A few weeks after the burial, Long Hua came to visit Bai Ruyi. Having grown up together, Long Hua knew that Bai Ruyi would have been overworking herself and not getting enough rest and food. So, when she arrived, she also brought a big basket of food.
"Try this. I made it myself."
After forcing Bai Ruyi to set down her work, Long Hua handed her a bowl of soup. It had been about two months since Long Hua last saw Bai Ruyi, but she had lost so much weight. Heartbroken, she didn't know what she could do for her friend.
"How is it? Does it taste good? I asked my mom for the recipe. You don't know how long this took me."
"It's good. Thank you, Long Hua."
No matter how little Bai Ruyi talked, she always had a glimmer in her eyes. Now, not even a fraction of that shine resided.
"Then try this dish and this one."
Long Hua continued to bring out more and more dishes.
Placing her hand on Long Hua's, Bai Ruyi stopped her.
"Long Hua, that's enough."
Tears formed in Long Hua's eyes. Although her friend was suffering, she was the one to cry and be comforted.
"Ming Yue..."
"Long Hua, I'm fine. Why are you crying?"
Bai Ruyi gently brushed the tears away and held Long Hua's hand.
"Long Hua, you're already 15. Do you plan on acting like this after you get married? I don't want to have to babysit my niece or nephew along with their mother."
In between her tears, Long Hua laughed. Why was it always those with the biggest hearts who had to suffer the most?
"(Sniff)... Ming Yue, if you were a boy, I would marry you in a heartbeat."
A small smile bloomed on Bai Ruyi's face.
"That won't do. If you marry me, what will happen to Xiaolan?"
"Who cares about him. You're better."
A gentle chuckle broke through their lips. With a weight lifted off her mind, Bai Ruyi enjoyed each dish Long Hua had lovingly crafted. Every bite carried the essence of Donghai, her father's hometown, the place where the breeze carried the smell of salt water and where the children played in the ocean.
A few days after Long Hua returned to Dragon Reef, trouble came knocking on Bai Ruyi's door. A report said that the livestock in Yicheng had suddenly gone crazy. They would attack anyone in sight. Their eyes were blood red, and their exterior became hard as steel, coated in poison. Anyone who was injured by the beast suffered immense pain. After hearing the news, Bai Ruyi and her grand-uncle immediately descended the mountain.
Everyone that had been injured was moved to an empty house to be observed, and the beasts that weren't killed were locked up in a cage. At a glance, Bai Ruyi could tell they were the same work as whoever tampered with the animals in the hunting grounds. The difference is that these beasts were more aggressive, and their exterior was even harder and glossier, with the glistening poison oozing off.
"Has anything unusual happened lately?" Bai Ruyi asked one of the townsmen.
The farmer thought for a second and then said, "Recently, there have been a few new faces in town. They would stop by the houses with livestock and ask for water."
"Did they do anything else?"
The man shook his head, and Bai Ruyi continued to ask.
"Do you remember what they look like?"
"Hmmm.... Oh, I remember that they wore dark purple robes with black cloud embroidery."
"Black clouds? Are you sure?"
"Hmm, well, they are a little different from the ones on your clothes. The clouds on their clothing were more... hmmm. I guess, more sharp?"
The Lei clan's element was thunder, so their clothes had cloud embroidery with lightning strikes. This embroidery was often mistaken for a cloud with sharp angles.
"Thank you."
"Of course, Sect Leader Bai."
Hearing the title, Bai Ruyi turned, thinking that it was her mother that he was talking to. Only when she saw no trace of her did she remember she was now the Sect Leader.
"Ming Yue, are you alright?" Bai Lanxun asked.
"I'm fine. But it looks like it really is the Lei clan."
"Hmm."
Bai Lanxun took a step closer to observe the beast. He could tell that they weren't dead, but he wasn't sure what they could do to save them. Even if the Bai family were masters of medicine, the techniques used by the Lei family to make poison seemed to be much more complex and cruel than in the past. If they didn't know the exact formula used, then they could easily make things worse.
