Once inside the barrier, Mei'yin led Yuxi and Yuming toward the half-repaired house near the ancient tree. The villagers whispered behind them, some clutching their children, others glaring with suspicion.
"They don't trust us," Yuming muttered under her breath.
"They don't have to," Mei'yin replied sharply, though her eyes softened as she glanced at her. "My word is enough."
When the door closed behind them, the noise of the villagers faded, leaving only silence. Mei'yin leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her expression carefully unreadable.
"So…" she said slowly, eyes flicking between them. "What excuse do you bring? The masters sent you, didn't they? To drag me back like a chained dog?"
Yuming frowned. "Don't twist this, Feng Mei'yin. We came because we care."
But Mei'yin ignored her, her gaze locking with Yuxi's.
"And you? My so-called fiancé… are you here to finish what fate started between us? To cut the last thread?"
The air thickened. Yuxi took a step closer, his voice low but steady.
" I'm here as the man who still believes in you—even if you don't believe in yourself anymore."
Mei'yin's façade cracked, just slightly, her fingers twitching at her side. For a fleeting second, her longing gaze betrayed her—before she turned her head sharply away.
"You shouldn't have come," she whispered.
"And yet," Yuxi said, his eyes burning into her, "you let us in."
The silence that followed was louder than any accusation.
The silence stretched, tense and heavy, until Yuming suddenly exhaled, raising her hands.
"Alright… I'll give you two some space."
Mei'yin blinked. "What?"
"You heard me," Yuming said firmly, shooting a pointed glance at Yuxi before heading for the door. "There are things that only the two of you should say to each other. I won't stand in the way."
Before Mei'yin could stop her, Yuming slipped out, leaving only her and Yuxi in the dim room.
For a moment, neither spoke. The flickering light from the cracked window illuminated the tension between them.
Mei'yin finally broke the silence, her tone sharp to mask the quiver in her chest.
"Why are you really here, Yuxi? To scold me? To drag me back? Or to pretend you still care?"
Yuxi's jaw tightened, but his voice was steady.
"I don't need to pretend. I do care. I've always cared."
Mei'yin's gaze hardened. "Then where were you when they tied me up? When they all looked at me like a traitor?"
"That's not fair—" Yuxi stepped closer, frustration flashing in his eyes. "I never believed you were guilty. Not once! But you shut me out before I could even defend you."
Her lips parted, but no words came. She wanted to deny it, to throw his words back—but deep down, she knew he was right.
Yuxi's voice softened, almost breaking.
"Tell me, A'yin… is this really what you want? To live in hiding, treated as a criminal, surrounded by fear? Or are you just running because you're too hurt to face us?"
Mei'yin's composure faltered at last. Her hand, clenched tight until now, loosened by her side. Her eyes glistened, though no tears fell.
"I'm not running," she whispered, staring at the floor. "I'm… protecting them."
Yuxi reached out, hesitating for a moment before gently lifting her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"And what about me, A'yin? Do I have no place to you now?"
The question hung in the air, raw and unguarded.
The silence thickened, broken only by the faint rustling of the wind outside.
Yuxi's hand lingered beneath Mei'yin's chin, his thumb brushing lightly as if afraid she would vanish the moment he let go.
"A'yin…. Show yourself in Fengming. Clear your name. Tell them everything you've been holding inside. Don't let them write your story for you."
Mei'yin's eyes flickered, torn between longing and restraint. She stepped back slightly, breaking his touch, though her heart screamed to remain close.
"You don't understand," she said quietly. "If I go back with you, they'll never listen. They'll call me a liar."
Her lips trembled, but she forced herself to smile faintly, a fragile echo of her old self.
"I'll go," she whispered at last.
Yuxi's breath caught. "You will?"
"Yes…" Mei'yin's gaze hardened again, though her voice shook with emotion. "But only me. No one else. I don't want anyone dragged into my battle anymore."
Yuxi's heart clenched at her words.
Finally, he exhaled, lowering his head in resignation. "If that's your choice… then I'll wait. I'll be there when you walk into Fengming."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Mei'yin allowed her eyes to soften—just for him. A brief flicker of the mischievous girl she once was.
"Then wait for me, Yuxi."
The distance between them remained, yet the bond tethering their hearts was undeniable.
