Soft morning light spilled across the serene courtyards of Obsidian Peak Sect, casting gentle shadows over intricate stone carvings and blooming peach trees. A delicate fragrance hung in the cool, crisp air, lending a tranquil beauty to the scene—a stark contrast to the anxious beating of Yin Shuang's heart as she stood quietly at the sect's grand entrance.
She had traveled urgently from the Heavenly Radiance Sect, moving swiftly across the mountainous terrain with the troubling news of Shen Zhenhai's escape weighing heavily upon her. But beneath her practical concern lay a deeper, unacknowledged yearning—an aching desire she vehemently denied even to herself. She had convinced herself that coming here was purely out of duty and responsibility, yet the fluttering sensation in her chest told another story entirely.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Yin stepped forward, allowing the disciples of Obsidian Peak to guide her respectfully through the winding corridors toward the sect's central hall, where Kai Feng awaited her arrival.
As she approached the hall, Yin felt a subtle heat rising to her cheeks. Memories of her previous encounters with Kai surfaced unbidden—his calm confidence, the reassuring strength of his presence during their joint training in the Dual Swords Harmony Technique. Yet she pushed these distracting thoughts aside, determined to maintain composure.
Two sect elders respectfully opened the carved wooden doors to the inner hall, and Yin entered gracefully, her robes flowing like silken waves around her. Immediately, her gaze locked onto the figure standing at the center of the spacious hall—Kai Feng.
He stood tall, straight-backed, radiating quiet authority as he turned to face her, his deep eyes lighting up subtly upon recognizing her.
"Lady Yin Shuang," he greeted gently, stepping forward with a slight nod of respect. "It's an honor to welcome you to Obsidian Peak."
"The honor is mine, Sect Lord Kai Feng," Yin replied softly, careful to keep her voice steady despite the warmth rising within her. She lowered her gaze briefly to conceal her emotions, her lashes casting delicate shadows over her porcelain cheeks. "But unfortunately, my visit today is driven by troubling news."
Kai's expression immediately grew serious, concern subtly creasing his brows. He gestured politely toward a nearby sitting area. "Please, let us sit. Tell me what troubles you."
They moved quietly toward a carved wooden table set beneath an intricate painting depicting serene mountains shrouded in mist. Yin took a moment to steady herself, gracefully seating herself opposite Kai, hands neatly folded upon her lap. She felt the intensity of Kai's attentive gaze, and it took effort to maintain her composure.
Breaking the brief silence that had fallen between them, Kai leaned forward slightly, his voice was sincere. "Do we need to be so formal with each other? After everything we've gone through together, surely we can speak more freely?"
Yin's breath caught softly in surprise at his words, and her blush deepened further. A wave of warmth filled her chest, dissolving some of her earlier tension. She hesitated only briefly, then nodded quietly, a faint smile touching her lips despite herself. She did not fully know how to respond openly, but deep within her heart, she accepted his suggestion, a subtle acknowledgment of the bond that had quietly grown between them.
"Shen Zhenhai's true evil nature has been revealed," she began softly, deliberately using his full name without the respectful title she'd once habitually offered. Her voice carried a quiet edge of disdain. "He is no longer deserving of any respect. The truth about him was exposed in front of all the elders and disciples. Driven by greed, ambition and jealousy, he poisoned my mother and deceived everyone."
"He tried to silence me," Yin continued steadily, her voice growing firmer with each word, "to bury his sins. But when I confronted him openly before the sects, his façade shattered. Everyone saw him clearly for the murderer and coward he is."
She met Kai's eyes again, her voice softer yet filled with a quiet intensity. "After our battle, Shen Zhenhai's mind broke. He fled into the night, driven half-mad by humiliation and defeat. I should have captured him immediately, but…" Her voice trailed off slightly, regret touching her expression. "Now he's loose, dangerous, and unpredictable."
Yin's voice was firm yet edged with quiet worry. "The scouts from my sect reported sightings indicating that he was traveling towards Obsidian Peak. I fear he means harm."
Kai's expression darkened instantly at Shen's mention. He understood deeply the danger Shen posed, especially now, driven by humiliation and desperation. "I appreciate your warning, Yin. We'll increase patrols and vigilance immediately."
Yin hesitated, her fingers tightening subtly in her lap. "Kai, please… be careful. Shen has lost all sense of reason. His madness makes him even more dangerous."
Kai met her gaze, a quiet gratitude reflected in his steady eyes. "Your concern means a lot. I'll take every precaution. But what about you, Yin? You faced him directly, are you unharmed?"
Her heart fluttered briefly at his sincere worry. She quickly shook her head, blushing faintly despite herself. "I'm fine. My injuries were minor."
Their gaze lingered just a moment longer than necessary, unspoken emotions quietly simmering between them. The silence was tender yet awkward, interrupted abruptly by the urgent sound of footsteps approaching swiftly down the corridor.