Shi Yu glanced coolly at the slovenly Mo Yuan, his ice-cold yet crisp voice echoing once more.
“We can ensure you remain safe and sound. When the time comes to make use of you in the future, we will naturally seek you out.”
After much deliberation, Shi Yu still felt that the sect was the most secure place; those people would never guess that someone was hiding within the Lingxi Sect.
Reflecting on this, Shi Yu lifted his eyes, his gaze locking onto Mo Yuan.
Mo Yuan understood immediately, stepping forward to summon a disciple of the Lingxi Sect, whispering instructions.
“This person is of vital importance. You must bring him back to the sect and keep him under close watch. Do not trouble him during his daily routine; just ensure he does not take a single step outside the sect grounds.”
The disciple, seeing Mo Yuan’s serious expression, knew this matter was of great significance. Without making a scene, he nodded slightly to acknowledge the order.
Shi Yu and Mo Yuan carefully escorted them away, their departure quiet. It was only when they were far from the village that this matter was considered settled.
Shortly after the two had climbed back through the window into their room, a Lingxi Sect disciple arrived, carrying a bountiful meal and leading Ah Jiu inside.
“Gu Nanxiao greets both Senior Brothers.” The young man carried an exquisite food box and bowed slightly in salutation.
Shi Yu and Mo Yuan nodded in acknowledgment. Ah Jiu, ignoring Mo Yuan’s murderous glare as if it were nothing, rushed straight toward Shi Yu.
“Brother Shi Yu, this immortal official said he wanted to find you, so I brought him here.”
Ah Jiu pulled tightly on Shi Yu’s sleeve, tilting his head to speak.
Shi Yu’s expression softened, and he turned his gaze to the young man. “Does Junior Brother Gu have an urgent matter to discuss?”
Gu Nanxiao smiled with a hint of awkwardness before speaking. “It is shameful to say, but there is indeed something I need help with. I do not know why, but this village has become as desolate as if it had been abandoned for years in just a few days.”
“My academic skills are insufficient; I am unable to cast the Spring Return Spell. I can only beg the two Senior Brothers to lend a hand.”
The youth bowed his body even lower, his attitude extremely sincere.
Shi Yu’s expression remained clear. He was already well aware of the cause, assuming that Ah Jiu’s mother must have drained the vitality of the surrounding villages to sustain her own life, which led to the present barrenness.
However, out of consideration for Ah Jiu’s presence, Shi Yu did not state the reason.
“It is of no consequence; we shall resolve this. The Spring Return Spell requires abundant Yang energy to function at its maximum efficacy. Tomorrow at high noon, Mo Yuan and I will cast the spell.”
Gu Nanxiao beamed with delight, bowed slightly to them, and left with proper decorum.
“Brother Shi Yu is so amazing. You can do everything.”
Ah Jiu, having listened to the entire exchange, looked at Shi Yu with eyes full of admiration.
Shi Yu smiled faintly. “Ah Jiu will also be very amazing in the future.”
“Then can Brother Shi Yu teach me?”
Ah Jiu blinked his bright eyes, looking at Shi Yu earnestly.
Just as Shi Yu was about to agree, Mo Yuan interjected from the side.
“Little one, if you want to learn, I can teach you too. Your Brother Shi Yu’s techniques were taught to him by me!”
Mo Yuan curled his lips into a crafty smile, staring intently at Ah Jiu.
Ah Jiu’s brows furrowed in suspicion as he looked up directly at Mo Yuan. “I do not believe you! You are definitely not as amazing as Brother Shi Yu.”
“If you do not believe it, then come and try.”
Seeing the child’s rebellious look, Mo Yuan picked him up and flicked his forehead.
The heavy force caused the child’s fair skin to redden instantly. Ah Jiu covered his forehead, tears shimmering in his eyes, yet he bit his lip to hold back his cries.
Seeing Mo Yuan acting so recklessly, Shi Yu felt quite helpless and had to step forward to separate them.
“Stop messing around! You are both hungry, are you not? Hurry up and eat.”
Seeing that Shi Yu was on the verge of losing his temper, the two childish ones sat obediently at the table, glaring at each other, neither willing to show weakness.
“Ah Jiu, the Senior Brother is right; he indeed taught me techniques. Although he is not as good as me now, he is still very skilled. Shall we both teach you together?”
