Chilly Night

She was launched into the air, slamming against the cave wall with a horrifying thud. And Xu Hanyu watched her collapse, disoriented and defenseless.

"No—!" he shouted, fear clawing at his chest. He took a step forward but froze as the Silver Basilisk's massive head turned toward him with predatory intent.

The beast hissed, a chilling sound like metal grinding against stone, and the ground shook beneath their feet.

As the Silver Basilisk's menacing gaze fixed on Xu Hanyu, he felt a surge of panic. The creature was coiling, ready to strike. But his mind raced—he couldn't let the girl's sacrifice be in vain. He needed a plan, and fast.

He quickly scanned the cavern floor, spotting jagged rocks scattered about. He thought that if he made enough noise, he might distract the creature long enough to reach the woman. 

Quickly, he grabbed a fist-sized stone and hurled it at the cave wall. The loud bang echoed through the space, causing the basilisk to shift its gaze, its icy eyes honing in on the sound.

Now or never!

Xu Hanyu sprinted ahead, tossing a stone to distract the Silver Basilisk. The creature paused, giving him the moment he needed. 

Heart racing as he dashed forward, the beast's growl echoing behind him. 

"Wrap your arms around my neck! We need to go—NOW!" he urged as he dropped to his knees and lifted her up. 

He ran, legs burning, as the basilisk roared, claws scraping the stone. 

Faster! 

The girl stirred, her eyes fluttering open, but she was too weak to speak. The exit loomed ahead, a faint light beckoning them. 

A deafening screech pierced the air, the basilisk's breath hot on his back. 

Move, move, MOVE! 

With a final burst of energy, Xu Hanyu propelled himself forward— 

And then—he was free. 

A blinding blue light flared behind them as the beast slammed into an invisible barrier, sending shockwaves through the ground. 

Trapped. 

Xu Hanyu stumbled, nearly collapsing, sweat streaming down his face as he glanced back at the thrashing creature.

He glanced back at the beast, still thrashing against the seal.

BANG! BANG! The beast slammed its tail against the barrier, but the seal held firm. Its silver eyes glowed with fury, but after a few moments, it retreated into the darkness, its rage simmering into reluctant surrender.

Xu Hanyu finally let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging. The arch was sealed. The beast couldn't reach them anymore. They were safe.

He turned his head—and for the first time, he saw something different on the girl's face. Emotion. A flicker of concern, of guilt.

She looked away, her voice softer than before. "You can put me down…"

"Oh—right." He blinked, realizing he was still holding her. "Sorry."

Carefully, he set her down, his arms lingering for a second longer than necessary. The tension still crackled in the air, but for the first time since entering that cavern… they could finally breathe. 

As soon as her feet touched the ground, she wobbled, gripping her waist where blood seeped through her fingers.

Xu Hanyu's eyes flashed. "You're bleeding. Let me help you."

"No thanks." She turned away, forcing herself forward.

Stubborn. Even when she was barely standing.

She pushed toward the abandoned nest, but her steps faltered—her vision swam. The world tilted.

Then—darkness.

Before she could hit the ground, Xu Hanyu lunged, catching her just in time. "I told you, you're bleeding." His grip tightened. "You need my help."

She stiffened in his hold, trying to resist, but her body betrayed her.

For a moment, their eyes met. Her breath hitched.

Then—defeat. A slow exhale.

She didn't push him away this time.

Without another word, Xu Hanyu pulled her close, securing her against him as he guided her forward. Their movements were hurried, uneven, her weight pressing into him with every step.

Then finally, she let him help her again. And for the first time, Xu Hanyu didn't let go.

"Slowly…"

With that, the lady settled down on the nest.

"Thank… you…" and at last, she finally spoke a kind word to him.

"There's no problem… I only do what I have to do…" he shyly said, scratching behind his neck and looking away.

It was obvious the girl was feeling guilty, but at the same time, she felt gratitude for him saving her.

"I'm Chan Chan… Xu Hanyu…"

Xu Hanyu's hand lingered briefly before he pulled away, his heart racing. "Chan Chan…" he murmured, testing the name. 

It felt right, softer. 

He cleared his throat, trying to ease the awkwardness. "Take a rest, heal up first. I'll just look around, Chan Chan."

She nodded, her gaze meeting him briefly before she settled into a meditation pose. "Hm," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Unable to help her beyond healing, and with no medicine, Xu Hanyu stepped back, scanning the area. But his thoughts kept drifting back to her—softer, more vulnerable. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind.