Yuming walked slowly, her thoughts tangled after leaving Mei'yin and Yuxi inside. She needed air, space to breathe. Her steps crunched softly against the dry ground until a low voice stopped her in her tracks.
"She let you in?"
Yuming's head snapped up. Ye Dushen stood beneath the crooked old tree, arms crossed, his lean frame half-shadowed by the branches. His eyes, sharp yet unreadable, watched her steadily.
"Well… she still valued you."
Yuming's heart stuttered. She forced herself to look anywhere but him—the bark of the tree, the sky, even the ground—just not his face. A faint flush crept to her cheeks as she tightened her grip on her sleeves.
"…Dushen," she greeted, keeping her tone even.
"You came with Qin Yuxi," Dushen continued, his voice steady, almost cold. "That alone was enough for me to doubt you. But then Mei'yin opened the door. She doesn't do that easily."
Yuming's lips pressed into a line. "I didn't come here to betray her. I came because… someone has to listen before everything collapses."
Dushen studied her, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Listen, or judge?"
"Neither," Yuming said firmly. She dared to meet his gaze this time, though her heart pounded. "I came because I believe Mei'yin deserves to speak for herself. Not just be condemned by rumors and half-truths."
The wind stirred the branches above them. For a moment, Dushen was silent, his expression unreadable.
Finally, he spoke, quieter this time. "You're braver than most. Or more reckless." His tone carried blunt truth.
Yuming's throat tightened. She wanted to say more. Instead, she looked away and said softly, "I only did what I thought was right. Nothing more."
Something flickered across Dushen's face, almost like recognition. He straightened from the tree, no longer leaning. "If that's true, then don't waste that courage. Mei'yin… she'll need it. And so will we."
Yuming's hands curled into fists at her sides. She gave a small nod, forcing herself to stay composed, though her heart throbbed painfully with things she couldn't say.
For a heartbeat, Dushen's expression shifted—surprise, almost respect. Yuming's lips trembled as if she wanted to say more, but footsteps sounded behind them.
"Mo Yuming!" Qin Yuxi's voice called.
She quickly stepped back, her face turning away, hiding the flicker of warmth in her eyes.
Dushen only straightened.
The sound of Qin Yuxi's voice carried across the clearing.
Ye Dushen's eyes flickered briefly toward the source. Without a word, he pushed off the tree and walked away, his figure slipping back into the cover of the forest shadows.
Yuming's chest tightened at his sudden departure. She lowered her gaze quickly, as if hiding the tremor in her eyes before Yuxi could notice.
But of course, he noticed.
Qin Yuxi came closer, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Seems like the tiger knows how to be soft after all."
Yuming's head snapped up, her cheeks warming. "W–what are you talking about?"
Yuxi tilting his head. "Don't bother denying it. You were glaring daggers at everyone, yet just now… your voice was softer, your eyes different. Almost gentle." He leaned slightly closer, his tone laced with mischief. "So tell me—was it Ye Dushen–"
Yuming bit her lip, looking away stubbornly.
"Shut up! You're imagining things."
Yuxi's grin widened, though his gaze held a trace of curiosity beneath the teasing.
Yuming inhaled sharply, regaining her composure. She straightened her back and walked ahead
Yuxi's expression lost its playful edge, settling into a calm seriousness. "She's agreed to come to Fengming tomorrow. That means we'll need to stay the night here."
The words lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken tension.
Yuming exhaled, her hand brushing against the edge of her sleeve. "She's brave for agreeing. But it won't be easy. The masters… they won't just listen quietly. They'll push, twist her words, maybe even provoke her."
Yuxi nodded, his sharp eyes glinting with thought.
Yuming stopped walking for a moment, her gaze softening. "Do you really think they'll give her a chance to explain?"
For a brief moment, Yuxi hesitated. Then he gave a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I don't know. But Mei'yin chose to face them. The least we can do is make sure she gets to stand there with her head held high."
The two of them walked back toward the residence.
----
The dinner table was a picture of strained civility. Bowls and chopsticks were laid out neatly, steam rising from the food, but the warmth of the meal did little to thaw the chill in the room.
