The untamed feeling

A Cold Lake, A Burning Heart

Mo Yan sat still ... no movement, no emotion, like a soulless statue carved of ancient stone. But how could he simply remain seated while Yu Sui drifted away from him?

No.

He could not.

And so, Mo Yan took a step .... reckless and costly .... one that would stain his record and test his resolve.

Without hesitation, he unclasped the talisman on his wrist and flung it high into the air. The charm danced for a moment before crashing onto the stone floor below.

The echo had barely faded when the teacher's rage exploded like a dormant volcano awoken.

He stormed forward, eyes blazing, and saw that it was none other than Mo Yan who had committed the offense. Without a second thought, he declared punishment ..... and not just one.

Three punishments.

First, five hours of silent meditation in the same freezing lake where Yu Sui had been sent.

Second, six lashes from the disciplinary whip.

And third, six days of exile from the classroom .... a temporary dismissal.

Mo Yan knew every single one of the 1204 sect rules by heart. He understood the gravity of what he had done.

But the academy, though stern, was not without mercy.

The first punishment .... the freezing lake .... was not just discipline, but a mercy in disguise. It would numb his body, so that the lashes would hurt less.

And the six-day rest? A subtle concern from the teachers .... for his health.

Mo Yan rose without a word. There was no fear in his heart.

For he was walking toward Yu Sui.

Toward his treasure.

With a faint smile, he stepped out of the classroom, just as the teacher announced:

"New disciples will be arriving this evening."

---

Mo Yan reached the Cold Lake, where Yu Sui ... soaking wet from head to toe ..... had not caught a single fish yet. He looked less like a disciple and more like a bedraggled soul who had wrestled a spirit beast underwater.

Mo Yan watched in silence, amusement flickering behind his ever-calm eyes.

Yu Sui was so focused on catching fish that he didn't notice Mo Yan's approach.

And then ..... a sudden movement.

Yu Sui stepped back and .... thud .... his soaked back pressed into Mo Yan's chest.

Not a word was spoken.

Not a breath was wasted.

And yet, Yu Sui knew instantly who it was.

Mo Yan.

And in that moment, Yu Sui's soul felt cleansed .... not by any spell or ritual, but simply by proximity.

So close to Mo Yan, for the first time .. without barriers.

Yu Sui stepped away quickly, trying to shake off the growing tension.

He grinned mischievously and teased, trying to disperse the thick air between them:

"A dry leaf… and in cold water?"

"What are you doing here .... trying to steal my fish, huh…?"

But deep within, Yu Sui already knew.

Mo Yan had followed him.

And truth be told… he liked it.

The two remained at the lake until dusk .. Yu Sui catching fish, Mo Yan sitting in stillness, fulfilling his punishment. But neither minded the cold. For in that shared silence, something deeper flowed between them.

As the punishment ended and they made their way back, a figure appeared ahead.

Lao Duan.

Sword drawn.

And he wasn't alone.

He had brought others with him.

His eyes locked onto Yu Sui.

And without hesitation

He unsheathed his blade.