All of a sudden, he heard an ear-piercing scream. He turned to see Bai Ruyi feeding one of the beasts a pill before pulling out her guqin to play a short melody.
"Ming Yue-"
The air echoed with another anguished cry from the beast as it spitted out a sinister black orb. After expelling the orb, the creature reverted to its original form. Its feathers softened from their previous steel-like sharpness, its eyes returned to their natural black hue, and there was no longer any trace of venom dripping from its body.
"What did you do?"
"Back in Jinshan, I collected a few of the hawks that attacked me. While... while mom was sick, I spent some time researching the poison and created an antidote for it."
"But the poison that the Lei clan uses is complex. How did you figure it out."
Bai Ruyi did not answer his question and changed the topic.
"Our family's universal antidote works on the poison from the hawks. So, I adjusted the formula to enhance its effects against the poison. For the chicken, I used a stronger medicine dosage and the music to force it out."
"So this black orb is the medicine you feed it?"
Bai Ruyi nodded and bent down to collect the pill. Using the music, she condensed all the poison into the pill and forced the chicken to spit it out. Although it was a test run, Bai Ruyi was glad it worked. Now, all she needed to do was treat the rest of the animals. The only thing that concerned her was whether or not it would work on the injured humans.
For the next few days, Bai Ruyi stayed in Yicheng to treat the animals. Afterwards, she treated the injured townsmen. Although she could not try the same method on them as she did with the animals, she found that the universal antidote was still effective against the poison. When everyone was fully recovered, she returned to Yuecheng.
When Bai Ruyi returned home, she decided to write to Sect Leader Yu to see if there had been any similar issues in his territory, as his clan was the closest to the Lei clan.
Soon after sending the letter, Sect Leader Yu responded and said he had a few similar cases. However, since he did not know what was happening then, he could not treat the people and animals. In the end, they had to kill the animals, and the people died from the unbearable pain.
After receiving new intelligence, Sect Leader Yu quickly alerted the other clans. At the same time, he launched an investigation to monitor the movements of the Lei clan. With all the clans now on high alert, the Lei clan's activities dwindled, leading to a decrease in the number of incidents. Meanwhile, Bai Ruyi delved deeper into her research on the poison, striving to enhance its effectiveness. The poison's components proved intricate, requiring several days for her to uncover each ingredient. After a few weeks of dedicated effort, Bai Ruyi compiled a comprehensive list of all the ingredients. She then fine-tuned the antidote formula to neutralize the poison without causing adverse effects. To refine the formula, Bai Ruyi conducted numerous tests on her arm, resulting in a multitude of new and old scars. Unconcerned with maintaining her flawless, pale skin despite being a girl. After toiling persistently, her endeavors bore fruit. A month later, the earth and its inhabitants lay shrouded in snow. Each dawn, they awoke to a fresh blanket of snow adorning the landscape. Alongside their additional layers of clothing, each clan member carried the two newly produced medicines. One is to treat those injured by the beasts, and the other is to tend to the creatures twisted by mutation. Yet the peace that everyone had been enjoying soon shattered.
"Sect Leader, a letter has arrived from Yongsheng."
"Thank you."
Bai Ruyi opened the letter to receive news that Sect Leader Yu had new information about the Lei clan and wished to meet all the Sect Leaders to share it. However, since he was concerned about his clan being too close to Zishan, he asked to have the meeting be held in Donghai instead. After arranging everything, Bai Ruyi set off to Donghai.
"Will you not come with me?" Bai Ruyi asked.
Bai Lanxun shook his head. The Bai clan has always been smaller in number compared to other clans. If too many people left, there wouldn't be enough people to care for the clan.
"It is enough for you to go. I trust your judgment. I will be here to protect our home until you return."
Bai Ruyi bowed to her grand-uncle, then rode her sword to Donghai with a few other disciples. Two days later, they landed in Dragon Reef. The first person to greet them was Long Hua. Her usual cheerful self ran over and gave Bai Ruyi a big hug.
"Ming Yue! I missed you!"
Although there were plenty of eyes on the two of them, Long Hua could care less about what they said and thought.
