Wei Yu felt the weight of tension bearing down on him like a heavy cloud. His back was slick with sweat, and he dared not make a sound as he followed his not-so-calm senior brothers to breakfast, acutely aware of the charged atmosphere.
"Senior Brother," he ventured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yu Chen glanced down at him, and for a moment, his stern demeanor softened. Wei Yu looked up, his eyes wide and earnest, like a puppy that had just been scolded for no reason. The sight was amusing enough to crack Yu Chen's serious facade, and a gentle smile flickered across his lips, though it barely masked the lingering tension in his expression. "Shidi, is something the matter?"
Relief washed over Wei Yu like a cool breeze. He couldn't help but return the smile, though it felt fragile under the circumstances. "What's up with you and Senior Chen? You both looked like you were about to start a duel."
Yu Chen's smile faded slightly as he sighed, his gaze drifting momentarily to the ground. "It's just some stupid childhood conflict. You could say he's... involved in my past, and he doesn't play a good character." His voice was low, heavy with unspoken memories, and Wei Yu could sense the weight of unhealed wounds behind his words.
Feeling the gravity of the moment, Wei Yu nodded, understanding without needing to press further. He had learned early on that some topics were best left untouched. "I see. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," he reassured gently.
Meanwhile, Chen Yuxuan, who had been listening nearby, couldn't help but smile helplessly at their exchange. He sensed the bond between the two—a warmth that contrasted sharply with the tension he shared with Yu Chen. "Ah, the innocence of youth," he called out with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "Perhaps one day, we'll both be able to laugh about this."
Yu Chen's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "It's not a joke, Yuxuan. Some things are easier said than done."
"True, true," Chen Yuxuan replied, his tone light yet laced with a hint of understanding. "But isn't that what makes life interesting? The conflicts that shape us?"
Wei Yu watched the exchange, feeling like he was caught in the middle of a storm. He wanted to say something—anything—to ease the tension, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he simply walked alongside them, hoping that breakfast would bring some reprieve from the lingering unease.
As they reached the dining hall, he could only wonder how this day would unfold, the specter of unresolved conflicts hovering just out of reach.
******
Wei Yu thanked the heavens that breakfast was finally over. The tension between Yu Chen and Chen Yuxuan had been unbearable; he could barely keep a smile on his face, his lips twitching uncontrollably. "Senior Brother, I'd better go and apologize to Senior Brother Ling," he said, trying to escape the suffocating atmosphere.
"What for? It's not your fault," Yu Chen replied, his brow furrowing slightly. "Besides, we're almost at the sect. Sit tight and stay close to me; we wouldn't want you to get lost, would we? Hmm?" His tone was teasing, but there was an undercurrent of protectiveness.
"I—I will obey, Senior," Wei Yu stammered, feeling a mixture of reluctance and comfort at the reassurance.
With a satisfied nod, Yu Chen urged his horse forward, the beast breaking into a steady gallop. "Hold on tight, little shidi! I wouldn't want you to tumble off."
Wei Yu clung to the reins, his heart racing—not just from the speed but from the thrill of being in Yu Chen's company. As they rode, the landscape began to shift. Rolling hills gave way to a stunning vista, and soon the elegant architecture of the sect came into view.
"Look!" Yu Chen exclaimed, Wei Yu's eyes widened as they approached. The sect loomed majestically, perched atop a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blossoms. Towering pavilions and gracefully arched bridges sprawled across the landscape, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering tiles that glinted in the sunlight.
Yu Chen chuckled softly, clearly enjoying Wei Yu's awe. "Welcome to White Tiger sect! Beautiful, isn't it? This is where we call home."
"fascinating," Wei Yu breathed, captivated by the sight. The main hall, with its sweeping rooflines and delicate eaves, looked as if it had been crafted by celestial artisans. Wisps of cloud drifted lazily around the peaks, adding an ethereal touch to the scene.
As they rode closer, the sound of flowing water reached their ears—a tranquil stream winding through the gardens, reflecting the brilliant colors of the flowers that lined its banks. Wei Yu could almost hear the whispers of past cultivators, echoing through the air, urging him to embrace the beauty and serenity of the place.
"Just wait until you see the courtyard," Yu Chen said, his voice filled with pride. "You'll love the cherry blossoms in spring."
With a renewed sense of excitement, Wei Yu looked up at Yu Chen, his earlier apprehensions fading into the background. "I can't wait! It really feels like a dream."
As they crossed the threshold into the sect, Wei Yu felt a wave of guilt wash over him. The recent incident surrounding his mixed blood heritage had left him feeling vulnerable and on edge.
"Shixiong," he called softly, hoping to distract himself from his thoughts.
Yu Chen turned to him, a warm smile gracing his lips, one that felt almost radiant. "Hm?" he replied, his voice light and inviting.
"You seem particularly happy today," Wei Yu ventured, curiosity piquing. "Is there someone in the sect you're eager to see?" He had noticed that Yu Chen's smile was different today—brighter, more genuine. It reminded him of joyous reunions, like family members embracing after a long separation.
Wei Yu didn't have a faimly memeber to share his sorrows, he only had his grandpa. Who would die before his 'coming of age ceremony'. He was just unable to understand joy between loved ones.
Yu Chen's smile widened, a hint of nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "Shidi," he began gently, "I know you feel alone right now. It's a heavy burden to carry, I understand." He paused, his gaze softening. "But I promise you, there will come a day when someone will enter your life—someone who truly understands your pain, who will weep alongside you, and stand by your side through every storm."
Wei Yu felt a lump in his throat as he listened, his heart aching with the truth in Yu Chen's words. "I... I hope so," he replied quietly, his voice trembling.
Yu Chen placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You will long for this person, and they will bring you comfort when you need it most. Remember, you are never truly alone, no matter how dark the path seems."
"So, Shixiong likes someone in the sect?" Wei Yu asked, completely changing the mood.
As soon as he said that, Yu Chen immediately got flustered. He tried to hide his face, but felt that this action is even more presumptuous and then finally gained his composure.
"Ahem-Shidi don't ask questions like that out of the blue." Yu Chen coughed. Wei Yu's question caught him completely off guard. But, yes, he was eager to see someone. Someone, who he'd die for. But would that person do the same?
"Shidi understands his wrong behavior." Wei Yu said dejectedly. Hmph, his senior is being so unfair, it's only just a question, yet he got so mad.
"Ah, which reminds me, shidi, if you want to enter the sect, first you'll have to participate in the 'sword wielding tournament'."