Wei Yu quickly got up, his heart racing, but Yu Chen gently pulled him back down, the gesture both calming and electrifying. The night air was thick with an unspoken tension, and they sat side by side, gazing up at the stars twinkling like distant lanterns in the inky sky. Wei Yu could feel the pulse of the forest around them, the rustling leaves whispering secrets, but his mind was a tumultuous storm. He clenched his teeth, trying to quiet the unease brewing within him.
After what felt like an eternity, Yu Chen broke the silence, his voice soft but steady. "You seemed to be lost in thought. May I ask why?"
Wei Yu hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. "I—no, well... Immortal Gege, I'm just nervous about joining the sect. No other reasons." How could he admit the truth? That he felt like an outsider, a mixed blood in a world that often judged by lineage. The fear of Yu Chen's possible rejection gnawed at him. He wanted nothing more than to cultivate alongside this extraordinary man.
Yu Chen turned to him, his dark eyes an abyss, unreadable yet captivating. "You seem to get along well with everyone. I don't see any tension between you and the other cultivators."
"Immortal Gege, actually—"
"I'd appreciate it if you called me Yu Shixiong from now on," Yu Chen interrupted, a genuine smile breaking across his expression. It warmed Wei Yu's heart, dispelling some of his anxiety. "After all, you are my future shidi."
The way Yu Chen said "future shidi" sent a flutter through Wei Yu's chest, like the first blush of dawn creeping over the horizon. He could hardly believe how effortlessly their connection seemed to form in the starlit night, a tapestry woven from shared hopes and unspoken dreams. In that moment, surrounded by the gentle sigh of the wind and the watchful eyes of the stars, Wei Yu felt a spark—an uncharted path unfolding before him, filled with possibility. He smiled back, the weight on his shoulders lifting ever so slightly. Perhaps this journey would be different than he had feared.
"Yu Shixiong, about the earlier attack—" Wei Yu began, but Yu Chen swiftly cut him off.
"Nothing happened earlier," he stated firmly. "Those demon clan dogs were just looking for an excuse to ambush us. You are not a mixed blood. If you were, you would have the ancient demonic spiritual root, and I would have sensed it. So stop sweating."
"But what if it's true? What if I really am a filthy blood?" Wei Yu's voice trembled, his heart racing as anxiety clawed at his chest. "In that case, would the sect still accept me? W-will my grandpa—w-will you?"
Yu Chen's gaze softened as he looked at the small boy, barely twelve, the weight of the world evident in his eyes. He reached out, gripping Wei Yu's shoulders with a reassuring firmness. "I won't let that happen," he declared, his tone resolute. "I promised your grandpa that I would keep you safe, and I will."
Wei Yu searched Yu Chen's face, looking for the truth in his words. "But what if I'm alone in this? I don't have siblings. How do cultivators deal with that? Is there really a brotherhood among them?"
Yu Chen let out a soft sigh, his expression shifting as he contemplated the question. "Brotherhood among cultivators goes beyond blood ties," he began, his voice steady and warm like the summer breeze rustling through the trees. "It's about shared goals, mutual respect, and the bonds we choose to forge. When you cultivate together, you support each other through hardships and triumphs. The strength of our bond can surpass any biological connection. You are not alone, Wei Yu. You have me, and I will stand by you, no matter what."
The sincerity in Yu Chen's voice wrapped around Wei Yu like a comforting cloak, and for the first time, he felt a flicker of hope. "But what if I disappoint you?" he asked, vulnerability etched in every word.
Yu Chen smiled softly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Disappoint me? It's impossible. You're brave, and that alone makes you exceptional. Besides," he leaned a bit closer, a teasing glint in his gaze, "I won't allow you to be anything but extraordinary."
The gentle teasing sent a warmth blooming in Wei Yu's chest, igniting a spark he hadn't expected to feel. For a moment, the world around them faded, and all that remained was the two of them under the shimmering stars, bound by unspoken promises and the beginnings of a deep, unbreakable connection.
"Well, I think my shidi should get some rest. This shixiong is also going to sleep," Yu Chen said, rising to his feet. He turned his back to Wei Yu, feeling the pull of exhaustion after their long day.
"Shixiong, I don't know where I will sleep!" Wei Yu exclaimed, his voice laced with a hint of panic.
Yu Chen paused, glancing over his shoulder at the frail youth. The realization hit him like a cold splash of water—he had completely forgotten about arranging a proper bed for Wei Yu. Since they had found him, their days had been filled with chaos and training, leaving no time for such essential tasks.
"Argh, how could I forget something so important?" Yu Chen thought silently, feeling a twinge of guilt. He turned back to Wei Yu, who looked small and vulnerable beneath the canopy of stars.
"If there isn't enough room, that's alright," Wei Yu continued, his voice small. "I brought a cloth and a pillow, so I can sleep on the ground if I have to—"
"You can sleep with me; I don't mind," Yu Chen cut him off again, his tone decisive but warm.
Wei Yu's eyes widened, surprise mingling with gratitude. "Are you sure, Yu Shixiong? I don't want to impose on you."
"Trust me, it's no imposition at all," Yu Chen replied with a reassuring smile. "We can keep each other warm. Besides, I have a feeling you're going to need someone looking out for you."
Wei Yu's cheeks flushed at the thought of sharing a space with Yu Chen. The prospect was both thrilling and daunting. "Okay, if you're really sure," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yu Chen nodded, gesturing to a clear patch of ground beside his own bedroll. "Come on, let's set it up. We can talk a little before we sleep, if you'd like."
****
As they arranged the makeshift bedding, Wei Yu felt a rush of warmth at Yu Chen's casual intimacy. The way he moved—confident yet gentle—made him feel safe. "Shixiong," Wei Yu said hesitantly, "do you ever get scared? You're so strong and capable, but… do you ever worry about anything?"
Yu Chen paused, looking thoughtful. "Of course, I get scared. Fear is part of being human, even for cultivators. But it's what we do with that fear that matters. We learn from it, we grow stronger, and we protect those we care about. You'll find your strength, too."
Wei Yu bit his lip, contemplating Yu Chen's words. "You make it sound so easy. What if I can't be as strong as you?"
Yu Chen leaned closer, his voice low and encouraging. "Strength isn't just about power; it's about heart. You have a kind heart, Wei Yu, and that's what makes you strong. Just remember, you're not alone. We're in this together."
Feeling the sincerity in Yu Chen's gaze, Wei Yu couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Yu Shixiong. I really want to be strong. I want to protect you, too."
Yu Chen chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through him. "You already are strong, shidi. Just being here, wanting to protect me—that's more than enough."
As they settled down, the night wrapped around them like a soft blanket. Wei Yu felt a sense of belonging he had never known before. With Yu Chen beside him, the future suddenly seemed a little less daunting and a whole lot brighter.
As they settled in for the night, the sounds of the forest surrounding them, Wei Yu couldn't shake the weight of his thoughts. After a moment of silence, he turned to Yu Chen, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Yu Shixiong, earlier, Senior Brother Ling Xiao told me a story about mixed blood. He said that they are hunted by both righteous sects and demons. He made it sound really scary."
Yu Chen raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. "Do you actually believe that old tale? It's partially true, but not in the way he describes. The part about righteous sects wanting to kill him? That's nonsense. The righteous sects true motive was too capture it and use it enhance the cultivation."
Wei Yu frowned. "But Senior Ling-"
"That pal just loves to spout nonsense. Ignore him." Yu Chen said, without batting an eye.
"Wei Yu let me improve the story being more detailed."
Wei Yu perked up his ears, like a dog waiting for it's owner to give him a treat.