Both Kai and Yin turned immediately toward the door just as it burst open. Han Long entered the hall, his usually confident form noticeably weakened, face pale from exertion and worry. His sharp eyes flashed urgently between Yin and Kai.
"I have something urgent to tell you," Han said breathlessly, words tumbling from his lips in rapid succession. He scarcely noticed Yin Shuang's presence, so focused was he on his desperate message. "Meng Yao—she's been taken! Just moments ago, a deranged old man grabbed her at the hut. He fled with her before I could stop him. We have to do something!"
Kai instantly rose to his feet, his eyes darkening sharply with alarm. "Meng Yao was kidnapped? Do you know who this man was?"
Before Han could reply, Yin Shuang stepped forward quickly, her expression deeply troubled. A shadow of guilt clouded her delicate features as she spoke, carefully yet urgently.
"This old man you saw, was he wearing a white robe with an emblem of a blazing golden sword against the backdrop of a sun, embroidered upon the sleeve?" Yin asked sharply, her voice carrying a tense edge. "Did he have silver streaks in his hair, his expression wild, almost frantic?"
Han stared at Yin in startled recognition, nodding swiftly in confirmation. "Yes, exactly that. He wore a dirty white robe, torn and stained, with the emblem clearly visible. His face was haggard, almost feral in appearance."
Yin's expression hardened further, her fears confirmed beyond doubt. "My warning has come too late," she murmured, pain and remorse evident in her voice. Her gaze shifted solemnly to Kai, guilt mixing deeply with resolve. "The man who kidnapped Meng Yao—it must have been Shen Zhenhai."
Kai's jaw tightened, realization dawning with grim clarity, concern darkening his expression further. Yin's fears had proven all too accurate—Shen's madness had already inflicted harm upon an innocent victim.
Kai's jaw tightened visibly, his fists clenching tightly at his sides. Meng Yao's innocent, gentle nature made her an easy target for Shen's desperate cruelty. The thought of her in Shen's clutches was unbearable.
Yin Shuang watched Kai carefully, jealousy tightening slightly in her chest at his intense concern. She quickly chided herself inwardly for the reaction—Meng Yao was innocent and deserved help. Still, she couldn't entirely silence the quiet sting within her heart as she observed Kai's evident worry for another woman.
"It's my fault," Yin murmured quietly, lowering her eyes in remorse. "If I hadn't exposed Shen's crimes publicly, he wouldn't have fallen into this madness. Meng Yao is paying for my actions."
Kai turned swiftly toward her, his voice firm yet gentle. "No, Yin. Shen's choices are his own. You did what was right. The blame rests solely on Shen's shoulders."
She nodded faintly, still conflicted, yet grateful for Kai's reassurance.
Han, however, seemed impatient, anxiety etched into every line of his face. "Meng Yao's life is in immediate danger. Shen is unstable and unpredictable. We have no time to lose—I must find her quickly."
Kai nodded sharply, his resolve hardening. "Agreed. Shen must be tracked swiftly. If we delay, Meng Yao will suffer."
Yin rose decisively to her feet, determination and honor rising within her, dispelling her earlier insecurity. "Then we shall pursue him together. Meng Yao is innocent—I'll not stand idle while she suffers due to Shen's insanity."
Kai met Yin's eyes briefly, admiration flashing subtly in his gaze. "Thank you, Yin Shuang. Your support is invaluable."
Han regarded them both with muted gratitude, his earlier animosity toward Kai momentarily set aside by shared purpose. Meng Yao's safety far outweighed past grievances or pride. For now, they were allies bound by necessity and shared concern.
"Then we must leave immediately," Han urged insistently, anxiety bleeding into his tone. "Every second counts."
Kai nodded swiftly, stepping decisively toward the hall's doorway. "We'll gather supplies and horses quickly. Shen's trail must be fresh."
The three cultivators swiftly exited the hall, urgency and determination uniting them as they prepared rapidly for departure. Within minutes, they were gathered at the sect's gates, horses saddled, ready to begin their desperate pursuit.
Kai exchanged quiet words with his elders, giving instructions to secure Obsidian Peak Sect in his absence, ensuring its safety from any further threats. Yin stood silently beside Han, carefully avoiding meeting his eyes, her emotions still tangled yet her resolve firm. Han's expression remained fiercely intent, eyes fixed ahead, entirely focused on Meng Yao's rescue.
At last, Kai joined them, mounting swiftly, his posture radiating quiet strength and resolve. Without further delay, the trio surged forward through the gates, horses galloping swiftly beneath the morning sun, dust rising like clouds behind them.
They rode urgently through shadowed forests, across rolling hills, their path marked by determination and grim purpose. Each mile brought them closer to confrontation, hearts heavy yet resolved.
Yin stole a glance toward Kai, quietly admiring his calm strength, his unwavering determination that anchored their mission. Even as jealousy lingered subtly within her, she felt a deeper respect emerging—Kai's compassion and honor revealed clearly through his worry for Meng Yao.
For Han, the journey was more personal. Meng Yao had become deeply precious—her kindness and gentleness had changed him profoundly. The thought of her suffering filled him with pain, yet he drew strength from the desperate hope of rescuing her.
Kai's mind raced ahead, planning, strategizing their confrontation. Meng Yao's gentle heart had touched many within Obsidian Peak Sect, himself included. He vowed silently to ensure her safety, whatever personal cost might come.
Together, the three raced onward—united by purpose, courage, and compassion—toward the uncertain confrontation awaiting them, their destinies converging swiftly toward Shen Zhenhai's madness, determined to reclaim Meng Yao from darkness at any cost.