Bai Ye originally told Lian that he was going to see Princess Liangxi, but as he walked toward her quarters, he changed his mind. Instead, he headed toward the main gate of the palace. The guards were there, and immediately, they saw him, they opened up the gate to let him pass.
Bai Ye walked out of the palace and sat by the river that flowed at the gate of the palace in the underworld. The river was called "Dark Lake."
Since being possessed by the black snake clan, Bai Ye had grown accustomed to the Dark Lake's somber atmosphere. He sat down on a rock at the lake's edge, his mind consumed by thoughts of his father, the demon king, and his own desire to defy him. Bai Ye longed to stand up to his father, to protect those who couldn't defend themselves, but he felt powerless.
With a deep breath, Bai Ye called out to the snake through their mental bond. The massive serpent that dwelled in the Dark Lake stirred, sensing its master's summons.
As Bai Ye waited, the water's surface began to ripple. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the depths of the lake. The snake took on a human form, appearing as a boy with long black hair and wearing traditional Chinese robes. He stood before Bai Ye, bowed deeply, and said:
"My lord," the snake boy said, his voice low and raspy. "You summoned me."
Bai Ye gazed at the snake boy, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Hou Qing," he said, his voice firm. "I need your counsel."
Hou Qing, the snake boy, straightened up, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Of course, my lord," he said. "What is it that troubles you?"
Bai Ye's gaze drifted out to the Dark Lake, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within. "My father," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to stand up to him, to defy him. But I don't know if I can."
Hou Qing's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes seeming to bore into Bai Ye's very soul. "You are torn, my lord," he said. "Between your loyalty to your father and your desire to do what is right."
Bai Ye's gaze snapped back to Hou Qing, his eyes flashing with intensity. "What is right?" he demanded. "Is it right to obey my father, no matter the cost? Or is it right to defy him, even if it means risking everything?"
Hou Qing's smile was enigmatic, his eyes glinting with a knowing light. "The answer, my lord," he said, "lies within yourself."
Bai Ye sat by the Dark Lake, his eyes fixed on the calm waters as he spoke to Hou Qing. "Ah Qing, do you think—"
"Yes, my lord?" Hou Qing replied, his voice measured.
Bai Ye's gaze drifted, his thoughts consumed by the turmoil within. "Ah Qing, then. Do you think it's wrong for two men to become cultivation partners and live as soulmates?"
The question hung in the air, and Hou Qing's eyes widened in surprise. "My lord, do not be offended, but may I ask a question?" he ventured, his tone cautious.
Bai Ye nodded, his expression unreadable. "Go ahead."
Hou Qing's voice took on a note of curiosity. "Lord, have you found him—the one whom you say you miss every day?"
Bai Ye's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. And now, I fear I cannot even claim him as my little brother. I desire a different kind of bond with him... one that transcends the ties of family or friendship."
Hou Qing's eyes sparkled with intrigue, his face a mask of neutrality. "I see, my lord. In that case, perhaps we should look at the old man under the moon."
Bai Ye's gaze snapped up, his eyes locking onto Hou Qing's. "What do you mean by 'looking at the old man under the moon'?"
Hou Qing's smile was enigmatic. "You should do just that, my lord. I've heard from my grandfather that Yuelao is the god of marriage and he knows if two souls are destined to be. I believe he would have answers for you."
Bai Ye smiled, taking a deep breath as he watched the ripples on the Dark Lake's surface. "But, Ah Qing, my father has announced my engagement to Princess Liangxi. What do I make of that?"
Hou Qing's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding with concern. "My lord, what will you do about the engagement?"
Bai Ye's smile never wavered, but his eyes gleamed with determination. "I will definitely do something, Ah Qing. But for now, you must ensure your own safety. How has your stay been here? Are you being treated well?"
Hou Qing nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Yes, my lord. Ever since Senior Zhang took charge of me, he has treated me with kindness, like a younger brother."
Bai Ye's smile deepened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh? You seem to have taken a liking to Zhang, Ah Qing. Perhaps more so than to me?"
Hou Qing's face flushed, his expression turning sheepish. "No, my lord! I-I mean, Senior Zhang can be... annoying at times, but—"
Bai Ye's laughter echoed across the lake, a warm, melodious sound. "Ah, Ah Qing, you are as plain-spoken as ever. I am glad to see that Senior Zhang's guidance has not suppressed your spirit."
As Bai Ye spoke, his gaze drifted across the lake, his eyes seeming to pierce the veil of the underworld. Hou Qing watched him, sensing the turmoil beneath his lord's calm surface.
Hou Qing's eyes shone with conviction as he spoke again. "My lord, I believe that what is right is not what the ancient history books dictate, nor what the laws of the land proclaim. What is right is what you believe in your heart to be just."
Bai Ye's gaze lingered on Hou Qing's face, a warm smile spreading across his lips. "Ah Qing, you are indeed a treasure."
He chuckled, his eyes glinting with mirth. "Ah, Ah Qing, so am I now your favorite brother? Has Zhang been replaced?"
Hou Qing's face flushed, and he grinned mischievously. "Yes, my lord. Senior Zhang can be very... trying at times. I fear I find him quite annoying."
Just then, a voice spoke from behind them, its tone, dry and amused. "Oh? So you find me annoying, little brat?"
Bai Ye and Hou Qing turned to see Zhang standing behind them, a hint of a smile on his lips.