"It was the first time I saw you truly panic. Rest assured, I would never jeopardize the bond between our sects. That day, after you regained consciousness—when I dragged Li Haoran out of the Sober Living Home Residence—we spoke privately, and he explained everything to me. At this point, there's no need for more official talks. Li Haoran's behavior is nothing new; even then, I pulled him aside for his own awareness. Frankly, I feared he'd give you more headaches once things returned to normal," Elder Qing Yun explained, his tone gentle yet laced with amusement.
Yue Chan didn't reply; instead, she glanced quietly at Li Haoran.
It felt strange to her that, in this moment, Li Haoran had managed to smooth everything over so deftly.
The Moonveil Saint and Thunder Peak Sects had been allies for centuries, their elders having solidified the foundation of this alliance for more than five hundred years.
The bond between their sects had never faltered, persisting even into this generation.
For Yue Chan, the importance of these official talks—or their outcome—did not depend on whether Li Haoran stepped forward first.
Even if he acted before her, she would still have walked in and faced the situation herself, no matter the cost.
This was all she could do: better to act on what she knew was right than to wait in hesitation and end up with regret—especially if her inaction would only bring chaos in the end.
That would not happen. She would make sure of it.
After all, getting along was never an adversity in itself; it was a sign of mutual respect and understanding.
"Still, I felt it was right to come personally and pay my respects, Elder Qing. As for the matter of mastership, we can both guide Li Haoran together," she spoke up at last, her voice steady and sincere.
Elder Qing drifted into deep thought.
He was not one to insist on rigid rules, especially when dealing with those he respected as dignified and upright. He had never once despised their alliance, no matter the challenges they had faced together.
"I won't force you. If that's the case, I trust you," Elder Qing responded, his tone gentle and resolute.
This time, Yue Chan offered him a respectful bow, expressing her gratitude for his understanding.
With everything settled, Elder Qing invited her to stay the night.
That evening, all the elders and disciples of the sect gathered for a lively banquet, celebrating their five hundred and sixty-fifth anniversary.
The courtyard was lavishly prepared for the celebration, with long tables neatly aligned and adorned with jars of fragrant wine, steaming tea, an array of delicate sweets, and platters of fresh fruit.
At the heart of the courtyard, nine female disciples in flowing red-and-white attire performed an elegant dance, their movements both graceful and mesmerizing.
On the far side, a spirited sparring match unfolded between disciples, drawing an eager audience.
Elsewhere, clusters of disciples formed attentive circles around one of the sect's renowned tutors, hanging on his every word as he delivered an inspiring lecture.
Elder Qing Yun, the dignified sect leader, was at the center of the festivities, entertaining his fellow elders as they exchanged lively banter and laughter.
Meanwhile, Yue Chan remained in her chamber, quietly observing the bustling celebration below from her window, content to watch the merriment from afar.
"You're here!" Li Haoran called out suddenly, breaking her silent vigil at the window.
So absorbed was she in the lively scene outside, she hadn't noticed him slip into her chamber.
Li Haoran stood stiffly at the doorway, balancing a wooden tray laden with fruits, sweets, tea, and wine.
"Forgive me for not announcing myself, Master," he said with a respectful bow.
At his courtesy, Yue Chan turned her head, her expression calm and composed.
"No need. Come in," she replied, her voice gentle.
Li Haoran obeyed, entering quietly and setting his offerings down with care.
"It's so lively outside, isn't it? Master, why not join everyone instead of staying here alone?" he asked, curiosity and concern blending in his tone.
"Yes, it's certainly lively. Perhaps... I'm just not used to it," Yue Chan admitted softly.
"Why?" Li Haoran pressed, stepping closer.
"Aside from Elder Qing, you are the one I feel closest to here," she answered, her honesty gentle and unguarded.
Li Haoran hesitated, words failing him as an awkward silence settled between them.
Yue Chan sighed softly and looked up at him.
"What about you? Why don't you go join them?" she asked, her tone gentle but curious.
"If I go, you'll be alone here again," Li Haoran replied, concern flickering in his eyes.
"What are you implying?" she asked, brow slightly raised.
"I'll stay and accompany you," he said simply, his sincerity unwavering.
Yue Chan shot to her feet.
"You wouldn't dare! This is the guest room, and I remind you, we've already been swept up in nonstop rumors. Li Haoran, use your head!"
"I understand. If you don't want me to stay here, then let's find another place where we can both watch the festivities outside," he suggested, his tone conciliatory.
At his words, Yue Chan twitched her lips in disbelief.
Where could they possibly go without drawing attention?
"Master, leave it to me," Li Haoran said confidently, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Watching his antics, Yue Chan folded her arms, uncertain what he was plotting.
But before she could protest, Li Haoran picked up the laden tray of offerings.
In one swift motion, he brazenly slipped an arm around her waist—and in a heartbeat, the two of them vanished into thin air.
In the blink of an eye, Yue Chan found herself standing atop the roof of the quarters.
At her side, Li Haoran carefully set the laden tray at the edge of the roof, then gently helped Yue Chan to settle beside him, making sure she was comfortable and steady.
"See? Admit it—I'm the best, Master. Isn't this view far better than what you had from your window? Here, you can watch the festivities, and the moon above as well," he said, a note of playful arrogance in his voice.
