The medicines prescribed by the doctor had no effect. The maids, already exhausted, no longer knew what to do. They called other physicians — all recommended the same medicines, the same potions, the same prayers. Nothing changed.
One of them, overcome with despair, decided to write a letter to Hua Xu. No reply came.
Day after day, Xiu Zhao's fevers grew worse, burning his skin like spiritual fire. He didn't open his eyes even once — his body motionless, chest heaving, lips dry. Each morning, his breathing became more uneven. The maids bathed him in wet cloths, changed the water, whispered prayers in vain.
Chen Yi had not appeared again. Three days had passed since Xiu Zhao had fallen into that deep sleep, and the strands of his hair — once black and smooth — were beginning to turn silvery, as though the fever was burning away his very essence. The maids wept softly. Nothing they did seemed to reach the boy.
Then, in that silent room, Hua Xu finally appeared. His hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors until he reached the door. He entered, accompanied by a young physician — her eyes sharp, her expression grave.
The doctor approached, placing her fingers on Xiu Zhao's wrist — and frowned.
"This… this isn't normal," she murmured, her voice trembling.
Hua Xu leaned in, his heart pounding heavily.
"What's happening?"
The woman swallowed hard. She tried again to feel a pulse — nothing. She looked at him, frightened.
"This child… he… he has no pulse."
Hua Xu's gaze went dark for a moment.
"What do you mean, no pulse? He… he's dead?" His voice faltered, as if he feared the question itself.
"No," the doctor hesitated, glancing at the feverish boy. "I've treated celestials and demons of all kinds… but I've never seen a body burn like this. It's as if the flame comes from within, not from without."
The doctor stepped back, leaving the room in silence. Hua Xu stood there for a while, watching the still body on the sheets. Then he took two steps back and left.
In the sitting room, he leaned against the door and let his body slide to the floor. Tears soaked the black band that covered his eyes. With a trembling motion, he removed it — revealing irises and pupils completely white, blind, yet still full of pain.
The tears fell silently. Small sobs escaped his lips. Then, a shadow moved before him — a man dressed in black, his face partially hidden behind a mask, revealing only calm, dark eyes.
"What's happening to Xiu Zhao?" Hua Xu asked, his voice hoarse and full of anger.
The man observed him in silence. The sight of Hua Xu's tears seemed to paralyze him. He sighed and pulled a small wooden box from within his cloak.
"Here are the medicines for Xiu Zhao's fever," he said quietly. "Please… give them to him today."
Hua Xu didn't move.
"Answer me. What's happening to him?"
The man looked away.
"I… can't tell you," he murmured with bitter honesty. "Just trust me. Give him the medicine. He'll get better soon."
The distance between them vanished until the man was only inches from Hua Xu's face. He handed him the box gently and wiped away his tears with his fingertips.
"I hate seeing you cry," he whispered, his voice rough. "Please, don't cry over problems that can still be solved."
And, in an unexpected gesture, the man embraced him. Hua Xu resisted for a moment — then, weary, allowed himself to be held.
"Don't be like this…" the man murmured near his ear. "It's not your first time."
"Idiot…" Hua Xu whispered, his cheeks flushing lightly, before giving him a small punch in the chest.
"I hope I'm still *your* idiot," the man replied, smiling beneath the mask.
Before Hua Xu could say anything, the man leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. Then, like a shadow, he disappeared.
Hua Xu stood there, blushing, muttering under his breath:
"Little idiot."
But then he rose and ran back to Xiu Zhao's room.
As he entered, he was engulfed by a bright light. Golden fragments floated in the air like celestial dust. The boy's body no longer burned. His breathing was steady, his face serene.
Carefully, Hua Xu opened the box and gave him the medicine. Then he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead.
"Sleep in peace, little light," he whispered before leaving.
…
Almost a week later, **Xiu Zhao** opened his eyes. The soft morning light streamed through the windows. His body was still weak, but the fever had vanished. Slowly, he rose and dressed in a black robe adorned with silver bamboo patterns.
A light knock at the door pulled him from his daze.
"Come in."
A young woman with a sweet face entered, bowing respectfully.
"What is your name?" Xiu Zhao asked, curious.
"Ling Xun, sir. The master awaits you in the sitting room… with some guests."
Xiu Zhao nodded and followed the young woman through the corridors. As he walked, he watched her graceful steps.
"So this is… Hua Xu's daughter," he thought, intrigued.
When they entered the hall, every gaze turned toward him. Xiu Zhao gave a small bow.
"He really is adorable," commented a woman in a red robe, fanning herself.
"He looks so much like someone… when that someone was his age," said another, dressed in violet.
Xiu Zhao lifted his eyes, confused.
