Author's Notes: Hello!

Once again, thank you very much for all the love you gave this fic. I am so grateful for your comments and the favorites! I just hope I can live up to your expectations!

This is once again set in our male lead's camp. Please bear with me. After this chapter, it'll just be one more and I'll be back in Madame Yu's POV.

Please don't hesitate to let me know any major holes or flaws that I must fix especially if you think the characters are truly OOC to the point of death. I myself hate OOCs but my view is a little narrow as an author :3 lol

English is not my first language so please forgive the grammar mistakes

Bless Wei Changze, he does try XD

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Chapter 08

Desires of the Soul

The entrance to Carp Tower is full of guests streaming in for the promised festivities. Cultivators from different sect are all smiles as they greeted each other. The heir of Yunmeng Jiang thought that there are more young masters this time around that he has ever seen in the previous similar occasions and he could guess why.

"Has Maiden Yu arrived, yet?"

"Have you seen Maiden Yu?"

"She said for sure that she will attend tonight, right?"

"Are you sure that she's not out night-hunting somewhere?"

"For sure, she'll look lovely tonight as well."

"I wonder if I can converse with her for longer tonight."

"What kind of wine does she like? Make sure to secure a bottle."

"Make sure to let me know if she happens to be night-hunting somewhere so we can leave immediately."

The Yunmeng Jiang's guest looked all around her and heard all this murmurs wherever she turned her attention to. She trained excited grey orbs at him, "Are you sure that this banquet is for the Discussion Conference tomorrow? Why is everyone looking for the same person?"

"I'm sure you know the answer to that by now, Lady Sanren." Jiang FengMian discreetly smiled before nursing his shot of wine.

"You seem to be trying really hard not to show how affected you are, young lord." The rogue cultivator snickered softly behind her hand.

"Am I? I'm merely—"

"Young Master, I heard from Maiden Hou's maid that Maiden Yu has yet to arrive but she's on her way." Wei Changze interjected right after arriving at their table which effectively snatched the tall man's attention.

"Really? Is she alone? Is someone escorting her? I saw Sect Leader and Madam Yu arrive not too long ago." He lightly frowned as he questioned, unconsciously gazing at the entrance as though willing it to give way to the figure of a certain woman.

"She's being escorted by her maids and some of the Meishan Yu disciples."

"Hmmm."

He was still remunerating deeply and repeatedly glancing at the entrance of the banquet hall when Sect Leader Jin, a thin, rather comely older man asked for their attention.

"Forgive this old one for interrupting your merry-making. We just received a report regarding the opening of a path to the Ghost Realm causing a group of merchants to go missing in Bai Lu Mountain. We're about to send a few of our disciples to help, however, considering that we have plenty of promising young cultivators here, please feel free to join the hunt."

Ah, tonight's the Ghost Festival, Jiang FengMian belatedly remembered as he eyed a particular dish on the table he heard Maiden Yu was quite fond of.

"Shall we join them, Young Master?" a junior disciple came up to him curiously, "Sect Leader and Madame Jiang said that you may do as you please."

"Hmmm. Ask Young Master Jin if he needs more men." He said a bit absently, "Also, can you make sure to reserve a plate of this dish for me? I might need it later."

"Eh? Ah, of course." The purple-robed young man was confused at the sudden order but obeyed nonetheless.

He glanced towards the door once more when he heard the dignified voice of Hou MeiXiu as she address her fellow disciples some distance away from them, "No need for so many of you to come. I already sent a sound transmitting talisman to A-Yuan to meet me at Bai Lu Mountain. Just five of you would do."

Unconsciously straightening himself in his sitting position, Jiang FengMian eyed the retreating back of the First Lady of YunXiao Sect just as the same disciple came back with his report, "Young Master, Young Master Jin said that he's got enough men with him."

"I understand, gather at least 10 senior disciples, we'll leave momentarily." He said as he proceeded to stand up and hang his sword around his belt sash.

"E-eh?" the junior disciple was bewildered by this answer, "Y-young Master, did you understand what I—"

"Please just follow it." Wei Changze faithfully followed up from behind and then addressed the amused young lady with them with a serene smile, "Lady Sanren, would you be joining us?"

"I am immensely curious! That is, I feel it only natural to extend my help if it's needed." She freely laughed after showing a would-be serious nod.

