Taylin Peak.

  A serene mountain where the fragrant valleys felt like a natural celebration. But this peak was known for a singular, mystical wonder: Moonlight Grass. This was no ordinary flora. When the morning dew settled upon its sharp yet velvet-soft blades, it transformed into a celestial nectar. Sacred fireflies would travel miles to drink this essence, bringing with them the spiritual energy required for the grass to thrive.

  Master Suo Jing led the way alongside Grandmaster Kang Jue, with the disciples following in a long line. Amidst the crowd walked Han Lao Fang, Han Zaoshi, Jun Wan, and Zhuang Hue.

  Zhuang Hue’s face was hollow, lost in a dark trance of thought. He glanced down at his palm; a deep, jagged wound marred his skin. Looking at it, his eyes burned with a suppressed fire.

  Flashback: Three Days Ago

  Jun Wan sat alone on the steps of her chamber, her gaze fixed absently on the main gate. Nearby, Zhuang Hue was practicing his swordsmanship. His blade sliced through the air with lethal precision, changing direction so swiftly it was almost invisible to the naked eye.

  Yet, Jun Wan’s eyes never strayed from the entrance.

  When Zhuang Hue realized her attention was elsewhere, his focus flickered. The blade slipped, slicing deep into his own palm. He let out a sharp gasp of pain. Blood began to seep between his fingers, but Jun Wan remained motionless, her eyes still glued to the gate.

  Zhuang Hue looked at the main gate through eyes blurred by pain. Just as he opened his mouth to call her name, Yung Ke appeared from the back corridor.

  "Senior Sister, can you help me with something?" Yung Ke asked.

  Without even a glance toward the wounded Zhuang Hue, Jun Wan stood up instantly and followed Yung Ke toward the library. From a distance, Yung Ke had seen Zhuang Hue’s bloodied hand, but Jun Wan had already turned her back.

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  Tears welled up in Zhuang Hue's eyes. He watched her walk away as if he didn't even exist. He lowered his head, picked up his scabbard with his bleeding hand, and walked toward his chamber. The pain that had started as a physical sting had transformed into a burning resentment. Every step he took left a trail of crimson drops and silent tears.

  Later, while walking with Jun Wan, Yung Ke spoke casually: "Senior Sister, is Zhuang Hue alright? I saw a nasty cut on his hand just now."

  Jun Wan froze. She looked at Yung Ke, then suddenly turned back, running to the spot where she now saw the dark stains of blood on the ground. She hurried to Zhuang Hue’s room and knocked, but there was no answer. She pushed the door open and stopped dead.

  Zhuang Hue was sitting alone, clumsily trying to bandage his own wound. Jun Wan sat beside him, looking uneasy, and reached out to help. But Zhuang Hue pulled his hand back instantly and stood up. His voice was as cold as ice.

  "I was injured. You only know this because a third person told you. Regardless... thank you for your concern."

  He walked out, leaving Jun Wan staring at the empty space he had occupied.

  Flashback Ends.

  Jun Wan stole another glance at Zhuang Hue’s cold, stoic face as they marched. This time, she didn't dare look back. At the very end of the line, Gu Zong and Han Wuang Shi walked together, still tethered by their punishment.

  As they entered a small bamboo grove at the base of the peak, the Grandmaster halted the group. Master Suo Jing’s voice echoed through the stillness:

  "A competition is held in this sacred realm. You must demonstrate your mastery of music. For centuries, this mountain has guarded the Jiuhuang Yin Zither an ancient instrument revered as a 'Musical Deity.' To refine your musical healing path, each pair must use their music to bring a withered, dead plant back to life. Music is the essence of your soul. You shall participate with your assigned partners; no one shall stand alone."

  Gu Zong, standing at the back, felt a mischievous spark ignite in his mind. He began to move toward his sister, Jun Wan, hoping to partner with her. But suddenly, Grandmaster Kang Jue unsheathed his sword and plunged it into the earth right in front of Gu Zong’s feet, blocking his path.

  "Don't even think about it, Gu Zong," the Grandmaster declared. "Your punishment is not over. You will remain with Han Wuang Shi."

  Gu Zong’s nose wrinkled in distaste. He shot a haughty look at Han Wuang Shi and muttered under his breath, "I would have preferred a donkey as a partner over this 'Ice Statue'."