The morning mist still clung in ghostly shrouds to the ancient trees of the Winding Spirit Forest. But as Jia Wei Xin led her team – Luo Han, Chen Yu, Mei Lan, Yan Ping, and Chang Dian – out of its depths and towards the familiar gates of the sect, the air around them seemed to shimmer with the afterglow of triumph. They had faced unseen threats, navigated treacherous terrain, and unearthed rare spirit herbs, ultimately emerging victorious from the Grand Contest.
They were the first to return—Jia Wei Xin's team had not only secured first place but had also completed all the challenges set forth by the Forgotten Master and brought back the elusive Violet Fireleaf Blossom. Whispers rippled through the waiting disciples who had gathered near the gates, many peering anxiously down the path to see if other teams were trailing behind. It was clear that the other teams, still battling through the forest or overcoming their final trials, had yet to make it back.
News of their return, and more importantly, their unprecedented success in completing the Forgotten Master's Trial, had already spread like wildfire through the sect. Liu Mo Fei, the Sect Leader, stood by the entrance to the main hall, bathed in the gentle glow of newly lit spirit lanterns, his robes flowing elegantly around him. His usual serene composure was subtly softened by a rare, triumphant smile as Jia Wei Xin approached.
As the group drew near, a gong resounded faintly in the distance, echoing through the corridors of the sect. A herald in crisp ceremonial robes appeared at Liu Mo Fei's side, bowing deeply. "Sect Leader, the gift ceremony for the victorious team is scheduled for tomorrow at sunrise, as per tradition," he announced. "The entire sect will gather to honor their achievement."
Liu Mo Fei nodded, though his gaze never left Jia Wei Xin. "You've returned," he said, his voice a low, resonant hum, a hint of genuine warmth in his tone. His gaze swept over Jia Wei Xin, taking in her slightly rumpled robes and the faint smudge of dirt on her cheek, yet seeing only triumph. "And with the Violet Fireleaf Blossom, no less. I never doubted you, Wei Xin." His grin, usually reserved, was wide and uncharacteristically open, revealing a flash of confident amusement. It was the grin of a man who placed absolute faith in her abilities, a certainty that resonated deep within her.
Jia Wei Xin felt a familiar warmth spread through her chest. It was a strange, yet deeply grounding sensation to be so unequivocally trusted and openly admired. It was a stark contrast to the calculating glances and subtle manipulations she'd grown accustomed to in her previous life, where trust often came with a hidden cost. Here, with Liu Mo Fei, there was a refreshing directness. "It wasn't easy, Sifu," she replied, a faint smile touching her lips, "but we managed."
Before she could bask in the moment, Chang Dian sauntered over, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips after hearing Liu Mo Fei's remarks. But in one second, his face changed into something else, a mask of exaggerated concern. He walked directly to Jia Wei Xin, his back even blocking Liu Mo Fei from her view for a moment.
"Jia Wei Xin, are you sure you are alright?" Chang Dian asked, his voice laced with mock concern, though his eyes, she knew, were sparkling with mischief. "You fell into a deep clearing hole with me and landed right on top of me. My bones are almost crushed by yours. And I was paralyzed for a long time and could not move. I was so scared you may have some bones fractured or something!"
He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially, and winked. "I even checked your lips for any dust." Jia Wei Xin felt a blush creep up her neck, furious and flustered all at once.
Liu Mo Fei's serene expression twitched—just once—at Chang Dian's dramatic interruption. His gaze slid to the rogue cultivator, who was now leaning far too close to Jia Wei Xin, one hand clutched over his heart like a martyred poet. "How… heroic of you, Chang Dian. I trust you've fully recovered from your near-fatal encounter with the ground?" His tone was smooth, but there was an unmistakable undercurrent of cool possessiveness, a subtle warning woven into his words.
Chang Dian straightened, pretending to stagger as though still suffering from his tragic "injury," but his eyes sparkled with unrepentant mischief. "It was a near-death experience, Sect Leader. But seeing Wei Xin safe and sound was worth every crushed rib and cracked heart." He pressed a hand to his chest, sighing theatrically.
Jia Wei Xin shot him a glare, but before she could retort, Liu Mo Fei took a slow step forward, his calm smile deepening into something both teasing and lightly edged. "I'm sure the sect's healers will be more than capable of mending whatever wounds your... noble sacrifice might have incurred, Chang Dian."
"Oh, I'm sure," Chang Dian drawled, wagging his eyebrows at Jia Wei Xin. "Though I might require her personal attention—purely to expedite my recovery, of course."
Jia Wei Xin's cheeks flushed a deeper pink, and she opened her mouth to scold him, but Liu Mo Fei smoothly interjected, his voice low and pointed. "She will be busy with her sifu for the next few days. Sifu will still need to train her, but will reward her with good food and gifts."
At this, Liu Mo Fei's dark eyes locked with hers, and his smile softened just a fraction, the warmth of genuine admiration shimmering through his teasing tone.
Jia Wei Xin's heart gave a little, traitorous flutter. The two of them stood there, the air charged with something unspoken, something perilously close to crossing a line neither had dared voice aloud. It was only broken by Chang Dian dramatically pretending to faint from heartbreak.
"Oh no! First she became the sect's hero, and now even the Sect Leader is taking her from me!" he moaned, clutching at a nearby pillar.
Jia Wei Xin burst out laughing, her tension easing a fraction, but she felt the heat of Liu Mo Fei's gaze still lingering on her. His look was playful, but there was a weight beneath it, a silent challenge—one she wasn't sure she was ready to meet head-on. Not here. Not now. Not with everyone watching.
Feigning a yawn, she stretched her arms overhead. "I think that's enough excitement for one day," she said, her voice light and casual, though her pulse thrummed with an odd urgency. "I'm feeling a little tired from all the excitement. I should probably rest."
Liu Mo Fei's brow arched subtly, amusement flickering in his eyes, but he inclined his head graciously. "Of course. You deserve it."
Chang Dian, ever the dramatist, clasped his hands together. "Don't forget to dream of me, Wei Xin."
Jia Wei Xin shot him a final playful glare, then turned and made a beeline for her quarters, her heart racing—not just from the laughter, but from the dangerous, intoxicating undercurrent between her and Liu Mo Fei.