"Long Hua..."
Bai Ruyi smiled. It was good to see her friend after being busy with everything.
"How have you been?" Bai Ruyi asked.
"Great! Come on, let's go in!"
Long Hua dragged Bai Ruyi to her room, and the two had a little chat. Although Bai Ruyi did not visit Donghai often, she still had her own room for when she came to visit.
Within the day, the remaining Sect Leaders, along with their heirs, arrived. That night, a dinner was hosted. Although Sect Leader Yu wanted to get to the point, Long Yuzhe found no urgency and wanted everyone to enjoy a meal before discussing about the Lei clan.
Under the veil of night, Bai Ruyi ventured to the docks to bask in the splendor of the starry sky. Despite the chill in the air, this winter held a unique essence. Rather than the biting winds of the mountains, Donghai embraced the brisk, salty breath of the ocean.
"It seemed like we were still children playing in the water not long ago."
"That's right."
Under the twinkling expanse of the sky, Long Yuzhe settled beside Bai Ruyi, their eyes drawn to the glittering stars above. In their youthful days, the two would frolic in the waters during their visits, heedless of the weather. Back then, both were dressed in white robes adorned with elegant cranes. Now, only one was draped in the familiar white garment, while the other stood cloaked in a midnight blue robe embroidered with the majestic image of a dragon.
"How has everything been for you?" Bai Ruyi asked.
"It's hard, but all the elders are assisting me to the best of their ability."
"That's good. I'm glad you're settling down alright."
"Hmm. You know, initially, I really wanted to go back to Yuecheng. But after some time, I realized that Donghai is more suitable for me. There aren't as many rules here, and I don't have to worry about breaking any. Besides, it will be easier for the wedding to be held."
"If you're happy, then that's all that matters."
Bai Ruyi smiled at her brother. She was truly glad that he was moving on, able to let go of the past and look forward to the future. Yet she couldn't help but feel sad at how fast he was moving on. But then again, everyone grieves differently. Maybe this was his way.
Like a soft blanket, silence enveloped them as they gazed at the stars. Suddenly, delicate snowflakes began to dance down from the sky, and the wind, a gentle conductor, carried them through the air. As the chill embraced them, Long Yuzhe rose and spoke.
"Ming Yue, let's head back. It's getting cold now."
"You go back first. I want to watch the snow for a bit."
Without a second thought, he agreed and left first.
The snow is falling, but why does it feel warm?
Picking up Bingfei, Bai Ruyi returned to her room. The following day, everyone was gathered in the meeting room. All eyes were on Sect Leader Yu as he shared the information he had collected. As history recorded, the Lei clan are masters of poison, but what wasn't recorded was what made their poison so unique and powerful. Hidden high up in Zishan, the mountains of the Celestial Realm, was a special type of stone called Lightning's Star, which absorbed the essence of heaven and earth. This stone had the remarkable ability to enhance anything its owner desired, and it could even transform humans into demons. At first, the stone was only used to improve the effects of the medicine. However, a few of the clansmen became greedy and wanted to use it for their own benefit. That was when the internal war broke out. During the battle, the stone was broken into five pieces and scattered across the land, and for the past 200 years, the Lei clan has been searching for these pieces.
"According to my investigation, the Lei clan has found one of the pieces. Although they are still looking for the rest, they have begun testing its ability," Yu Zhenwei explained.
"Do you know where the other pieces are?" Sect Leader Feng asked.
"I don't. However, with the piece that they have, the issue has already caused a lot of headaches. We must stop them before the situation gets out of hand, or else the consequences will be unimaginable."
"But how will we stop them? The Celestial Realm is built like a fortress. Easy to defend, hard to attack," Long Yuzhe asked.
"We do not have enough evidence of what they are planning to do. The only thing we can do first is to defend our territory," Yu Zhenwei responded.
Everyone agreed that they could not be rash until they had solid proof. After all, the Lei clan was still considered the chief of the cultivation world. Together, all the clans discussed the best course of action to defend their land and what they should do if another series of mutated beasts occurred again.
