Under the light, Xie Shuangxue’s beauty seemed dreamlike, as if he were a figure from another world who would vanish the moment the light was snuffed out.

“Ling Xuan,” Xie Shuangxue spoke softly when he heard him enter, his voice as light as a feather, “I have something for you.”

Ling Xuan sat down beside him, feeling as if his breathing had grown quieter. When he looked up, he noticed Xie Shuangxue’s face still seemed pale.

Despite his care, Xie Shuangxue hadn’t fully recovered; it seemed like no amount of medicine was helping these past few days.

“What do you want to give me?” Ling Xuan’s frustration flared as he recalled Xie Shuangxue’s disregard for his own health and apparent indifference towards him. With a huff, he placed the medicine bowl on the table. “You’re leaving anyway—what use is there in me keeping anything of yours?”

Xie Shuangxue looked down, a trace of sadness in his expression, but he managed a small smile, pulling out a sachet from behind him. “I noticed you haven’t been sleeping well lately. I made this myself; it helps calm the mind and settle the body. It’s for you…”

Ling Xuan’s patience finally snapped.

“Do you really not know why I can’t sleep well, Xie Shuangxue?” he demanded. “I’ll ask you only once: are you still planning to go back with me? Are the promises we made before meaningless to you?”

There was another question he held back, one he couldn’t bring himself to ask.

Did Xie Shuangxue ever really care about him?

Xie Shuangxue looked up at him, his eyes slightly red, but his tone remained steady. “I have to go.”

Ling Xuan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, extinguishing the last traces of warmth in his heart.

“I don’t understand you! I really don’t understand what you’re thinking! Why are you so determined to go? Did my master force you, or is it that you’d do anything for His Highness? Whatever you need, I can provide it for you—why do you still insist on leaving?”

In contrast to Ling Xuan’s agitation, Xie Shuangxue remained calm. He didn’t move, but after a moment, he reached out and gently brushed away a tear from Ling Xuan’s cheek.

In the midst of this turmoil, it was easy for true feelings to surface, especially in the intensity of youth.

Then, in a softer tone, Xie Shuangxue changed the subject. “Ling Xuan, do you remember what you said to me the first time we met?”

Ling Xuan froze. “Are you still upset about those things? I said those things in anger, and I’ve already apologized to you.”

Xie Shuangxue shook his head. “These past days with you have been some of the happiest in my life, an unprecedented happiness. But there’s always been an unease I couldn’t quite pinpoint. I finally realized why—I’m simply not worthy of someone as good as you. I have unresolved grievances and responsibilities I should shoulder, but I’ve done nothing of substance.”

“Ling Xuan, I don’t blame you for anything; I’m only admitting that you were right. I haven’t been brave enough. No one’s forcing me, and it’s not for His Highness’s sake, either. But what Elder Ling said truly woke me up. If it weren’t for meeting you, I might never have had the courage to do this and would have drifted aimlessly forever.

“It’s only natural that others look down on me. If I went back with you now, I’d only be dragging you down, making you an object of scorn. I’m sorry for going back on our agreement, but I have to go this time. Only by doing so will I feel worthy of standing by your side in the future.”

Xie Shuangxue’s tone grew somber. “If you’re angry about this and don’t want my gift or to speak to me anymore, that’s fine. I’ve always considered you my most important friend and hope we can remain friends forever.”

Ling Xuan’s heart softened.

Seeing him like this, he couldn’t bear to stay mad. He reached out, wiping away Xie Shuangxue’s tears, but couldn’t help asking, “Are you really sure my master didn’t force you? Or trick you into thinking this was a good idea? If anyone looks down on you, just tell me—I’ll go beat them up.”

Ling Xuan knew well that Elder Ling didn’t favor Xie Shuangxue, and since he was behind this whole arrangement, it was natural for him to be suspicious.

But Xie Shuangxue shook his head, sniffled, and spoke seriously. “No one forced me. This was my choice from the beginning. Ling Xuan, he’s your master, and I can see how much he cares about you. He would never want to cause you pain.”

Ling Xuan’s heart stirred.

Elder Ling treated him like his own son; he’d always known that, and it was unthinkable for him to truly fall out with his master.

Despite his circumstances, Shuangxue never spoke ill of Elder Ling. On the contrary, he was always advising him, both in public and private.

