After releasing their lantern into the quiet lake, Mo Xuan and Ling Yue slowly stepped away from the water. The warmth of the moment still lingered between them, but the night had grown deep, and the festival was beginning to quiet down. Without saying much, they both understood—it was time to rest.
They walked through the soft lantern-lit streets until they found a small inn. The place was peaceful, with warm lights glowing from within. As they stepped inside, a servant quickly approached them with a welcoming smile. But after looking at them closely, his expression changed slightly.
"You two look very well-matched," he said with a grin. "Husband and wife, I assume? One room?"
Ling Yue froze instantly.
Her face flushed red.
"W-what?! No!" she said quickly, waving her hands. "Don't misunderstand! We're just friends. Two rooms!"
Mo Xuan stood calmly beside her, saying nothing, though a faint hint of amusement passed through his eyes.
The servant coughed awkwardly. "Ah… my mistake. Two rooms, then."
Ling Yue grabbed the key quickly and walked away without looking back, clearly embarrassed. Mo Xuan followed behind at a steady pace, the quiet atmosphere between them now mixed with a trace of awkwardness.
Soon, they parted at the hallway.
"Rest well," Ling Yue said softly.
"You too," Mo Xuan replied.
That night—
Mo Xuan lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day replayed faintly in his mind—the fireworks, the lantern, and especially the crescent moon necklace around Ling Yue's neck.
Slowly, his eyes closed.
And the dream began.
He stood in a dark forest.
Cold wind moved through the trees. The sky above was dim, covered in shadows.
Then—
Footsteps.
A girl ran past him.
She was young, wearing simple mortal clothing. Her breathing was uneven, her face filled with fear as she glanced behind her again and again.
"They're coming…" she whispered.
Voices echoed behind her.
Rough.
Cruel.
"Catch her!"
"She won't escape!"
The girl stumbled and fell to the ground, trembling as she tried to crawl away.
"I don't want to die…"
Before the men could reach her—
A figure stepped forward.
Mo Xuan.
He stood between her and the approaching shadows.
The air turned still.
The men froze.
Fear replaced their aggression.
"W-who are you…?"
Mo Xuan didn't answer.
He raised his hand slightly.
And in the next moment—
Silence.
The forest became quiet again.
The men were gone.
The girl slowly looked up at him, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"You… saved me…"
Mo Xuan looked at her calmly.
Then he reached into his sleeve and took out something.
A necklace.
A crescent moon pendant.
He placed it gently into her hand.
"This will protect you."
His voice was distant, almost unfamiliar.
The girl clutched the necklace tightly.
"Will I… see you again?"
The wind moved again.
The scene began to blur.
Her face faded.
The forest dissolved into darkness—
Mo Xuan opened his eyes.
The room was silent.
He sat up slowly, his expression thoughtful.
"That… wasn't just a dream."
The memory felt real.
Too real.
And the necklace…
Morning came.
Mo Xuan and Ling Yue returned to the Heavenly Radiance Sect.
As they stepped into their branch—
A sharp sound cut through the air.
A sword flew directly toward Mo Xuan.
Clang!
Ling Yue stepped forward instantly, blocking the attack with her blade.
A familiar laugh followed.
"Still sharp."
Shen Liang appeared, grinning.
"You've only been gone a month," he said, walking toward them, "and your cultivation jumped like this?"
He casually tried to throw his arm over Mo Xuan's shoulder—
But Mo Xuan stepped aside.
Shen Liang's hand hung awkwardly in the air.
He blinked.
Then laughed.
"Still cold, huh?"
Ling Yue smiled faintly.
Mo Xuan asked calmly, "How did you know we were coming?"
Shen Liang crossed his arms.
"It's simple. No one in our branch disappears and comes back stronger. And no one breaks through like this."
"So it had to be you."
He smirked.
"Also, the master is waiting."
They entered the elder's hall.
The master immediately circled around them, examining their aura.
"How did you break through so quickly?" he asked.
Ling Yue answered calmly, "We found a place with dense spiritual energy."
The master stared at them for a moment.
He knew they were hiding something.
But he didn't press further.
"In two days, the branch competition begins," he said. "Prepare yourselves."
They nodded.
As they turned to leave—
"Mo Xuan, stay."
Ling Yue paused, then smiled slightly.
"I'll go ahead. Meet at our usual place tonight."
Mo Xuan nodded.
She left.
The room became quiet.
The master looked at Mo Xuan carefully.
"Are you confident you can win?"
Mo Xuan answered calmly.
"Yes."
The master frowned slightly.
"Your cultivation is still lower than many."
Mo Xuan's eyes remained steady.
"I'm not fighting them."
"Then why fight?"
Mo Xuan replied softly,
"For Ling Yue."
The master sighed.
"…Foolish child."
But there was no anger in his voice.
"Be careful."
Elsewhere—
Ling Yue entered a training area.
A sword suddenly struck toward her—
Clang!
She blocked it instantly.
Su Meilin stood before her, smiling.
"I knew it was you."
Ling Yue laughed.
"Meilin!"
They hugged warmly.
"You broke through," Meilin said, impressed.
Ling Yue nodded.
"Yes."
Meilin smiled.
"Then it's time to prove yourself."
They sat together, talking and laughing, the tension of past battles fading into comfort.
Night returned.
Mo Xuan stood near the quiet lake.
Waiting.
Ling Yue arrived shortly after.
They smiled at each other.
As she walked toward him—
Her foot hit a small stone.
She slipped.
Before she could fall—
Mo Xuan moved instantly.
His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.
Ling Yue's breath caught.
Their faces were inches apart.
The moonlight fell softly across them.
Neither moved.
Neither spoke.
Only the quiet sound of water echoed around them.
And for a moment—
Time stood still.
End of Chapter 27...