Zhichen's gaze was still fixed on the two of them.
Lixuan and Lichen stood humbly in the middle of the council
Lichen's face was covered with a veil, her eyes closed… as if she was experiencing the world only through sounds.
At that moment, Xiangu, seated on the main seat of the assembly, spoke in a serious tone,
"You both have traveled from very far. It is not appropriate to keep you standing in such a long council. It is our duty to honor our guests."
He made a slight gesture with his hand,
"You both may go to the guest house and rest. After the council ends, we will meet you again."
Lixuan immediately joined his hands and bowed,
"Thank you, Chief."
Lichen also bowed slowly—exactly the way Lixuan had taught her.
As the two turned to leave, Lichen whispered softly,
"master… I feel something strange…"
Lixuan paused for a moment.
Without turning back, he said in a calm but firm voice,
"Walk straight… and don't say anything."
Lichen immediately fell silent.
The two slowly began walking toward the door of the assembly hall.
Behind them… Zhichen's gaze was still following them.
Only one question kept circling in his mind—
"Are they really musicians… or are they hiding something?"
Outside the Assembly Hall
The massive doors of the hall slowly closed.
Both of them had come outside.
The air outside… was completely different from the heavy atmosphere inside.
Lichen took a soft breath… and a small smile appeared on her lips.
She said softly,
"Now how will you find out what they are discussing inside?"
Lixuan raised his eyebrow and looked at her,
"Are you making fun of me?"
Lichen got nervous,
"No! No… I was just saying like that…"
Lixuan said nothing.
He simply looked ahead and said,
"Let's go. To the guest house."
Guest House
The guest house was a little far from the palace—
quiet, isolated, and completely away from the crowd.
As soon as they entered, Lixuan stopped.
He slowly closed the door.
Then he turned toward Lichen and said,
"Now watch… how I find out what they are talking about inside."
Lichen smiled slightly in confusion,
"But I can't see… how will I see?"
Lixuan replied calmly,
"You don't have to see… you just have to listen."
"Sit down. I'll find out everything and tell you."
Lichen quietly sat down on the mat nearby.
Lixuan placed his hands on his knees.
Slowly… his breathing became deeper.
It felt as if the air around him had stilled…
After a few moments—
a faint wave of energy seemed to emerge from his body…
As if his consciousness was passing through the walls and reaching the assembly hall.
Inside the Assembly Hall
The voices of the council…
the voices of the clan leaders…
Slowly began to become clear in his mind.
Lichen sat quietly—
she could not see…
But she could feel—
that at this moment, Lixuan was not just here… but somewhere else too.
After a while, his fingers moved slightly—
as if he had heard something important.
The silence in the room deepened.
The atmosphere inside the assembly hall was serious.
The grand hall, surrounded by massive pillars, was illuminated by torches—
but even in that light, there was a strange darkness today.
All the clan leaders were seated in their places.
In the center, Xiangu sat upright on his throne.
He looked at everyone… and then slowly began speaking,
"At the last village on the border of the Shenmei clan… a murder took place yesterday. And the same kind of murder happened 9 years ago."
"I had sent Zhichen there to investigate…"
"And what he saw… is even more concerning."
Everyone fell silent.
The air grew heavy.
Then Zhichen stepped forward and said,
"I saw… Moyan's son, Moren, there."
The moment the name was spoken—
the assembly stirred with unrest.
Some leaned toward each other and whispered,
some had fear on their faces…
others showed anger.
Zhichen continued,
"Not just that…"
His voice grew deeper,
"He also had the third fragment of Yin Mo Ji."
This time, the entire hall was shaken.
Several leaders half rose from their seats—
"Third fragment? How is that possible?"
"It was… with Lixuan!"
At that moment, Fengli, the chief of the Shenqi clan, stood up,
"This is impossible! If the fragment was with Lixuan… then how did it end up with Moren?"
The question hung in the air.
All eyes turned toward Xiangu.
Then—
Mingzhao, who was seated at the back, slowly stood up.
His face was burning with anger.
Looking straight into the center of the assembly, he said,
"Moren has the third fragment… because it was never with Lixuan in the first place!"
