Chapter 12 — Whispers Beneath the Crystal Moon
Night fell over the Starry Sword Sect, bringing with it a faint shimmering glow that blanketed the mountains. The Crystal Moon hung in the sky like a polished pearl, casting a silver sheen across the Outer Peaks. Jason Wu sat atop a flat boulder outside the mission hall, staring at the moonlight as it rippled across the trees. His body still ached from the battle with the Wind-Soaring Serpent, but his mind was sharper than ever.
"You've been staring at the moon for half an hour," a familiar voice echoed sarcastically in his mind. "Are you planning to seduce it?"
Jason Wu rolled his eyes. "Relax, Longwu. I'm just thinking."
"About what? The serpent? The mission? Or a certain girl whose icy gaze warms you up like a bonfire?"
Jason Wu stiffened. "…Shut up."
"Oh? So it IS the girl."
Before Jason Wu could scold the sword spirit again, footsteps approached from the stairs. Fan Duyi arrived, carrying a basket of steamed buns—half of which were already missing.
"Brother Wu!" Fan Duyi called, flopping down beside him. "I brought victory food. Never mind that I ate most of it on the way."
Jason Wu chuckled. "As expected."
Fan Duyi handed him one bun. "You were amazing today. Seriously, when you jumped onto that giant serpent's back, I almost peed myself. And then Senior Sister Xueyin unleashed her frost chains—BOOM! She's terrifying. Beautiful, but terrifying."
Jason Wu exhaled. "She carried half the fight."
Fan Duyi shook his head. "No. She trusted you to finish it. That says a lot." He nudged Jason Wu. "Also… did you notice how she kept glancing at you after the battle? Like she wanted to say something but didn't?"
Jason Wu looked away. "…Don't overthink it."
Fan Duyi grinned. "I'll overthink whatever I want."
Before Jason Wu could reply, a soft breeze brushed past them—followed by the faintest scent of lotus. A moment later, Xueyin appeared, walking toward them with calm steps. The moonlight framed her silhouette as though the night itself bowed around her.
Fan Duyi instantly scrambled to his feet. "S-Senior Sister Xueyin! Good evening!"
She nodded politely. "Good evening, Fan Duyi." Her gaze shifted to Jason Wu. "May I speak with you for a moment?"
Fan Duyi froze—then grinned and made a dramatic bow. "Of course! I'll be… somewhere else. Far away. Very far." He sprinted down the path before Jason Wu could stop him.
Xueyin stopped in front of Jason Wu. "Are your injuries all right?"
"They're manageable."
She sat beside him, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Only the sound of rustling leaves and distant spirit beasts filled the night.
"I wanted to thank you," she finally said. "Your decisiveness saved us today."
Jason Wu shook his head. "It was teamwork."
"Perhaps." A small smile touched her lips. "But you adapted faster than most disciples at your level. Your sword… it was different today."
Jason Wu lowered his voice. "Longwu Sword is still evolving. The more I grow, the more it changes with me."
In his mind, Longwu snorted.
"Oh please, don't make me sound mysterious. I'm trying to nap here."
Jason Wu ignored it.
Xueyin's eyes reflected the moonlight. "I've been observing you, Jason Wu. You're reckless… but your instincts are sharp. And your willpower is remarkable for someone who started at the outer ranks."
Jason Wu blinked. "Are you complimenting me, Senior Sister?"
Her cheeks pinkened slightly. "I'm stating facts."
Jason Wu smiled.
After a long pause, she added quietly, "I also wanted to apologize."
"For what?"
"For how the sect treated you before. Many judged you because of rumors or because you lacked backing. They were wrong." She folded her hands. "You've proven them wrong."
Jason Wu felt something warm flicker in his chest. Recognition. Respect. The early sprouts of connection.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
Xueyin looked up at the moon. "Tomorrow, the sect elders will announce the new ranking evaluations. Many disciples who challenged you recently will try again. Be prepared."
Jason Wu nodded. "I won't run."
"I didn't think you would."
At that moment, rustling echoed from the bushes. Both turned sharply—only to see Fan Duyi popping his head out like a wild prairie rabbit.
"Is the emotional scene over?" he whispered loudly.
Jason Wu sighed. "Fan Duyi, if you don't walk away right now—"
"I'm going, I'm going!" Fan Duyi vanished again.
Xueyin covered her lips, hiding a small laugh. It was the kind of laugh so soft and rare that even the moonlight seemed to lean closer to hear it.
"Jason Wu," she said, rising gracefully, "keep your blade sharp. And tomorrow… stand tall. I'll be watching."
She turned to leave. Jason Wu stood and bowed slightly. "Good night, Senior Sister Xueyin."
"Good night."
After she disappeared down the path, Fan Duyi reappeared—for real this time—dragging his feet dramatically.
"Jason! My brother! My hero! Tell me everything. What did she say? Did she confess? Did she—"
Jason Wu grabbed him by the collar. "Shut up."
"Okay, okay, but—ACK!"
They both laughed under the Crystal Moon, unaware that from a distant cliff, an older disciple stood watching them, his eyes narrowing.
"The outer brat is getting too bold," he muttered. "This can't be allowed."
And in the shadows of the night, trouble quietly began to stir.