"Who are they talking about?" he wondered.
"Is he Yu Sheng's son?" asked the woman in violet, surprised.
He blinked, not understanding. The woman in red stepped closer, reaching out to touch his face — but he instinctively stepped back.
Hua Xu, seated in one of the armchairs, watched in silence.
"They wanted to meet my new son," he said lightly, with a hint of mischief.
"And… who are they?" Xiu Zhao asked, uncomfortable under so many eyes.
"I am Jiang Gu Lei, Hua Xu's mother," said the woman in red, smiling.
Xiu Zhao nearly choked.
"Mother? She looks barely thirty…"
"And I am Lee Cheng Mei," said the woman in violet. "And this is my son." She gestured toward a young man in dark robes who had been half-hidden.
The young man stood and bowed.
"Lee Tian Min, at your service."
Xiu Zhao only nodded, unsure of what to say. Everyone stared at him in surprise.
"Won't you introduce yourself?" pressed Madame Jiang.
"Ah! I'm Yu Xiu Zhao. It's a pleasure to meet you."
At the mention of the name, the two women exchanged excited glances.
"Well, look at that… he really *does* resemble Yu Sheng!"
The father's name made the air heavy. They continued chatting, throwing teasing glances at Hua Xu.
"I thought you were still upset with him… and now you're taking care of his son?"
Hua Xu sighed, crossing his arms.
"From your mouths come nothing but unnecessary words," he said coldly.
Lunch passed in awkward silence. Only Ling Xun and Tian Min laughed at the ladies' displeased expressions.
After the meal, Hua Xu turned to Xiu Zhao.
"Last night… was there someone in your room?" he asked quietly.
The boy's eyes lit up.
"So it wasn't a dream…" he whispered, smiling tenderly.
The others exchanged confused looks. Hua Xu frowned.
"Did you know the person? Is he dangerous?"
Xiu Zhao stood abruptly, indignant.
"Who gave you the right to call him dangerous? He's the only person I have left!"
His voice trembled. Tears glimmered in his eyes. Hua Xu fell silent, filled with regret.
"I just… wanted to protect you."
"I know…" the boy replied more calmly. "But I'm not as fragile as I look."
Silence spread through the room. Madame Jiang leaned forward, curious.
"And who was that person, then?"
"An old friend," said Xiu Zhao with a soft smile. "The only one who never let me grow up."
…
Elsewhere, Li Chen Yi stood before the imperial throne. The Emperor and Empress glared at him sternly, while concubines and uncles surrounded him with judging eyes.
"Do you know why you were summoned?" asked the Emperor.
Chen Yi remained silent.
"You left the palace without permission!" the Empress shouted. "Where did you go, Chen Yi?"
"I had something important to do," he replied flatly.
"Important? You missed the royal banquet for 'something important'?" the Emperor roared, striking the arm of the throne. "You are punished. You will not leave until you reach the rank of Master. You will train ten times harder."
Chen Yi only nodded.
"Any other orders, Your Majesty?" he asked calmly.
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the hall.
As he walked through the golden corridors, memories filled his mind.
The night before.
The silent room.
Xiu Zhao's feverish body.
Chen Yi kneeling beside him, transferring his golden energy into the boy's pale frame. Spiritual warmth flowing, life returning little by little. He watched him — his face peaceful, his breathing easing.
"Sorry for being late, my little angel. I had to study so I could help you," he whispered, touching Xiu Zhao's forehead.
And he kissed it.
Xiu Zhao's lips moved in his sleep.
"Chen…" he murmured.
"Yes, sweetheart," Chen Yi replied, chuckling softly.
"I missed you," the boy murmured, still half-dreaming.
"Haha… you're so cute."
But then, through sleepy tears, the boy whispered:
"Don't go… I can't be happy without you."
Chen Yi touched his face.
"I'll always come back, my angel. Even if it takes a thousand years."
And when Xiu Zhao opened his eyes for the first time, just to give him a gentle kiss on the lips, the world seemed to stop.
"Then I won't forget you either," Xiu Zhao said shyly.
Chen Yi smiled, moved.
"I hope not," he murmured.
He lulled him back to sleep, kissed his forehead, and vanished before anyone could enter.
…
Hours later, lying in his own bed, Chen Yi could still feel the warmth of that touch.
"If it's for him, I'll sneak out as many times as it takes…" he murmured, staring at the ceiling. "I just want to see him smile again."
He smiled to himself.
"He's still adorable."
And as he closed his eyes, he saw Xiu Zhao's face in his mind — the only light that had never taken anything from him, the only one who had given him a reason to live.
"For you, I will break every barrier," he vowed before drifting to sleep. "Even if I must cross the four realms, I will return to you."