"Sect Leader Bai, I remembered in your letter you said that you had managed to treat the injured in your territory. What method did you use?"
All eyes turned to Bai Ruyi as she pulled out two bottles and placed them on the table.
"This is?"
"This is the medicine that I used. One is for those infected by the beast's poison, and the other is for the beasts themselves. However, it will be too late if the poison reaches the heart before the medicine is administered."
"That's great! If we have this, we won't have to worry about the Lei clan."
"Sect Leader Jin, this is only a temporary solution. If the Lei clan continues to modify their formula and use the Lightning's Star, then sooner or later, this medicine will have no effect."
Chuckling nervously, Sect Leader Jin said, "Of course, of course. But at least until we have a foolproof plan, your medicine will be of great help."
"That's right. If we all had some medicine on hand, then it would be safer for everyone," Yu Zhenwei added.
Although it was not directly said, Bai Ruyi knew everyone was expecting her to provide them with the medicine. She simply nodded and agreed to send everyone a batch of medicine after she finished producing more. Satisfied with the result of their meeting, everyone agreed to keep in touch and returned home.
As Bai Ruyi was preparing to leave, a deep, calm voice called out to her. Turning around, Feng Kuanglan was running up to her.
"Bai gongzi, here, please take this."
As Feng Kuanglan tried to hand her a handkerchief, Bai Ruyi realized that blood was running down her arms. Due to the cold weather, some of the newer wounds on her arm had reopened, soaking her sleeve. Using her spiritual power, Bai Ruyi stopped the bleeding.
"Feng gongzi, no need to."
Although he withdrew his hand, his eyes remained on her hand.
"Has the burn not healed?"
Realizing that he thought the burn on her hand had not healed, she shook her head.
"Bai gong- My apologies, it should be Sect Leader Bai now."
"No need to call me Sect Leader, Feng gongzi."
"It would be impolite of me not to do so," Feng Kuanglan said.
Bai Ruyi shook her head.
"You do not need to be so formal. You are still older than me."
"Then..."
"Please just call me Bai gongzi, like you always have, or Bai Ruyi works as well," Bai Ruyi bowed, then left.
-----------
Back in Yunmeng, Bai Ruyi began producing the antidotes. Although the process was laborious, with the elder's help, she created an emergency batch for all the clans. As soon as the last bottle was packed, she sent it to all the clans.
"The medicines have arrived safely. What else is bothering your mind?"
In the heart of winter, the snow fell relentlessly. Wrapped in a tiny cloak, Xiao Bai sat on the pavilion table next to its owner. Despite ensuring Xiao Bai was warm, Bai Ruyi herself was thinly dressed. Worried, Bai Lanxun brought her a cloak to protect her from the winter's icy touch.
"I don't know," -Bai Ruyi answered- "I guess I'm just worried about the Lei clan finding the other Lightning's Star shards. We don't have any information about their location, but they already have one shard."
"Follow me," Bai Lanxun turned and left the pavilion, heading deeper into the mountain.
After walking for about 15 minutes, he stops in front of the mountainside.
"Grand-uncle, what are we doing here?" Bai Ruyi asked.
"Go inside, and you will see."
"But, this is..."
"The answers that you are looking for may be inside."
Although confused, Bai Ruyi did as she was told. At first, she thought she would crash into the wall. However, she passed through the wall without a problem, entering what seemed to be a secret library.
"What is this place?" Bai Ruyi thought aloud.
Suddenly, she heard a sweet, child-like voice say, "This place is our family's forbidden library. Only the Sect Leader and those they authorize can enter."
Quickly, she turned around to see whose voice it belonged to. However, no one was in the room besides her and Xiao Bai. Thinking she must be tired and imagining it, she shook her head and looked around the room again. Yet, once again, she heard the voice again, and this time, it said, "You're not imagining it. You can really hear me."
"Who? Who's there? Show yourself."
"Master, I'm right here. Look at me."
Master?
"Master, I'm down here. Look down."
Glancing down, Bai Ruyi only saw Xiao Bai sitting in her arms. It was during their stare-off that Bai Ruyi realized it was Xiao Bai who was talking to her.