Ms. Ye sat at one end, her posture rigid, eyes flicking between Dushen and the others, unreadable but weighed with concern. Dushen sat beside her, arms crossed loosely over his chest, his sharp gaze occasionally drifting to the window where the ancient tree framed a solitary figure—Mei'yin, meditating in the moonlight.
Yuxi and Yuming occupied the opposite side of the table, Yuxi's hands hovering near his bowl as if holding himself in check, while Yuming's fingers toyed with the edge of her sleeve. Each movement seemed measured, each glance calculated. Silence stretched across the table, heavy with the tension of unspoken question: Who might slip under the weight of fear?
Finally, Yuxi broke the quiet, his voice low but steady. "She's still outside. Meditating." He nodded toward the window.
Ms. Ye's eyes followed his gesture. "That girl… she carries more than anyone should." Her voice was soft but sharp, tinged with worry. "And yet, she doesn't ask for help."
Yuming's gaze softened, but her posture remained tense. "She doesn't need anyone to carry her battles. She needs someone to stand with her—without interfering, without trying to control her."
Yuxi's eyes, dark and assessing, flicked toward Yuming. "That's the hard part, isn't it? Watching her bear it all while knowing the world outside is hunting her like prey."
Ms. Ye's hands tightened slightly on the table. "And we're part of that world. She trusts us—but for how long can that last if fear and suspicion keep creeping in?"
Yuxi's gaze returned to the window, eyes fixed on Mei'yin's calm figure. "She chose to come to Fengming tomorrow. She decided. The least we can do is ensure she stands tall. That's all we can control."
Dushen's voice was quieter, almost reluctant. "And if they try to break her? If the masters twist her story and cast doubt on her words?"
Yuming spoke, her voice firm despite the tension curling in her chest. "Then we stand. Not in her place, but with her. We make sure her truth is not silenced—not by them, not by us, not by fear."
Ms. Ye's gaze softened, finally acknowledging the resolve in Yuming's words. "You've all grown… even in the shadow of all this fear. Perhaps that's what she sees in you, what keeps her from crumbling."
The clinking of bowls punctuated the silence that followed. The tension remained, thick and unyielding, but beneath it was a fragile thread of understanding: they would not let Mei'yin face this alone.
Outside, Mei'yin remained perfectly still beneath the ancient tree, the silver light of the moon haloing her. For all the fear and uncertainty that lay ahead, this night had brought a small measure of unity—quiet, tense, but steadfast.
The meal continued in measured silence, the steam rising from the bowls a fragile warmth against the storm that awaited them at Fengming.
The first light of dawn crept over the village, casting long shadows across the half-repaired houses and the ancient tree. A chill hung in the air, the wind rustling dry leaves as if whispering warnings of what lay ahead.
Mei'yin stood beneath the tree, her robe flowing gently around her legs, eyes closed in quiet meditation. Xihe perched on her shoulder, sharp and alert, feathers catching the sunlight like shards of gold.
"Xihe," Mei'yin murmured, her voice calm but resolute, "watch over the villagers while we're gone. Protect them. Make sure none of the children are harmed. Your vigilance is the only thing between them and danger today."
The bird chirped softly, turning its head as if acknowledging the responsibility.
Nearby, Dushen adjusted his cloak, his eyes fixed on Mei'yin. Ms. Ye, standing slightly behind him, spoke with firm authority. "Remember, Ye shen—she must be protected. If anything happens, you act immediately. Keep her safe."
"I understand," Dushen said, his tone steady, though his dark eyes betrayed a rare tension. He shifted his gaze to Mei'yin, whose calm demeanor masked the storm of danger surrounding them.
Mei'yin opened her eyes, meeting his. "It's dangerous out there, Ye shen. Your presence will attract attention—you know that. I should go alone."
"And yet," Dushen said quietly, stepping closer, "I will go. You need an ally. I will stay with you, discreetly. No recklessness, and no drawing attention. I won't let anything happen to you."
Mei'yin studied him for a long moment, weighing the resolve in his eyes. Finally, she nodded, a faint smile brushing her lips.
Ms. Ye exhaled, relief flickering in her gaze.
Yuxi, standing a short distance away, had his hands clasped behind his back, observing quietly. Yuming, her eyes scanning the horizon, a mix of concern and readiness etched across her features.