“Elder Ling even offered me the Elder’s Golden Seal. I don’t deserve such an honor; I know it’s only thanks to you,” Xie Shuangxue said. “But wasn’t Elder Ling right? I need to earn the Feather Clan’s recognition myself. This opportunity gives me a chance to prove myself, and his care for you has always been sincere. We both should cherish it.”

“You truly don’t resent my master?”

“I was wrong to appear so despondent before. It’s natural that the Elder misunderstood me, but he was still willing to let go of past grievances to help me. How could I resent him?”

It was the simple truth.

In fact, Xie Shuangxue was grateful to Elder Ling.

Ling Xuan finally felt his anger dissolve.

Aside from the recent disagreements, he realized that his long-standing internal conflict, torn between Xie Shuangxue and his master, had been resolved in a moment of clarity.

If Xie Shuangxue could be so understanding, perhaps he had been the one who failed to see things clearly.

“I’m sorry. It’s all my fault,” Ling Xuan sighed. “I shouldn’t have been angry with you.”

Xie Shuangxue remained seated, and Ling Xuan, now standing, looked down at him. He saw a spark of warmth and reliance in Xie Shuangxue’s eyes, and finally, a slight smile softened his features.

“I’m glad you and Elder Ling are no longer at odds because of me. That’s truly a relief.”

So that’s what Shuangxue was thinking.

He’d been considering him all along; it wasn’t that he didn’t care.

Xie Shuangxue could see that Ling Xuan’s anger had passed.

Ling Xuan and Elder Ling had a deep, solid bond, and any disagreements were bound to be temporary. Elder Ling was right: as soon as Xie Shuangxue left, the master and disciple would naturally reconcile. It was better that Elder Ling take the initiative.

In the long term, Xie Shuangxue wouldn’t disrupt genuine relationships based on deep bonds. Ling Xuan and Elder Ling were one such bond.

Elder Ling might not have been a saint, but his treatment of his disciple was impeccable. Forcing the relationship would only backfire.

Besides, there was someone else outside, listening.

Xie Shuangxue, as someone skilled in stealth and concealed weaponry, was highly attuned to any movement around him. He’d noticed someone approaching when Ling Xuan’s emotions surged, prompting him to get up quickly. The listener seemed to have hesitated outside but eventually stayed.

After a few moments, that person stepped forward and pushed open the door.

“Big Brother?” Ling Xuan was surprised to see him, a mix of joy and excitement flashing across his face. “When did you get here?”

Xie Shuangxue turned to look as well, letting a surprised expression appear on his face at just the right moment.

Ling Luo, Ling Xuan’s elder brother, resembled him by about fifty percent, though Ling Xuan still had a youthful look, while Ling Luo’s features were more resolute, his build sturdy and his gaze sharp. He was a man capable of handling any situation on his own.

Ling Luo’s eyes were on Xie Shuangxue.

Before coming, he’d heard his master say a lot about this young man—mainly that he was a shameless fox, a mere child who somehow managed to enchant Ling Xuan. Ling Luo’s first impression of Xie Shuangxue was not good.

But seeing him today, he realized his master might have been biased. Xie Shuangxue didn’t seem like that type of person. Instead, he appeared to possess a surprising amount of integrity.

Perhaps what Chen Xin and His Highness had said about him was closer to the truth.

“I heard everything,” Ling Luo said, glancing at Ling Xuan. “Shuangxue is right; there’s no need for you to hold a grudge.”

Ling Xuan also looked at Xie Shuangxue, his temper having largely cooled. “I wasn’t really angry with him.”

Ling Luo continued, “You and Master as well. With the Feather Clan in peril, you should focus on external threats and not bicker amongst yourselves.”

At this, Ling Luo felt grateful to Xie Shuangxue.

Ling Luo was well aware that his master had likely been behind the poisoning incident involving Luo Yin, but Xie Shuangxue had kept silent, allowing the matter to be smoothed over.

Ling Luo had a broad perspective—part of his character. He saw that as long as Elder Ling and Chun Yao maintained a façade of harmony and Elder Ling made overtures to curry favor with Chun Yao for sending Xie Shuangxue away, the clan would at least avoid internal roadblocks.

But it meant hardships for Xie Shuangxue.

Ling Luo gave Xie Shuangxue a rare, gentle look and asked, “Is your injury not fully healed yet?”

Before Xie Shuangxue could answer, Ling Xuan replied, “I’ve been taking care of him; it’s healed, though not entirely.”

Really?

Ling Luo frowned slightly, catching a faint scent of blood in the air.

“Let me take a look,” he said. “If it’s not fully healed, it won’t be safe for you to go out like this.”

