"YUE'ER!!"

Bai Ruyi bolted upright, her heart pounding in her chest. Although unable to grasp the fleeting remnants of her dreams, she was haunted by the vivid sound of someone screaming out to her. As she calmed down her breathing, her mother came in.

"Ming Yue, you're awake."

Sitting down by her side, her mother checked on her pulse and made sure she didn't have any fevers.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, mom."

Her mother sighed and caressed her face. Not being able to sleep, her face showed signs of tiredness.

"Mom, how long was I gone for?" Bai Ruyi asked.

"A full day and night."

When Bai Ruyi didn't say anything, Bai Xueling asked.

"What happened? Where did you guys go?"

"I don't really know. While I was hunting, an area of the forest became very heavy with a killing aura. Suddenly, a strange mutated hawk attacked me..."

Bai Ruyi's mother listened intently as her daughter recalled the event that had happened to her and Feng Kuanglan. Each event was more disturbing than the last.

Bai Xueling was speechless. Never could she have imagined that there was such a terrifying place in Jinshan. Although there were many questions she wanted to ask Sect Leader Jin, she could not be reckless about it. But for now, she was glad Bai Ruyi was back safe and sound.

A few days later, when Bai Ruyi was fully recovered, Sect Leader Jin invited everyone to a meeting to explain the situation.

"Everyone, I apologize for what happened during the hunt this time. After hearing a recount, I have launched an investigation to get to the bottom of this. The area where Feng gongzi and Bai gongzi fell into was where we kept the extra prey. I truly do not know who tampered with them, but I swear to give everyone a proper explanation as soon as possible. I hope you can all forgive me for this missight."

Sect Leader Jin has always been a man of flowery words, so no one could deny his explanation. However, all the other Sect Leaders held onto his words that he would figure out what had happened during the hunt. After Sect Leader Jin, it was his assistant's turn to talk. Standing tall and proudly, he smiled and said.

"Dear guest, to apologize and to celebrate the upcoming mid-autumn festival, we have organized a floating lantern event for tonight. We have prepared all the materials for everyone to make their own lanterns. So, please join us in the field after dinner tonight."

Although everyone still felt uneasy and that something wasn't right, to take their minds off it, they all decided to partake in the event. So, after dinner, while the adults were relaxing under the tent, the rest of the disciples formed into pairs or groups to build the lanterns. At first, Long Hua wanted Bai Ruyi to join her and Long Yuzhe. However, Bai Ruyi did not want to be the third wheel, so she declined.

Bai Ruyi gathered the materials and found a quiet spot to build her lantern. Feng Kuanglan, who was watching from afar, approached Bai Ruyi and asked.

"Are your wounds better now?"

Looking up, Bai Ruyi saw that it was Feng Kuanglan. This was the first time she had seen him since they escaped the forest.

"It is. Thank you for your concern."

Bai Ruyi quietly continued building her lantern. Although she grew up alongside Long Yuzhe and Long Hua, their interests often were opposite to hers. So, she usually ended up doing things by herself while the two were having fun. In the beginning, it was lonely, yet the older she got, the more she found comfort and peace in doing things by herself.

From the tent, Bai Xueling saw that Bai Ruyi was withdrawing herself again. Although worried, she didn't want to interfere. So, when she saw that Feng Kuanglan sat beside her instead of leaving, the tension in her heart soothed a bit. Bai Ruyi was not as indifferent as others thought she was. All she needed was for someone to take the first step and reach out to her.

When sitting beside her, Feng Kuanglan did not say anything. He simply picked up some of the bamboo pieces and twisted them together, making the pieces of the frame that Bai Ruyi had yet to complete. When he was done, he would hand them to her. At first, Bai Ruyi was confused, but she later accepted that he was staying and continued to make her lantern alongside him. After making the frame, Feng Kuanglan left the painting to Bai Ruyi. Slowly, she painted a scene of jasmine flowers in full bloom with a crane flying under the full moon.

"Do you miss Yunmeng?" Feng Kuanglan asked.

Bai Ruyi sighed and pursed her lips. "Maybe. But cranes are considered the messengers of heaven. Don't you think it's quite fitting for a wishing lantern?"

Her words flowed like a tranquil stream, her face a picture of serenity. But within those eyes, Feng Kuanglan sensed the gathering tempest of pain, poised to unleash its tumultuous power.

As the lanterns danced into the night sky, all eyes fixated on their graceful ascent, like celestial jewels adorning the evening sky. The autumn breeze carried the delicate scent of jasmine and sandalwood, weaving a tranquil floral symphony fitting for the season. Gently, everyone intertwined their fingers and whispered their heart's desires into the night.