Xihe fluttered its wings and let out a soft, alert call, signaling that it would maintain watch over the village while they were gone.
Mei'yin adjusted her robes and took a deep breath. "Then… let us go. The sooner we move, the better."
One by one, they stepped onto the path leading out of the village, the sun rising behind them, casting long shadows that intertwined with their uncertain journey ahead.
The dirt road stretched before them, quiet but uncertain, the rustling of leaves and the occasional bird call filling the silence. Four shadows walked side by side—Mei'yin at the front, Yuxi steady at her side, Yuming a step behind, and Dushen trailing with his arms crossed.
After a while, Mei'yin broke the stillness with a sigh.
"Why didn't you bring a carriage? At this pace, it'll take us all day to reach Fengming." she said to Yuming.
Yuming winced, raising her hands apologetically. "Sorry, sorry! I didn't think about it—guess I was just too focused on making sure we left quickly." She grinned sheepishly, trying to lighten the mood.
No one answered. The silence grew heavier again, hanging in the air like unspoken worries.
Finally, Yuxi's voice cut through. He glanced sideways at Mei'yin. "Tell me honestly… where did you suddenly get your abilities to control–"
Mei'yin's steps slowed slightly, but she didn't avoid his gaze. "Perhaps… it was a blessing," she said cut him off, her tone soft but sure. "Do you remember the bird we once helped? That bird is Xihe. Maybe the heavens gave me strength through her."
Yuxi absorbed the words in silence before nodding.
Yuming, eager to break the somber air, turned to Yuxi. "By the way… do you still have that paper Qin Zhen drew of Mei'yin?"
Yuxi gave her a sidelong glance, then reached inside his sleeve. He pulled out a folded piece of parchment, worn but carefully kept, and handed it to Mei'yin without a word.
She blinked, startled. Slowly, she unfolded it. Her eyes softened as she studied the rough sketch—an almost clumsy attempt to capture her face, the strokes uneven, the likeness imperfect. Yet her lips curved into a faint smile.
And beneath that first drawing, another—one that showed the three of them: herself, Yuxi, and Qin Zhen, standing side by side.
"…He remembered us," Mei'yin murmured, her thumb brushing lightly over the lines.
Yuxi's voice was low, but steady. "He always has."
"He always looking for his Mama Yin." Yuming added.
Mei'yin looked up at him, the faintest flicker of warmth in her eyes. Then her tone shifted, hesitant but curious. "Yuxi… what about Qin Zhen's real mother?"
Yuxi's eyes darkened with memory. He looked ahead, his voice quiet. "He's not truly my son. Qin Zhen was born from my closest friend and his wife. They died together while facing spirits… he was left behind. I took him in."
A hush followed his words, grief pressing into the air. None of them spoke until Mei'yin, determined not to let the silence consume them, changed the subject. She turned to Yuming with narrowed eyes. "I'm still puzzled by what you told me before. It doesn't make sense. You left out so many things—I couldn't understand it at all."
Before Yuming could defend herself, Dushen's voice slipped in dryly from behind. "So, aside from being a liar, she's also terrible with details."
Yuming spun on her heel to glare at him. "Excuse me? I wasn't lying, I was simplifying! Some people don't need a full scroll of explanations!"
"That's not simplifying," Dushen shot back, his lips curving in a faint smirk. "That's just being sloppy."
"Sloppy?!" Yuming scoffed, crossing her arms. "At least I try to explain things instead of brooding in silence like some tree branch with legs!"
The two bickered back and forth, their voices bouncing off the empty road.
Mei'yin couldn't help it—she laughed. A soft chuckle at first, then a light, genuine smile spread across her face. For a moment, she looked like the Mei'yin of the past, the one unburdened by politics and accusations.
She reached forward, grabbed Yuxi's hand, and tugged him along with her. "Come on. Let's walk faster. Those two will just keep arguing until the sun sets."
Yuxi blinked, then allowed himself to be pulled ahead, his calm composure breaking into the faintest smile.
Behind them, Yuming and Dushen were still locked in their verbal sparring, oblivious to the distance growing between them.
"They're so annoying," Mei'yin muttered, half to herself, half to Yuxi—yet her voice carried the warmth of old camaraderie, a spark of who she once was.