I Will Leave Before Dawn

Chapter 15: Chaos arising

The candle was lit, casting dancing shadows as its tiny flame braved the gusts of wind that playfully slipped through the open window. The breeze was strong, carrying with it a sense of impending storm, yet the signs were nowhere to be seen.

Lu Ye laid himself on the bed, gazing up at the sky, his eyes playfully searching for the moon. It was the night when the blood moon made its grand entrance, painting the sky with a captivating display. The familiar pale moon took on a striking crimson and ruddy brown hue, dominating the heavens. The billowing clouds danced and teased, playing hide-and-seek with the celestial marvel, amplifying its allure, which caused its brilliant light to sporadically bless and disappear from view

Lu Ye had gone to Damu Lan's room to tend to his supposedly drunk master, but Damu Lan was nowhere to be found. Left with no other choice, Lu Ye remained in his room, hesitant to fall asleep. Fearing the nightmare would haunt him again, aware that escape from their clutches was but a transient hope.

Lu Ye's countenance was blank, his eyes lacked any semblance of communication. He yawned and then sighed. He was bored. It had become his routine to tend to Damu Lan, spending his time there until just before dawn broke.

Lu Ye traced the patterns of the moon with his eyes, until a sudden tumult broke the serenity of the sect. Just as he was about to investigate the commotion, Fei Yi appeared at his door, urgency etched across his face.

"Lu Ye! Quickly! A grave matter! All disciples must gather at the treasured Qing Shan Hall now!"

Fei Yi grasped Lu Ye's hand, propelling him forward in haste. A whirlwind of questions spun in Lu Ye's mind.

Meanwhile, Damu Lan knocked on Cang Ren's door and let himself in. Cang Ren was in the midst of brewing himself a few ingredients, experimenting with his concoctions. Sensing Damu Lan's presence, Cang Ren continued his work without so much as a glance, asking, "Damu Lan, do you need another medicine?"

Silent greeted Cang Ren's inquiry, leading him to deduce that Damu Lan's visit did not concern his illness. Setting aside his tools, Cang Ren adjusted his posture and turned to face Damu Lan.

"Then, what brings you here?" he asked.

It took some time for Damu Lan to finally spoke. He said, "I came back from MingYue peak."

Cang Ren replied nonchalantly, "Then what about it? It's not unusual for you to do something abnormal at this point."

Damu Lan continued, "Someone broke through my barrier."

Despite the graceful placement of his hands behind his back, Cang Ren could tell that his palm seemed to not rest at ease. The faint sound of cracking bones reached Cang Ren's ears. It seemed to Cang Ren that Damu Lan was feeling anxious, even though his facial expression remained stern, only his brows furrowing.

"What spell?"

Ignoring Cang Ren's question, Damu Lan redirected the conversation. "You mentioned sending a few disciples to MingYue Peak to find a herb for you?"

Cang Ren managed a single nod in response

The next question from Damu Lan left Cang Ren uncertain whether he should tell the truth or conceal it.

"Did they find it?"

At that point, Damu Lan's words grew heavy and laden with purpose. He wasn't merely filling the silence but seeking a significant answer.

Cang Ren felt bewildered. Does Damu Lan care so much if anyone else finds the herbs instead of him?

"I asked you, did they find it?" Damu Lan repeated, his tone took on a commanding quality. The time seemed to still, as if time itself paused to bear witness to the conversation.