Some time later...
Ming Heng was brewing tea using the white lotus especially for Zhi Yao. Zhi Yao sat there, utterly mesmerized, gazing at him as if an ethereal celestial maiden were seated before him.
When the tea was finally ready, Ming Heng poured it into a kettle and quietly walked toward the window.
Zhi Yao knew very well that he was going to share that tea with Wang Gung, just as he always did.
Zhi Yao had no complaints. In fact, he cherished those quiet tea moments with his grandmaster.
And so, he followed him silently. The room behind them was left empty, lifeless, and still.
---
Moments later, the two were seated with Wang Gung.
But a strange stillness hung in the air between them, as though that quiet belonged entirely to this place
A silence that spoke of old burdens, patiently waiting to return again.
All three sipped their tea, each lost in thought, perhaps mentally bracing themselves for yet another weight to endure... as they had done every day.
Zhi Yao bowed his head respectfully and spoke gently,
"Your Majesty, I wish to speak."
Wang Gung gave him leave with a nod of reverence.
Zhi Yao already knew
Tomorrow, a sacred rite would take place.
All disciples were to enter their spirit arrows....their inner sanctum...and seek out their spiritual essence.
And after that, they would come face to face with their spirit beasts.
It was to be a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
There was only one chance...
Each spirit beast chose its master only once.
Their forms could be many, but once they bound themselves to a soul in one form, they would return in the same form in every lifetime....
And never choose another.
Thus, if the Blue Phoenix revealed itself... the one chosen must undoubtedly be grandmaster Yu Sui.
Spirit beasts never failed to recognize their true master.
With quiet determination, Zhi Yao said,
"Tomorrow, we will keep a close watch on every single student, Your Majesty.
This shall be yet another attempt.
We may still dare to hope that Grandmaster Yu Sui is hidden among the crowd."
A faint light of hope flickered in Wang Gung's eyes.
And then
as always
a soft, playful squabble broke out between Ming Heng and Zhi Yao over the sweetness of the tea.
The heavy silence lifted, replaced with a gentle breeze of laughter that filled the room.
Even Wang Gung's lips curled into a smile, watching their innocent affection unfold.
A rare warmth had returned.