"Let's go." Jiang FengMian ordered with impeccable dignity to the gathered Yunmeng Jiang disciples.

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There were more than a few dozen cultivators who opted to go to the sudden night-hunt. While cultivators are mostly expected to follow a path of rigid righteousness, there are also a lot of them who would not say no to some harmless revelry so one could wonder why so many of them agreed to come but that would only mean that said individual hasn't had the pleasure of knowing Maiden Yu.

"Oops, I guess many heard what the charming lady in green said." Cangse Sanren hummed as she observed their surroundings.

Jiang FengMian had been quiet all this time. Just like in the banquet hall, he can't seem to stop himself from looking at the horizon, trying to catch a glimpse of a certain female cultivator. He can't hush the unrest in his heart for some reason, torn between confusion and excitement.

Because he's been staring at the starry sky, he would of course notice when a certain group of cultivators arrived near their position. He could only stare, the distance was still too far to make out the detailed image of the one flying in front but at the tumultuous beat inside his chest, he became quite certain just who has come.

There were quiet gasps everywhere that could be heard as various pair of eyes also noticed the incoming group and all saw the vision in white. He only knows they must be, he didn't have the chance to look around, his eyes helplessly captured by the descending figure that could only be described as a miracle.

As though time voluntarily slowed down to give justice to the beauty, he saw with great clarity every exquisite detail of the fair maiden. Dark, long lashes cast soft shadows against pink cheeks, hooded eyes barely hiding the brilliance of amethyst orbs, soft and shapely lips glimmered against the creamy skin, silky black hair played softly with the night wind. Her jade-like fingertips peeked under wide, satin sleeves, her silhouette teasing everyone's gaze.

Even the slightest strain between her willowy eyebrows could only add to her splendor and never detract.

When wine-violet eyes met his for the briefest moment, the clamor in his chest caused him to catch his breath. Once again, the calm that he was praised for as a child was nowhere to be seen as he helplessly looked on.

He could hear a bit of a fuss behind him where his friend and their guest is.

Cangse Sanren is dazedly tugging Wei Changze's sleeve like an excited child, "Mister Wei, is that her?"

"Yes."

"Mister Wei, is that her?"

"Yes."

"Mister Wei, that beauty of the century could only be her, right?"

"Yes."

"Oh, look, they're so quiet. Would you like to count how many of them have got their mouths open?"

"If you'd like." Wei Changze amiably indulged the cheerful young lady.

The conversation flowed through one ear of the Yunmeng heir and out the other as he willed himself to breathe steadily. To be this unfocused on a night-hunt is unbecoming. Before he could even think of what to do, his feet already took him where the stunning woman in white stood talking with her friend, in a distance near enough for him to hear the tail ends of the whisper from that velvet voice, "…so you wouldn't run from the three bows?"

When had he come so close to them?

"Forgive us for the late request, Maiden Yu." He immediately said, hoping his voice hasn't betrayed the odd state of his heart.

As he conversed with the fair woman, he could feel various stabs of hateful glares on his back but he can't seem to mind them at all. For some reason, hearing her voice directed at him was comforting and he would have liked to have the discourse go on longer.

Since he was paying attention, he noticed the way the beautiful face paled slightly as the guest from their sect made herself known. He introduced the two, a little concerned at how stiff Maiden Yu had become. He was quite sure that they never met before so he can't understand what the problem must be. Seeing how strained Yu ZiYuan became didn't sit in well with him and was about to ask the lady what the matter is when they were once again interrupted by the arrival of Nie Ju-Long, together with the Lans and Wens.

In all honesty, he was unable to focus on the recent addition to their party; his eyes seem to always go back to the ivory-clad beauty not far from him. He could tell how her shoulder remained tense, how her lips were drawn in a stern line, how usually fiery purple eyes turned turbulent. He didn't like it. And he can't even bring himself to question why that is. All he knows is that he wishes he can smoothen that nearly unnoticeable crease between her brows.

When the heir of Qinghe Nie said something that made Yu ZiYuan froze before pink lips parted to give way to a mirthful laugh, he felt electrocuted. His blood rushed and his fingers flinched. He gazed as all the worry fell away from the lady's face to give way to a never-before seen expression of delight on the usually cold face, quite different from but also the same as that smile he was lucky enough to see in Mount Song. He thought the entire clearing turned a lot brighter from just this.

