Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 75 - Crowns of Gold and Emerald (Part 1)

Note:

Hi everyone!

This chapter took me quite a while to write because it's filled with so much information and quite a few revelations about Qing Yi and Baihu. Honestly, I think I need to stop overcomplicating the plot sometimes to spare myself the headaches, haha!

As I was writing, the chapter started getting really long, and I realized it was packed with a lot of details. So, I decided to split it into two parts. I felt that keeping it all in one chapter might make it too lengthy and possibly confusing—and I certainly don't want to lose any readers!

So, here's part one, and I'll see you all in part two soon!

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Wei Wuxian, sensing the mounting intensity, spoke up, his voice steady but calm. "Let's keep our heads and think about the situation for a second," he said, breaking through the oppressive silence.

His eyes landed on Qing Yi, who stood rigid, fists clenched, fighting the torrent of emotions swirling within him.

Wei Wuxian continued, addressing the entire room but never quite removing his gaze from Qing Yi. "Dache may have taken the princess, but they knew exactly how important she is to both of you." He gestured towards Kai Ze and Qing Yi, his tone measured.

"They wouldn't dare make such a bold move without understanding the stakes. And with their current predicament—losing ground and struggling to maintain their influence—I don't think they'd risk their survival by harming Yi Na."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, his sharp gaze catching the subtle flickers of emotion across the room. "While it may seem dire, especially to you, Qing Yi, we can reasonably assume that the princess's life is not in immediate danger. Dache needs her as leverage, and it would be a very poor decision to harm her, knowing how valuable she is to them right now."

Qing Yi's mind, clouded with rage, seemed to clear just a fraction. His furrowed brow eased, though only slightly, as Wei Wuxian's logic pierced through the fog of his emotions. His clenched fists loosened, the tension in his posture lessening as he contemplated the truth of Wei Wuxian's words. Slowly, his gaze softened, though his inner turmoil was far from fully settled.

Lan Xichen, who had been quietly observing Qing Yi's expression throughout the exchange, noticed the change. His own expression softened, warmth and reassurance flickering in his eyes.

"That's something we should be ready for," Lan Xichen said softly, his voice thoughtful as he met Qing Yi's gaze. "It's likely that Dache will soon try to bargain or ransom Yi Na. We need to anticipate their demands and be prepared. In the meantime, if you'd like, I can send my disciples out in secret to search for her—quietly, without drawing attention. We can cover ground without causing a stir."

Qing Yi's gaze softened, filled with both appreciation and affection as he looked at Lan Xichen. He hadn't anticipated that Lan Xichen would offer to send his own disciples to help him, and the gesture touched him deeply. A gentle smile curled at the corner of his lips, and he gave a small nod in acknowledgment.

"Thank you," Qing Yi said quietly, his voice laced with sincerity. "I'll have my Serpents look as well. Between them and your disciples, we'll find her."

Lan Xichen returned the smile, his eyes warm and filled with reassurance. It was a comforting smile, one that silently conveyed his unwavering support, a reminder that he would stand by Qing Yi no matter what.

As the tension in him eased, Qing Yi glanced over at Jing Xiang, who had been quiet during the discussion. He noticed her expression had also relaxed, though a flicker of worry still lingered in her eyes. Their gazes met, but Jing Xiang quickly looked away, unable to fully shake the concern she carried for her daughter.