"Lord Long, the cooperation you mentioned—does it have to do with the personal crisis I just brought up?" Palace Lord Xue's gaze was sharp, probing for any hint of deception.
"You're right," Long Jianyu replied.
Palace Lord Xue frowned, his voice tinged with doubt.
"But this so-called personal crisis—can I say whether it exists or not? Why are you suddenly so invested in this matter?"
Long Jianyu listened intently to the question, then calmly poured himself a cup of tea.
The delicate aroma curled between them, momentarily softening the tension in the air.
He set the teacup down with deliberate care, his expression earnest.
"Consider this business as my own affair as well," he said seriously, meeting Palace Lord Xue's eyes without wavering.
"I know that the sect's troubles concern you," Palace Lord Xue said quietly. "Yun Qingjue was present and is fully aware of everything that has taken place these past few days. But when it comes to this matter—our personal crisis—my son and I are capable of handling it ourselves. There's no need for you to trouble yourself further. Save your energy and try to get some rest."
A faint smile curved Long Jianyu's lips as he shifted his gaze to the person seated beside Palace Lord Xue.
"So, you must be Young Master Xue Wuya—the sect leader who once commanded eighty-one thousand elite cultivators," he said, his tone both respectful and curious. "If I'm not mistaken, we've crossed paths before. Unfortunately, the specifics escape me at the moment."
Xue Wuya's mind spun at Long Jianyu's words.
For a brief moment, a fragment of memory surfaced from the depths of his past.
He remembered standing amidst a vast crowd during a grand coronation, the ceremony held within the opulent halls of a magnificent pavilion.
Thousands of guests had gathered, their murmurs filling the air with anticipation.
As he scanned the sea of faces, his gaze landed on a man standing quietly beside a massive pillar.
Dressed in a blue warrior's hanfu, the stranger's eyes were fixed intently on the central figure of the event.
The image lingered in Xue Wuya's mind—perhaps, after all these years, that man had indeed been Long Jianyu.
"It's been three hundred years since then—perhaps it truly was you," Xue Wuya mused, his eyes narrowing in recognition. "So, you are the famed guardian of the realm—the one most trusted with the monarch's safety, renowned throughout the lands for your vigilance and skill."
Long Jianyu paused mid-sip, turning Xue Wuya's words over in his mind.
Monarch?
He set his cup down with deliberate care, then slowly raised his gaze to meet Xue Wuya's eyes.
"What… monarch are you referring to?" he asked, a trace of curiosity and caution in his voice.
"You don't remember anything?" Xue Wuya pressed.
Long Jianyu simply stared at him, then shifted his gaze to Palace Lord Xue. He exhaled softly, as if gathering his thoughts.
"It's been a long time," he said at last, his tone measured. "For reasons even I can't fully explain, some recent events have slipped from my memory. Still, just because I've chosen to seclude myself here doesn't mean I've neglected my responsibilities. My people rely on me to guide them through every crisis. That's why I entrusted Yun Qingjue to deliver my instructions and keep them informed."
Xue Wuya nodded in understanding.
"I agree. Someone in your position inevitably bears the greatest weight of responsibility," he said. "That's simply the reality for those who lead."
Long Jianyu didn't respond, his gaze remaining fixed on Xue Wuya.
"But there's something I still can't understand," Xue Wuya continued, his brows knitting in curiosity.
"Back then, you were just a guard—yet my father addressed you as 'Lordship.' Even after observing you for only a short while, I can tell you're no ordinary guard. Who are you, really?"
A faint, enigmatic smile played at the corners of Long Jianyu's lips.
"How bold of you to question my identity," he replied, his tone both amused and guarded. "You're asking a great deal. But forgive me—I cannot answer you. Some questions are meant to be asked, but not all answers should be given. This is not the time for you to know more. I trust you'll understand."
Xue Wuya fell silent, his expression unreadable.
Long Jianyu turned to Palace Lord Xue.
"Palace Lord Xue, as an ally, I hope you won't object to my invitation. I wish to speak with you privately—would you grant me this request?"
Palace Lord Xue sat quietly for a moment, then glanced at his son, Xue Wuya.
After a brief pause, he nodded.
"This is a minor matter," he replied. "If you come with me, I believe we can find a resolution to your personal crisis."
Lord Xue was momentarily stunned by Long Jianyu's request, but after a brief pause, he gave his answer.
"Deal."
"Father, I'll go with you," Xue Wuya interjected, rising to his feet.
Before he could take another step, Yun Qingjue reached out and gently grasped his wrist, stopping him.
"Wuya, let them have some space," Yun Qingjue said softly, her tone gentle yet firm. "Don't worry—Dijun is a trustworthy person."
Xue Wuya fell silent for a long moment. He glanced between Yun Qingjue and his father, uncertainty flickering in his eyes, but ultimately stepped back, conceding to her reassurance.
"Fine. I'll wait for you," he agreed, though his voice was barely above a whisper.
The words hung in the air, heavy with reluctant acceptance.
