Later that day—
Hei Long returned from training, stretching his arms as he stepped toward the quiet upper courtyard where the Sect Leader usually resided.
He had planned to check in and maybe tease her a little—but the moment he arrived, something felt off.
The Sect Leader stood at the lake, gazing out over the mountain peaks.
Her usual calm and commanding presence seemed colder than usual.
Her arms were folded, her brows slightly furrowed—
And when Hei Long approached, she didn't even glance at him.
"…You're ignoring me?" Hei Long said with a playful tone, raising an eyebrow as he came to stand beside her:
"That hurts, you know. I thought we were closer than this."
She still didn't respond.
Hei Long leaned in a little closer, smirking:
"Let me guess… You heard that I spent some time with Mu Qianxue today?"
He gave a small sigh and theatrically placed a hand over his heart:
"I didn't realize my Sect Leader cared so much about who I'm cuddling with."
