The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Protagonist; Divine | Calm, composed, responsible.
Miao Miao: Yena's Best Friend | a flower spirit; Medicinal Healer | Playful, dramatic, loyal, bluntly honest.
Jin Yue: Heir of Huliya | Charismatic, protective, confident.
Zhang Haoran: The Sect Master of the Flying Dragon Sect | Wise, cautious, observant, composed.
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After several days, Qing Yi's condition had steadily improved, all thanks to Miao Miao's tireless efforts.
Miao Miao coughed softly, gently blowing air into the furnace where she was brewing an elixir."Yena-ya," she called out in a lethargic voice, "I feel like I've been making medicine for an eternity…" Then, with exaggerated despair, she collapsed onto the floor.
A smile tugged at Yena's lips as she sat in the corner of the open courtyard, reading a book. "Three days," she remarked without looking up.
Miao Miao sat up abruptly. "Huh?!"
"It's been three days," Yena replied, closing her book with a soft thud. Her eyes were gentle. "I thought you always enjoyed playing with herbs and plants."
Miao Miao tilted her head to one side, groaning dramatically. "Sigh… Did I?"
"You're feeling drained because you've been pouring your spirit energy into the elixirs." Yena's tone softened. "It was necessary for Qing Yi's recovery… but that part is done now."
Miao Miao perked up at that. "It's alright to stop now?"
Yena nodded. "Not only is it alright, but it's necessary. We should stop giving her your energy."
She looked in Miao Miao's direction, who was staring at her blankly.
"Her spirit energy, as you've sensed, is unstable. No one taught her how to regulate or control it. It's turning dark… and if you keep feeding her your energy, she may begin to see you as a source of nourishment."
Miao Miao gulped. "So… I wasn't just making her medicine… I was halfway to becoming her food?"
Yena laughed softly. "You did an excellent job giving her your energy. A true medic, you are. But that's enough—she's fully recovered now."
Miao Miao nodded in understanding, then added with confidence, "Not that I'm afraid of her, but… she's an owl spirit." Her tone soured. "Notorious beings. I don't like them."
Yena's eyes softened with understanding. The memory was not so distant—the time in the Divine World when Miao Miao had been but a fragile flower spirit, yet to acquire her human form. An owl spirit had bullied her then, tearing her petals and crippling her cultivation. Yena had helped her recover, but the incident had delayed Miao Miao's human form for several years.
"But Qing Yi is still young," Yena reminded her gently. "She may not even know her true age. Over twelve hundred years, yet trapped within her eggshell until sixteen years ago… Imagine waking to a world with no one to guide you, no one to teach you how to wield your divine power."
Miao Miao's lips pressed together, reluctant but not entirely dismissive. "She's pitiful, perhaps… but that doesn't excuse her recklessness."
Yena opened her mouth to speak, but Miao Miao cut in, voice laced with quiet irritation, "And don't forget, she's a moon owl. That's why her presence felt so overwhelming. Don't go pitying her too much—her bloodline alone shields her better than most."
Yena nodded. "Perhaps."
Miao Miao cleared her throat, then, after a brief pause, asked softly, "Should we speak of Shu Lin too?"
Yena stood still at that, saying nothing.
Miao Miao's gaze didn't waver. "Are you alright? Wasn't he the reason you avoided coming to Tianlok all these years? I remember how upset you were when he left the Divine World…"
Yena's lips parted slightly, but her voice was slow and measured. "It wasn't just about him... He—"
Miao Miao stepped closer, face-to-face now. "But you were upset. Isn't that why you went wandering through Bhulok? Always curious about how life there was… always wondering how he fared."
Yena's gaze drifted for a moment, lost in memory, before she pulled herself back. Miao Miao watched her expression with an amused smile.
Yena reached out, gently tugging Miao Miao's ear. "You… you always twist words to your liking."
Miao Miao winced. "Ouch—alright, alright, I'll stop…"
Yena released her, her voice quiet yet steady. "We were good friends… but I chose not to follow him to Tianlok. I… I needed time to think. To come to terms with the truths I had uncovered back then." Her expression softened. "Those days… they were precious. But they've passed. He probably doesn't even remember me."
Miao Miao frowned. "Hmm… because of the Vismr̥ti-Pāna[1] , right? He doesn't recall you… nor the Divine World?"
A fleeting shadow crossed Yena's face. "Most likely." She added, her voice low, "For the sake of our work here… our true identities must remain hidden. If his memories return… it could jeopardize everything."
