The skies opened gently as the morning mist parted.
Yue Yun stood near the forest's edge, staring into the path where moonlight still lingered. His
heart had felt it before his eyes confirmed it — a presence he knew better than his own
reflection.
And then…
She appeared.
Yue Yan stepped from the shadows, her silver-white robe marked by wind and dust. Her long
black hair fluttered behind her, and her nine-tailed fox, Xiao Jiu, trotted beside her with alert
eyes.
She looked stronger than before.
And softer, too.
They stood in silence for a moment.
Then Yue Yun broke it with a quiet smile. "You're late."
Yue Yan smirked. "You're still reckless."
He laughed — a tired sound, but real.
Then he stepped forward, and so did she. And they embraced, right there beneath the trees. Two
siblings who had grown up with stars above their heads and secrets buried in their hearts.
"I've missed you," Yue Yun murmured.
"I know," Yue Yan whispered back. "I felt it."
They sat together on a flat rock, watching Ao Xuan circle above the clouds.
"I know about the seal," Yue Yan said softly. "The one on Ao Xuan. The demon Bai Sui brought
a message. There's something ancient inside him. Inside you."
Yue Yun didn't speak for a moment. "And the Divine Lords know too. They sent Envoy Shu Lian. She told me if I awaken it fully… they may not let me come back."
Yue Yan clenched her fists. "That's not right."
"They're scared," he said. "Of whatever came before the Celestial Realm."
She looked at him with quiet strength. "Then we'll face it. Together."
He turned to her. "You mean that?"
Yue Yan nodded. "Always."
But just before she could explain more, something flashed behind her eyes — a hesitation. A
memory.
He noticed.
"What is it?" he asked.
She looked down.
"…Wen Shouye."
Yue Yun's expression changed slightly, but not with anger — just deep concern.
"Is it serious?" he asked.
Yue Yan's voice was small. "It shouldn't be. But it is."
They sat in silence.
Then Yue Yun placed a hand over hers.
"You're still my sister," he said. "Whatever happens."
And high above, unseen, a pair of golden eyes watched them.
Wen Shouye.
Waiting.