Beautiful, he thought as he somehow tried to restrain the uncontrollable beating of his heart. It's rather interfering with the stability of his thoughts. He could hear his friend and their guest saying something but he doesn't have an ounce of attention to spare.

When he clearly saw a smile playing on supple lips as the young maiden urged them forward, a rare thought passed through his mind.

He's a bit envious of Young Master Nie for being the cause of that laughter and smile.

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The search has been going on for three hours and after grounding and warning innocent spirits not to take advantage of the opportunity to do evil lest the cultivators be forced to do away with them, the building restlessness at the unavailing endeavor is taking a toll on several of the young men. It can be noted that the only thing keeping them from throwing their hands up in exasperation and going back to the promised festivities of the night is the sight of a certain female cultivator in pristine robes shouldering on with nary a look of exhaustion.

Since the pretty maiden is yet to give up, how could they even call themselves men if they throw in the towel? Not to mention, just the thought of being in the same area as the beauty is enough to give their limbs plenty of strength! Who would go home now just to let Maiden Yu see a disgraceful sight of them?

"Maiden Yu, do you wish for a sip of water?"

An elegant eyebrow twitched involuntarily upon hearing this particular offer. Why must Maiden Yu share a water container with him? The young heir of Yunmeng Jiang frowned. It's not appropriate.

Behind him, he was unaware how his dependable attendant is already taking a clean, bamboo canister from his qiankun pouch, ready to intervene if necessary.

"No need Young Master Ouyang, I'm not thirsty." Yu ZiYuan straight-forwardly refused with a brief nod before marching on.

Jiang FengMian relaxed the shoulders he didn't know he was straining. This search has gone on for far longer than he expected, he realized, if his body is showing signs of stress.

"Maiden Yu, do you wish to rest a while? I can help look for a place for you to sit."

The tall, purple-robed cultivator paused in his steps at this statement, his head turning a little at the direction of the saccharine suggestion.

This move gave him a blind spot and missed how a certain brown-eyed servant began to take out his own and only handkerchief and proceeded to clean the surface of a wide, smooth stone happily situated at the side of the mountain pass.

"I am not tired, Young Master Lu." The Third Lady of Meishan Yu gave a small salute as she declined once more, her regal face devoid of any regard for the attention.

Seeing this look of apathy mysteriously did wonders to Jiang FengMian's mood and there was a small smile that finally appeared on his face as he resumed his steps. Behind him, Wei Changze also wiped his forehead free of perspiration. Attempting to deter anyone from earning the madam's good opinion and keeping his young master happy is going to give him some serious ulcer one of these days.

Looking at how blue-grey eyes softened in both fondness and reverence while looking at the tall, slender figure of Zidian's master, it's really a miracle how the fact could still evade the noteworthy Yunmeng Jiang heir.

"Look at him getting all pleased with her indifference." Cangse Sanren chuckled at the amusing scene before her but seeing the object of his admiration in the flesh, she supposes that she can't blame the young lord or any of these pitifully love-enslaved gentlemen around her.

Wei Changze cleared his throat when he heard the lady's words and nodded his head in agreement but his words were strangely different, still trying to project the ideal answer in defense to his master, "Please Lady Sanren, for sure, it's because the world is at peace."

The rogue cultivator smirked before nodding her head seriously, "Oh, of course, how shallow of me."

"Maiden Yu, do you want something to eat?" when another scoundrel could be heard addressing the madam, the brown-eyed servant paled. How stupid of him! Snacks! How could he forget to bring some delicacies! Quick, we need fire for cooking!

"Mister Wei? Mister Wei! Why are you picking up those branches? Mister Wei, where are you going?!"

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They continued their search which unfortunately yielded poor results as the object of their hunt continues to evade them.

When the young heir of their sect frowned and his blue-eyes sharpened into steely daggers, Wei Changze and even Cangse Sanren immediately knew that something happened in relation to Maiden Yu. Two pairs of light eyes followed Jiang FengMian's gaze to see Wen Ruohan take a hold of one slim wrist to stop the pretty fairy from diving into the trooping spirits below them.

"What are you going to do? You'll very well ruin your robes by swimming in that filth." The gruff inquiry could be heard all the way from where they are and Wei Changze narrowed his gaze in righteous indignation on behalf of his master, Why, to hold on to the Madam like that, the Wens sure like to look down on people!