The entire hall fell silent.
Mingzhao's voice grew even louder—
"This was all Moyan's scheme!"
The silence deepened further.
"You all… yes, all of you… together killed my brother Lixuan!"
Those words struck like lightning.
Several leaders immediately stood up,
"Mingzhao! Come to your senses!"
But Mingzhao was not going to stop.
"The truth has been hidden today…
but one day, I will bring it out in front of everyone!"
After saying that, he stormed out of the assembly in anger.
Guest House
Lixuan slowly opened his eyes.
His breathing was heavy—
as if he had just come out of a deep and difficult meditation.
"master… are you alright?" Lichen asked softly.
"What did you hear in the assembly?"
Lixuan did not answer immediately.
After a moment, he said calmly,
"Nothing… just ordinary discussions."
Lichen felt his answer was incomplete…
but she stayed silent.
Then she spoke softly,
"I wanted to ask you something…"
Lixuan looked at her,
"Ask."
"Why did you hide your identity? Your name is Lixuan… then why did you say Xiu?"
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Lixuan replied slightly sternly,
"You don't need to focus on such matters."
Then he asked,
"But I have a question for you—
have you really not been able to see since childhood?"
Lichen answered without hesitation,
"Yes. Since the time I learned to walk… I have seen nothing."
A faint sadness appeared on Lixuan's face.
He looked away.
Back in the Assembly Hall
As soon as Mingzhao left, Xiangu raised his hand and calmed everyone.
"Mingzhao has still not forgotten his brother Lixuan," he said seriously.
"That is why he spoke like this."
"But we cannot make decisions without thinking."
Then he turned toward Zhichen,
"Tell me… did you truly see the third fragment in Moren's hand?"
Zhichen stood straight and replied,
"Yes. I saw it with my own eyes."
The hall grew heavy again.
Then Zhichen added,
"And Mingzhao did not lie. He said nothing wrong."
After saying that, he too quietly left the hall.
Now all the clan leaders looked at each other with concern.
Xiangu took a deep breath,
"If the third fragment has truly reached Moren…
then this is a very bad sign."
After thinking for a moment, he declared,
"Today's assembly ends here."
"Tonight, there will be a celebration.
All of you, please stay and be a part of it."
Night — Palace
Night had grown deeper.
The Shenmei clan's palace was glowing with lights.
Red flames of torches flickered in the air…
and from afar, the sounds of drums and veena could be heard.
Guest House
Knock… knock…
There was a soft knock on the door.
Lichen opened it.
A soldier was standing outside.
"The chief orders—
you both are invited to present music at tonight's celebration."
And without saying anything further, he left.
The moment the door closed—
Lichen panicked,
"See! I told you before! What will we do now? I don't even know music!"
"I'm not going! If you know it, you go!"
Lixuan remained calm and said,
"We have to go. If we don't… they will become suspicious of us."
"But master… who will sing?"
Lixuan gave a faint smile,
"Don't worry… everything will be fine."
Lichen was still hesitant—
But Lixuan held her hand.
"Come."
The two slowly began walking toward the celebration hall…
As the sound of music grew closer—
Lichen's heartbeat grew faster.
As soon as they reached outside the celebration hall,
the bright glow of lights could be felt even through Lichen's closed eyes.
From inside came the sounds of laughter, conversations, clinking utensils, and music—all blending together.
The guard at the door saw them and immediately pulled aside the curtain,
"Please enter."
Lixuan gently held Lichen's hand firmly…
and the two stepped inside.
Inside the Celebration Hall
The sight inside was magnificent.
The vast hall was decorated with colorful torches, flowers, and silk drapes.
In the center stood a large stage where a musical performance was taking place.
All around, chiefs of different clans, warriors, and elders were seated, enjoying the celebration.
As soon as Lixuan and Lichen entered—
many eyes turned toward them.
Some with curiosity…
some with suspicion.
At a distance, near a pillar, Zhichen stood silently watching them.
His eyes were calm…
but his gaze was sharp—
as if he wanted to see not just their faces… but the truth hidden behind them.
