Back at Fukun Xueyuan, a forced atmosphere of festivity was orchestrated to pacify the restless souls. To contain the growing unease, classes were suspended, and the Lianxiao Clan was adorned in celebratory colors. The markets were made busy with distractions dance symphonies were staged at crossroads, and grand processions paraded through the streets. Disciples from the Han Clan, Hegong Clan, and Yingtian Clan all mingled in this superficial joy.

  Yet, just as fish are drawn to the scent of blood in the water, those disciples who had heard Zhu Yi’s grim revelations remained vigilant. Their eyes were not on the festivities, but on the shadows. Everyone knew why this celebration had suddenly begun.

  Amidst the throng, Zhuang Hue walked with silent, heavy steps. His eyes burned with a dark fire, fueled by a memory from mere moments ago.

  Flashback:

  Jun Wan had been scouring the crowded market, her eyes searching frantically through the sea of faces. Zhuang Hue watched from a distance as she grabbed disciples, her voice trembling with desperation: "Please, have you seen Gu Zong?"

  With every shake of a head, every "no" she received, her eyes grew wetter, her spirit more crushed. She moved from person to person, her heart clearly breaking for one man. But in all her frantic searching, Zhuang Hue never once heard her lips utter his name. She never once asked, "Has anyone seen Zhuang Hue?"

  He stood frozen as people jostled against his shoulders. He gripped his wounded hand so tightly that blood began to seep through the bandages. His eyes grew a deeper shade of crimson with every passing second. Finally, he turned away. While the crowd surged East toward the main market, Zhuang Hue walked in the opposite direction, disappearing into the West.

  End of Flashback.

  Zhuang Hue entered a tavern. He silently placed silver pieces on a table, drawing the attention of a waiter. "Young Master, would you like something to eat or drink?"

  Zhuang Hue glared into the man’s eyes, his voice cold. "Bring me wine."

  In the midst of the hustle, Jun Wan still hadn't found Gu Zong. In her haste, she collided with Han Lao Fang. She didn't even look up, her voice a hollow shell of apology: "Please forgive me... I am looking for my brothers."

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Lao Fang spoke with unexpected grace. "Princess Jun Wan? Have you still not found them?"

  The sound of his voice made her look up. A short while later, the two sat in a quiet inn. Lao Fang poured her a cup of water. "Do not worry. I, too, am searching for Han Wuang Shi. He has been missing since the trial stage."

  Jun Wan took the cup, offering a weary thanks. Her face was pale, her eyelids heavy with exhaustion. "Thank you, Eldest Prince."

  While the market was quiet, a different storm raged elsewhere. A flash of steel struck Gu Zong’s blade with lightning speed. Gu Zong, maintaining his playful arrogance even in combat, parried Han Wuang Shi’s strike.

  "You are a strange man, Wuang Shi. I save your life, and instead of a thank you, you try to take mine? That isn't very nice," Gu Zong teased.

  Wuang Shi offered no reply. Gu Zong spun his sword and intentionally lowered his guard, baiting an attack. Seeing the opening, Wuang Shi lunged for Gu Zong’s throat. Gu Zong dropped his own sword, the blade clattering against the stony ground, and closed his eyes, waiting for the impact.

  But nothing happened. Only a soft gust of wind brushed his eyelids. Then, the sound of a second sword falling.

  When Gu Zong opened his eyes, he saw Wuang Shi collapsed face-down on the edge of the lake, his sword lying uselessly beside him. Gu Zong wrinkled his nose and muttered to himself, "Is this a man or a stone? He’d rather his bones break than his pride. Look at him, lying there like a dead white fish. Arrogant brat."

  Gu Zong sheathed Wuang Shi's sword and then his own, securing it to his belt.

  The Golden Mermaid’s Descent

  Time passed. Wuang Shi sat unconscious, propped against a large rock with his sword in his lap. Gu Zong stood at the water's edge, gazing at the massive waterfall. From above, the water seemed to fall in slow motion, but the tempest it created at the bottom was a stark contrast to its upper serenity. The valley was a cathedral of stone, with emerald grass clinging to the cliffs and colorful flowers blooming from every crevice.

  Gu Zong took a deep breath and glanced back at the sleeping Wuang Shi. Then, he stepped into the clear, green-tinted water and dove deep.

  Underwater, Gu Zong moved with the fluid grace of a golden-haired mermaid. His hair drifted like silk, and his robes flowed like ribbons in the changing currents. His brow was furrowed in concentration as his eyes scanned the depths for the Jiuhuang Yin Zither.

  Finally, he saw it. It lay at the very bottom, directly beneath the crushing weight of the waterfall. The water is falling from such a height, Gu Zong thought, staring at the zither. If I go near, the sheer weight of the impact will crush me. I need another way.

  Before he could move closer, his lungs began to burn. He turned toward the surface, swimming with all his might. He burst through the water’s skin, gasping for air, his wet lashes and the hair plastered to his face reflecting his frustration.

  "So," he whispered to himself. "That is why the Jiuhuang Yin is so safe. Reaching it is like embracing death itself."

  He swam to the shallow bank and sat cross-legged, contemplating his next move. Just then, behind him, Wuang Shi began to stir.