"HUH?!"
Nearly throwing Xiao Bai out of her arms, Bai Ruyi quickly collected herself and placed her bunny on the nearby desk.
"Ho... how can you talk?"
"I'm not really speaking. Rather, you can hear me in your mind."
"My mind? But how."
"I'm your spirit pet. Of course, I can communicate with you."
Having studied under her grand-uncle since she was young, Bai Ruyi has never heard of this. How was it possible for humans to talk with their pets?
"It has always been possible. It's just not many have reached that level yet."
After taking a seat, Bai Ruyi asked, "What do you mean?"
"(Sigh)... Okay, listen carefully. All humans and their pets can form a bond. The stronger the bond, the faster the pet and owner can become stronger. The pet can communicate with their owner once the bond reaches a certain point, and the owner's cultivation level is high enough."
"So does this mean our bond is now strong enough?"
Xiao Bai shook its little head and answered, "No, our bond has been strong enough for a long time now."
"Then does this mean my cultivation level wasn't high enough?"
Xiao Bai shook its head again. Confused, Bai Ruyi asked another question, "So, if neither of those is the issue, how come I can only hear you now?"
"Hmmm, master, you became strong enough around the time of your parent's death. During that time, you were so sad and busy, I didn't want to disturb you. Now that you are slightly better, I thought this would be a good time."
Hearing those words made Bai Ruyi realize how much she had neglected Xiao Bai, and they also touched her deeply. Not once had Xiao Bai left her side. Even if it couldn't talk, her little bunny was always there for her.
"Xiao Bai, thank you. Thank you for always being there for me."
In a happy, high-pitched voice, Xiao Bai happily said, "Of course. You are my master. I will always be there for you!"
While enjoying the moment, another question arose in Bai Ruyi's mind.
"Xiao Bai, does this mean I can also hear your thoughts?"
"Hmm, yes and no."
"What do you mean?"
"Hmm, you can hear my thoughts, but I can also block you from hearing them. Oh, but you can't block your thoughts from me."
This isn't a fair trade, Bai Ruyi thought.
Suddenly, Xiao Bai was jumping up and down while asking, "Why isn't it a fair trade? Are you hiding something from me?!"
Bai Ruyi couldn't help but laugh. Her bunny had always been expressive in its own way. Now that she could hear it talk, things were much more interesting.
"Nothing, I was just testing it out. Now then, would you please let me hear your thoughts as well."
Although Xiao Bai did not respond, Bai Ruyi could slowly start hearing its little voice and various thoughts about carrots and food. At a loss for words, she gave Xiao Bai a little carrot and roamed around the library.
In the heart of the room, an array of shelves melded together to form a hollow circle, leaving a small gap for entry into the circle amidst the countless shelves and books. Entering the space, Bai Ruyi's eyes were drawn toward two brightly colored stones floating in the center. A smaller bookshelf stood to the side, filled with an array of books and scrolls. Slowly approaching the two stones, she saw that one was a dark purple diamond-shaped stone, and the other was an enchanting ice-blue stone. Unsure of what the two stones were, Bai Ruyi did not touch them and went over to the bookshelf and began to read all the books.
All the books were written in the family's secret language and were about ancient spells and medicine produced over the centuries. However, one book was different from the rest. As she began reading it, she realized it was a diary the previous Sect Leaders used. Each entry was filled with significant events that had happened during their time. In the first entry, one of her questions was answered.
When the clan first settled in Yuecheng, the Sect Leader stumbled upon a stone nestled in the mountains. Its mesmerizing ice-blue hue perfectly mirrored the ice pond. Having absorbed the essence of heaven and earth, the stone could purify anything tainted with black magic. It also bestowed upon its wielder the ability to control any soul-endowed object. Such a powerful object soon became the clan's treasure. However, everyone soon realized that harnessing its power demanded an overwhelming amount of spiritual energy. Reckless attempts at refining it could result in shattering one's golden core, leading to the loss of all cultivation. After numerous failed endeavors, the first Sect Leader forbade any further attempts at refining the stone, sealing it away within the forbidden library.