As they reached near the stage, a servant bowed and said,
"The chief's order… you may begin your musical performance."
Lichen's hand trembled slightly.
She whispered softly,
"master… what will happen now?"
Amid everyone's gaze—
the two sat on the stage.
Lichen was nervous.
"master… I can't do this…"
Lixuan said nothing.
He picked up the veena placed in front of him.
For a moment, he closed his eyes—
as if calming the storm within himself.
Then…
his fingers gently touched the strings.
A deep… pain-filled note emerged.
Slowly, the melody of the veena spread throughout the hall.
The noise of the celebration began to fade…
people were naturally drawn toward the music.
Lichen sat quietly beside him.
Her heart was beating fast.
"I can't do this…"
the thought kept repeating in her mind.
But the sound of the veena felt like support.
She slowly clenched her fist…
gathered courage…
and closed her eyes to begin singing.
At first, her voice trembled slightly…
but gradually—
it settled into the rhythm.
**"The night is dark… no one beside me…
I call out names… but no one hears me…
Even the moon hides behind clouds tonight…
As if it has chosen my sorrow…
Memories too… seem to have turned away…
Dreams… have shattered away from me…
The one I search for… I cannot find…
The one I desire… I cannot see…
What was in my hands… slipped away…
What was mine… has changed away…
My heartbeat keeps asking me…
Why have I forgotten the way home…
Darkness may fill my eyes…
But somewhere in my heart, a small light still glows…
Maybe a voice will call out to me…
Maybe… I will find someone who is mine…"**
As she sang—
the veena and her voice merged into one.
It felt as if the song belonged to both of them.
Lixuan glanced at her slightly.
This time, there was less surprise in his eyes…
and more of a strange calm.
As if he had realized—
Lichen was not weak…
there was a deep strength hidden within her.
Everyone in the hall had gone completely silent.
The celebration… had come to a halt.
Only the music remained—
and the pain woven into it.
As the song ended—
for a few moments, the entire hall remained in silence.
As if everyone was still bound by the magic of that music.
Then—
Suddenly, loud applause erupted.
Everyone stood up—
chiefs, warriors, guests… all of them.
Xiangu himself rose from his throne.
There was satisfaction on his face.
"Amazing…" he said softly.
"After many years, I have heard such deep and true music."
He walked toward the stage.
"You two have not only enhanced the honor of this celebration…
but also the dignity of our palace."
Lichen immediately bowed.
Lixuan also bowed calmly.
Then—
Xiangu raised his hand and announced,
"From today… you both are given the title of Royal Musicians of the Palace!"
The hall once again echoed with applause.
Lichen was stunned.
She turned slightly toward Lixuan and whispered,
"master… this is—"
Lixuan simply lowered his head slightly.
As if…
this was all part of his plan.
Later That Night
The night had grown deeper.
The torches flickered softly along the palace pathways.
Lixuan and Lichen were walking back toward the guest house together.
After walking a short distance—
Lixuan suddenly stopped.
"Lichen…"
"Yes, master?"
"I just remembered an important task…
can you go back to the guest house alone?"
Lichen answered without thinking,
"Yes… I can go. I've learned how to measure my steps now."
There was a hint of pride in her voice.
Lixuan looked at her for a moment…
then said softly,
"Be careful."
"Okay…"
Saying that, he turned in the opposite direction—
and within moments, disappeared into the dark path.
Lichen Alone
Lichen walked slowly.
Her steps were careful…
but her face was calm.
Then suddenly—
someone's footsteps stopped right in front of her.
"You… are Lichen, right?"
Lichen was slightly startled,
"Who…?"
A deep but calm voice replied,
"I am Zhichen."
He was now standing right in front of her.
"Can you tell me… why you have come here to the palace?"
The air grew heavy again.
This was not an ordinary question—
and Zhichen's suspicion had not faded.
Lichen remained silent for a moment.
Her heart began to beat faster.
Then she said slowly,
"I… don't recognize you…"
Zhichen replied in a calm but cold voice,
"You may not recognize me… but I know you."
He stepped closer.
