Dawn spilled gently over the Thunder Peak Sect as the new day began.
A soft, hesitant voice broke the morning quiet:
"Senior Brother Li?"
Nimai, the youngest and most spirited of the disciples, stood outside the guest room, her hand hovering before she knocked softly on the door, barely making a sound.
Her heart fluttered with anticipation, childish curiosity shining in her wide eyes.
She pressed her ear to the wood, whispering again, "Senior Brother Li?"
Nimai was more than just another junior disciple—she was Li Haoran's closest companion in the sect.
The only daughter of a meat vendor in the bustling city of Renao, she had grown up amid the clang of cleavers and the vibrant shouts of the marketplace.
Since childhood, she had dreamed of joining the martial world.
Whenever there was a minor street fighting contest, she'd leap into the fray, spirited and fierce.
She would often emerge victorious, collecting her prize—fifteen or thirty taels—and always brought them home, proud to help support her family.
Despite her tough upbringing, Nimai's personality was sweet, open-minded, and endlessly kind.
At just fifteen, she was known as the cutest and most mischievous disciple in the sect, her laughter often echoing through the halls.
Her journey to Thunder Peak was almost legendary among the younger disciples.
During an open contest in her town, Elder Qing Yun had attended merely as a spectator.
He was captivated as he watched Nimai, small but resolute, defeat opponents twice her size and claim the championship.
Intrigued, he sought her out, inviting her for a private conversation.
Elder Qing Yun had asked about her dream, and Nimai answered without hesitation, her eyes shining with hope:
"I want to be a part of the martial arts society."
Her determination brought a rare smile to the Elder's face.
When he asked what inspired her, she lifted her chin and boldly declared, "I want to become the Supreme Warrior."
That same day, Nimai pleaded with her parents for permission to join the sect, comforted by Elder Qing Yun's promise to care for her.
The next morning, with their blessing, she left Renao behind.
And so, Nimai's new life at Thunder Peak began.
"Senior Brother, it's Nimai. I brought breakfast for the Supreme Warrior. Will you open the door?"
Her voice was a timid whisper, barely slipping through the narrow gap still pressed her ear gently against the wood.
When there was no response, Nimai's brows knit in curiosity.
She pushed the door open with the utmost care, slipping inside with the silence of a mouse.
Each step was measured, her bare feet gliding over the cool floor to avoid even the faintest creak.
She set the breakfast tray down, then leaned back, eyes widening as she caught sight of two silhouettes behind the paper screen—two figures, unmoving, sharing the same bed.
Nimai's mouth dropped open in silent astonishment.
She took a cautious step aside, her mind racing with questions, and waited for them to stir.
Behind the screen, morning light filtered softly, illuminating the bed chamber.
Li Haoran's lashes fluttered; he blinked, then froze as he realized Yue Chan was nestled beside him, her head pillowed on his arm, both of them wrapped in a thick blanket.
Shock jolted through him.
His body stiffened, and a wild, helpless panic rose in his chest.
On the other side, Nimai, ever the comic observer, gaped at the sight.
Her eyes grew impossibly round, and a snort of laughter slipped through her fingers as she slapped a hand over her mouth, fighting to contain herself.
Li Haoran, half-embarrassed and half-annoyed, furrowed his brows.
"Who told you to barge in?" he hissed, his voice a harsh whisper.
Still hiding behind her hands, Nimai replied, "Senior Brother, breakfast for the Supreme Warrior is ready."
She dared a peek between her fingers, watching with glee as Li Haoran squirmed, desperate to escape the awkward scene.
She leaned in, lowering her voice, "Senior Brother, do you need my help?"
Li Haoran shut his eyes tight and exhaled in exasperation.
"Shut up!" he muttered.
Nimai thoughts spun in dizzy circles.
How did they end up like this? Senior Brother Li, you're really something else. Isn't this a guest room? You shouldn't even be here.
But curiosity was too powerful.
She edged closer, trying to sneak a look at Yue Chan's sleeping face.
Li Haoran's eyes narrowed in warning.
"Don't come any closer—I warned you!" he protested, extending a protective arm.
But as his gaze flicked back to Yue Chan, he quickly shielded her with his body.
In the confusion, Yue Chan began to stir, disoriented.
Yue Chan's eyes blinked open, drowsy and uncomprehending.
The first thing she saw was Li Haoran hovering protectively.
Realization dawned slowly—as if rising from a dream—when she noticed her hand clinging to his sleeve.
"Li Haoran, what are you doing?" she grumbled, pushing at him.
"Don't move!" he barked, panicked.
She froze, wide-eyed, as Li Haoran grabbed the blanket and wrapped it securely around her.
"Wear your mask," he ordered, tilting his head, urgency in his gaze.
Yue Chan snatched up her mask and fumbled to put it on.
Li Haoran quickly removed the blanket and helped her to her feet.
Nimai couldn't contain herself anymore; a snort of laughter escaped, drawing both their attention.
Li Haoran glanced at Yue Chan and promptly froze—she had put her mask on upside down.
He tried and failed to suppress a smirk.
