Chapter 115: Shadows Beneath the Silk Veil

Words : 1179 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Chapter 115: Shadows Beneath the Silk Veil The invitation arrived on a morning veiled in mist. Delivered by a jade-winged crane that descended directly onto the Heavenly Summit Sect’s courtyard, the envelope was sealed with imperial red wax bearing the emblem of the Cloud Empress’s household. Lin Fan had been sitting cross-legged on a boulder, meditating under the drizzle, trying to expunge the lingering memory of Mu Lanyue’s final smile. But the letter’s arrival interrupted him—and so did Hei Long’s voice, smooth and amused, like a knife through wet paper. "Looks like we’ve been summoned, junior brother," Hei Long said, plucking the scroll from the crane’s beak with the familiarity of a man who expected such honors. "A royal request for protection. An escort mission, high priority. How quaint." Lin Fan slowly opened his eyes, the drizzle clinging to his lashes like tears he refused to shed. "Who?" Hei Long’s smile widened as he unsealed the scroll and read aloud, his voice mocking even in formality: "To the esteemed cultivators of Heavenly Summit Sect, You are hereby entrusted with the safeguarding of my daughter, Lady Bai Xianyu, during her journey from the Celestial Silk Pavilion to the capital. She is to participate in the Crown Selection Ceremony, and her safety must be guaranteed. Sincerely, Her Majesty, Lady Empress Zhaohua of the Cloud Court." Lin Fan’s pulse stilled. Bai Xianyu. The name fluttered in his memory like a petal caught in a breeze. Rumors of her were endless—a noble lady famed for her wisdom and poise, for her rejection of over a hundred suitors during last year’s Winter Blossom Tournament. She was untouched. Unclaimed. Pure. His heart seized, unbidden, unwanted. A dangerous hope clawed its way up through the mud of his thoughts. This time... this time, I’ll protect her. This time, Hei Long won’t take her from me. . . . . . They met Lady Bai Xianyu at the Celestial Silk Pavilion, a secluded retreat built atop a floating lake suspended by ancient array formations. The fog parted as they approached by spirit boat, revealing her figure standing on a white jade pier. Lin Fan’s breath caught the moment he saw her. She wore white robes embroidered with pale pink magnolias, the hem trailing like mist. Her eyes were distant, thoughtful, as if each gaze was measuring fate itself. Her hair was adorned with a single white lotus pin, understated yet dignified. Even the air around her seemed quieter. Hei Long stepped forward with the confidence of a man who already owned the moment. "My lady," he said, bowing just low enough to be polite, but not so low that it seemed deferential. "It is our honor to escort you." Lady Bai Xianyu’s gaze slid over Hei Long... then to Lin Fan. And for a breathless instant, Lin Fan thought he saw a spark of interest in her eyes. Their journey was perilous. The road to the capital passed through the Whispering Marshes, a region plagued by spectral beasts and poison fog. But on the first night, all was calm. They made camp under a canopy of cloudshade trees, their leaves glowing faintly under the moonlight. Lady Bai Xianyu sat beside the fire, sipping lotus tea. Lin Fan watched her from the other side, his heart pounding. He had said little during the day, choosing instead to act as her silent shield—slaying a lurking ghost centipede before she noticed it, purifying her water with a flick of his Qi. But words. He needed words. Taking a deep breath, he approached her with a bowl of freshly caught and roasted moonfish. "My lady," he said, kneeling. "You’ve barely eaten. This is safe—blessed with cleansing Qi." She looked at the bowl... then at him. A soft smile touched her lips. "You’re Lin Fan, aren’t you?" she said. He froze. "You... know my name?" "I’ve heard stories," she said, gently accepting the bowl. "You’re the one who faced the Demon of Plum Vale alone. The cultivator who still brings incense to the graves of lost disciples. I think that says more than most titles." Lin Fan’s ears turned red. He felt as if the world had momentarily stopped spinning. His hand trembled as he poured her another cup of tea. "Thank you, Lady Bai. That... means more than I can say." "You may call me Xianyu," she said softly. Across the fire, Hei Long leaned back on a tree stump, watching them with an unreadable expression. He sipped his wine and smiled quietly. Second Day – Trouble struck at dawn. A collapsing spirit bridge over the Frostfang Gorge forced them to reroute into the shadowed woods of the Whispering Marsh. Bai Xianyu’s carriage tilted dangerously as a spirit beast emerged—something inky and hungry, with too many eyes. Lin Fan didn’t hesitate. Sword drawn, he leapt onto the creature’s back, stabbing down into its spine. It shrieked, black ichor spewing from its mouth. With three precise strikes, he tore it apart. But another sprang from the shadows. Xianyu shrieked. Hei Long moved, fast as thunder. A single palm, imbued with cold flame, exploded the beast mid-lunge. He landed beside her and gently held her trembling wrist. "My lady," he said, eyes concerned. "Are you hurt?" Xianyu blinked up at him, momentarily dazed. "I... I’m fine. I just..." "You were brave," Hei Long said with a warm, coaxing smile. "But you don’t need to be. Not when I’m here." Lin Fan arrived moments later, breathing hard, blood still dripping from his blade. "I got the first one," he said. "Yes," Hei Long said without looking at him. "But the second one nearly took her head." Lin Fan’s hand clenched around his hilt. Third Night – That evening, the caravan stopped at an abandoned temple. The walls were crumbling, but someone had lit lanterns—perhaps out of respect for old gods. Xianyu wandered alone to the edge of the lotus pond, where moonlight danced upon the water. Lin Fan followed quietly. "You should rest," he said gently. "We’ll reach the capital soon." Xianyu looked at him, then at the moon. "I know what they all want," she said. "The princes. The courtiers. Even my own mother. They want me to marry for alliance, not affection." She turned to him, eyes sad. "But you’re different. You don’t expect anything. You just... protect me." Lin Fan’s heart caught in his throat. "I just want you to be safe." "And I feel safest," she whispered, "when you’re nearby." He stepped closer, their hands almost brushing. But from behind them came the soft laughter of Hei Long. "Oh? Did I interrupt something?" Lin Fan’s shoulders tensed. Xianyu stepped back quickly, cheeks flushing. "I—I should go prepare for bed," she said hastily, and fled the garden. Lin Fan turned, eyes sharp. "What do you want?" Hei Long walked past him, pausing only to whisper: "She said she feels safest when you’re nearby. That’s sweet. But comfort is not the same as desire, brother." He vanished into the shadows, leaving Lin Fan clutching the fading warmth of a hand that had never truly been his.

Chapter 115: Shadows Beneath the Silk Veil

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