Yu Chen leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head as he gazed up at the stars. "Let me tell you a different story. A long time ago, there was a powerful Demon Lord—one of the most feared in the realm. He fell in love with a human woman after she helped him when he was injured in an ambush by the righteous sects."
Wei Yu's eyes widened with intrigue. "That's exactly like what senior Ling said!"
Yu Chen chuckled softly. "It does, doesn't it? But this is a different story inspired by that event. It's not that different. The Demon Lord was gravely wounded, and this woman cared for him despite knowing who he was. Their love blossomed in secret, but it was a dangerous affair. The righteous sects would never allow such a union, and the demons viewed it as a weakness."
Wei Yu listened intently, leaning closer. "I know what happened next! Their Love was doomed!"
"Ey! Appreciate the story teller!"
"sorry. Please continue."
"Their love was doomed," Yu Chen continued, his tone turning somber. "Eventually, the sects found out. They came for the Demon Lord, and in the chaos, the woman was caught in the crossfire. Heartbroken and enraged, the Demon Lord retaliated, but it was too late. He lost everything."
"That's so sad," Wei Yu said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What about their child?"
Yu Chen's expression softened. "They had a son, a mixed blood. Everyone wanted him because his blood held immense power—it could enhance anyone's cultivation. The righteous sects saw him as a threat, while demons wanted him to harness that power for themselves. But that boy was left alone, caught between two worlds, just like you."
Wei Yu felt a lump in his throat. "But… did the boy turn out okay?"
Yu Chen shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "That's the thing. He grew strong, but he also learned that true strength lies not in blood, but in choice. He chose his path, and while people may have wanted to use him, he forged his own destiny."
"Do you think I can do that?" Wei Yu asked, a hint of hope in his voice.
"Absolutely," Yu Chen replied, turning serious. "You have the heart for it. Remember, it's not about what blood you come from, but what you choose to do with it. And anyone who tries to judge you for it? They don't deserve your time."
The warmth of Yu Chen's words wrapped around Wei Yu like a comforting embrace. The fear that had clung to him began to fade, replaced by a growing resolve. "Thank you, Yu Shixiong. I'll remember that."
Yu Chen smiled, a genuine brightness in his eyes. "Good. Now get some sleep, shidi. Tomorrow is a new day, and we have a lot to learn together."
As they settled down, the night sky above twinkling with stars, Wei Yu felt a sense of belonging blossom within him. With Yu Chen beside him, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Yu-shixiong."
"Hm?"
"Nothing, Goodnight."
****
The next morning, Wei Yu woke up much later than usual, sunlight blurring his vision, he got up, washed his face and went towards the the fellow cultivators.
"Ah—Senior Brother Ling?" Wei Yu asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, puzzled by the unexpected brightness.
"There's my favorite shidi!" Ling Xiao exclaimed, his voice full of enthusiasm. He leaned against the tree, a mischievous glint in his eye. "How are you? I hope you didn't wet the bed after my story last night!" He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.
Wei Yu frowned, irritation bubbling up. "I'm not a child, I don't wet the bed!" His tone was sharper than intended, but Ling Xiao's teasing always got under his skin.
Ling Xiao laughed heartily, but when he noticed the hostility in Wei Yu's gaze, he quickly quieted, though his grin remained. "Aiya, but I heard rumors about you sleeping with Senior Brother! You must be scared of the dark!"
"You—" Wei Yu's retort was cut short.
Suddenly, a fan struck Ling Xiao on the head, its elegant design catching the light as it twirled through the air. The fingers that wielded it were long and slender, perfectly suited for a woman—but the owner was far from it.
"Chen Yuxuan! How dare you hit me?" Ling Xiao exclaimed, rubbing the back of his head in disbelief.
Chen Yuxuan stood there, an unbothered smile on his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Senior Brother was bullying our future shidi. It's only right I defend the poor soul." His voice was smooth, laced with a hint of mischief.
