The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Protagonist; Divine | Calm, introspective, and quietly assertive.
Miao Miao: Yena's Best Friend | a flower spirit; Medicinal Healer | Playful, loyal, and gently protective.
Shu Lin: Direct Senior of Yena | Gentle, awkward, quietly emotional.
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Scene: Sword Practice Hall's Garden
As Yena reached the garden near the Sword Practice Hall, she spotted Shu Lin already there, pacing back and forth in quiet thought. When she approached, she bowed politely.
"Senior," she said.
"Ah," Shu Lin replied, glancing at her.
An awkward silence stretched between them. To ease the tension, Yena spoke first.
"Se-senior… are we practicing here?"
Shu Lin blinked, then quickly shook his head. "Oh—no, not yet. I thought we could begin formal training tomorrow. For now, I think… it would be good to get to know each other first."
Yena tilted her head in mild curiosity.
"It's important," he added, "to learn about each other before we start practicing seriously."
She nodded. "Alright, then I'll start. I have a fire spirit, and I hail from Fenixia. My cultivation level is—"
Before she could finish, Shu Lin gently interrupted.
"Yena," he said calmly, and she paused. "Actually… I already know that about you."
Yena nodded in understanding "Uh... Then what you want to know tell me I'll tell you,... Senior"
Shu Lin cleared his throat. "What is your spirit weapon?"
Yena drew out her whip and held it out. "This. It's called the Moonstone Whip—crafted from a rare stone. You probably saw it during the duel in the arena."
"I did," Shu Lin said, eyes fixed on it. "I just… forgot." He lowered his gaze to her. "Don't you have any questions for me?"
Yena smiled slightly. "What's your cultivation level, Senior?"
"Forty."
Her smile widened faintly. ["His cultivation really has grown since he left the Divine World."]
"You're smiling," Shu Lin noted, puzzled.
Yena blinked. "Oh—no, I was just thinking. It's impressive, someone your age having such strong cultivation."
"Thank you… but—how do you know my age?"
"You look young," Yena said swiftly, then added with a sly expression, "Unless you're secretly a couple of hundred years old, Senior."
Shu Lin laughed, shaking his head. "No, no. You're right. I'm twenty-five."
Another silence settled between them—this one heavier, more uncertain.
["Still not good with words, huh?"] Yena thought. ["This is killing me already. Forget it—I'll have to take the lead."]
"Senior?" she said suddenly.
He hummed in response.
"If we're not practicing anything right now, let me take you somewhere." She didn't wait for a reply. Instead, she grabbed his hand and led him toward the garden exit.
Shu Lin froze in place, stunned by the sudden touch. His mind went completely blank as he stared down at their joined hands.
As they stepped outside the sect, Yena abruptly stopped. ["I forgot—there are no carriages here! Great. I can't fly, and without my powers, teleportation's out of the question too. Why did I even suggest this? Now what?"]
While she scrambled through her thoughts, she caught Shu Lin still trailing behind—his gaze fixed, dazed, on their hands. Realizing she was still holding him, she immediately let go and bowed deeply.
"Forgive me, Senior. I was in a hurry. I didn't mean to offend you."
Shu Lin blinked, clearing his throat as he returned to himself. "No need to apologize. So… where were you taking me?"
Yena looked at him. "It's in the forest. Last time, Miao Miao and I went there to find herbs for Qing Yi's treatment. It was a peaceful place… but it's already getting late. If we go now, we might miss dinner."
Shu Lin listened attentively. Then, seeing her flustered face, he smiled.
"I'll take you there."
She blinked. "Huh?"
"You've heard that Tianlok cultivators have good control over flight, right?" he said lightly. "You guide the direction—I'll get us there."
"That's not necessary," she replied quickly. "It's not that important. I don't want you tiring yourself for no reason."
Without warning, Shu Lin reached out and gently took her hand.
"Important or not, shouldn't I decide that?" he said softly. Then, hesitating only slightly, he placed one arm carefully around her waist.
Yena's eyes widened, her thoughts stuttering to a halt, much like his had earlier.
"Forgive me," Shu Lin said quickly, voice low. "You have no experience flying. You'll need to hold on tightly."
She gave a faint nod, still recovering, and they took off into the air.
Yena directed him through the sky, and soon they reached the mountaintop clearing.
A wide, open space greeted them at the summit—overlooking the entire forest below. Tiny beasts skittered through the trees, and birds soared above in lazy arcs. The wind was cool and quiet.
Yena smiled at the view. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Shu Lin hummed in agreement.
She sat at the edge of the cliff, letting her legs dangle over the side. Shu Lin followed her lead, sitting a little stiffly beside her.
"Can I speak frankly?" she asked.
"Uh… yes. Go ahead. I don't really mind."
She nodded. "You're awkward with me, aren't you?"
A ghost of a smirk touched her lips. "It's alright. We've just met, and now we're supposed to be senior and junior. Of course it's awkward."
"I… I…" Shu Lin stammered, then looked down. "Sorry."
Yena couldn't help it—she laughed.
"Why are you apologizing?" she said, amused. "We barely know each other. It's normal. But you said I could ask anything, right?"
He nodded slowly.
"Then tell me—why did you choose me as your direct junior?" She looked at him. ["Do you really not remember me?"]
Shu Lin paused for a long moment, then finally said, "Just because…"
He glanced sideways at her. "I know this might sound strange, but even though I don't know you… you feel familiar to me."
He paused, his gaze resting on her quietly, as a thought stirred within him—[Don't you feel it too?]
