Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 5 - Resilience in Silence

Upon arriving at the lodging, Qing Yi found his sister and mother already awake. Jing Shi swiftly seized her brother, her voice a mixture of concern and annoyance.

"Qing Yi, you troublesome child! Where on earth were you the entire night?" she exclaimed, a note of exasperation in her tone.

Qing Yi proceeded to explain the situation, carefully omitting any mention of Wen Ning. Jing Shi let out a sigh, her frustration evident. "Oh, for heaven's sake. You mean to tell me there are four thousand rules governing their lives? How do they even manage to function with so many restrictions tying them down?" she quipped.

"Discipline," Yu Yan chimed in, her expression serious. "These individuals have cultivated discipline from a tender age. It's truly commendable."

"I suppose," Jing Shi retorted, rolling her eyes in a gesture that conveyed her skepticism.

"Haha, I suppose this is the ideal moment to share that I might have just tarnished our connection with the Lans." Qing Yi said, his tone a delightful mix of half-seriousness and jest.

"What?" both Yu Yan and Jing Shi exclaimed in unison, their expressions reflecting bewilderment.

Qing Yi went on to recount his exchange with Lan Xichen, laying out the series of interactions. His mother's emotions ignited, her hand rising to her forehead in exasperation.

"How could you be so recklessly impulsive? Could you not have kept a leash on your tongue for just a teensy bit longer? It was you who discovered this opportunity for us, and now you're the one who might be undoing it. Who could have foreseen this?" Yu Yan's scolding tone resonated through the air.

"I genuinely didn't intend to be disrespectful. I was only being candid... It was him who couldn't appreciate my honesty," Qing Yi countered. "Calm down, Mother. Perhaps he harbors disdain for me because I challenged him, but it appears he holds affection for Jing Shi. Maybe she should have a conversation with him?" Qing Yi suggested.

"Fortunately I have a chance to showcase my talents to the Clan Clan Leader later today," Jing Shi chimed in.

"Really? That's fantastic, sis!" Qing Yi responded, his enthusiasm evident.

"Indeed. And you, my dear drama queen, are going to be my trusty assistant," Jing Shi replied matter-of-factly.

Qing Yi paused, a sense of uncertainty creeping in. "Why...?"

"Well, I need a willing subject to demonstrate my healing techniques, don't I?" Jing Shi explained, a bright smile gracing her features. "Considering your remarkable pain tolerance, I thought you'd be the ideal candidate."

"Are...you suggesting you'll inflict pain on me...?" Qing Yi's voice carried a tinge of worry.

Jing Shi reassured him with a grin. "I'll enhance the numbing pills and pain medication."

Qing Yi bit his lip, his reluctance palpable. Finally, he relented, albeit with a condition. "They'd better be triple the strength of what I'm already taking."

****

Later that morning, the Lan clan assembled all their elders and disciples. Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan also joined them for a demonstration of the healing abilities possessed by the Koh siblings. All eyes were fixed on Jing Shi as she meticulously detailed the components of the most potent healing potion, known as the "Elixir of Renewal."

"This particular healing potion goes by the name 'Elixir of Renewal.' It has the power to mend any mortal wounds one might incur in battle or on the field. Additionally, it imparts temporary resistance to post-injury repercussions. The ingredients required for crafting this potion are exceedingly rare, but my brother's penchant for wandering allowed us to gather the necessary components for this presentation," Jing Shi announced, casting a glance towards Qing Yi.