Continuing to read on, the identity of the second stone was revealed. The Lei and Bai clans were once good friends, but they went their separate ways after the internal war. Their last interaction was during the tumultuous internal war 200 years ago. When the stone was shattered, the Sect Leader dispatched five of his most trusted men to conceal the fragments. One of the men came to the Bai clan and asked them for help. From that day forward, the fragment had been sealed alongside the stone. The fates of the other pieces remain a mystery, as the men entrusted with this secret task vanished without a trace.
Hours had passed by when she finished reading all the books. It was just as her grand-uncle had said. All her questions were answered.
Glancing at the purifying stone, her resolve solidified. There was a lot at stake, and she hoped she was wrong about everything, but if she wasn't, Bai Ruyi was determined to safeguard those in her midst.
When she returned to where she left Xiao Bai, she found her little bunny fast asleep. Carefully, she pulled out the chair at the desk to sit down, but the noise still woke Xiao Bai.
"Huh? Master, are you back?"
Rubbing its little face, Xiao Bai hopped closer to Bai Ruyi for more head rub. Seeing Bai Ruyi's calm, peaceful smile as she played with Xiao Bai, the bunny could not help but ask, "Master, did something good happen?"
"Hmm. Xiao Bai, I think I found a way to counter the Lightning's Star."
"Really? What is it?
"What?! No, you can't do so!"
After hearing Bai Ruyi explain the purifying stone, Xiao Bai immediately disagreed.
"It's too dangerous! What if your golden core gets damaged!"
"Xiao Bai, I have to try. If I don't, none of us may survive."
"No, you can't! Master, please! Your ancestors have never been able to successfully refine the stone, if you try..."
Tears formed in Xiao Bai's eyes. Being by Bai Ruyi's side since she was young, Xiao Bai could not bear to see anything happen to her. Although Xiao Bai knew its owner was more than capable, the risks were too high.
Bai Ruyi continued to stroke Xiao Bai's head.
"Xiao Bai, just because my ancestors didn't succeed, doesn't mean I won't. I can't let this continue."
-----------
Under the mesmerizing glow of the moon, the two of them emerged from the forbidden library and ventured through the serene snow-covered landscape. It had been long since she had played Xiao Yue without a purpose. With gentle grace, she infused her spiritual power into the guqin, plucking the strings to release a mesmerizing melody that drifted into the heavens. Once, the song had been played for her in her youth. Now, having mastered the piece, its notes were a tribute to those she longed to serenade amongst the stars.
Flashback
"Yue'er, when you grow up, will you play this for me?"
End of flashback
"I've mastered it now. But you're not here."
After taking one last look at the sky, Bai Ruyi returned to her Eternal Shadow pavilion.
----------
In the blink of an eye, two fleeting months passed. A serene peace blanketed the land, yet beneath the surface, a quiet storm stirred, biding its time to unleash its wrath upon the world.
While all the towns and cities affiliated with the major clans were safe, the ones under the protection of smaller clans were not as fortunate. Every day, dozens of letters came flooding Bai Ruyi's desk, asking for assistance and medicine. Yet, no matter how much she sent, it was never enough. At some point, the letters began to say that the medicine no longer had an effect and that the people who were infected would soon turn into walking corpses. Their eyes were like bloody orbs, their nails turned into claws, and whoever they attacked would suffer the same fate. With twice the danger, everyone was scared to leave their houses, not knowing when they would be the next victim.
"What do you plan to do?" Bai Lanxun asked.
Bai Ruyi had just finished another stack of letters. Besides a small emergency stash, all the medicine had been sent to the other clans. Even with all the elders working day and night to produce more, they still didn't have enough, and the ingredients were slowly running out.
"I don't know. I think I might have to go and see the condition for myself."
"Hmm. Then I will go prepare some people to go with you."
Bai Ruyi shook her head. With the current situation, she did not know what would happen. At least within Yunmeng, it was safer than outside, and with the addition of the warning bell on everyone's waist tag, they could detect danger before it was too late.