Focus.

He simply couldn't do it. Every time he looked at her, he noticed something unexpected that made him uneasy, more than he wanted to admit. 

Xu Hanyu sat silently for hours, watching Chan Chan as she concentrated on her healing. The cold seeped into them, and the night grew darker. 

Hours later, Chan Chan finally opened her eyes and thought, I'm not completely healed. The bleeding is too severe. I'll have to continue tomorrow… I need to rest before we leave. 

Xu Hanyu turned to her and asked, "Are you feeling better now?" 

"No…" she answered. 

The cold was intense. Xu Hanyu looked up at the sky and then at the large nest. "It's getting late. We should try to rest." 

They exchanged an awkward glance, the tension thick in the air. Xu Hanyu cleared his throat to lighten the mood. "It's fine. I can sleep sitting up. You take the nest." 

But Chan Chan hesitated, guilt evident in her eyes. "Um… just sleep here." 

Xu Hanyu was taken aback. 

"But… don't get too close to me." 

"..." 

"..." 

"Are you really okay with that?" 

Chan Chan nodded without meeting his gaze and lay down, facing away from him.

At the same time, Xu Hanyu who was also hesitating, finally said, "alright.." and he slowly settled beside her, facing the outward as well. 

Both of them could feel the distance between them shrinking, yet the unspoken tension lingered in the cool, quiet air.

It's alright no one will happen. Just sleep. Xu Hanyu thought as he closed his eyes.

But even in the stillness of the night, his thoughts refused to settle. 

Xu Hanyu was about to close his eyes when Chan Chan's voice broke the silence. "What happened to your arm?"

His eyes snapped open, unsure whether to ignore her or answer. Is she talking about the cursed birthmark on my left arm…? 

He hesitated, then sighed, "You really wanna know?"

She didn't reply, but her quiet attention made him continue. "It's a curse."

"Curse?" 

"Yeah…" 

"Does it hurt?"

"No, but I suffer," he whispered, feeling the weight of his words.

"Suffer…" she repeated, her voice barely audible.

"I suffer in a crippled body," he said, almost to himself.

She heard that and didn't ask more. The silence lingered, connecting them despite the distance. Neither spoke, both sensing something they couldn't fully grasp.

…

The Elders rose early, as usual, but the morning felt different, charged with tension. News spread fast—Lord Xu had come back sooner than anticipated. 

A young clan member rushed to the Elders' quarters, panting. "Elders! Lord Xu is back!" 

The three Elders shared quick, worried looks and hurried to the entrance. 

When they got there, Lord Xu approached, his face serious and his steps quick with urgency. "Where is Xu Hanyu?" 

His voice was sharp, cutting right to the point. 

Elder Xu Bai spoke first, frustration clear in his tone. "We were busy getting ready for the banquet. We can't oversee everything, especially when your son makes reckless choices on his own." 

His voice lowered, showing his displeasure. 

Lord Xu frowned, irritation evident on his face. 

Elder Xu Ting quickly added, "We looked for him last night too, but he was nowhere to be found." 

A heavy silence fell. 

Lord Xu let out a sharp breath, his jaw tightening. Then, in a low, firm voice, he commanded, "Bring Xu Lian to my study. Right away." 

His tone left no room for debate. He turned and started toward the hall. 

"And send out more men," he added. "I want Xu Hanyu found—now." 

The Elders nodded and rushed to follow his orders. 

As they turned, Elder Xu Ting paused, his face darkening slightly. "Lord Xu—one more thing." 

Lord Xu stopped, his sharp gaze fixed on Xu Ting. "What is it?" 

Elder Xu Ting exchanged looks with the other Elders before speaking. "There's an issue with our clan's armory." 

Lord Xu's expression grew serious. "What kind of issue?"

Xu Ting took a deep breath. "Our supply routes are blocked. The trade caravans for our Tempered Gloomstones and Purple Genevi Ore from the west can't pass due to a territorial conflict in the East. That's our only transport route."

Lord Xu realized the Huo and Fu Clans control the other routes, and with Fu Lao negotiating a deal, it felt too coincidental. Worry crossed his face; the Xu Clan depended on these rare metals for weapons and armor, and without them, they would be vulnerable to aggressive rivals.

He sighed, pressing his fingers to his temple. "I'll consider what to do," he said, then added firmly, "Finding Xu Hanyu is the main priority."