Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 21 - Brewing Storms and Unspoken Sentiments

The relentless rain showed no signs of abating. Inside the Lan Sect Meeting Hall, Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were engrossed in discussions regarding the upcoming Discussion Conference scheduled in Qinghe for the next few days. Outside, the herbology class had just concluded, and students hurriedly dashed for shelter from the downpour. Among the departing students, Lan Xichen spotted Jing Shi and He Xuan preparing to leave without umbrellas.

Observing the situation, Lan Qiren approached his nephew and asked if Lan Xichen would be willing to escort the two ladies back to Gusu Sylvatica. It was a subtle suggestion for Lan Xichen to spend more time with Jing Shi. Initially hesitant, Lan Xichen ultimately acquiesced to his uncle's proposal, recognizing that Lan Qiren had the best interests of the clan at heart. Lan Wangji, perceptive as always, noticed his brother's inner conflict and offered to accompany He Xuan, ensuring a balanced escort arrangement.

As the rain continued to pour, the brothers approached Jing Shi and He Xuan. They used a magic talisman to create an invisible shield above their heads, providing shelter for all four of them. Jing Shi and He Xuan were both astounded by the magic and couldn't help but express their amazement.

"This is incredible! And incredibly useful," Jing Shi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

He Xuan turned her gaze toward Lan Wangji and inquired, "Is there a way for us to learn this?"

Lan Wangji, with a faint smile, replied, "Well... You would need to endure about five or six years of cultivation before you might be able to learn this trick."

Jing Shi playfully chimed in, "Oh dear, we'll be old ladies by then!"

As they strolled back towards the entrance of Gusu Sylvatica, Jing Shi extended a warm invitation to Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, suggesting they stop by for a cup of tea infused with the Golden Silk Honey they had harvested earlier in the day. The brothers readily accepted, and the four of them began their leisurely walk toward the Koeh Tribal Hall.

Meanwhile, Qing Yi was making his way back from his ingredient-gathering adventure, completely drenched from head to toe. He ran past Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, his thoughts relieved as he entered the village.

"Thank goodness, I've finally made it back," Qing Yi thought to himself.

However, his respite was short-lived. A sharp voice cut through the rain, "Qing Yi!" Jing Shi's voice rang out sharply from under the shelter of the Tribal Hall's roof, causing Qing Yi to come to an abrupt halt. He looked up to see his sister, along with He Xuan and the Lan brothers, standing together.

"Sis!" Qing Yi called out in response, his face managing a weak smile.

Jing Shi's anger was palpable as she scolded him, "Come here right now! What were you thinking, running out in such weather wearing such thin clothes!"

The sight of Qing Yi in such a state shocked not only Jing Shi but also Lan Xichen and the others. Qing Yi was soaked from head to toe, his face drained of color due to the cold rain. An unexpected surge of frustration welled up within Lan Xichen, but it was quickly overshadowed by deep concern for Qing Yi's well-being.

Reluctantly, Qing Yi walked up to them, his breath coming in labored gasps.

"Please, calm down, sis," Qing Yi replied to Jing Shi, his voice strained. Beads of sweat mixed with raindrops were evident on his face, forming a glistening sheen.

"Get inside and get warmed!" Jing Shi demanded, her concern turning into frustration as she touched her brother's icy-cold face. "Oh my god, your face is cold as ice! Qing Yi!" she yelled again, and this time, her constant yelling had finally irritated Qing Yi. He pushed her hand away.

"Enough, sis," Qing Yi countered, his voice firm. "I'm perfectly fine, just a bit wet. No need to fuss so much. Besides, your constant yelling is making Ze Wu Jun and Hanguang Jun a bit uncomfortable. You know they appreciate tranquility over loud noises."