When he reached for Xie Shuangxue’s wrist, he noticed his tension.

Ling Luo blocked Ling Xuan’s view as he examined Xie Shuangxue’s bandaged arm, spotting a trace of blood even in the dim light.

What was going on?

Ling Luo was about to speak, but Xie Shuangxue subtly shook his head and gave him a look to keep silent, glancing at Ling Xuan.

“Ling Xuan, Shuangxue’s injuries aren’t fully healed,” Ling Luo said, changing the topic. “I have some medicine; go fetch some water to mix it with.”

Ling Xuan didn’t hesitate, hurrying out to get the water.

After Ling Xuan left, Xie Shuangxue let out a small sigh and explained, “I wanted to leave something meaningful for him, but I didn’t have anything that would be useful to him. I don’t think this ordeal will be over quickly, and I fear for his safety. So I prepared a special medicine that acts quickly. It’s probably the only thing I can give him right now. Don’t worry, I know my limits—it won’t hinder the Feather Clan.”

With his family’s inherited techniques, Xie Shuangxue could use his blood as a catalyst. Ling Luo already knew this.

“Why didn’t you tell Ling Xuan?”

“You know how he is. If I told him, he’d probably refuse and end up arguing with me. I don’t want to fight with him anymore,” Xie Shuangxue replied. “I’ll leave it for him when I go, so he won’t have a chance to throw it away. At least he’ll have something useful.”

Ling Luo looked at him, a hint of curiosity surfacing. “Why do you treat Ling Xuan so well?”

“You and Elder Ling probably think I have some ulterior motive, right?” Xie Shuangxue withdrew his hand, his smile fading. “But if you were in my position—your family gone, left alone—meeting someone like Ling Xuan, wouldn’t you want to treasure him as much as possible? That’s exactly why I have to go.”

Ling Luo fell silent.

Ling Xuan returned shortly after, carrying the water, and said to Xie Shuangxue, “Now that you’re an inner disciple of the Feather Clan, don’t be so distant with me—just call me Senior Brother Ling Luo.”

Xie Shuangxue hesitated, then softly replied, “Senior Brother Ling Luo.”

Ling Xuan, always straightforward, was delighted by Ling Luo’s acceptance, seeing it as a form of recognition. He handed the medicine to Xie Shuangxue and asked, “When did you get here, big brother?”

Ling Luo, who had been recovering from his injuries, had been sent to rest at Floating Dreams Cloud. He’d only returned to Penglai City today and had first gone to discuss the expedition with Chun Yao before coming here.

The timeline roughly matched what Xie Shuangxue had pieced together from the original story, where it was mentioned briefly. He knew Ling Luo would have plenty of followers since he was part of the Feather Clan. The moment Ling Luo arrived, Xie Shuangxue knew.

He didn’t mind if he got the timing a little off. He’d intended for Ling Luo to see his wounds.

This act wasn’t only for Ling Xuan’s sake.

Ling Xuan was easy to handle, but Ling Luo was the real target today.

The current plan involved Chen Xin heading to Lu Yun Tower, but certain plot points were fixed. Many of Ling Luo’s storyline events happened at Lu Yun Tower, so it was inevitable that he would go. SEA wouldn’t allow such a significant deviation.

Traveling together with Ling Luo’s goodwill would undoubtedly ease the execution of his future plans at Lu Yun Tower.

What surprised Xie Shuangxue was that Ling Luo’s timing was perfect, arriving just in time to hear everything.

Any earlier or later, and the impact wouldn’t have been the same.

“…I naturally came to find you after discussing things with His Highness,” Ling Luo confirmed, just as Xie Shuangxue had predicted, but what he said next caught him off guard. “I was worried about you, so I finished early. I would have arrived sooner, but a mainland ranger approached me on the road, asking strange questions and deliberately misdirecting me, making me take a long detour to get here. The Feather Clan’s borders have become far too chaotic, and the guards should be more vigilant.”

Because of this, Ling Luo had overheard from just outside Xie Shuangxue’s window, making every word clearer.

It meant that everything had lined up perfectly.

Xie Shuangxue frowned slightly.

Why would a so-called “mainland ranger” show up in a scenario like this?

In the NPCs’ eyes, rangers, mercenaries, and wanderers were all code words for players.

No… there was one “player” he’d encountered in a side storyline.

A figure wearing a silver mask, with shimmering points of light around him—a person likely tied to Yu Haiqing’s SEA connections and backup plans.