When Ah Jiu heard that Mo Yuan was not as good as Brother Shi Yu, the pride in his eyes grew, as if the amazing person were himself.
“Anyway, Brother Shi Yu is the most amazing.”
“Right, anyway, teaching you is well within my capabilities.” Mo Yuan countered without missing a beat.
The two continued to bicker until Mo Yuan keenly sensed a subtle change in the atmosphere.
Shi Yu was now silently picking up food and eating, his expression cool and calm, like a pool of still water.
However, both Mo Yuan and Ah Jiu felt the surrounding temperature drop significantly and hurriedly closed their mouths, not daring to speak easily.
Only when Shi Yu saw that the two had finally quieted down did the chill radiating from him slowly dissipate.
As the night deepened, the surroundings became quiet, with only a soft breeze blowing past, carrying a hint of coolness.
Shi Yu sat alone on the rooftop, looking up at the full moon.
It happened to be the fifteenth day of the lunar month, and the moon appeared exceptionally round and bright.
Pure white moonlight spilled over him, yet his silhouette revealed an unspeakable loneliness and sorrow.
Mo Yuan slowly pushed open the door, searching for the familiar figure.
Looking up, he saw the cool, beautiful man bathed in the white moonlight, appearing lonely, indifferent, and unreachable.
With a leap, Mo Yuan landed steadily on the roof and sat down quietly beside Shi Yu.
Shi Yu sensed his arrival but did not turn his head, muttering to himself.
“Mo Yuan, why are we all destined to lose those closest to us?”
Shi Yu showed rare vulnerability and helplessness, his eyes filled with a heartbreaking sense of fragility.
Mo Yuan silently gazed at the downcast little kitten before him, involuntarily reaching out to stroke his hair.
Shi Yu did not resist Mo Yuan’s action, remaining seated in silence, his eyes fixed blankly on the moon in the sky.
“It is not destiny; it is just that human hearts are unpredictable. A-Yu, the ones who are wrong are those blinded by greed and desire.”
Mo Yuan said softly, his tone containing deep hatred for those evil people.
“Let us leave this place tomorrow!”
A trace of finality revealed itself in Shi Yu’s voice, as if he did not want to look at this land any longer. He left those words behind and leaped down.
Just as he stepped into the room, Shi Yu heard a faint, familiar cry and hurriedly ran toward the bed.
“Mother, Mother, I miss you so much.”
Ah Jiu was still immersed in his dreams, tears sliding down his cheeks and soaking the pillow.
Shi Yu slowed his pace, walking quietly to Ah Jiu’s side to sit down. He patted the boy’s back gently, just as the Queen used to comfort him when he was young.
Mo Yuan, having returned to the room as well, stood silently not far away, watching Shi Yu’s movements without interrupting.
Early the next morning, the increasingly dazzling sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves onto Mo Yuan’s face.
He slowly opened his eyes, stretched, and jumped down from the tree.
Pushing the door open, he found that Ah Jiu was already awake, sitting quietly.
Seeing him enter, the boy signaled for Mo Yuan to remain silent.
For once, Mo Yuan did not bicker with the child and quietly approached Shi Yu.
However, at this moment, a knock sounded at the door. “Senior Brother, Nanxiao seeks an audience.”
Gu Nanxiao looked at the bright daylight and the open door, assuming they were already awake, and raised his voice slightly.
When Shi Yu heard the sound, he slowly woke up. He sat straight and saw that it was already late in the morning.
He saw Mo Yuan and looked at him, wanting to ask the time, when Gu Nanxiao’s soft call came from outside again.
“Senior Brother? Are you there?”
Shi Yu used a spell for a simple wash. “Mo Yuan, let him in.”
Mo Yuan, hearing Shi Yu’s words, walked straight to the door. He glared fiercely at Gu Nanxiao while signaling him to enter.
Gu Nanxiao noticed Mo Yuan’s unfriendly gaze and felt a hint of confusion, but he did not dwell on it and walked into the room.
Gu Nanxiao first bowed to Shi Yu, then turned to Mo Yuan, performing the same respectful bow.
“Senior Brother Shi Yu, Senior Brother Mo Yuan.”
Having completed the formalities, he stated the purpose of his visit.
“Senior Brothers, everything is arranged. As soon as the time arrives, we can begin the spell-casting. Please rest assured.”