Chapter 2

As the last of the disciples filed out, Zewu Jun approached Lan Qiren quietly, hands folded respectfully.

"Nowadays, these young people don't seem to meet our rules very well, full of curiousity and wilderness" Zewu Jun said with a faint sigh.

Lan Qiren hummed in agreement, his expression still tense from the earlier discussion.

"But Sizhui is an exception," Zewu Jun added softly. "No wonder—he was brought up by Wangji."

Lan Qiren didn't respond to that. Instead, he said firmly, "If needed, increase the difficulty of their training. This is the correct age for them to be shaped."

Zewu Jun smiled gently at the suggestion, nodding.

Lan Qiren paused, then asked, "Are they going on a night hunt tonight as well?"

"Yes," Zewu Jun replied.

"With whom?" Lan Qiren started, then shook his head. "Nevermind." He looked at his nephew directly. "And you—Xichen, don't go into seclusion again for such long periods. As the sect leader, you should know how to hold yourself. I cannot keep you in check forever. You must look after yourself."

Zewu Jun's gaze lowered slightly as he bowed, a flicker of guilt and pain crossing his face.

Lan Qiren's voice softened just a bit. "Forget about the past. Mistakes happen—after all, we are only human. But don't drown in them and confuse yourself. In the future, take your decisions wisely."

Zewu Jun bowed deeper this time, his voice quiet but sincere. "As you say, Uncle."

With that, Lan Qiren turned and walked away, his robes sweeping behind him, leaving Zewu Jun standing alone in the empty hall, the weight of old memories and new responsibilities pressing gently on his shoulders.

As they walked toward the meeting place where Hanguang Jun waited, the questions from earlier still swirled in their minds. The way the adults had avoided answering only fed their curiosity deeper.

Jin Ling turned sharply toward Jingyi. "It's all because of you. Who told you to ask those questions in the first place?"

Jingyi shrugged, unbothered. "Asking questions is how you learn things. That's why classes are held. Sitting idly and passing time—anyone can do that."

Jin Ling's eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"

Jingyi smirked. "What? Are you triggered? Why? Do you also do that?"

Jin Ling, "You—"

Ouyang Zizhen stepped between them quickly. "Can you both stop fighting? We got penalties because of your debate. Don't give us more trouble."

Jingyi rolled his eyes. "Who told him to answer me when I was just asking questions? Acting like he knows everything just because he was born in the Jin sect."

Sizhui sighed. "Jingyi, enough. What you should worry about isn't who started it, but the punishment from Hanguang Jun."

Jingyi paused. "That's true… but why are you only shutting me up?"

Ouyang Zizhen gave him a tired look. "Because your mouth can't be shut on its own, can it?"

Sizhui's expression grew thoughtful. "But Jingyi, what you asked today really is a mystery. If it's not something simple like bad swordsmanship, why didn't they answer our questions?"

Jingyi nodded eagerly. "Exactly! That's what I asked, and that's why I asked."

Jin Ling crossed his arms. "Instead of debating here among ourselves, why don't we just go and ask the person directly?"

Ouyang Zizhen's eyes widened. "You mean… we ask Senior Wei?"

Jingyi grimaced. "Him? I'd rather not know than ask him."

Jin Ling raised an eyebrow. "Why? Are you scared of him?"

"Who's scared of who?" Jingyi shot back. "I just don't like him. He always sticks to Hanguang Jun like a leech, so unserious all the time, and lazy too. I bet he's still sleeping right now. I don't know why Hanguang Jun brought him back to Gusu."

Sizhui tilted his head. "But what Jin Ling said is true. If we ask him directly, we can find out more. Besides, he's friendly and easy to talk to. Asking him questions is easier than asking Zewu Jun or Master Lan."

Jingyi hesitated. "What you said… might be right."

Ouyang Zizhen grinned. "There's nothing to think about. Let's go ask him directly."

Sizhui nodded. "Yes. Let's ask him."

Just as they all agreed and turned toward the path, a cold, steady voice cut through the air, sending chills down their spines.

"Ask what to whom?"

They froze.

Hanguang Jun stood a few steps behind, his pale blue robes spotless, expression calm but sharp as a blade. His gaze swept over them, waiting.

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