Fortunately, the ravishing woman immediately freed herself with a glare unknowing how a silent cheer went to her, As expected of the Madam!

Wei Changze smiled before turning to look beside him in encouragement, "Looks like there's nothing to worry— Young Master?" at the mystifyingly empty space beside him, the handsome youth frantically whipped his head around him. Realizing something, he looked back on the direction of their future madam to see his master already standing there, observing as the Third Lady of Meishan Yu deposited 4 trembling spirits on the ground, When did he get there?

Jiang FengMian carefully watched as the 4 ghosts quivered on the ground and wailed not to be harmed. He regarded Yu ZiYuan from behind and checked that she wasn't harmed nor dirtied from going down into the mass of spirits going in and out the portal to the Ghost Realm. When he ascertained that she's alright, he briefly looked a few steps beside him from the corner of his eyes at the heir of Qishan Wen. If his gaze is a little cold, well, it might just be due to their dire situation.

"You, speak! Where did you last see them?" Maiden Yu commanded one of the ghosts which they were told saw the merchants they were looking for. Even without seeing her face, he knows it's currently fixed into her most domineering expression, he smiled a little.

"I ain't telling you nothing, missy!"

Hmmm, to challenge Maiden Yu, he must want to die a second time, he chuckled to himself.

However, the young lord's mirth didn't last long when said ghost suddenly extended both his hands that are holding his own head and tried to steal a kiss from the beautiful lady. Blue-grey eyes widened marginally in surprise as his own body moved before he's even aware of what he's doing. All he knows is that there's a surge of something sinister and ominous in his veins at the attempt and he proceeded to pour torrents of spiritual energy on the hand he had ruthlessly captured, making the headless spirit cry out in pain.

"Filth!" the man who apprehended the ghost with him spat venomously and while he agrees, he doesn't have time for either of them. Instead, he turned his head to look at Yu ZiYuan and when he saw that those violet eyes were on him, he smiled once again, feeling that calm set back in a bit, "Are you alright, Maiden Yu?" I can exorcise this spirit otherwise.

Unfortunately, he got no response as the people around them clamored at the despicable actions of his captive.

"Ok, ok, geez! Can't even have a little fun."

Oh? It seems that this one is rather deserving of punishment, he icily thought as his hand tightened mercilessly.

"Ow, ow! I'll talk! I'll talk! Young masters please let go!"

Once they got the information they need and Maiden Yu gave out her orders which everyone decided to follow, the area was cleared of but a few conscious souls.

"Hey, hey! Let g—" the complaint the still detained spirit vanished instantly the moment his beady eyes found absolutely ruthless and emotionless azure orbs. Realizing that he must have crossed a line he shouldn't, he resorted to begging, "T-this Young Master, p-please let go of me."

There's a roar underneath his skin that he can't ignore, something vicious that is truly quite unlike his usual temperament. Just thinking of what the spirit attempted caused him no small degree of ire; no matter that it was relatively harmless mischief. There's something inside him that refuses to let go of it lightly.

He threw the specter back to the ground before he spoke again, "Never let me see any of you again. Should you roam the mundane world again, I'll make sure to get rid of your souls that reincarnation would be impossible."

At this threat, the 4 ghosts felt choked from the oppressive atmosphere coming from the initially, serene-looking cultivator and they nearly fell all over themselves in their attempt to escape, even painfully dropping their own heads on the forest ground a couple of times in fright. They instantly disappeared through the portal to the Ghost Realm followed by several more ghosts who quickened their pace when they felt a murderous aura not far from them.

It wasn't even a minute later when vigorous air coming from a flapping fan blew in his direction and Jiang FengMian looked behind him to see Wei Changze energetically flipping a fan back and forth in his direction, worry in his brown eyes. When his servant saw he got his attention, he spoke up in a would-be cheerful voice, "Y-Young Master, do calm down and cool down a little. Otherwise, you'll lose your place as the third 'Most Calm and Even-Tempered Cultivator' in our generation! Oh! 'Third'! Same as the Mada—ah, Maiden Yu!" Wei Changze wanted to cry, he has never seen his master lose his temper like this. And his Young Master is even more irritated now than during that debacle with Young Master Wen. We're the ones who'll have to live with him! Curses to thee, you shameless ghost!

