Chapter Twenty-Eight: Where the Heart Leads, Heralding Kingship

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"I've long heard that your clan, Brother Yu, possesses mystical arts that transcend the natural laws of this world. I was skeptical at first, but after what happened last time, my interest in you has only grown. Judging by all the signs today, it seems you truly are destined!" Yu Xiaoran gazed at Yu Shang with a peculiar look, as if trying to see right through him.

"I've heard a little myself," Lin Huaiyi chimed in, "They say your parents unraveled the very mysteries of this world, and then forged a new path to another, far more mysterious realm. It won't be long before you follow in their footsteps, Brother Yu. That world, so they say, is beyond anything we can fathom."

"No wonder someone as outstanding as myself would, by some twist of fate, end up subordinate to you! Now it seems everything was predestined." Xiao Yin put on a look of sudden enlightenment, but couldn't resist boasting a little, which drew a round of exasperated eye rolls from the group.

"You're all too kind," Yu Shang replied quietly, his tone humble. "I know my own limitations well. As for the old master's talk of born kings, I dare not accept such praise. All we can do is our best and leave the rest to fate. I'll take things one step at a time. Though I long to seek out my parents in that other world, I know the time hasn't yet come. For now, I must hone myself and hope the gateway within me opens soon."

He seemed to deliberately conceal his true intentions, brushing the subject aside with modesty.

"There's no need to belittle yourself, Brother Yu," Lan Bingxian declared with conviction. "If you truly are the one Heaven seeks, you won't be able to escape your destiny. If ever you face something you cannot overcome, call for me—I will do all I can to help. This world has long been shrouded in chaos by those with wicked hearts. It's time someone set things right. Rather than let those hypocrites ruin everything, I'd rather see a true hero like you reshape the world!"

"And us as well!" Yan Xuesu added loyally. "The four of us already consider you a close friend. Even if not for the world's sake, we'd be there for you as friends, to help fulfill your wishes. Just call, and we'll come!"

"Since it's certain you're no caged bird, you should spread your wings and seek a world of your own!" Lan Wu cheered him on.

"My Yanlan Academy is bound to you by fate as well," the old man said kindly. "If ever you find trouble outside, come here for a few days of peace. The world is perilous—you'll always need a haven to purify your heart."

"I will never forget the words you've spoken today," Yu Shang replied, suddenly moved. "No matter what becomes of me, I'll always remember your friendship and loyalty." He felt truly fortunate to have met so many steadfast companions. Though they had all, at one time or another, had their differences or carried hidden secrets, none of that mattered. As long as their hearts were true, that was enough. In life, two or three confidants are more than sufficient—yet he, Yu Shang, had so many friends willing to risk everything for him.

"By the way, there's something I almost forgot," the old man began again. "This sword is one of a set of ten. Yanlan Academy was fortunate enough to obtain seven, but the other three remain lost. If all ten could be reunited, and the main blade forcibly merged with the others, the power would be beyond imagination—utterly devastating!" The old man's tone revealed his deep longing to witness the ten swords united.

"So that means there are three companions yet to join us? I'm curious what they're like!" Lan Wu exclaimed playfully, her eyes shining with interest, eager to meet the missing three.

"I'm curious too," Xiao Yin remarked mischievously. "Are the others men or women? If they're three beautiful girls, that would be perfect!"

"And what if they are?" Lan Wu shot back, glaring. "Are you planning to sweep them into your arms and make them yours?"

"Of course not! I was just thinking how lonely this brat is—he could use some company! Besides, one of you is more than enough for me." Xiao Yin grinned, trying to placate the jealous Lan Wu. The others chuckled at the bickering pair as they left the Armory Pavilion, and soon the squabbling two followed as well.

"There you are! I heard a commotion just now and worried something had happened, so I rushed over," Meng Youyuan said anxiously as she approached the group.

"Sister Yuan, you were really worried about Brother Xian, weren't you? Relax—he's perfectly fine!" Yan Xuesu teased.

"That's not true! I was worried about all of you!" Meng Youyuan protested softly, her cheeks flushing as she was teased.

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"Hahaha, how adorable—she's even blushing!" Lan Wu laughed, smiling at the rosy-cheeked girl.

"Come on, don't tease her anymore. She's never been good at handling jokes—say anything, and her cheeks stay red for ages," Lan Bingxian said fondly, coming out and looking at her with affection.

