When Guilt Takes Root

Rena stood under the moonlight, her expression quiet, her hands slightly trembling. After revealing her past, her eyes had softened, opened, as if hoping she had finally found someone who would not turn away.

She moved forward, slowly—hesitantly—and wrapped her arms around Lin Yuan.

But Lin Yuan's body tensed instantly.

His breath caught.

And in the next moment, **he pushed her away. Hard.**

Rena stumbled back a step.

Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes, but she clenched her fists and **refused to let them fall**.

Lin Yuan realized it too late.

"I'm… I'm sorry," he said, voice cold and broken. "Just—never touch me again."

Rena stared at him.

> "Why? My curse doesn't bring misfortune to those I touch."

She looked down. Her voice was barely a whisper.

> "Do I… disgust you? Was it wrong to tell you my story?"

Lin Yuan's throat tightened.

"No," he said quietly. "It's not like that. I should have told you before. I have… issues with touch. It's not about you. Just… remember I apologized. I shouldn't have pushed you."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving her under the pale moon, alone.

Before Lin Yuan could reach his quarters, a warm hand touched his shoulder.

**Sect Leader Yuexian** stood behind him. Her eyes were gentle, but her voice was firm.

> "It's alright. Everything will be all right."

Without waiting for permission, she took his hand and gently led him to her into home.

Inside, she hug him and embraced him softly."You did nothing wrong. Everything is okay. No one can harm you. I am here with you. Nothing will happen . "

> "I'll sleep with you tonight," she said, brushing his hair aside. "You need someone beside you."

But at that exact moment—

> "What?!"

**Lady Qingxuan's voice** echoed from the hallway.

She stood frozen at the door, face pale, clutching a scroll. "Are you really… sleeping together?"

He go towards him room.

> "Take care of the children for me. I'll be fine."

He locked the door with a soft clack and activated **formation plates** around the room—concealing himself in silence and isolation.

Outside, Yuexian sighed. Her tone turned stern.

> "Yue Qingxuan. You are grounded."

Qingxuan turned away quickly, cheeks red. *Are Master and my disciple… in love? Then… do I have to call my disciple 'Master' now?!*

Later that night, the Sect Leader approached Rena, her expression composed.

She handed Rena a sealed **golden scroll**.

> "If you wish to break your bond with Lin Yuan, write what you want—be it spirit stones, pills, or a transfer letter. Bring it to my office tomorrow."

Rena accepted the scroll silently, not opening it.

Yuexian turned without another word and walked away—to spend the rest of the night with Tearlume and Xiaoluan.

---

Inside the Locked Room…

As Lin Yuan sat cross-legged within the formation, a quiet ripple passed through the air.

A **silver portal** opened before him.

He stood up and stepped in.

On the other side, a familiar voice welcomed him.

**Lady Mingyan**, surrounded by soul mist, smiled gently. "This realm is for healing," she said. "But not of the body. Of guilt."

**Lady An** appeared beside her. "This won't be like before, Yuan'er. You won't face desire… but guilt."

Lin Yuan looked down. "But I hurt her."

"You didn't hurt her on purpose," Lady An said. "That matters."

Lady Mingyan gently cupped his cheek.

> "She was alone. You were the only one left. And now, you still are. You can help her heal. Not just her body—but her heart."

Lady An added, "You're not guilty. You're returning to give her a life that shines again."

Lin Yuan closed his eyes and entered the dream-formation.

---

Lin Yuan opened his eyes in a realm of soft golden grass stretching infinitely beneath a cloudless sky.

Far ahead, he saw **Rena**, sitting alone, hugging her knees.

And beside her stood a **shadow version of himself**—tall, dark, and heavy with guilt.

Lin Yuan walked forward.

The shadow moved to block him.

But Lin Yuan didn't raise a hand.

> "I'm not here to fight."

The shadow said nothing.

> "I know you're me. You're everything I've buried. But this time… we want the same thing."

He took a breath.

> "I don't want to run anymore. I want to go back and help her. To fix what I broke."

He began to run.

The fields rushed past him—his breath grew heavy—but he didn't stop.

> "I'm sorry," he shouted. "I'll make her happy again!"

He ran for what felt like **three hours**—through rain, wind, illusions of pain, all manifestations of his own regret.

Finally, the shadow stopped him.

"…I'll be watching," it whispered. "Let's see what you do."

Then it **vanished into light**.

Lin Yuan awoke in a the soul condensing formation. Lady Mingyan sat by his side, gently brushing her fingers through his hair.

"You did well," she said softly.

He blinked, dazed. "Did I… fix it?"

She smiled. "Not yet. But the damage is light. You'll recover in three days."

She placed his head gently on her lap and continued the soul-soothing massage, humming a song as he closed his eyes again.

Sleep, little baby, be carefree,

Mommy will always be here with thee.

Sleep, little baby, don't you fear,

Mommy is close, forever near.

Sleep, little baby, if you're lost,

Mommy will guide you, no matter the cost.

Sleep, little baby, close your eyes,

Mommy will light your darkest skies.

Sleep, little baby, winds may cry,

But Mommy will sing your lullaby.

Even if shadows start to creep,

Mommy will hold you—just sleep, just sleep.

Sleep, little baby, soft and warm,

Wrapped in the safety of mommy's arms.

Even if the world turns cold and wide,

Mommy will never leave your side

. . Lady an come set beside him.Sleep now, my Yuan'er, let burdens go,

You've carried too much, and the winds still blow.

Close your eyes, child, don't be afraid,

Mommy is here, your fears will fade.

Sleep now, my Yuan'er, you've done your best,

Let guilt fall silent, and your heart find rest.

Even if the stars forget your name,

Mommy will love you all the same.

If you're lost in shadow, or swallowed by night,

I'll carve a path, and bring you light.

If the world rejects you, casts you away,

Mommy will kneel, and beg you to stay.

Sleep now, my Yuan'er, don't be strong,

It's okay to cry—you've held it too long.

Lay down the mask, the sword, the flame,

To me, you're just you—not title or name.

Sleep now, my Yuan'er, my little star,

No wound, no curse can change who you are.

Even if fate tries to break your soul,

Mommy will gather the pieces whole