Legacy of the Peach Blossom Academy
Wuzu, running alongside her Fire Fox, had almost reached the Xuemo Sect. But by the time she stumbled her way to the gates of the Legacy of Peach Blossom Academy, exhaustion had consumed her. Fever surged through her body like wildfire, and before she could call for help, she collapsed right at the entrance, unconscious.
The Fire Fox's heart nearly stopped. Panic seized its small body. What now? What if Wuzu never rose again?
Without hesitation, the fox darted inside, breaking through even the most formidable spiritual barriers of the Academy. It let out a sharp, echoing cry that sent all the students rushing out in alarm.
Masters Chang Shi and Zu Gushion came forth, startled by the sight of a spiritual beast so bold within the Academy's walls. Following its desperate cries to the gate, their eyes widened....there lay Wuzu, unconscious, her fever burning dangerously hot, like that of a newborn child.
---
Moments later…
Wuzu's eyes fluttered open. She found herself in a chamber, her body wrapped in care. The Fire Fox had brought her here intentionally, knowing her worsening state. Around her, Masters Chang Shi and Zu Gushion, along with several disciples, were tending to her fever.
The very first words that slipped past her lips were not of her own pain. In a voice fragile yet urgent, like a child calling for its mother, she asked:
"Where… where is His Majesty Yu Sui?"
Master Zu Gushion chuckled softly, a strange warmth rising in his chest. For Wuzu, Yu Sui's safety mattered more than her own. His smile carried the tenderness of a father reassuring his daughter.
"My child… rest easy. His Majesty Yu Sui is safe. By the time we arrived, he had already left this place. Surely, he is well."
A deep breath left Wuzu's lungs. Relief, almost sweet, filled her heart. She told them everything....every detail of what had happened, every terror and every miracle. The Masters listened in silence, their expressions shifting between gravity and awe. And when she revealed that the grand sealing spell of Su Tao Jue had locked away even her own curse inside the Black Heaven, joy erupted in their hearts like springs bursting through stone. The room bloomed with happiness, like a chamber filled with the fragrance of flowers.
---
That evening…
A magnificent procession arrived at the Academy, led by the Xueyan Huo Sect. Yu Sui, Mo Yan, Su Nian, Lao Duan, Duie, Yin Fengxian, and Su Ri Zhen stepped down from their steeds, greeted by waves of astonishment and joy.
Not long after, another convoy arrived...this one from Hei Lin San Sect. Parents, elders, and Master Lee Wen descended, their faces aglow with emotion. And behind them came the return of Master Ren Zhou and Lady Mei Ying from the Langshan Sect, carrying a great scroll in their hands.
The Academy walls themselves seemed to echo with laughter, chatter, and relief. Su Nian, however, stood sulking beside his parents, his cheeks puffed like a child refusing sweets. With a mischievous glint, he took out his irritation by teasing Duie relentlessly.
The Academy brimmed with life, as though a bustling festival had taken root within its very halls.
---
Days passed… then weeks.
Yu Sui completed his spiritual ceremony. The twin phoenixes that once circled the heavens now dwelled within his sigil.
On a deep, moonlit night, the heavens sparkled like a sea of stars, while a tender melody drifted across the Academy grounds. Inside, Lao Duan quietly cared for Wuzu. Su Nian and Duie enjoyed tea together in their chamber. Tranquility had settled over the Academy like a silken veil.
In Yu Sui's chamber, he sat with his head resting against Mo Yan's shoulder, playing a tune upon his flute. The notes, sweet and ethereal, lulled Mo Yan into a dreamlike trance. When the song ended, Yu Sui gently laid the flute upon the table...it vanished like mist at dawn.
Mo Yan opened his eyes only to find Yu Sui leaning close, gazing at him with an intensity that unraveled the quiet of the night. Before Mo Yan could ask, Yu Sui whispered a question....one so delicate that only lovers could understand its meaning.
Softly, like a petal trembling with dew, Yu Sui asked:
"Mo Yan… if before you lay a rose, what would you choose...the blossom… or the leaves?"
Mo Yan's lips curved into a smile. He understood. More than words, he understood. He leaned forward, his lips brushing Yu Sui's like the tender graze of rose petals. Breath mingled with breath, soul blending with soul.
At last, he whispered his answer into Yu Sui's ear:
"The rose."
Joy lit Yu Sui's features. He accepted Mo Yan's answer not with words, but with surrender....drawing himself into Mo Yan's arms, as naturally as color bleeds into water. Their spirits entwined, their breaths quickened, storm-like within their chests.
The moonlight was soft, the wind cool, and in its touch lingered the fragrance of a new season.