"But if you go by yourself-"
"I will be fine, grand-uncle. I will be more at ease knowing that everyone is safe here."
Despite what Bai Lanxun said, Bai Ruyi would not agree. In the end, he agreed for her to go by herself. After packing a few sets of clothes and enough money for the journey, Bai Ruyi mounted her horse and set off. Riding day and night, she did not stop to rest unless it was to check out the town and see if anything unusual had happened. Within her family's territory, everything was fine, and life carried on. However, the moment she reached the other clan's domain, life was devoided. Everywhere she looked, houses were locked up, and shops were deserted. At first, she planned to meet up with the Sect Leader, but on her way to their residence, she heard the sound of fighting, the screeching sounds of the beasts, and people screaming. Quickly, she rushed to the scene.
About two kilometers outside the town, a group of people were running towards the city gates. In the distance, a dark red glare could be seen attacking the beasts through the thick fog. When the people got close enough to Bai Ruyi, she stopped one of them and asked. "Uncle, what happened?"
Breathing heavily, she could see that he was scared out of his wits.
"B...beasts! They're everywhere! So many of us have died!"
He then ran off with everyone else. Bai Ruyi continued towards the beasts. Suddenly, the dark red glare headed straight for her. Swiftly, she pulled out Bingfei to block the attack.
CLANG!
As Bingfei crossed with the sword, Bai Ruyi could see the name Huahuo carved on the blade near the hilt.
Huahuo?
Realizing that the sword belonged to Feng Kuanglan, Bai Ruyi called out to him. The attack ceased, and he responded, "Bai gongzi?"
Feng Kuanglan ran out of the forest to where Bai Ruyi was.
"Bai gongzi? What are you doing here? I apologize for earlier. I thought you were the beasts."
"It's alright. I received a letter asking for assistance from the clan overwatching this area."
"I see, but how did you know it was me?"
Feng Kuanglan knew that the fog was too thick for anyone to see past it, so he was curious to know how Bai Ruyi recognized him.
Bai Ruyi glanced down at his sword and said, "A blade of fire. A sea of dreams."
Huahuo was a renowned first-class spiritual sword in the cultivation world, alongside Bingfei and Heixin. Forged with a firestone, the stone ran down the middle of the blade. However, only the outer layer of the stone solidified, leaving the inside to flow like lava. As a result, whenever anyone saw the blade, they would say it looked like it was on fire, a sight that they could only imagine seeing in their dreams, hence the saying.
"I see."
The silence that settled in was broken when Bai Ruyi went over to see the beast's corpse. On the outside, the corpse looked no different from the ones she had seen before, but the poison leaking off of them was now gathering into a thick miasma.
The dark magic has gotten stronger. Could they have found another fragment already?
"Bai gongzi, is everything okay?"
"I need to go see the Sect Leader. Feng gongzi, it's best you leave first."
Bai Ruyi stood up to leave, but Feng Kuanglan grabbed her arm, stopping her from leaving.
"Feng gongzi, is something the matter?"
Realizing what he had done, he quickly released her arm and stepped back. His ears slightly flushed as he had acted out of character.
In the eyes of many, Feng Kuanglan was a paragon of gentlemanly grace, with words as refined as spun silk and manners as courteous as a gentle breeze. Not a soul found fault in his actions, deeming him the epitome of an ideal heir, son, and son-in-law. From the age of 16, countless families yearned for their daughters to become the esteemed young madam of the Feng family. Yet, now that Bai Ruyi was seeing him blush like a young boy, a faint smile could not help but grow on her lips.
"I...I...I apologize."
"You do not need to apologize for such things, Feng gongzi. But, if you do not need anything, I shall take my leave."
Bai Ruyi bowed and turned to walk away.
"Bai gongzi! If you are going by yourself, then... then let me join you!"
Stunned by the request, she turned around to face Feng Kuanglan. Standing less than a meter from her, Feng Kuanglan stood nervously, waiting for her response. Smiling gently, she said, "Well, if you do not mind, please follow me."
A big smile grew on his face, and together, the two made their way to the Gao residence.