"Well, since your Brother Xian has pleaded for you, we'll spare you this time!" Yan Xuesu chuckled, pinching the girl's soft cheek with gentle affection.

"Well then, I'll take my leave. If you need anything, just have Xian come find me," the old man said kindly, then walked away.

"Take care, Headmaster," the group called out politely.

"Master!" Meng Youyuan, who hadn't noticed the old man among them, cried out in alarm.

He didn't even glance back, responding coldly as he hurried away.

"Who'd have thought the usually kind and amiable Headmaster could be so frosty! Like an iceberg," Xiao Yin couldn't help remarking, earning a sharp smack from Lan Wu, who signaled for him to stop.

Meng Youyuan caught the subtle change, smiled bitterly, and said, "It's all right, I'm used to it. Maybe Master just doesn't like me very much." She lowered her head, looking so dejected that the others felt a wave of sympathy.

"Didn't you ever ask your master why he treats her this way?" Yu Shang asked. Though the girl's presence always unsettled him, she had never wronged him. He pitied her—he too knew what it was like to lose one's closest kin. In her case, though, her loved one was near yet felt more distant than the horizon. That must be even harder to bear.

"Of course I asked," Lan Bingxian sighed. "But it only made Master angry. He scolded me, said I was too young to interfere. I never dared bring it up again. I can't understand why he'd treat someone as sweet and clever as Yuanyuan so coldly."

"Perhaps your master knows something about her, but can't say, for some reason. Try to understand. Though his actions may seem harsh, he must have his reasons," Yu Shang offered. He couldn't shake the feeling that this girl hid some deep mystery—he'd never been so curious about anyone before.

"Don't be sad, Yuanyuan," Yan Xuesu comforted her. "Come back to our cottage by the bamboo grove and chat with us for a while, won't you? It's just me and Lan Wu—it's boring with only the two of us."

"Yes, come keep us company!" Lan Wu chimed in. She and Yan Xuesu liked the younger girl immensely—she seemed to need others' care, and they wanted to be there for her whenever she was down.

"But students aren't allowed in the cottage without permission..." Meng Youyuan hesitated. She wanted to join them, to see her beloved Brother Xian and talk with the two kind sisters, but the Academy rules made her anxious.

"Go on—if Master blames you, I'll explain," Lan Bingxian urged. Seeing so many people care for his little sister made him genuinely happy.

"All right!" Meng Youyuan replied brightly, all her worries forgotten as she took the two sisters by the hand and hurried ahead, the men trailing after with smiles.

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The group laughed and chatted all the way back to the cottage. As soon as they entered the hall, Yan Xuesu and Lan Wu whisked Meng Youyuan inside to share secrets.

"They really do have plenty of secrets they'd rather we didn't know," Yu Xiaoran said with resignation, watching the three women disappear.

"Yet if we men keep anything from them, we're in trouble—they want to know everything! Isn't that a bit unfair?" Xiao Yin grumbled.

"Let it go. To them, fairness doesn't matter—only their mood does," Yu Shang replied with a knowing smile.

"You should just give in a little. After all, they've captured your hearts—why shouldn't they claim your minds too?" Lin Huaiyi joked from the side.

"Ah... Brother Lan, as someone with experience, let me give you a word of advice," Xiao Yin said, draping an arm over Yu Xiaoran's shoulder. The two struck matching looks of commiseration. "Find yourself a gentle and obedient woman, or you'll end up like us, under constant pressure."

"Heh, I'll leave it to fate," Lan Bingxian replied awkwardly.

Meanwhile, in the other room, the three women chattered away.

"Yuanyuan, why are you so smitten with Lan Bingxian? Is there a story there? Tell us!" Lan Wu asked, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"There's nothing like that, Sister, don't tease me!" Meng Youyuan denied softly, her face turning red.

"Don't be shy—liking someone is nothing to be ashamed of. If you care for him, you should let him know. Men are hopelessly dense in these matters—if you don't confess, he may never realize your feelings," Yan Xuesu encouraged her.

"That's right. Did you know Sister Yan confessed directly to Brother Yu? Only then did he realize his own feelings, and now they're so happy together. Isn't it enviable? You should be bold and tell him, too. No matter the outcome, at least you'll know where you stand. Better than this endless uncertainty!"

"Exactly—if it works out, that's wonderful. If not, at least you'll know whether to hold on or let go," Yan Xuesu consoled her. "But tell me, what made you fall for him? I'm curious, too."