"Let me fix it," he said, reaching out. But before he could, he shot a warning glare at Nimai, stepping in to shield Yue Chan from view.
Nimai halted with a question look.
Once the chaos subsided, the air grew thick with awkwardness.
Yue Chan shot Li Haoran a look sharp enough to cut stone.
Silence stretched, until Nimai broke in, bright and oblivious:
"Supreme Warrior, breakfast is ready."
"Got it," Yue Chan replied flatly, following Nimai to the table.
Li Haoran trailed behind, still flustered.
Afterwards, Li Haoran cleared his throat.
"Junior sister, anything else?"
Nimai shook her head.
"You must leave us now," he said firmly.
Nimai nodded, already halfway to the door.
"By the way," he added, voice dropping, "don't tell anyone what you saw here. Understand?"
"Don't worry, Senior Brother, I won't tell a soul," Nimai chirped.
"Go."
Nimai left with a cheerful skip, but inside, the atmosphere between Yue Chan and Li Haoran darkened considerably.
As Yue Chan reached for her dagger, Li Haoran instantly grabbed her hand.
"Master, be good," he coaxed, gently sheathing the blade. "Hear me out first. You look murderous."
Yue Chan offered a contemptuous smirk.
"So, you know what murderous looks like? As I recall, I was drunk last time—and you dared to take advantage of me. I'll slit your throat!"
Li Haoran sprang to his feet, finger raised defensively—then faltered, suddenly aware he was facing a tiger.
"I never took advantage of you—you're accusing me wrongly!"
Yue Chan didn't flinch.
"It was you who took advantage of me."
Her face shifted, mortified as if a bell had rung in her ears.
"I—?"
"You already forgot? Do you know how many times you called my name? You slept right here," Li Haoran said, jabbing at his own chest.
"Impossible!"
"What do you mean impossible? I brought you here and laid you in bed to make sure you could rest. However…"
"However, what?"
"You grabbed my neck. You—clung to me and pulled me onto the bed."
Yue Chan's eyes blinked frantically turned speechless.
With a heavy sigh, Li Haoran collapsed face down onto the bed.
"Do you realize, after you pulled me over, you used my chest as your pillow? I couldn't move, so I decided to just stay there. But I didn't touch you," he finished, sulking.
So embarrassing! Did I really do that?
Yue Chan's mind spun.
Her hand clenched into a fist as she stared at Li Haoran, mortified.
Both of them fell into a stunned silence, eyes locked, the memory of the morning burning between them.
"Forget it," Yue Chan murmured, her voice barely audible as she averted her gaze.
Without another word, she picked up her chopsticks and began to eat, trying to hide the faint flush that crept across her cheeks.
Across the table, Li Haoran watched her, the corners of his lips curving upward in a sly, playful smile.
A spark of amusement danced in his eyes, the earlier tension replaced by a quiet, teasing fondness as he joined her at the table.
"Don't look at me like that. Unless you want this chopstick to fly at you," she warned, her jaw clenched tightly.
Chastened, Li Haoran immediately averted his gaze, fixing his eyes on the table with exaggerated modesty.
Two hours later, they began packing their belongings, preparing to depart the sect.
Before leaving, they sought out Elder Qing Yun to bid a formal farewell.
The sect leader offered gentle reminders to take care of themselves and remain vigilant on the journey ahead.
Now, at last, they were recognized as official master and disciple, without fear of overstepping boundaries or trespassing on authority.
Their journey home was uneventful, and they returned safe and sound.
Upon their arrival at the Moonveil Saint Sect, they reported the outcome of their journey to Elder Yun Ji.
Elder Yun Ji was delighted by the news.
This also marked the moment when all of Yue Chan's juniors, martial sisters, and the other sect elders formally accepted Li Haoran as a member of the sect.
Given Yue Chan's personality, it was likely that any important matter she undertook would end in a favorable outcome.
The others trusted her instincts, even though she rarely spoke or socialized with most of them.
She may be aloof, but she remained selfless toward her sect family.
Over the years, she never forgot to express her gratitude to the sect elders, especially to her own master, Elder Yun Ji.
"My disciple, Chan'er, how does it feel to be free from your limits?"
Elder Yun Ji asked with a teasing smile.
Yue Chan nodded quietly, a small smile on her lips.
"Honestly, I feel enlightened. At least, having proper conversations led to a good outcome."
"I agree," he replied, shifting his gaze to Li Haoran. "Haoran..." he began, stepping closer, "...Chan'er can be hot-blooded at times. Are you certain about your decision to take her as your master? Do you have any regrets?"
Li Haoran smiled reassuringly at Elder Yun Ji.
"I will never regret it. This is my choice."
"Hmm..." Elder Yun Ji mused, glancing between the two of them.
He watched quietly, as if he had more to say but chose to hold back.
At last, he stepped forward and placed a hand on Li Haoran's shoulder.
"One more reminder: since you have both chosen this path together, I hope that whatever happened before will not be repeated."
Li Haoran and Yue Chan both froze in surprise, exchanging a silent, wide-eyed look.