"You are the daughter of Baolin and Meilian… aren't you?"
Lichen's heart suddenly pounded loudly.
Zhichen continued,
"I met you 8 years ago…
during the investigation of that murder."
His voice turned stern—
"You stayed silent then…
but this time, you will have to speak."
Lichen immediately said,
"I don't know anything about the murder!"
Zhichen's eyes deepened.
"You are lying…"
He took out a ribbon-like ornament from his waist—
and held it in front of her.
"Last night, where the murder happened…
this was found there."
"This is your waist ornament… isn't it?"
Lichen's face turned pale.
"How do you know… this is mine?"
Zhichen replied instantly,
"Because 8 years ago… you had it then too.
And I saw it."
Suddenly—
SHHNG!
Zhichen drew his sword and placed it directly at Lichen's neck.
"Speak the truth…
or I will end you right here."
Lichen froze.
Her breathing stopped.
Then—
CLANG!!
The sharp sound of swords clashing echoed.
Zhichen's sword was knocked away in an instant.
Between them—
Lixuan stood.
His voice was calm…
but dangerous beneath it.
"Why are you frightening my disciple?"
Zhichen said angrily,
"Who are you two?"
His gaze locked onto Lixuan's face.
"Why are you hiding your face?"
He reached forward to remove his mask—
But Lixuan immediately pushed his hand away.
"What does that have to do with you?"
he said in a cold but firm voice.
"Just understand this—
we are not wrong."
After saying that, Lixuan held Lichen's hand—
and walked away with her.
Zhichen remained standing there.
His fists were clenched…
anger burning in his eyes.
Zhichen & Xiangu
After some time—
Zhichen stood outside his brother's chamber.
"May I come in?"
A voice came from inside,
"Come in, Zhichen."
He entered.
"Brother… why have you kept those two musicians here?"
Xiangu remained calm,
"Because they sing well."
Zhichen immediately replied,
"But we don't know anything about them!
Where they came from… why they came…"
"Yet you gave them such a great title?"
Xiangu took a deep breath.
"Zhichen… if you want, you can keep an eye on them."
Zhichen's eyes lit up,
"Really?"
"Yes… but without them knowing."
His voice turned serious,
"Tomorrow, I will speak to them myself."
"There is no need for haste."
"You may go now."
Zhichen bowed slightly and left.
But the suspicion on his face was still alive.
Back at the Guest House
Lixuan and Lichen returned.
For some time, both remained silent.
The night had grown deeper outside.
Torchlight flickered on the walls.
Lichen spoke softly,
"master… thank you for saving me…"
Lixuan didn't even look at her.
He walked to the window and stood there.
His voice was direct,
"What was he asking you?"
Lichen stayed silent for a moment.
As if thinking—
how much truth to tell… how much to hide…
Then she said slowly,
"I… am from the same village…
where the murder happened yesterday…"
Lixuan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So that's why he was questioning you…"
"Hmm…"
Silence filled the room again.
Then Lixuan asked,
"Do you really know nothing?"
Lichen immediately replied,
"No!"
But—
her voice trembled slightly.
Lixuan noticed instantly.
He turned toward her slowly.
"Lichen… you don't know how to lie."
Lichen's heart skipped a beat.
"I'm not lying…"
Lixuan stepped closer.
"Then why is your breathing fast?"
"Why are your fingers trembling?"
Lichen quickly hid her hands behind her back.
Her voice broke—
"I was just scared… the sword was at my neck…"
Lixuan kept looking at her for a few moments—
as if reading her face more than her words.
Then he said directly,
"Listen carefully… if you are hiding something from me,
it will be dangerous for you."
His voice was calm…
but beneath that calmness, there was danger.
"This place is not as peaceful as it looks."
Lichen asked softly,
"Do you… suspect me?"
Lixuan answered immediately,
"I suspect everyone."
After a brief pause—
"Myself too."
Lichen was slightly shocked.
For a while, only the flickering torchlight and the sound of cold night air filled the room.
Then Lixuan said slowly,
"Do not step out of the room tonight… no matter what happens."
"Where are you going?" Lichen asked.
