Chapter 4

Ouyang Zizhen wandered alone near the courtyard, claiming earlier that he felt unwell and stayed behind. In truth, he simply feared the night hunt.

He walked without purpose until his steps led him towards Jingshi—the quiet chamber belonging to Hanguang Jun and Wei Ying.

He stopped short when he saw two figures inside at the entrance of the chamber—Lan Qiren and Wei Ying. They were talking, though no words reached Zizhen’s ears. He could only see Wei Ying’s face—calm, expressionless, unreadable. Neither angry, nor cheerful. Just… empty.

Zizhen had never seen Senior Wei look like that before.

Everyone in Cloud Recesses knew that Lan Qiren and Wei Ying did not get along. The rule “No talking with Wei Ying” was proof enough. So Zizhen thought perhaps Senior Wei had broken another rule—or maybe was just getting another long lecture.

He watched Wei Ying bow politely at the end as Lan Qiren turned to leave. Before the elder could exit fully, Zizhen ducked behind one of the pillars and quietly slipped away, heart pounding as if he’d witnessed something he shouldn’t have.

___________

When Lan Zhan returned later that night, he found Wei Ying inside Jingshi, wearing only his inner robe, sitting before the open window—playing his flute.

But the melody was wrong. It was sharp, uneven, harsh.

Hanguang Jun froze for a moment, realization striking him. The sound, it must be the cause that triggered Wen Ning.

______________

(Flash back)

Later that evening, Hanguang Jun, Wen Ning, and most of the disciples set out for the night hunt.

The forest was cool and faintly misty, the air thick with spiritual energy. The disciples moved with energy and confidence, blades flashing as the fight with stray ghouls began to unfold.

Hanguang Jun stood a few steps away, his expression calm as he observed.

Lan Sizhui’s sword flowed in steady arcs, graceful but precise. Jin Ling’s golden bow flashed under the moonlight, every arrow landing exactly where it should. Lan Jingyi plucked his guqin with concentration, its sharp notes slicing through the thick night air, cleansing the mists. The other disciples followed suit, each showing the results of their long training in Cloud Recesses.

Everything was going smoothly until the air suddenly changed.

A low growl broke from near Wen Ning’s position. His hands tightened, his shoulders shuddered, and then—his eyes turned black. The calm Ghost General vanished in an instant, leaving only the feared force of destruction.

“General wen!” several disciples shouted, stepping back.

But before anyone could move, Hanguang Jun had already acted, fingers sliding across the strings of his guqin. A select group of deep notes rolled through the forest, filled with calm and command. The sound wrapped around Wen Ning like a barrier, holding him still long enough for Lan Zhan to seal him within a faint golden sphere with a talisman—cutting off the sound that had triggered him. (lan zhan's wild guess that it could be wei ying's flute sound which he didn't want to believe)

The hunt ended swiftly after that.

(Flashback ends)

___________

He took a breath, his calm voice filling the room. “Wei Ying.”

Wei Ying stopped and looked up, smiling warmly. “Lan Zhan! You’re back already?”

Lan Zhan felt something faintly wrong in that tone but hid the thought. “Wei Ying, what are you doing?”

Wei Ying twirled the flute lazily between his fingers. “What am I doing? Can’t you see? I’m playing the flute.”

Lan Zhan’s tone stayed even. “But why so harshly? Wen Ning was affected during the hunt.”

Wei Ying’s grin lingered. “I know.”

Lan Zhan’s composure slipped slightly. "What? Why..”

Wei Ying stood, tapping the flute against his palm. “Because I haven’t used it in a long time. I didn’t want to forget. You know me—I have a terrible memory. So… I thought practicing more often might help keep the skill fresh. What do you think?”

Lan Zhan stared at him, words caught in his throat. He had never expected such a reply—so casual, so unlike Wei Ying.

Before he could respond, Wei Ying waved it off. “Lan Zhan, I’m tired after playing this for so long. I’m going to sleep. You should come soon too.”

And with that, Wei Ying went inside.

Lan Zhan stood frozen for a long moment in the quiet. Something about the way Wei Ying had spoken—about the tone underneath the playfulness—unsettled him deeply.

When he finally stepped into the inner room, Wei Ying was already asleep, breathing even and calm. Lan Zhan checked him carefully.

He was indeed deeply asleep.

Still, Lan Zhan lingered, watching him for a long moment before quietly extinguishing the lights.

But Lan Zhan, still doesn't want to believe the things that happened today. He is now more like restless.

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