Miao Miao's voice dropped to a whisper. "You're still carrying the burden of duty…"
"Huh?" Yena blinked.
Miao Miao shook her head, offering a small smile. Yena exhaled and continued, "We must ensure he remembers nothing. I cannot leave Tianlok until my task here is complete."
Miao Miao took Yena's hand in hers. "You worry too much. Who has ever remembered anything after drinking Vismr̥ti-Pāna?"
Yena's lips curved faintly, her gaze unreadable. "Perhaps you're right. How could he remember…?"
Just then, footsteps approached, cutting their conversation short.
A disciple arrived, bowing respectfully. They returned the gesture.
"The Sect Master has summoned you to the main hall," the disciple announced.
Yena inclined her head. "We will be there shortly."
The disciple departed, leaving them alone.
Miao Miao looked at Yena uncertainly. "Do you think they'll trust us? Healing a spirit… ensuring such swift recovery… it may look suspicious."
Yena's expression remained calm as she turned to Miao Miao. "There's only one way to find out what's in their hearts." Her eyes glinted with quiet determination. "Let's go and meet them."
Miao Miao sighed but followed, and together, they made their way to the main hall.
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Scene: Zhang Haoran's Private Quarters
Jin Yue spoke with quiet confidence, a familiar smile on his lips. "Master, didn't I say Qing Yi would be alright? Miao Miao is a capable medic."
Zhang Haoran continued his calligraphy, brush gliding gracefully over the canvas. "You did. How could I ignore your words, when one as diligent as you vouches for her?"
Jin Yue smiled lightly, but his gaze soon turned intent as he stepped closer to the desk. "Then… will you allow us to join the sect?"
Zhang Haoran set the brush down upon the inkstone, his gaze steady. "You said 'us'. Would you not stay if your friends were not permitted?"
Jin Yue's lips curved with quiet amusement. "It's not a question of staying, Master. It's that I know you will accept them. They've shown their worth—and you always say, only those with sincerity and diligence earn a place here."
Zhang Haoran chuckled faintly. "You seem quite certain."
"I know my master well."
Zhang Haoran's brow arched in amusement. "Then tell me, how did you meet these friends? Fenixia is hardly near Huliya."
Jin Yue's expression turned earnest. "Master, do you doubt them? Miao Miao saved Qing Yi. Yena risked herself to block the arrow—had she not, others would have been harmed. If you suspect they approached me because of my lineage… you are mistaken. They know nothing of it."
Zhang Haoran's smile returned. "Ah… so it is like that. You are loyal to them."
He resumed his calligraphy with quiet grace. "I appreciate their intentions, Yueye. Yet… your friends do not seem ordinary. One takes a fatal arrow without hesitation. The other brews medicines beyond the knowledge of Tianlok's best physicians."
Jin Yue's gaze sharpened. "So… you suspect their kindness?"
Zhang Haoran's voice remained light, yet measured. "I merely observe that they are… exceptional. Too exceptional to dismiss without thought."
Jin Yue nodded slowly. "It's understandable. I doubted them at first as well… but then I learned Miao Miao comes from a long line of medics. She's learned countless herbal secrets—many even I've never seen."
His voice softened as he added, "And Yena… she has always been this way. Caring. Selfless. Able to make even strangers feel at home."
A faint smile tugged at his lips before he composed himself, eyes returning to calmness.
"So," Jin Yue concluded, "they are not suspicious… merely… unique."
Zhang Haoran set the brush down, admiring his finished calligraphy. "I understand. My doubts are eased. Do not think I fail to value your friends. The preparations for your sect induction are already underway. Once the elders assemble, the ceremony shall begin."
Jin Yue raised a brow. "So… you were testing me after all?"
Zhang Haoran's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I never test those I trust."
His expression turned serious. "But understand—this sect is unlike others. Our path is filled with caution and uncertainty. Every step must be deliberate. I hope you won't begrudge your master a few... quiet investigations."
Jin Yue bowed deeply, voice unwavering. "Master, I trust your judgment. And I trust my friends. I give you my word—neither I, nor they, bear ill intent. We will serve this sect with sincerity—and lend our strength to your cause."
Jin Yue's gaze drifted to the canvas.
Upon it, bold calligraphy read:
"观海听涛,识微见远."
[Observe the sea, listen to the waves; perceive the subtle, foresee the distant.]
Zhang Haoran rose, moving towards the door."Aren't you coming?" he called lightly.
Jin Yue quickly followed, a faint smile on his lips as they made their way to the hall.
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[1] Drink of Forgetfulness