Throughout the week, we had been seeking the opportunity to meet with Yueqing. Finally, that fateful day arrived when he was out running an errand. I approached the familiar yet somewhat distant stranger, caught up with him, and spontaneously invited him for dinner that night. While Lin Jian took charge of preparing the meal, I busied myself with tidying up the space.
We settled under the shade of a peach tree in the plum area, where ground lanterns, benches and tables had been specifically crafted for disciples to gather and relax. Shortly thereafter, he arrived.
"We need your help, senior Yueqing," Lin Jian said, his voice serious. He leaned forward, his gaze straight. "I'm sure you've hear of the incident in the Jade falls, it is far complex than the elders let it appear to be. We've been suspecting Hua Lin. It's been difficult, but we believe she's connected to the murder in Jade falls."
Yueqing's eyes widened, his hand instinctively reaching for the jade pendant hanging around his neck. "But she's a fellow disciple," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "How can we suspect her?"
"We need proof, Yueqing," I interjected, my tone gentle." We can't just accuse her without evidence. That's why we need you. You're a shadow walker, you're the closest person we know."
Yueqing's countenance grew pale as he listened to our weighty accusations. Doubt and fear gnawed at him, but a flicker of resolve gradually illuminated his eyes. "I cannot turn a blind eye to such grave matters," he declared, his voice trembling slightly. "For the sake of justice and our once shared bond, I shall join your cause."
As Yueqing's reticence dissolved, so too did the barriers between him and Hua Lin. With each passing day, we witnessed their friendship deepen. The path we had meticulously laid out was coming to fruition. And so, we devised a cunning plan to execute our mission.
"Yueqing," I whispered cautiously, "you shall engage Hua Lin in conversation, drawing her attention away. Lin Jian and I will seize the opportunity to search her chambers and find for evidence."
Yueqing nodded solemnly, his eyes mirroring our determination. "May justice guide our every step," he intoned.
Hua Lin's chamber was filled with the scent of roses, a sweet, and cloying perfume that clung to the damp air. We crept past a large, ornately carved desk, its surface cluttered with scrolls and an open chest brimming with jewels. The dim light cast long, dancing shadows across the room, making it feel even bigger than it already was.
Suddenly, I stumbled. My foot caught on something, and I lurched forward, my arms flailing in the air. I grabbed at the nearest thing, the flowing crimson curtains that draped over a wide, ornate bathtub. The tub was filled with water, the surface dotted with rose petals and flowing candle lights.
Lin Jian was quick. He caught me at the waist, one hand pressed firmly against my back, and his deep breath caught in his throat as he held me steady, careful as not to make a noise that'll attract attention . The sound of the water sloshing against the tub, the weight of Lin Jian's hand against my back, the scent of roses it all combined sent my heart racing. I clung to the curtain, my fingers digging into the silky fabric that was barely holding me.
"How careless," He spoke, his voice low and husky. "Do you want to be pulled up? he quickly followed, teasing.
I could only manage a breathless nod. My hair, long and dark, brushed the water, sending a shiver down my spine. The curtain, soaked and heavy, threatened to give way under my weight.
Lin Jian gathered his strength and pulled me back towards him. His grip was strong, reassuringly firm.
"Let's go," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
The moment passed, as quickly as it had arrived. We moved on, scoured the room, searching for Hua Lin's sword, the evidence we sought. Every corner, every drawer was searched.
It finally turned up. Its blade shone in the darkness. I moved closer, investigating it by eyes. No presence of the yin energy I was looking for, no trace of collision in its energy, no hint of her intentions.
I stood up, silent and reticent. "Yinuo, what did you find out?" he asked. I remained silent, tonight was a fail. Was I wrong with my assumption?
In the spur of the moment, I reached down at it, using my sleeves as a glove gashed at the extensors of my arms, testing the illogical fact in front of me.
"You're mad!" he silently uttered, taken a back by the scene I caused. He hurriedly swathed the fresh wound to avoid blood from dripping in the floor.
We left the room, the air thick with unspoken words. My suspicion remained, a nagging itch that refused to be scratched.
"Do you want to get us killed?" he said displeased as he cleaned my wound in my chambers. He knelt in front of me, brows furrowed. The candle light casted a shadow of him and I; I played around with it, caressing the air as if choking him. He snatched my hands, wanting an answer to his unanswered question.
The shadow of him appeared to peck my head. It is difficult to say that I wasn't flushing and he didn't noticed as I shift my look to him. "I want to have one last verification that she was innocent." I explained.
He listened intently, "The sword's yang energy was not touched, nor did it have sign of collision with the yin energy present in Jade falls. It didn't make sense on why the cut was the same, so I cut my self to confirm it.." I paused.
"I was disappointed to find that the cut I envisioned the sword has was not the same as the one on my hand, it is slightly different. Perhaps I had overanalyzed the situation." I said, not revealing that I still suspect Hua Lin.
"Is that so?" still in rage. "Anyway don't be disheartened, the depth of the issue suggests there is more to uncover" him trying to comfort me made me chuckle.
It's so fake! What a two faced man indeed, I like it. For now, we'll assess and evaluate the situation and follow any new leads we come across.