Li Haoran's brows knitted tightly, Elder Yun's words echoing in his mind.
Was the elder referring to the lake accident from a month ago?
If so, he needed to address the matter directly.
The accident had happened because of his own carelessness.
He owed it to everyone—especially Yue Chan and her master—to ensure such a crisis would never happen again.
Taking a steadying breath, Li Haoran straightened, determination flickering in his eyes.
After a moment of silent reflection, he stepped forward, clearing his throat with resolve.
"Elder Yun," he began, voice steady but earnest, "I apologize for causing you concern over the lake incident. I swear—on my very primordial spirit," he raised his hand in solemn oath, "that I will act with utmost caution and responsibility from now on, so Master Yue is never placed in danger again."
Elder Yun Ji regarded him with a knowing smirk, lips curling in a way that suggested both approval and challenge.
Yue Chan, standing nearby, exhaled quietly, her posture still and her gaze cold, betraying none of her inner thoughts.
A heavy silence settled over the group as everyone absorbed Li Haoran's vow.
He waited, glancing nervously between the two figures before him. Neither Elder Yun Ji nor Yue Chan responded.
Elder Yun Ji stood tall, watching Li Haoran with a sharp, questioning look, while Yue Chan seemed to retreat further into her aloofness.
Li Haoran blinked, biting his lower lip in confusion. He had expected some acknowledgment.
Finally, Elder Yun Ji let out a slow breath, clasped his hands behind his back, and turned away.
"We're done here," he announced in a flat, dismissive tone.
Relief washed over Li Haoran, and a small smile tugged at his lips. But Elder Yun Ji's next words stopped him cold.
"But… let's not forget the lake accident in this case."
The elder's tone was edged with warning, his words lingering like the smoke of a roasted reminder.
Li Haoran and Yue Chan exchanged wary glances, suspicion flickering in their eyes.
"Master, what do you mean by that?" Yue Chan finally broke her silence, her tone edged with curiosity and caution.
Elder Yun Ji looked back over his shoulder, lips curled in a cryptic smile.
"The lake accident is nothing compared to the nightmares still unresolved—the questions that will not fade."
Another riddle.
Li Haoran and Yue Chan met each other's gaze, both frowning as they tried to decipher his meaning.
"Perhaps you don't understand yet," Elder Yun Ji continued, a knowing glint in his eyes. "In the future…" He smirked. "Good luck, both of you."
With that, Elder Yun Ji strode away, leaving Li Haoran and Yue Chan speechless and adrift in confusion.
Li Haoran stepped closer to Yue Chan, lowering his voice.
"Master, do you think Elder Yun is hiding something from us? It feels like there's more he's not saying."
A soft sigh escaped Yue Chan.
"He always leaves things unsaid. But lately, I sense something odd—a sort of secretive cooperation between your Master Qing Yun and my own.
Do you feel it too?"
Li Haoran shook his head slowly.
"Master Qing… he's always been guarded, but he never involved you before. Now, with Elder Yun, it feels like they're both drawing connections—like we're part of something bigger."
Yue Chan's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "Go on."
"Do your instincts match mine?" he pressed.
She raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Has Elder Yun said anything strange to you?"
Li Haoran hesitated, then nodded. "He said something odd—the last thing he said before leaving."
Her gaze sharpened. "Good luck?"
He widened his eyes in realization. "Yes, he said—'Good luck'."
Yue Chan fell silent, folding her arms as she began pacing back and forth, her mind racing through memories and clues.
Suddenly, a memory clicked into place.
Master Yun Ji had said those very words to her before—now he'd said them again, to both her and Li Haoran.
Why was he so insistent?
Why does he keep saying 'Good luck'?
Is it more than just the lake accident?
Is it about the nightmares—those lingering, unanswered questions?
Li Haoran watched her anxiously. "What are you thinking?"
Yue Chan silenced him with a raised hand, her eyes distant as she pieced together the puzzle in her mind.
The lake…
She recalled Master Yun Ji's earlier words:
***Why are you suddenly interested in these matters? You should focus on your recovery. After what happened, reflect carefully—you may have played a part in this tragedy yourself. Be good and focus on healing. As for the future—good luck!***
The words reverberated in her mind.
Slowly, Yue Chan lifted her head, her gaze sweeping to Li Haoran.
"Master, are you alright?" Li Haoran stepped toward her, worry etched across his face.
"I want to ask you something." Yue Chan's voice was quiet, but carried an unyielding edge.
"Anything. I'll listen." Li Haoran straightened, bracing himself.
"After the lake incident—when Elder Qing pulled you from the Sober Living Home Residence, just two days after—what did he do to you?"
Li Haoran pursed his lips, recalling the painful memory. "He scolded me. Then he beat me with his cane—three times. It hurt more than I expected. I've never seen Master Qing so furious."
"And then?" Yue Chan pressed.
"He shouted at me—asked why I was so careless, why I would risk her safety again. He said they did everything to keep me safe…"
Li Haoran trailed off, faltering as Yue Chan raised her hand to stop him. He met her eyes, seeing the weight of exhaustion and realization there.
"He said that—again?"
Li Haoran blinked, the pieces beginning to fall into place. "Right… now I get it." He looked at Yue Chan, a new understanding dawning. "But…"
"We're both connected by the elders' secret," Yue Chan said, her voice soft but resolute. "The lake incident wasn't just an accident. We're bound together—by fate, and by something they're not telling us."