"I, Long Hua, wish for a happy marriage and peaceful life."

"I, Long Yuzhe, wish to become the strongest and lead the Bai clan to glory."

"I, Feng Zhiyu, wish for a smooth life, days filled with joy, and good wine."

"I, Yu Yichen, wish to finish all the lectures quickly and not anger my brother more."

"I, Feng Kuanglan, wish to stand with the good and protect those in need."

When Feng Kuanglan finished making his wish, he saw Bai Ruyi whispering her wish. As the wish floated off with the lantern, Bai Ruyi thanked Feng Kuanglan for helping with the lantern and left.

On her way back, Sect Leader Jin's assistant called out to her.

"Xue gongzi," Bai Ruyi greeted.

"Bai gongzi, is everything alright? You are leaving so early."

Bai Ruyi shook her head and said, "I just wish to get some rest."

"I understand. It has been a very long few days for you. Please let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you."

As Bai Ruyi walked away, her long, wide-sleeved white robe, intricately embroidered with her family insignia, swirled and danced through the air, radiating an aura of elegance and aloofness. She left behind a trail of mystique, with two pairs of eyes wistfully following her every step.

When Bai Ruyi returned to her room, Xiao Ling was a few steps behind. Having not seen Xiao Bai for many days, the dog wanted to see its little friend. However, after running through the woods, dirt, and debris covered the dog's paw. As a person who has always been clean and organized, Bai Ruyi could not stand the sight and told Xiao Ling to wait outside. When she came back, a bucket of water and a towel were in her hand, and on her shoulder was Xiao Bai. She then sat on the door's threshold before Xiao Bai hopped down. After soaking the towel in the water and wringing it out, she held out a hand and said.

"Paw."

Xiao Ling obediently gave her its paw, and she wiped them. Just as she finished the last leg, Feng Zhiyu showed up. When he saw Bai Ruyi, he bowed and greeted her. Bai Ruyi stood up and returned the greeting.

"Are you looking for Xiao Ling?" Bai Ruyi asked.

Feng Zhiyu nodded, and Bai Ruyi told Xiao Ling to return to its owner. Yet, even after Xiao Ling returned to Feng Zhiyu's side, he did not leave, lingering behind as though he had something to say.

"Feng er gongzi, if you have something to say, please do."

Stammering, Feng Zhiyu said, "Thank you for helping my brother."

Feng Zhiyu rarely thanked anyone, so hearing him thank her was a surprise to Bai Ruyi.

"I just did what I had to do. No need to thank me."

Feng Zhiyu nodded, but one more question lingered in his mind, so he asked.

"Bai gongzi, how do you get Xiao Ling to listen to you so well?"

Looking at Feng Zhiyu straight in the eye, she said, "All animals have feelings like we do. Especially spirit animals. Their feelings and intelligence are no less than ours. The more you love and care for them, the more loyal they are to you. We may give them a fraction of our love, but they return that with their life."

It was then that Feng Zhiyu realized how much he had been neglecting Xiao Ling. Although the dog was always by his side, he never fully acted and treated his dog with the love and care an owner should have. Looking down at his dog, a wave of guilt washed over him, and he promised himself that he would do better.

"I see. Thank you. Bai gongzi, you really are knowledgeable."

Bai Ruyi shook her head and said, "Experience is the best teacher."

At that moment, Feng Zhiyu saw a small white bunny sitting on the threshold. Carefully, Bai Ruyi picked it up and gently stroked its head. Recognizing it as the bunny he saw at Yunmeng, he said.

"So, you..."

"Yes, this is my spirit pet, Xiao Bai. The same bunny Xiao Ling chased on the welcoming day."

Another wave of guilt and shame washed over him again, and he bowed to apologize.

"It's all in the past now. Feng er gongzi, please don't take it to heart."

For the first time since they met, Feng Zhiyu saw Bai Ruyi in a different light. Maybe he isn't as cold as I thought.

After thanking Bai Ruyi again, Feng Zhiyu and Xiao Ling happily returned to their guest house.

Watching as they left, Bai Ruyi felt pleased that the pet and owner were now walking together instead of one in front and the other following. When the two were out of sight, Bai Ruyi and Xiao Bai went inside to rest.

Later that night, when everyone returned from the field, Long Yuzhe stopped by to check on Bai Ruyi.

"How do you feel?" he asked as he sat.

"I'm fine. Just a little bit tired."