"That's one reason," he went on softly, "but not the only one. Among the three of you, your cultivation is the lowest. I've been there before—I know how it feels. As your senior, I thought I could help."
Yena nodded. "Very well. That answers my question."
They sat in silence again, watching the distant hills glow in sunset hues.
Shu Lin shifted slightly. "Sorry if my behavior made you uncomfortable. I'm… just not good with words."
"It's okay," Yena said softly.
There was a pause. Then he added, "Also, you don't need to call me 'Senior.' "
Yena tilted her head. "How can I not? You are my senior. I can't ignore sect rules."
"Then… how about this?" Shu Lin offered. "Only call me 'Senior' when we're practicing. Not when we're alone."
She smiled faintly. "Sounds like a plan."
They stayed like that, talking about practice schedules and minor things until the light faded and stars began to peek out.
By the time they returned to the sect, the dining hall was nearly empty, most disciples finishing their meals.
"Are we too late?" Yena asked, slightly breathless.
Shu Lin shook his head. "We're late, yes, but still within curfew. Don't worry—it's not that strict."
Yena sighed in relief. Then Shu Lin spotted his fellow disciples waving him over.
"I'll take my leave now," he said. "Don't be late for tomorrow's session."
Yena nodded. As he walked off, she spotted her own friends at a nearby table and headed toward them.
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Scene: Later that Night – Shared Quarters
Miao Miao, in the middle of fluffing her pillow, glanced at Yena, who was adjusting the lamp by the bedside.
"Yena-ya," she called softly, "you were gone for quite a while today. I didn't ask earlier because Jin Yue was with us, but…" she stepped closer, her voice curious, "can you tell me now where you were? Did Shu Lin say anything to you?"
Yena sat down on the edge of the bed, her expression unreadable. "Don't worry. We just talked."
Miao Miao pressed gently. "But… did he say anything?"
Yena nodded slightly. "He said I looked familiar to him."
Miao Miao's eyes widened. "Familiar?! Then… do you think he remembers?"
Yena exhaled, her voice low. "I'm not sure. Maybe fragments of his memory remain, but he isn't certain. Or…" she trailed off.
Miao Miao leaned closer, waiting for her to finish. But Yena turned away.
"You don't have to worry," she said flatly. "Even if he does remember his past… he still doesn't know my real identity."
A distant memory stirred inside her. Miao Miao reached out, gently jostling her arm.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Back then, I was still just a bud—not yet in human form—so he wouldn't remember me. But I remember..." Her tone grew gentler. "You and he… shared a bond. I don't want to upset you by bringing up the past, but if being around him is difficult for you, I can speak to Senior Yu Chen. We can switch partners. I'll keep an eye on him, if that makes things easier."
Yena reached out and squeezed Miao Miao's hand, offering a small smile. "Our little Miao Miao isn't so little anymore, huh?"
Then, her smile faded. Her face settled into its usual composure. "I know the past is the past. I don't have time to dwell on it, nor the need to recall it." Her voice was steady, but distant. "Once, we were friends. But things have changed. He's not the same, and neither am I. There's nothing left that's the same."
She drew in a quiet breath. "So let's not talk about it anymore. I didn't choose him to keep an eye on him. I chose him because, frankly, he's among the most skilled disciples. Jin Yue is capable too, but he has his own responsibilities. Right now, what we need to focus on is strengthening ourselves—for the calamity ahead."
Miao Miao nodded solemnly.
Yena glanced toward her. "And one more thing—I want you to help train Qing Yi."
Miao Miao blinked. "Huh? Why? Do you want her to join us?"
Yena shook her head, smiling faintly. "Not quite. The Sect Master is wise and can help her build a foundation… but Qing Yi is a spirit. For her, cultivation isn't just about power—it's about transformation. She's divine by nature. Her path must be guided carefully. Don't forget—her safety concerns us too. As divine, it's our responsibility to guide her."
Miao Miao nodded, though a little uncertain. "Alright… I'll guide her. But Yena," she added thoughtfully, "don't you think she's already powerful? Maybe even more than me in time. It's strange. Spirits like her—shouldn't they be in the Divine World? Why is she here?"
Yena's expression turned pensive. "You're right. Her presence here is unusual. Spirits of her strength usually reside either in the Divine World or… within the Mystical Forest. The fact that she's here, so far from either, is troubling."
Miao Miao tilted her head. "Troubling? You mean—she shouldn't be here?"
"From what I know," Yena replied, "powerful spirits and beasts do live in Tianlok, but they rarely leave the Mystical Forest. It's dangerous for them to be out in the open. Their safety is tied to the forest itself. Leaving it… could expose them to risks."
Miao Miao crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks slightly as if brushing off the thought. "Yena, you're thinking too much again. Maybe she just wandered a little too far, that's all. We already have plenty to worry about. Leave her to me. I'll train her—and if she practices properly, she'll be able to take care of herself just fine."
Yena let out a quiet chuckle. "Alright. I'll leave her in your care, then. I have a feeling you two will get along just fine."
Miao Miao flopped onto the bed with a huff. "Fine, go ahead and tease me all you want." Then, with a mischievous grin curling on her lips, she added, "I'm going to sleep now. You can dream about whoever you want."
Yena raised a brow, just about to retort—but Miao Miao had already buried her face in the blankets, pretending to snore.
Yena exhaled a quiet laugh, the corner of her mouth lifting as she watched her friend settle in. The room fell into a comfortable silence.
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