Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 20 - A Quest for Amethyst in the Hidden Grotto

"Qing Yi, Qing Yi!"

Turning toward the calling voice, Qing Yi shifted his attention from gathering herbs and oysters along the riverbanks of the Khufu rainforest.

"Your Highness," Qing Yi greeted with a smile, responding to the man calling out to him. As he approached, the young man, dressed in the attire of a Prince of Khufu, extended his closed hands toward Qing Yi. Opening his palms revealed a glowing Aquamerald Pearl, radiating a bright green light as vivid as Qing Yi's bewildered eyes.

"You found one!" Qing Yi exclaimed joyfully, looking at the young prince. The Prince smiled brightly, placing the precious pearl into Qing Yi's hand. Suddenly, the young prince was violently swept away by a powerful river current, right before Qing Yi's terrified eyes.

"Prince Shuyan!" Qing Yi yelled out hopelessly as he watched the current carry the prince away.

Abruptly awaking to the serene melody of raindrops gently tapping against the wooden railing of his balcony, Qing Yi lay in bed, his right arm reaching up, soaked in sweat as he tried to regain his vision. His watered eyes discerned the ceiling of his cabin. The sound of the rain slowly calmed his nerves, each drop carrying a gentle rhythm that harmonized with the scent of damp earth and the distant fragrance of winter blooms. The rain enveloped Qing Yi's cabin in an aura of serenity.

Raising his hand to massage his forehead, every time Qing Yi experienced relaxation, his mind unconsciously reminded him of unforgettable moments from his past, manifesting in the form of dreams.

Prince Shuyan, please forgive me...

Covering his face with both hands, Qing Yi slowly regained his consciousness. It had been a while since Qing Yi had experienced such an uninterrupted night's sleep. Slowly, he rose from his bed and gazed out onto his balcony. In the midst of early Winter in Gusu, the air bore a distinct chill, which perfectly complemented the seasonal transition. It imbued the atmosphere with a sense of coziness, inviting Qing Yi to revel in the embrace of his sanctuary. Jing Xiang, diligent as ever, had already begun her day, the soft shuffling of her movements a companion to the soothing backdrop of rain.

Stepping onto his balcony, Qing Yi was greeted by the gentle touch of raindrops on his skin. He closed his eyes, allowing the cool moisture to caress his face, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. The small herb garden below was a verdant oasis, its vibrant hues intensified by the rain. Jing Xiang, mindful of their precious herbs, was carefully harvesting those that might succumb to the heavy rain. She moved with practiced grace, a testament to the care she invested in their shared abode.

After dressing in his customary Koeh Tribe attire and attending to his morning routine, Qing Yi made his way to the backyard to join his twin. Upon his arrival, he couldn't help but notice a selection of books neatly arranged on the herb tables. It became apparent that Jing Xiang was engrossed in the process of brewing potions, diligently following the recipes contained within those volumes.

Curiosity got the better of him, and Qing Yi inquired, "Where did you come across these books, Jing Xiang?" He settled into a seat in front of the array of texts.

Jing Xiang dashed indoors, escaping the rain, and momentarily left the freshly gathered herbs on the side. "Well, good morning, dear brother. Finally awake, are we?" Jing Xiang greeted with a hint of playful teasing. "Honestly, if you had slept through another day, I might have thought you'd met your end in your slumber."

Qing Yi was taken aback by his twin sister's words. "How... how long have I been asleep?" he inquired.

Jing Xiang flashed a warm smile. "You've been asleep for three days straight," she replied.