But this time—
Lixuan gave no answer.
He walked straight to the door…
Opened it…
And without turning back, said only,
"I have work."
And then—
he disappeared into the dark night.
Lichen sat there for a long time.
The door was half open…
cold air flowing inside.
Her mind was not calm.
Lixuan's words…
the murder…
that strange fear…
Everything kept circling in her mind.
After a while, she slowly got up…
and lay down on the bed.
But sleep refused to come.
She didn't even realize when she fell asleep—
And then—
Suddenly…
Darkness spread everywhere.
As if the light had been swallowed.
Lichen found herself standing in a vast battlefield.
Swords were scattered all around…
broken shields…
The ground was wet with blood.
The air carried a strong metallic smell.
Her heart pounded violently.
"Where… am I…?"
She stepped forward slowly.
Then she saw—
In the distance…
a man was kneeling on the ground.
His clothes were deep red…
his face stained with blood…
Yet he sat upright.
In front of him stood another man—
holding a sword pointed straight at him.
He was about to strike—
Lichen's breath stopped.
She wanted to scream—
but no sound came out.
Then suddenly—
A third figure appeared between them.
Dressed in white.
The sword brushed against both of them—
and droplets of blood scattered into the air.
Suddenly—
Lichen's dream broke.
She sat up abruptly.
Her breathing was fast…
her forehead drenched in sweat.
"Was that… real… or just a dream?"
At that moment—
She heard a faint sound from outside.
"Who's there?" she called out.
No reply.
But the sound came again.
Without thinking, she got out of bed…
and slowly moved toward the door.
Touching the wall with her hand—
just like she always did.
She opened the door…
and stepped outside.
The night was deep.
Cold wind was blowing.
Torch flames flickered.
Lichen walked slowly…
But she didn't realize—
right in front of her was a large stone pillar.
Just one more step—
She would have crashed into it—
When suddenly—
Someone grabbed her hand…
and pulled her toward themselves.
Her balance shook—
but she didn't fall.
"Careful…"
A deep voice echoed.
Her heart raced.
"Who are you?!"
"If I wasn't here… you would have been hurt."
Lichen paused—
Then softly said,
"Zhichen…?"
"Yes."
He let go of her hand.
"Why are you wandering outside alone at this hour?"
Lichen didn't answer directly.
"I… heard a sound… so I came to see—"
She stopped.
Then corrected herself softly,
"To feel…"
Zhichen remained silent for a moment.
Then said plainly,
"Seems like you didn't count your steps properly."
No mockery…
no accusation…
just a simple statement.
Lichen lowered her head slightly,
"Thank you… for saving me…"
She turned to leave.
"Wait."
Zhichen's voice stopped her again.
Lichen froze.
"Extend your hand."
She hesitated…
but slowly extended it.
Her fingers were trembling slightly.
The next moment—
Zhichen placed something in her palm.
A cold metallic touch.
Lichen immediately recognized it—
"This… my waist ornament…"
"It fell there last night."
Silence lingered between them.
The wind blew softly.
Then Zhichen said,
"If you don't want to tell the truth… that's fine."
His voice was calm.
"You may go."
Lichen left.
Zhichen stood there.
His ears still catching the fading sound of her footsteps.
Then—
A faint rustle of cloth behind him.
Zhichen's eyes hardened instantly.
"You've been watching for quite a while…"
he said without turning.
The next moment—
A cold glint appeared in the torchlight.
Lixuan stood there.
A sword in his hand.
"Why were you near my disciple at night?"
Zhichen turned slowly.
"I saved her… that's all."
Lixuan stepped forward.
"I don't trust you."
The air grew heavy.
The torch flames flickered violently.
Zhichen smirked slightly,
"Or are you afraid… that she might tell me something?"
That was enough—
Without another word—
Lixuan swung his sword straight at him.
CLANG!
Zhichen instantly drew his own blade.
The two swords collided—
sparks flew.
One step forward…
two steps back…
This fight wasn't loud—
But every strike carried lethal intent.
And that night—
In the clash of swords…
It wasn't just steel that collided—
Secrets collided too