Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 46 - A Visit From the Shadows

As night unfolded, its tendrils stretching into the late hours, cold desert winds intermittently swept through the western valley. A group of soldiers, dispatched by Prince Kai Ze, stood watch over a cave that harbored a mysterious and dangerous entity. This malevolent force had once unleashed horrors upon the town of Serpent's Shade. Diligently, the soldiers carried out their duty, maintaining a vigilant presence around the sealed entrance of the cave.

Amid their watch, one soldier, seeking a moment of respite, stepped away from his post for some fresh air. As he passed through the sealed cave entrance, a disturbance echoed from within. Initially dismissing it as a trick of the wind or his imagination, he lingered a bit longer, hoping to confirm the reality of the situation. After a moment of apparent quietness, he assumed it was merely his imagination playing tricks on him. Just as he was about to retreat, the echoing sound returned, more pronounced and persistent. Concerned, he summoned another soldier for confirmation. Together, they patiently observed, and once again, another unsettling sound emanated from the cave.

"We need to inform Prince Kai Ze," declared one soldier. The other nodded in agreement and swiftly departed for the Military Camp.

Returning to the camp, the soldier rushed to Prince Kai Ze's location. Unfortunately, the prince was engrossed in a meeting with General Wu Jin. However, Wen Ning was available. The soldier approached Wen Ning urgently.

"Sir, there are movements within the cave. You must come quickly!"

Wen Ning immediately departed with the soldier toward the Western Valley.

****

Qing Yi returned to his room, his spirits still weighed down. The encounter with Ming Zhe had left him drained, and to his surprise, he found himself wishing for a more tumultuous experience that might have rendered him unconscious. Seated in silence, he gazed blankly at the tranquil night ocean, a solitary tear tracing its path down his cheek. Thoughts of his journey back to Gusu and the confrontation with Lan Xichen swirled relentlessly in his mind. More tears followed as he began to rue his hasty interactions with Lan Xichen. Perhaps, instead of reacting impulsively to his emotions, he should have stayed in Gusu a bit longer and listened to Lan Xichen's side. Maybe there was an explanation that he had missed. Should he have trusted Lan Xichen more? Regretful thoughts continued to whirl around Qing Yi's mind, and the desire to leave for Gusu immediately intensified.

Yet, the remorseful look on Lan Xichen's face during their encounter made Qing Yi ponder if there was anything left to clarify. Perhaps what he witnessed that day was all the explanation he needed. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he collapsed onto his bed. Covering his face with his hands, Qing Yi attempted to push away the depressing thoughts plaguing him. Yet, the more he tried to avoid thinking, the more images of his sister and Lan Xichen forcefully intruded into his mind. After a few minutes, Qing Yi began to feel lightheaded, a headache emerging from dehydration caused by the tears he shed. With a long, heavy sigh, he slowly succumbed to sleep.

In his dream, Qing Yi found himself wandering the Cloud Recesses on a beautiful summer day, basking in the warm, bright sunshine that illuminated the serene gardens. Students and Lan disciples moved diligently to and from their classes and duties, creating an atmosphere of happiness, laughter, and camaraderie. The sight of the Lan disciples in their sect uniforms brought a sense of calm to Qing Yi.

Amid the serene atmosphere, distant sounds of children's laughter and cheerful cheers filled the air. Turning around, Qing Yi caught sight of a young boy, aged around four or five, sprinting toward him. As the child drew closer, Qing Yi could see his face distinctly. The boy was truly adorable, bearing a subtle resemblance to both his sister, Jing Shi, and Lan Xichen. His face radiated an infectious joy, a bright smile adorning his features as he hurried toward Qing Yi.