In the middle of the conversation, Xing Yue hesitated, her gaze drifting away for a moment. Chun Xi noticed immediately. Xing Yue had something on her mind, something she had carried for a long time.
— "Chen Kai has been doing well recently, but he's still the same as always," — Xing Yue remarked, trying to sound casual, though her voice carried a note of melancholy.
Chun Xi knew the reason for her hesitation. Xing Yue's feelings for Chen Kai were no secret to her, but they were also something Chun Xi knew she couldn't interfere with. Xing Yue was her friend, and she rooted for them, but the barriers between them seemed almost insurmountable.
Chun Xi's thoughts wandered to the past, to the moment it all began. She was only three years old when she first met Chen Kai. Her father had rescued him from a slave trader during a trip to the city. That day, they were drawn to a commotion—a sharp crack of a whip and a crowd gathered to watch. When they got closer, they saw the scene: a repugnant-looking trader whipping a skinny, dirty eight-year-old boy who refused to obey.
Chun Xi remembered how the boy's eyes shone with a ferocity and will to live that seemed to defy his miserable condition. It was a determination she recognized well, as she had felt it in herself. Her father, perhaps touched by the same feeling, intervened. He stopped the trader and bought the boy, something that made Chun Xi uncomfortable. The idea of trading human beings as commodities repulsed her.
Her father, noticing this, did something unexpected: he asked the guards to care for the boy and then freed him. However, the boy, upon waking and understanding what had happened, knelt before her father and swore eternal loyalty. He promised to repay the kindness shown to him. Chun Xi's father, seeing the determination in the boy, accepted his pledge.
From then on, Chen Kai trained harder than anyone, becoming one of her father's most trusted men. He was fearless, disciplined, and loyal—qualities Chun Xi always admired.
But there was another moment Chun Xi never forgot: the day she ran away from home at the age of eight. The entire city buzzed with rumors about her, something that deeply hurt her. Her father, outraged, severely punished those responsible for the gossip, a fact Chun Xi learned later. On that day, as she wandered through the city, she decided to return home with renewed determination.
On her way back, she encountered Chen Kai. He was searching for her, tireless as ever. But beside him stood a little girl dressed as a lady, around Chun Xi's age, her eyes shining with admiration. It was Xing Yue.
Xing Yue had also run away from home, but her fate had been more perilous. She had crossed paths with bandits, and it was Chen Kai who saved her. From that day on, Xing Yue began to pay attention to Chen Kai, and Chun Xi noticed the beginnings of what could become a deeper feeling.
Now, so many years later, she knew Xing Yue liked Chen Kai, even if Xing Yue pretended not to know. Chun Xi rooted for them but understood the challenges. Xing Yue was the daughter of a prominent family, loved and protected, but her social standing made a relationship with Chen Kai almost impossible—unless he could prove his worth. He, in turn, was too determined to repay his debt of gratitude to even consider something that might seem like a distraction.
— "Do you think he'll ever change?" — Xing Yue asked, breaking Chun Xi's thoughts.
Chun Xi gave a small smile, looking at her friend.
— "Chen Kai is like a rock. He doesn't change under external pressure. But if he realizes something is important enough, he might shape himself by choice."
Xing Yue sighed, her expression a mix of hope and resignation. Chun Xi said no more. She knew this was a battle Xing Yue had to face alone, but in her heart, she hoped that somehow, against all odds, Chen Kai and Xing Yue's paths would align.
Preparations for the Journey
Chun Xi sensed the tension in the air and, wanting to ease her friend's mind, shifted the conversation to lighter topics. Grateful, Xing Yue followed her lead, and soon the two were laughing and chatting about trivial matters. However, when Chun Xi glanced at the sky through the window, she noticed it was already late. Deciding it was time to leave, she stood up and embraced Xing Yue warmly.
— "I need to go now. See you soon, Yue. Take care."
— "You too, Chun Xi. And… thank you for today." — Xing Yue smiled, sincerity shining in her eyes.
With that, Chun Xi left the room, finding Ah Tao waiting outside. Together, they descended the stairs, moving quietly to avoid drawing attention, and headed to the alley behind the house.
With swift, precise steps, they climbed over the wall discreetly, careful not to be seen. Chun Xi felt the cool night air on her face as they made their way to her quarters. Once inside, she quickly changed out of the men's clothes she had been wearing into a feminine outfit, feeling more comfortable yet keenly aware of the societal expectations such attire symbolized.
— "Let's go, Ah Tao. It's time to talk to my father."
Ah Tao nodded silently, following Chun Xi to the study of Patriarch Tang. Their walk was quiet, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the ornate corridors of the house. When they arrived, the guards at the door bowed slightly but said nothing. Ah Tao stayed behind as Chun Xi entered the study.
Inside, she found her father, Tang Wei, immersed in documents, his brow furrowed in concentration. Beside him stood Chen Kai, "Uncle Chen," helping with the paperwork and discussing something in low tones. Both looked up as she entered.
— "Chun Xi?" — Tang Wei said, setting the papers aside. — "Is something wrong? And congratulations, my daughter, on reaching the third level of Body Tempering. But remember to solidify your foundation without rushing." — His tone was proud yet serious.
— "I understand, Father. I'll be careful. First, I came to thank Uncle Chen for the gift. It's very precious." — she replied, answering his question and expressing gratitude to her father's trusted ally.
— "Second, I want to discuss my next training." — Chun Xi approached, her posture firm yet respectful.
Tang Wei gestured for her to sit. Chun Xi took a deep breath and began:
— "I want to go to the Clear Waters Mountains. Alone. Without guards."
A heavy silence filled the room. Tang Wei exchanged a glance with Liao Chen Wei, who maintained a neutral but alert expression.
— "Chun Xi, the Clear Waters Mountains are no ordinary place. There are dangers you've never faced. Why do you want to go alone?" — Tang Wei asked gravely.
— "Because I need this, Father. I need to test my limits and learn to fend for myself. I know I can do it."
Tang Wei sighed, rubbing his temples. He knew his daughter was determined. Since she began cultivating, he had anticipated this moment. Refusing her might only hinder her growth.
— "Very well," — he said finally. — "But you must be prepared. I'll arrange for some resources and protective equipment. Also, take a communication talisman. If anything goes wrong, contact me immediately."
Chun Xi nodded, relieved but grateful for her father's concern.
— "Thank you, Father. I promise I'll be careful."
With that, the discussion ended. Chun Xi stood, bidding them farewell, and left the study with her mind already focused on preparations.
Back in her room, Chun Xi began packing for the journey. Tomorrow, she would leave for the Clear Waters Mountains, where she could challenge herself and prepare for the Four Families Competition.
As the moonlight bathed her room, Chun Xi gazed out the window with determination. The next step of her journey would begin at dawn.