Seeing Xiao Bai munching on its carrot, Long Yuzhe scratched the little bunny's head. While playing with the bunny, Long Yuzhe remembered something he wanted to ask his sister.

"Oh, by the way, what did you wish for?"

Smiling, she responded, "If I tell you, it won't come true, will it?"

Long Yuzhe laughed and waved his hand.

"No way. I'm sure it will come true. Let me guess, did you wish for a good and happy marriage like Long Hua?"

Although Bai Ruyi was already at a marriageable age, the thought never crossed her mind.

"No, I didn't."

Tapping his chin, Long Yuzhe thought for a second, then asked.

"Hmm. Then did you wish to lead the Long clan to glory, like I wish to lead the Bai clan?"

Bai Ruyi went quiet after hearing her brother's wish. Unlike other clans, the cranes chose the Bai clan's next leader. Although it could happen at any moment, the next leader is chosen when the family insignia shows up on their body. The insignia proved the right of the heir to the clan. Even though Long Yuzhe had a wild personality and didn't like to follow the rules, since he was young, he had always dreamed of becoming the next Bai Sect Leader. Usually, the oldest sibling was always chosen, so the tradition did not worry Long Yuzhe.

"... Yue... Ming Yue?"

"Huh?" Snapping back to reality, Bai Ruyi realized that Long Yuzhe had been calling out to her.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. What were you saying?"

"Oh, I was saying that later on, when Long Hua and I get married, and when you take over the Long clan, coming to visit you, will also give her an excuse to come home for a visit."

"Ohh. Yeah, it will."

Seeing the darkened expression on Bai Ruyi's face, Long Yuzhe thought she had still not fully recovered. So, he decided to let her rest. The road was long, and they had plenty of time to chat later.

---------

With the floating lantern being a success, everyone's mind was at ease, and as Sect Leader Jin continued the investigation, all the other clans decided it was time for them to head home. Unfortunately, Bai Ruyi's grandpa, Sect Leader Long, fell ill the day before everyone left. Worried that the journey back to Donghai would be challenging for him, Long Ruijin and Long Yuzhe chose to accompany him back, while Bai Ruyi returned to Yuecheng with her mother. On their way back, they once again traveled with the Feng family. However, since Long Yuzhe was not with them, Bai Ruyi had her own carriage as Madam Feng rode with her mother, and with Feng Zhiyu spending more time with Xiao Ling, it was just her and Xiao Bai. During the journey, Bai Ruyi read her books and played the qin, but on some days, Kuanglan would join her for a round of xiangqi or weiqi.

After going their separate ways with the Feng family, Bai Ruyi rode the same carriage as her mother.

"Feng gongzi seems like a nice person."

"Which one do you mean?"

Bai Ruyi was busy playing with Xiao Bai and didn't notice the look her mother was giving her. Only when she didn't hear a response from her mother did she look up.

"Mom, is something the matter?"

Bai Xueling reached out for Bai Ruyi's hand and smiled.

"I was talking about the eldest son of Sect Leader Feng, Feng Kuanglan."

"I see. I guess you can say so."

Despite her sharp eye for detail, Bai Ruyi avoided jumping to conclusions about people's thoughts and personalities after just a few encounters.

"Do you not have a good impression of him?" Bai Xueling asked.

"I... I don't know. I haven't thought much about it. But why do you ask? Is something the matter?"

Bai Ruyi's mind was a tempest of thoughts, with her utmost concern being the mutated beasts. The Jin clan had always been renowned for its opulence and security, unrivaled by any other clan. It baffled her that they could be infiltrated so easily, with all their prey being turned without detection. The only plausible scenarios were an inside job or an immensely powerful outsider meticulously planning this incursion for a long time. The notion of other people didn't even register in her mind.

"I saw him building the lantern with you."

"Oh. He came over and started helping."

"Ming Yue, what's on your mind?"

Although Bai Xueling knew that Bai Ruyi was a person of few words, her lack of focus in their conversation was unlike her.

"(Sigh)..."

"Is it what happened at the hunt still bothering you?"

Bai Ruyi nodded. Although everyone from the Jin clan kept saying they didn't know anything, she still felt like something was off. Like something was about to happen.

"I know that everything is a mess right now. But don't worry, we will get an explanation soon. Remember, I am always here. I will be your safety net and make sure you are always safe."

Her mother's gentle words calmed Bai Ruyi's restless mind, yet her heart remained burdened. Life's uncertainty lingered like an unanswerable riddle, leaving her to ponder if anyone could truly find certainty in this world.