The group decided not to linger any longer. Even the boldest among them didn't suggest going any further. There was something oddly heavy in the air, something they couldn't name, but all had felt—without needing to say it.
With their bags full of herbs and tired faces, they began the journey back.
The silence was no longer one of focus, but of a vague foreboding. Only their steps on the damp earth and the rustling of leaves accompanied their march.
Hei Tian took up the rear. Once or twice, he stopped, ears turned toward the woods. Nothing. But that nothing was too perfect. Too precise.
When they finally crossed the edge of the forest, the sky was tinged with pink. The sect's hamlet appeared in the distance—peaceful, almost unreal after the forest's atmosphere.
"Today was strange…" Yun Lue murmured.
"I told you…" one of the boys muttered nervously.
Hei Tian remained silent. His gaze was elsewhere, turned toward the long shadows cast by the mountain. In his hand, he held a small smooth black stone, which he had picked up without knowing why.
He squeezed it for a moment, then slipped it into his pocket.
As they approached the main path, Yun Lue slightly slowed her pace until she was walking beside him.
"Hei Tian…" she said calmly.
He turned his head toward her without saying a word.
She didn't seem bothered, and continued, more softly:
"You were… brave back there. I mean, you stayed calm."
He didn't answer right away. The warm evening breeze lifted a few strands of his hair. Finally, he answered simply:
"I don't like to panic."
She smiled—not mockingly, but as if she appreciated the raw honesty.
"You train alone a lot, don't you?" she asked.
A nod.
"If one day… you want someone to come with you—even without talking—I'm here."
He looked at her. Not out of shyness, nor surprise, but as if seeing her for the first time. Then, gently, he nodded again.
"Alright."
Nothing more. And yet, something had just begun. Fragile. Unexpected.
They resumed their walk, without another word.
In the distance, a copper bell rang three times. Evening was falling.
---