[Recommended Listening: Dance Of The Celestials – By Yume Play]
By the time the court meeting concluded, it was already nightfall. Zhou Yu did not remain longer than necessary in the court hall, only briefly conversing with a few of the generals to set the sparks of his future companionship with them in motion.
And although he ensured that on his journey to Jian Ye, he dispelled whatever dark forces were on his tail, demons were unpredictable.
Especially at night when all was quiet and vulnerable. Thankfully, the lunar energy surrounding Jian Ye was rather potent and powerful; hence, it was less susceptible to demon attacks compared to other regions.
Zhou Yu strolled along the lotus lake of Jian Ye's estate, his gaze settling over the lotus flowers and the way the moonlight radiantly shone down.
Cheng Pu was beside him, silent, savouring the sweet-scented breeze carrying the plum blossoms.
"Sun Jian is wary of you, old friend," Cheng Pu stated, catching a stray plum blossom on his fingertip. "Your notorious reputation is a catalyst for suspicion. Your brilliant mind is valued, but your sword hand is feared."
Zhou Yu snorted in amusement. He followed the stone path, eyes closed and hands clasped behind his back.
"You know what my purpose is, Cheng'er," Zhou Yu answered, his mind subconsciously scanning the area for any traces of dark energy. "I have no loyalty to anyone but myself and close companions. My service to Wu is one of obligation and duty."
Cheng Pu chuckled light-heartedly. "You have always been aloof, old friend. Your indifference can either be refreshing or frustrating, but I suppose it is best kept that way."
Zhou Yu nodded. Once he reached the banks of the lotus lake, he knelt down before it.
"Another purification ritual?" Cheng Pu arched his brow, sensing his friend's intentions.
Zhou Yu nodded again. He was uneasy due to the arrangements Sun Jian made regarding Lushan's investigation. He needed to set his mind at ease by doing something useful.
He stood up again, his robes billowing gently with the night breeze as he raised one hand skyward, drawing down threads of silver, shimmering moonlight that danced like liquid silk around his fingers.
As Zhou Yu lowered his palm to the water, the surface responded, rippling not because of his touch but because of resonance.
The lake was responding to the lunar essence he channelled from above and a circle of lotuses unfurled in a full bloom around him, their petals glowing faintly with enchanted light.
His movements were fluid, calm, and gentle as he concentrated, but to the onlooker's eyes it would seem as if this was second nature for him.
From afar, on the bridge, Sun Ce observed the sight. His eyes were glued to Zhou Yu's movements, tracing every hand gesture, every breath taken, and every silky thread of moonlight that weaved through Zhou Yu's fingers.
His destination was quickly forgotten and he remained looking over the railing of the bridge at the sight. He watched the moonlight from Zhou Yu's hand merge with the water's essence, forming a luminous veil that spread across the lake, sanctifying it.
It was a ward of purity to repel cursed spirits and demonic taint.
Sun Ce was captivated by his sworn brother's graceful form, his amber eyes softening with admiration and the beginning of something else. Perhaps, he truly did miss Zhou Yu so dearly.
Their years of separation were something that left a deep ache in his heart. When he was in Lujiang, his sworn brother's home, eleven years ago, Sun Ce always followed him around, always demanded to be taught new things, and always insisted on sharing every moment with him.
No doubt Zhou Yu must have grown weary of him, but Sun Ce held little regret. He spent too many years anticipating the moment he'd reunite with his sworn brother.
And this time? He wasn't letting go so easily.
When the veil was complete, Zhou Yu exhaled a deep breath, opening his eyes again. His head turned in the direction of the bridge to his right, just a few feet away.
He locked eyes with Sun Ce, reminded of the perils ahead that he had no way of predicting.
The young warlord's gaze drew to Cheng Pu, who was too close for comfort to his sworn brother. It made something inside Sun Ce churn, but he couldn't quite explain it himself.
His hostile gaze was not unknown to Cheng Pu. The man simply shook his head and tapped his friend on the shoulder.
"I will leave you be for now," he said, nodding to Zhou Yu. "Sleep well tonight, old friend."
Once Cheng Pu departed, Sun Ce made his way across the bridge, taking the stone path to where Zhou Yu was.
The Chief Strategist promised himself he would not engage with the young warlord needlessly or more often than necessary, but it seemed that was difficult to follow through with.
How was he supposed to change fate and break the villainous cycle of death and rebirth if the young warlord was so persistent?
Sun Ce approached him with a tender smile. Contrary to his broad physique, tall stature and sharp features, the young warlord possessed a timid nature and gentle heart outside the battlefield.
His smile was one of the precious things that Zhou Yu always adored. Sun Ce was the sunshine that always warmed him both inside and outside.
He shouldn't be getting too close to him.
"Was that one of your famous Yīnxiān Shù arts (immortal arts of the moonshade), Gēge?" Sun Ce questioned, his admiration evident.
When he finally reached Zhou Yu, he stood only a few inches away, gazing down at his sworn brother fondly.
"Yes," Zhou Yu answered plainly, turning himself towards the lake. "Demonic energy searches for the purest natural body to inhabit in order to spread corruption; that includes any form of water. I cast this veil to shield it from any impurities."
"It has a certain beauty about it," Zhou Yu added.
"Indeed, it is far more beautiful than anything I have ever known," Sun Ce agreed, but his gaze was completely focused on Zhou Yu rather than the explanation of the technique.