Suddenly
A blade was pressed against Shen Yan's neck from behind.
Yue Ling's eyes widened.
"HEY!"
She was about to jump in
But Lu Chen quickly blocked her.
"Relax," he said with a grin. "He's not an enemy."
"…What?"
"That's Mo Ran," Lu Chen added casually.
"Shen Yan's younger brother."
Yue Ling froze.
"…Wait WHAT?! His brother?!"
Before she could react
CLANG!
The two men were already fighting.
Their swords clashed
Fast.
Sharp.
Precise.
Yue Ling blinked.
"…Is this how they bond as a family?"
Lu Chen chuckled.
"Something like that."
The fight continued
Both skilled.
Both powerful.
But
It became clear.
Mo Ran's swordsmanship was elegant…
But Shen Yan
Was on another level.
In one swift move
SHING!
Shen Yan's blade stopped right at Mo Ran's neck.
Silence.
Mo Ran smiled.
"As expected… I still can't beat you, brother."
Shen Yan lowered his sword calmly.
"Why are you here?"
Mo Ran sheathed his weapon.
"I just came to see you. You haven't visited the palace in days."
He sighed dramatically.
"Do you even know Mother misses you?"
Shen Yan turned away slightly.
"I have responsibilities here."
Mo Ran smirked.
"At least come back for the Queen Mother's birthday."
He crossed his arms.
"She wants all of us there."
"…I'll go."
Then
Mo Ran's gaze shifted.
Landing on Yue Ling.
"…And who is she?"
Yue Ling blinked.
"Oh… now it's my turn."
Shen Yan exhaled.
"…It's a long story."
Mo Ran walked toward her.
Curious.
"What's your name?"
Yue Ling smiled proudly.
"I'm Yue Ling."
Mo Ran paused.
Then smiled.
"That's a beautiful name."
Yue Ling placed her hands on her hips.
"Of course it is."
"…?"
"I'm this beautiful, so obviously my name has to match."
Silence.
Lu Chen turned away
Trying not to laugh.
"…PFFT HAHAHAHA!"
Mo Ran blinked
Then laughed as well.
"I wasn't expecting that answer."
Yue Ling frowned.
"Why are you laughing? Was I wrong?"
Mo Ran waved his hand.
"No, not at all."
"…Then what?"
"I mean" he chuckled, "you're right."
He looked at her.
"You are beautiful."
Yue Ling immediately smiled.
"See? I told you."
From the side
Shen Yan closed his eyes briefly.
Then let out a deep sigh.
"…This is going to be troublesome."
Lu Chen smirked.
"Oh, it already is."
Yue Ling turned to Shen Yan.
"Hey, why did you sigh?"
"…Nothing."
"Are you sure?"
"…Yes."
"Really sure?"
Shen Yan shot her a look.
"…Stop talking."
Yue Ling grinned.
"I can't. It's my talent."
Mo Ran laughed again.
And just like that
The once serious camp
Became a little… louder.