"Are you certain?" Li Haoran pressed, his gaze unwavering as he searched Yue Chan's eyes for any sign of doubt.
Yue Chan's lips tightened, her voice cool but determined. "Certain or not, we need to find out the truth for ourselves."
Sensing the tension radiating from her, Li Haoran softened his tone, stepping closer in a gentle attempt to soothe her.
"Master, calm down," he coaxed, voice quiet and reassuring. "We've only just returned from our journey. You should rest first—gather your strength."
Yue Chan remained silent, her expression unreadable as she stared ahead, lost in thought.
Li Haoran straightened, resolve shining in his eyes. He stepped forward, lowering his head in respect before Yue Chan.
"As your disciple, and now officially so, I, Li Haoran, solemnly swear to walk this path by your side. Whatever we must face—today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime—I promise my loyalty will not falter. I will remain honest, unwavering, and true to you, Master. Please, hear my vow."
Yue Chan regarded him with a mixture of surprise and quiet skepticism. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice low.
Li Haoran met her gaze, his own steady and sincere. "Because this is my promise. Just as I swore before Elder Yun, on my primordial spirit, I will never go back on my word."
A heavy silence hung between them.
Finally, Yue Chan released a soft sigh, her features relaxing as she nodded in acceptance.
"Alright. So be it."
A bright, almost childlike grin broke across Li Haoran's face.
"You've accepted my oath? Truly?" He clenched his fist and punched the air in triumph, unable to hide his joy.
"You said I need to rest now," Yue Chan spoke up, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Li Haoran froze mid-celebration, his fist still in the air as he looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Go on—enjoy your time with the juniors," Yue Chan continued, her voice softening as she stepped past him.
She gave his chest a light, dismissive slap—almost playful—before turning away. "I'm going to rest."
Li Haoran could only stand there, momentarily speechless, watching her disappear from view.
***
RESTING PLACE – Moonveil Saint Sect, Lady Quarters
Night draped the lady quarters of Moonveil Saint Sect in silence.
Under the muted glow of a paper lantern, Yue Chan twisted restlessly on her narrow bed, sheets tangled around her.
A sheen of sweat glistened on her brow, fists clenching the blanket as she struggled through another fevered dream.
"Please! Please take care of him!" she cried, her voice trembling with desperation.
"Xiao Dan, Xiao Dan!"
The name tore from her lips, raw and urgent.
"Promise me!" Her pleas were relentless, echoing in the quiet chamber.
Yue Chan's face contorted with panic, her breathing ragged.
Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as her body remained trapped in nightmare's grasp.
"He didn't mean it!" she gasped, twisting violently beneath the covers.
"Xiao Dan, Xiao Dan! Take him out, please!"
Li Haoran, sitting beside her, watched with growing alarm as she tossed in her sleep.
Unable to bear it any longer, he reached out and shook her shoulder.
"Master! Master!" Li Haoran called out, his voice breaking with anguish and helplessness.
Abruptly, Yue Chan jolted awake, her body snapping upright.
She stared into the darkness, eyes wide and glassy with tears, chest heaving as she tried to steady her breath.
Li Haoran's hand hovered protectively at her side, his face etched with concern.
He leaned forward, worry clouding his gaze. "Another nightmare? Master, tell me—what did you see?"
Her breaths slowed as she lay back, face drained and expression blank.
"I saw… Gong Xie, in my dream," she whispered hoarsely.
"Gong Xie?" Li Haoran echoed, confusion tightening his voice.
Yue Chan only inclined her head in silent confirmation, her eyes clouded with memory.
Li Haoran's voice softened, concern evident as he leaned closer.
"Master? If there's anything you saw—anything at all—please, speak up. I'll listen."
Yue Chan, still trembling, slowly turned her gaze to him, her expression caught between gratitude and surprise.
"Why are you here?" she asked quietly.
A faint smile flickered across Li Haoran's lips.
"Didn't we promise to stay together? Earlier, you told me to spend time with the juniors, to get along with them. I did as you asked—but after two hours, I couldn't help it. I left and searched everywhere for you."
Yue Chan's brows drew together, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is the lady quarters… you shouldn't be here."
Li Haoran gave a sheepish shrug. "Elder Yun gave me permission to come in."
A heavy silence settled between them, the weight of dreams and unspoken worries lingering in the air.
"Master, don't change the subject," Li Haoran insisted gently, determination in his tone. "Tell me—what was your nightmare about? I heard everything you said."
Yue Chan closed her eyes for a moment, then replied quietly, "I've already told you."
"Gong Xie?" Li Haoran pressed, confusion flickering across his face. "But… I didn't hear you mention his name."
Yue Chan's gaze grew distant, her voice low and certain.
"My vision was clear—it was him. The way he appeared in my dream, it felt as if we were close, as if we had known each other for a long time."
Li Haoran fell silent, uncertainty and unease shadowing his expression.
"Why did I dream of him?" Yue Chan murmured, confusion clouding her eyes.
Li Haoran leaned in, his brow furrowed with concern. "Did anyone else appear in your dream?"
She shook her head slowly. "No. Only Gong Xie."
He let out a thoughtful sigh. "That's strange."
Yue Chan glanced at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Li Haoran hesitated, searching her face. "You said you dreamed about Gong Xie, but while you were asleep, you were calling out for someone else."
Her eyes narrowed. "Who was it?"
He met her gaze, voice quiet but steady. "You kept saying… Xiao Dan."
Yue Chan fell silent, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of it all.