With his pale skin and elegant features, Chen Yuxuan was the picture of beauty—his peach blossom eyes sparkling with amusement, his pointed nose adding to his refined appearance. Dressed in a flowing white daoist robe, he seemed almost ethereal, and anyone who looked at him couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
But Ling Xiao's expression twisted with annoyance. "Chen Yuxuan! Just you wait! If I don't teach you a lesson in the coming days, then my name isn't Ling Xiao!" With that, he stormed out, steam practically rising from his ears in frustration.
Wei Yu watched the scene unfold, caught between amusement and concern. He turned to Chen Yuxuan, who was still smiling serenely. "You didn't have to hit him," he said, a hint of hesitation in his voice.
Chen Yuxuan chuckled softly. "Oh, but it was too tempting. He deserves it for being so annoying." He leaned closer, lowering his voice playfully. "And besides, you have to admit, you need someone saving you from his terrible jokes
"Thank you. But… I really respect Ling Shixiong, so please don't be too harsh. He seems like he might explode." Wei Yu stated.
Chen Yuxuan waved a hand dismissively. "Let him try. I can handle a little fire." His smile widened, and for a moment, Wei Yu felt as if he had found an ally in this chaotic world.
"Oh! How rude of me to not introduce myself. The name's Chen Yuxuan, which means 'jade pavilion,'" he said with a playful smile, his fan fluttering elegantly as he spoke.
Wei Yu couldn't help but admire the way the morning light danced off Chen Yuxuan's features, accentuating his graceful demeanor. "I can already tell by your appearance—you're quite the elegant Senior Brother, Chen!"
Chen Yuxuan laughed, a light and melodious sound. "And I am pleased to meet you too, little shidi. Your reputation precedes you, you know."
Wei Yu felt a warm flush creep up his cheeks. "Oh? I hope it's for something good."
"Absolutely! I've heard tales of your escapades, particularly your infamous late-night discussions with Brother Yu," Chen Yuxuan teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. As he waved his fan, he looked every bit the peerless immortal, embodying both charm and a hint of mystery.
Wei Yu's smile faltered for a moment. "Ah, well, that's... complicated." He glanced down, suddenly aware of the whispers that followed him.
Chen Yuxuan leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Don't worry, little shidi. Everyone has their secrets. Yours just happen to be a bit more… popular." He winked, clearly enjoying the banter.
Before Wei Yu could respond, a shadow fell across them. "Chen Yuxuan," a familiar voice cut through the morning air, tinged with a cold edge.
Wei Yu looked up to see Yu Chen approaching, his expression inscrutable but his posture radiating tension. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, just having a pleasant chat with our dear Wei Yu," Chen Yuxuan replied, his smile unwavering, though Wei Yu sensed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. "Care to join us?"
Yu Chen's gaze flickered between the two, a hint of hostility hidden beneath a veneer of casual friendliness. "I'm afraid I don't have time for idle gossip. We have important matters to discuss."
Unlike last night, Yu Chen's character was quite different. Last night he was smiling, laughing and telling him stories. But now....It felt like a completely new person had taken his place.
Wei Yu's heart raced. He could feel the weight of unspoken rivalry hanging between the two. "Uh, I didn't mean to interrupt anything—"
"Don't worry, little shidi," Chen Yuxuan interjected smoothly, though his eyes narrowed slightly at Yu Chen. "I was just giving Wei Yu some welcome advice."
"Advice?" Yu Chen raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with skepticism. "You have a knack for mischief, don't you, Yuxuan?"
Chen Yuxuan's smile didn't falter, but Wei Yu could sense the underlying tension. "Only when it's warranted, dear friend. But I assure you, my intentions are purely to help."
As they exchanged sharp glances, Wei Yu felt an urge to defuse the situation. "Perhaps we could all share a meal together? It might lighten the mood."
Yu Chen's expression softened slightly, but the tension remained palpable. "I suppose a meal wouldn't hurt. Just… try to keep the conversation civil, Chen."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Chen Yuxuan replied with a graceful bow, though his eyes sparkled with a challenge.
As they began to walk, Wei Yu couldn't shake the feeling that the day had only just begun, and that beneath the surface, currents of rivalry and camaraderie were about to collide.