."
"Curious about what?" Yue Chan tilted her head, intrigue flickering in her eyes.
"Li Haoran… do you really think he only wants you as his master?" Hou Yan ventured, her tone gentle but probing.
Yue Chan froze, her teacup halfway to her lips, eyes widening slightly as she looked between her martial sisters.
Beside Hou Yan, Su Mei nodded, her brows raised expectantly above her large, soulful eyes.
"What are you two implying?" she asked, her tone cautious but curious.
Hou Yan clicked her tongue, shaking her head with exaggerated drama, a teasing glint in her eyes.
"Your internal power is unmatched, Chan'er, but when it comes to matters of the heart, your senses seem to falter. You're always so sharp when danger is near, but beyond that, I have my doubts…"
Before she could finish, Hou Yan trailed off, noticing the suspicion furrowing Yue Chan's brow.
"I've already explained to everyone the nature of Li Haoran's connection. There's no need to lecture me about inner senses—I'm still human. What intuition or feeling do you possess that I cannot?"
"Alright! We understand," Su Mei exclaimed. "But we can't help being moved by how Li Haoran risked his life to save you that day at the lake. He didn't hesitate for a moment. And after that, we saw how he stood by your side, even under the greatest pressure. He truly is a passionate disciple."
"Su Mei?" Yue Chan's voice softened, a mix of curiosity and gentle admonishment in her tone.
Su Mei stifled a laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she watched the tension play out between her martial sisters.
Hou Yan leaned in, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"If you don't stop pestering her, you'll end up getting thrown through the wall a hundred times over."
A hush fell over the courtyard, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.
Moments later, Master Yun Ji emerged from the pavilion alongside Li Haoran, both wearing bright, satisfied smiles.
The onlookers watched as Li Haoran paused, turning to offer their master a deep, respectful bow before stepping away.
Afterward, Li Haoran walked out, his steps purposeful as he made his way toward the trio of top disciples.
Yue Chan rose gracefully from her seat, her gaze fixed on him as he approached.
"Master, everything is settled. It's time for us to leave," Li Haoran announced, his voice steady and resolute.
Su Mei and Hou Yan exchanged teasing, knowing looks before turning their attention to Yue Chan.
"What did Master say to you?" Yue Chan asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Everything went well. He said he trusts me to remain by your side," Li Haoran replied.
Yue Chan simply nodded, her expression unreadable.
"Let's visit Master Qing. I'm sure he's waiting for you," Li Haoran suggested gently.
After their seamless conversation, Li Haoran and Yue Chan set out together, making their way out toward the sect's gate, which stood open in anticipation of their departure.
The journey was a long one; traveling on foot would have taken eleven to twelve hours.
To conserve their strength, they chose instead to travel by water, sailing north along the wide, tranquil river that wound its way through the landscape.
The gentle current and serene scenery offered a welcome respite as they made their way toward their destination.
The boat was spacious enough for comfort, with a small sheltered cabin to shield them from the elements.
Inside, Li Haoran carefully arranged the bedding, making sure Yue Chan would be able to rest peacefully during the long journey ahead.
From outside the softly draped curtain, Yue Chan peered in, her curious gaze sweeping over the cozy interior.
Li Haoran glanced up, catching her thoughtful expression.
"Master, after dinner, you should get some rest," Li Haoran said gently. "We departed at the hour of shen; with luck, we'll reach the dock by dawn tomorrow."
Yue Chan didn't reply, but her eyes moved carefully over every corner of the small cabin, assessing the space.
At last, her gaze lingered on the neatly prepared bed, a subtle look of approval flickering across her face.
A moment later, Li Haoran sprang to his feet and nearly collided with Yue Chan.
"I'm sorry, Master," he said, stepping back quickly.
"I'm not hurt," Yue Chan replied, taking a step forward before pausing to glance back at Li Haoran. "What about you? You need to rest as well."
"You should take the bed. I'll rest at the entrance," Li Haoran insisted.
"Is there any other passage along this river besides your sect?" Yue Chan asked, curiosity in her tone.
Li Haoran shook his head.
"Then you should rest too," she said softly.
Does she care about me? Li Haoran wondered silently, the question lingering in his mind.
"Master, I brought some meat in my woven basket, along with a few kitchen essentials. If there's anything you'd like for dinner, please let me know—I'll prepare it," he offered.
"I'm not picky. Make whatever you wish—I'll handle the boat this time," Yue Chan replied briskly, slipping out of the cabin before he could protest.
As she left, Li Haoran smiled to himself, then set about preparing their meal.
By the time the hour of Xu had passed, a quiet meal was arranged at the small table in the center of the boat.
Grilled pork belly, fragrant hot pot soup, tender beef with cabbage, and pillowy steamed pork buns filled the air with warmth and savory aromas.
Yue Chan stood alone at the bow of the boat, lost in tranquil thought, when Li Haoran suddenly appeared at her side.
Before she realized it, he gently took her by the arm, leading her away from her reverie and toward the table where dinner was arranged.
"Dinner is served!" Li Haoran announced with dramatic flair, sweeping his hand toward the table as if unveiling an exhibition. "Master, please enjoy."
Yue Chan settled herself at the table, lifting her chopsticks to select a dish, but paused mid-motion as Li Haoran wagged his index finger with a quiet, playful hiss.
"Master, since it's just the two of us, I must insist—wearing a mask at dinner is strictly forbidden. Forgive me for being bold this time."
At his words, Yue Chan hesitated.
With practiced care, Li Haoran reached over, gently removing her mask and laying it beside her on the table.
"Now, my beautiful master, let's enjoy this feast together," he said warmly.
"Thank you," Yue Chan replied softly.
Under the bright moonlight, they enjoyed their dinner amidst gentle chatter and laughter.
After the meal, the two worked side by side to clean up, washing the used kitchen essentials together, their movements comfortable and in quiet harmony.
After an hour, they sat side by side, gazing up at the luminous, round moon hanging in the night sky.
"Master, do you know that the moon resembles you?" Li Haoran said, breaking the peaceful silence that had settled over Yue Chan.
"How could I possibly resemble the moon?" she asked, curiosity softening her tone.
"At night, darkness fills the sky, but the moon becomes its spotlight, outshining even the countless stars. No matter how deep the darkness, when the moon appears, it drives the shadows away," Li Haoran explained gently.
Yue Chan considered his words for a moment.
"Perhaps it's because the moon, like a person, has its own duty to fulfill."
Li Haoran's lips curled into a small smile.
"Can you guess what I mean by that, Master?"
Yue Chan shook her head quietly.
"Is your meaning really that subtle?" she asked, a soft curiosity in her voice.
"Before I left your sect, Master Yun told me about your burdens. Now I understand why you hide your face behind that mask. That mask is like the darkness that even the bright, beautiful, and luminous moon possesses. But that darkness isn't a hindrance for you to shine—it's part of what makes you extraordinary. Your mask is not a weakness, but an asset, proof that you can embrace both light and shadow without fear. You are the most beautiful moon I have ever encountered in my lifetime."