Palace Lord Xue offered a reassuring smile and placed a firm, steadying hand on his son's shoulder—an unspoken promise of return—before turning away.
Long Jianyu's eyes flashed, his presence commanding.
"Let's go!" he called, his tone crisp and irresistible. In the next instant, only he and Palace Lord Xue moved.
Their figures shimmered, edges dissolving into a swirl of silvery light.
In a heartbeat, the two men vanished, their departure so sudden it left a spiraling column of dust dancing in the sunlight—an ephemeral trace of their presence, fading quickly where they once stood.
They arrived on a wide stone platform, its edges shrouded in mist and mystery.
The location felt almost otherworldly—hidden so well it seemed to exist outside the bounds of ordinary knowledge.
In truth, this was the outermost part of Long Jianyu's underground sanctuary, a secret threshold rarely glimpsed by outsiders.
Palace Lord Xue looked around quietly, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
"Lord Xue, we're here," Long Jianyu announced.
Palace Lord Xue drew a slow breath, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Such a beautiful spot. The air is wonderfully fresh."
Long Jianyu's gaze softened with a hint of nostalgia.
"Actually, this is also where I come when I need to be alone."
Palace Lord Xue responded with a measured nod, his expression growing serious as he fixed his gaze on Long Jianyu.
"Are we going to discuss this personal matter here?" he asked quietly.
Long Jianyu gave a low hum of affirmation.
"Hmn."
"I thought as much," Palace Lord Xue said, his tone thoughtful. "This must be important. When you say 'personal crisis,' does it relate specifically to me?"
"Personal crisis? This isn't really something you should be held accountable for, is it?" Long Jianyu asked.
Palace Lord Xue fell silent, his expression unreadable.
"You're sheltering someone who's caused trouble, am I right?"
Palace Lord Xue's lips parted as if to speak, but before he could respond, Long Jianyu closed the distance between them with a few decisive steps.
"The person you're protecting is an outsider. To be clear, I need your answer to match my suspicions. I want a firm response from you—just yes or no. Is that true?"
"Ye—yes," Palace Lord Xue stammered.
A small, knowing smile played at the corners of Long Jianyu's lips at the hesitant reply.
"That's good. I suggest you leave the matter to me."
"What do you mean?" Palace Lord Xue asked, his brow furrowing in concern.
"I simply want your decision," Long Jianyu replied. "I need to know whether you'll support me or stand against me. There's no need for resentment between us. In the past, the Northern Domain was my responsibility, and I did what I had to—protecting the innocent and eliminating countless evil cultivators. Sometimes I wonder if my duty has ever been worthy in your eyes."
"For someone as selfless and upright as you, I couldn't ask for more," Palace Lord Xue replied sincerely. "I am grateful for your unwavering devotion to your duty."
"Good to hear, Lord Xue. But this is what I want…" Long Jianyu's voice trailed off as he raised his hand, weaving a spell.
A shimmering light spread across the stone platform, forming an oath of revelation.
Within the glowing surface, the image of a familiar girl appeared, clear as a reflection in still water.
Palace Lord Xue's eyes widened in shock. He turned sharply to Long Jianyu, searching his face for answers.
"You know her, don't you?" Long Jianyu pressed.
Palace Lord Xue hesitated, then nodded.
"This... this is the young lady who serves by the Duan twins with such devotion."
"So, you do recognize her?" Long Jianyu's gaze sharpened.
"I've only come to know her recently," Palace Lord Xue admitted. "My son, Wuya, brought her to the palace. The twins approached me, asking for permission to let her stay, and I agreed. I never expected you would have her as well. How did this come to be?"
"She fell into my trap," Long Jianyu replied, masking the truth with a calm lie. "The trap was set with full knowledge of its danger. When I discovered her, I realized she meant me no harm. So, I decided to keep her here and tend to her wounds." He paused, his gaze steady. "I've also heard that Xue Wuya is fond of her. Is that true?"
Palace Lord Xue fell silent, a complicated emotion flickering across his face.
"You can't answer my question, Lord Xue?" Long Jianyu remarked, his tone even. "Are you aware that I might be offending your son's feelings? Rest assured, I have no interest in his intentions. What matters to me… is her." He gestured pointedly toward the swirling image within the oath of revelation.
"You misunderstand, Lord Long," Palace Lord Xue replied, his voice calm. "My son has been betrothed to the mistress of Qingyue Palace for some time now. As for being fond of her—this young lady is indeed quite beautiful. It's only natural she would draw everyone's attention."
"Indeed," Long Jianyu agreed. "So, I suggest you leave this matter to me. From now on, she will be under my protection. There's no need for you to worry or waste your efforts searching for her. When the time comes, I'll bring her to visit your palace myself."
Palace Lord Xue offered a reassuring smile, showing no hesitation.
"I trust you, Lord Long. With her in your care, I have no concerns. Still, I am curious—why keep her here instead of returning her to my quarters?"
Long Jianyu's answer was quiet but resolute.
"Your question is simple, Lord Xue, and so is my answer: she's mine."