The Jade Emperor's Blessing...(Yù Huáng de Zhù Fú)

Seven

As the months of study at the Cloud Recesses came to an end, the disciples from various sects prepared to return to their respective clans.

The once bustling halls of the Lan clan's residence began to quiet down, the excitement of the Festival of Lights fading into a fond memory.

Wei Ying, Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Yan Li packed their belongings, ready to head back to Yunmeng.

The time spent at the Cloud Recesses had been transformative, filled with lessons, new friendships, and moments of profound connection. For Wei Ying, it had also been a time of deepening feelings and an unexpected bond with Lan Zhan.

On the last evening, a farewell dinner was held in the main hall.

The atmosphere was bittersweet, filled with gratitude for the knowledge gained and sadness at the impending goodbyes.

Wei Ying found himself constantly glancing at Lan Zhan, who remained his usual stoic self but with a certain tension in his eyes.

After the dinner, as the other disciples retired for the night, Wei Ying found Lan Zhan standing by the pool pond.

He approached quietly, not wanting to disturb the serene moment.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Ying called softly.

Lan Zhan turned, his expression softening ever so slightly at the sight of Wei Ying.

"I wanted to thank you," Wei Ying continued, his voice earnest. "For everything. Your guidance, your patience... and for being my friend."

Lan Zhan nodded, his eyes never leaving Wei Ying's. "You have grown, Wei Ying. Remember what you have learned here."

"I will," Wei Ying promised, his heart aching at the thought of leaving. "And I hope we will see each other again soon."

Lan Zhan's gaze intensified, a silent promise passing between them.

"We will."

The next morning, as the disciples gathered to depart, Wei Ying found it hard to say goodbye. He exchanged warm farewells with the Lan clan members and his new friends from other Sects like Nie Husaing from Nie Sects and Wen Ning from the Wen Sects.

Finally, he stood before Lan Zhan, unsure of what to say.

"Take care, Lan Zhan," Wei Ying said, his voice thick with emotion.

"And you, Wei Ying," Lan Zhan replied, his tone equally solemn.

As the Jiang disciples left the Cloud Recesses, Wei Ying looked back one last time, his eyes meeting Lan Zhan's. The connection between them was strong, a bond that distance and time could not break.

******

In the celestial realm, the Jade Emperor sat in quiet contemplation, his empathy allowing him to witness the past events unfold. He watched the budding connection between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan with a mixture of sorrow and hope.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the moment was shattered by the arrival of an urgent messenger.

The doors to the Jade Emperor's chamber burst open, and a young attendant rushed in, his face pale with worry.

"Your Majesty, forgive the intrusion," the attendant panted. "But we have received troubling news from the mortal realm."

The Jade Emperor's eyes narrowed, his serene expression giving way to concern. "What has happened?"

"The balance of the realms is threatened," the attendant explained, his voice trembling. "There are disturbances that could have dire consequences for both the celestial and mortal worlds."