The banners of the Tiger Sect fluttered in the courtyard of the Jewel Sect beneath the morning sun. This visit would last two nights, and everyone was meticulously prepared for every moment.
During the sect's procession, Han Liang followed from a distance, keeping to the shadows. He had trailed them from the market all the way to the Jewel Sect—but he could go no further.
At first, Han Liang observed Myung Moon carefully. Rumors at the market spoke endlessly of the Tiger Sect's young leader, and Han Liang studied him from head to toe, watching every movement.
When the doors of the grand hall opened, the sect members were already lined up. The men stood at the front, their spouses just behind, while meals and drinks were arranged on gold and silver trays before each guest.
Yuan Yu stood beside his father, Leader Zhen, his gaze lowered slightly as he waited in silence.
Myung Moon entered with heavy steps, fixing his gaze on Yuan Yu without concealment. With a steady, self-assured expression, he spoke,
"Yuan Yu… the rumors were true. Your beauty cannot be captured in words. Now, seeing you with my own eyes… what fortune…"
He took a slow sip of his drink. Leader Zhen remained silent, unease hidden behind his composure. The Tiger Sect stood as the Emperor's foremost sect; their power and wealth were backed by the throne itself.
Yuan Yu said nothing, though his heartbeat grew unsteady.
During the meal, Myung Moon asked a few questions, and Yuan Yu answered with measured care. The exchange was brief, yet it revealed the tension and unspoken power between them.
Throughout the day, meetings and discussions continued. Laughter echoed through the hall, while threads of strategy and intent quietly unfolded, drawing Leader Zhen's attention.
As time passed, Leader Zhen finally spoke.
"You have traveled far. You should rest."
He stood and added,
"Allow me to escort you to your room."
Leader Zhen led Myung Moon down the corridor.
As they walked, Myung Moon's gaze did not shift.
Not even for a moment.
Leader Zhen continued speaking, attempting to draw his attention elsewhere.
Eventually, the gathering came to an end, and everyone withdrew to their rooms. The long day settled into silence.
Yuan Yu sat by the window, took up his journal, and began to write. He recorded every detail of the day—from Myung Moon's tone to his father's measured responses.
Time passed.
Then—a faint rustle from the garden.
Yuan Yu rose and stepped outside.
Myung Moon stood there.
"I needed fresh air after drinking," Myung Moon said. "And I found myself here."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"What a coincidence…"
His gaze lingered.
"And yet… I was hoping to find you."
The air grew still.
The Tiger Sect leader was tall, striking, and impossible to ignore.
A breeze passed through the garden, scattering peach blossoms across the ground. One landed softly in Yuan Yu's hair.
Myung Moon reached out and caught it with a smooth motion.
He held it up.
"As clear and beautiful as you…" he murmured. "You make my heart race."
Yuan Yu flinched. His stomach turned.
His smile did not reach his eyes.
"I will summon a servant to guide you," Yuan Yu said calmly, calling for a page.
"Escort the Tiger Sect leader to his room."
The brief exchange did not go unnoticed. The young servant saw everything—and by morning, whispers would spread through the market.
Myung Moon had set his sights on Yuan Yu.
Later, Myung Moon returned to his chamber and fell asleep under the weight of alcohol.
Yuan Yu did not sleep.
His stomach ached, and unease lingered in his chest—quiet, suffocating, and impossible to ignore.