Yue Chan snorted, a sly smirk tugging at her lips.
"How arrogant."
"That's harsh! Let me set the record straight—I'm just being honest," Li Haoran retorted, feigning indignation.
"Of course, but you're being a bit childish," she shot back, rolling her eyes.
"Childish? That's an insult. I'm the most handsome man in the entire Thunder Peak Sect! Master, you're far too sensitive—and honestly, a little dull," he replied, puffing out his chest in mock pride.
"Wait—calling me dull, isn't that an insult?" Yue Chan countered, arching a brow at him.
"That's not what I mean. What I'm trying to say is you're..."
"I'm what?" Yue Chan pressed, tilting her head in mild challenge.
"You're... the kind of person who can't always see what's really inside yourself," Li Haoran said, searching for the right words.
Yue Chan fell silent, her expression unreadable.
"But I know that's just your outer shell. Deep down, you feel things so intensely—even if you rarely show it. You've endured a lot, Master," he added softly.
"Why are you telling me this?" Yue Chan asked, her voice softer, a hint of vulnerability seeping through.
"Master, I know you dislike people meddling in your personal troubles. But you don't always have to keep everything locked away just to guard your privacy. Sometimes, you need to share your feelings with someone who truly understands you."
"Personal troubles, feelings?" Yue Chan echoed, her gaze steady. "Then who do you think truly understands me?"
Li Haoran smiled, ready to answer, but was interrupted before he could speak.
At his reaction, Yue Chan shook her head and turned her attention to the bustling chaos below.
Beside her, Li Haoran poured a cup of wine and handed it to her.
"Master, have a drink," Li Haoran offered, his tone gentle.
Turning her head, Yue Chan accepted his offering and drank the wine without hesitation.
"Do you know who you are?" Li Haoran suddenly asked, his voice quiet but probing.
Yue Chan offered no response, only glancing at him with quiet curiosity.
"I don't really know who I was," he admitted quietly.
A gentle silence settled between them.
"Five years ago, I woke up here in this place. When my eyes first fluttered open, my master was the first person I saw."
"Did... your master ever tell you what you were like?" Yue Chan asked, her voice gentle.
Li Haoran shook his head, a small, wistful smile on his lips.
"He didn't—and probably wouldn't have dared. When I regained my senses, I couldn't remember anything about my past. For five years, this year is the only time I've had the freedom to wander outside. Before now, Master Qing never allowed me to step beyond the sect. He said the world outside was dangerous, and I'd be at risk if I insisted."
"Then why did you risk sneaking into Moonveil Saint Sect if you already knew the risks?"
A hush settled over the rooftop, the clamor of the celebration below dimming into the distance.
Above them, the moonlight bathed everything in silver, casting a soft, tranquil glow.
In this secluded space, it felt as though the rest of the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them and the quiet night.
"Because I wanted to see you." Li Haoran's words, spoken softly, carried a weight of honesty that seemed to linger in the cool air.
Time slowed.
For a fleeting moment, the rooftop became a world apart—untouched by the revelry below, held in the gentle embrace of the stars.
"I mean... back when I persuaded you to be my master, you gave me hope."
There was a tremor in his voice, his sincerity unmistakable.
"Asking Master Qing for permission would've been impossible—he'd never agree. That's why sneaking in was my only chance to see you."
Yue Chan felt her heart flutter, a mixture of surprise, worry, and something softer rising within her.
She clenched her hands in her lap, steadying herself.
"You're insane! Do you even know what you're doing?" she exclaimed, her voice low but urgent. "You're not just putting yourself at risk—you're dragging me into your recklessness too."
"I admit my mistake. But if I hadn't followed my will, I would never have had a chance to accompany you like this."
Yue Chan let out an exasperated sigh and pinched his arm, her annoyance barely concealed.
Li Haoran flinched, pulling his arm back with a comical wince.
"That hurts!"
"That's right. Maybe I should cut off your feet so you really learn your lesson." Yue Chan threatened, drawing her daggers in a fluid, practiced motion.
The moonlight gleamed off the blade as she brandished it with mock severity.
Li Haoran's eyes widened in alarm, and he lifted his hands in surrender.
"Master... I'm your disciple! Please have mercy!" he pleaded, a sheepish smile breaking through his panic, the playful banter softening the tension between them.
Yue Chan slid her daggers smoothly back into their sheath, her eyes narrowing as she regarded him.
"Hard-headed," she murmured, her voice dry but not without affection.
"Beauty shouldn't be so angry. If I'm hard-headed, then what about you, Master—are you hot-tempered?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Be quiet," she shot back, but a faint smile threatened to break her stern demeanor.
He grew suddenly earnest.
"Even if we bicker like this, Master, you're the only person I've truly talked with in a long time. Not since… before."
Yue Chan fell silent, her eyes softening, the rooftop's quiet growing deeper around them.
"Those four years in isolation… I was kept here too, just like you. Every time I was alone, my mind wandered. I would always end up staring at this white heirloom jade bangle on my wrist, wondering about everything."
Li Haoran turned to her, lifting his wrist so she could see the bangle gleaming softly in the moonlight.
"Master, tell me—does this bangle have anything to do with who I really am?"