The following days after the Moonlight Festival passed in a blur, leaving Tianwu with a sense of disquiet he couldn't shake. He moved through the estate like a ghost, his thoughts constantly drifting back to the mysterious young man with the jade flute and the cryptic words he had spoken. His questions lingered, gnawing at him, but the answers remained just beyond his reach.Despite his best efforts to remain detached, the tension between him, Yuren, and Weiyang had only deepened since that night. Yuren, ever the observer, had been unusually quiet, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a cool reserve that suggested he, too, was grappling with the new developments.Weiyang, on the other hand, was more brazen in his pursuit of Tianwu, though his motives remained unclear. There was an air of predatory intent in his eyes whenever they crossed paths, his attention sharp, calculating. It was clear he was no fool—he saw something in Tianwu, something he was determined to unravel.But it wasn't just these two that occupied Tianwu's thoughts. As he trained alone in the quiet eastern courtyard, he couldn't help but feel that he was being watched, as though some unseen force was observing his every move. Each time he paused, a fleeting sensation of eyes upon him would make the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.Today, however, there was no time for idle worry.A letter had arrived for him—sealed with the insignia of the Zhao family. Tianwu's heart skipped a beat as he carefully broke the seal, wondering what business Weiyang's family might have with him. The paper was smooth, the ink bold. The message was brief, but the implications were clear.---To Lin Tianming,You are cordially invited to a private meeting tomorrow night at the Zhao estate. I trust you will arrive unaccompanied, as there are matters we wish to discuss in confidence.—Zhao Weiyang---Tianwu stared at the letter for a long moment, his mind working through the possibilities. A private meeting with Weiyang? It could be a trap, a test of some kind—but why? What could he want from him that couldn't be said in front of the others?He had little time to think on it, for his father's voice interrupted his musings."Tianming," Lin Zhaoyu called from the doorway, "I need you to accompany me to the Zhao estate. There's a matter of business to attend to, and I want you present. You will learn the importance of these alliances soon enough."Tianwu's stomach tightened. It seemed the fates were pushing him closer to Weiyang—whether he wanted to be or not.---The Zhao estate was unlike any Tianwu had ever seen. Vast and imposing, it stood at the edge of the city, its towering walls a testament to the family's power and influence. As they approached the main gates, the atmosphere shifted, as though the very air itself held a certain weight, a suffocating sense of authority.Tianwu followed his father into the grand hall, where Zhao Weiyang awaited them. He stood at the head of a long, ornate table, his eyes sweeping over Tianwu as if gauging his every movement."Lin Zhaoyu," Weiyang said with a respectful nod, though his gaze never left Tianwu. "It's an honor to have you here."Zhaoyu's expression was impassive, but Tianwu could sense the subtle tension in his shoulders. There was something about this meeting—something unspoken—that made him uneasy."Zhao Weiyang," Zhaoyu replied coolly. "We've discussed the terms, and I believe we're close to an agreement. My son, Tianming, will be joining us as a representative of the Lin family."Tianwu met Weiyang's gaze for the briefest of moments, and for a second, he saw something flicker in the other's eyes—a glint of curiosity, or perhaps something deeper."You're welcome to stay, Tianming," Weiyang said, his voice smooth. "But I do hope you'll allow me to speak with your father privately for a moment. There are some matters I would prefer to discuss without distractions."Tianwu hesitated but nodded, stepping back as his father and Weiyang moved to a secluded corner of the hall. As he lingered by the window, his mind began to wander, his thoughts returning once again to the mysterious young man in the garden, and the haunting melody that still echoed in his heart.He knew that his life was about to change—he could feel it in the air. But what was he meant to do? Who could he trust? Yuren, with his charming yet guarded nature? Weiyang, whose gaze seemed to pierce through him like a blade? Or perhaps someone else entirely?His reverie was interrupted when a soft voice called out to him."Tianming."He turned to find Yuren standing by the door, his expression unreadable."You've come to the Zhao estate, too?" Tianwu asked, his surprise evident.Yuren's lips curled into a small, enigmatic smile. "I do have my own interests in these matters. It would be foolish to let such an important opportunity pass by."Tianwu studied him for a moment, sensing something more behind the casual tone. "You were here before?"Yuren didn't answer immediately. Instead, he glanced toward where Zhaoyu and Weiyang were deep in conversation. "The Zhao family has a way of making things... complicated."Tianwu raised an eyebrow. "You mean Weiyang?"Yuren's smile faded slightly. "He's not as simple as he seems. Be careful, Tianming. He has plans, and not all of them align with your best interests."Tianwu's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"Yuren's gaze hardened, his usual easygoing demeanor slipping for a moment. "I'm saying that Weiyang is a dangerous man. He's not playing by the same rules you are."Tianwu frowned, but before he could respond, the sound of footsteps reached his ears."Ah, Tianming," Weiyang's voice cut through the air, smooth and commanding. "I hope you're not too bored. I wanted to show you something—come with me."Without waiting for a response, Weiyang turned and walked toward a side door. Tianwu exchanged a glance with Yuren, who gave him a silent, almost imperceptible nod.There was no choice.---Tianwu followed Weiyang down a narrow corridor, the air growing cooler as they moved deeper into the heart of the estate. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork and ancient scrolls, the atmosphere thick with the weight of history and power.Weiyang finally stopped before a large wooden door, which he opened with ease. "Here we are," he said, stepping aside to let Tianwu enter.The room beyond was dimly lit, but as Tianwu's eyes adjusted, he saw what lay within. A vast, ornate mirror stood in the center of the room, its surface gleaming in the low light."This is my family's most prized possession," Weiyang said quietly, his tone reverent. "The Mirror of Souls. It shows the truth within a person's heart. Care to see what it reveals about you?"Tianwu froze. Something about the mirror felt... wrong."I don't think I'm ready for that," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with apprehension.Weiyang smiled, his gaze cold and calculating. "That's a pity. You could learn so much about yourself."As the mirror's surface rippled, Tianwu felt an unsettling chill crawl up his spine. And just before the reflection could reveal itself, a sudden crash echoed through the hall, followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps.Something—or someone—was coming.---The door to the room slammed open, and a figure stepped through the threshold, their face shadowed by the dim light. The air grew thick with tension as the new arrival's gaze locked onto Tianwu. The world seemed to stop for a heartbeat before the stranger spoke, their voice low and dangerous."You shouldn't be here, Tianming."