Sensing his plight and acting accordingly, Cangse Sanren cleared her throat and offered with a stiff and nervous little smile, "Young lord, wouldn't you wish to hurry after the others? Maiden Yu might need some help."

Upon hearing this, Jiang FengMian perked up a little and his pensiveness dissipated. Nodding, he answered, "True, let's go."

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When they reached the location the ghost spoke of, it is to find that the merchants have been retrieved already. However, Jiang FengMian could only look around in search of the delicate feminine white robes. Where is she?

That compulsion in his blood filling him with the desire to see her for some inexplicable reason, blue-grey eyes darted everywhere looking for her figure. His breath a little heavy and short, there's a frown settling between his brows. What is this? Where is she?

"Young Master, are you okay?" a worried voice reached out to him but he couldn't pay it any attention.

"Where is Maiden Yu?" he solemnly asked, the sedateness of his voice belying the storm in his chest.

"Oh, she's over there, young lord!"

When the refined features finally entered his sight, holding a child in her arms, the inexplicable drive in his veins finally calmed down. He inconspicuously took a deep breath but the relief he felt was short-lived when he noticed the bleak and rather vulnerable look in those usually fierce eyes and it felt as though she's close to tears, "Maiden Yu?" he called out gently.

The Third Lady of Meishan Yu stopped for a moment but she didn't return his regard. Her eyes filling with something like resentment, she walked passed him. The moment they became shoulder to shoulder and he could see how the strands of her inky straight hair sway around, the heir of Yunmeng Jiang grew frigid. She didn't direct that ire-filled gaze at him but he felt a little desperate and helpless anyway, his insides growing cold. He got the irrational desire to pull her hand and stop her in her tracks.

Don't walk away…

It took all his self-possession not to do something so senseless like grabbing onto her but the merciless pounding of his heart still refuses to abate, his hands balled into fists beside him.

Yu ZiYuan.

My Lady.

Suddenly, he felt a little dizzy and he stumbled for a bit.

"Young Master! Are you okay?!" Wei Changze cried out in alarm at how pale his master had become.

The pain went as fast as it came and Jiang FengMian silently nodded his head and raised a hand to calm down his servant and their guest. He couldn't explain what just happened to him but since the insane chaos in his veins finally died down as though it never happened, he couldn't examine any longer just what it was.

However, remembering a certain beautiful woman's agonized countenance, he became a little dispirited. Maiden Yu is 16. She looks 16 or maybe even prettier than a normal girl her age but there's no doubt that the young woman is still not an adult. Such a youthful face shouldn't be carrying the weight of the heavy sentiments she clearly showed through her brilliant eyes.

Somehow, he felt like he's to blame. Am I being hated?

His heart dropped to his stomach at the thought.

For some reason, he truly loathes the possibility.

-0-0-

"Everyone, get away from that crevice!"

The moment they heard Maiden Yu raise her voice is a shout, Jiang FengMian immediately ran to where she is, worried that something happened to her. When they saw her glaring daggers at the Second Young Master Lan, they immediately tried to assess the situation.

Someone murmured the Black Dragon Python and it wasn't long before they comprehended the root of the dispute.

"Don't dream that you can just kill it because you said you would!" Yu ZiYuan roared angrily and she was immediately backed up by Cangse Sanren whose whole demeanour changed to one of utmost severity.

However, due to the argument lasting more than it should with neither party backing out, the worst happened and the presence of many living creatures at once broke the seal around the area and woke the slumbering beast within.

The slithering creature of more than a thousand years, clearly capable of swallowing three grown men at once, came into view and it wasn't just the young boy in Maiden Yu's arms who was petrified at the sight. Several cultivators gasped and trembled at the enormous snake that came out of its hiding place.

"RUN!"

Yu ZiYuan's voice jolted the cultivators out of their panic-stricken haze and several immediately heeded her words and fled the place. However the one who issued the order not only failed to follow it but instead, went the opposite way, towards the monster. Seeing this, the heir of Yunmeng Jiang felt his eyes widen and instantly followed her, adrenalin and anxiety pumping through his blood.

Yu ZiYuan!

"Young Master!" Wei Changze shouted in horror but he can't very well blame him when his lady decided to engage in battle herself. "Brother Lu, go back and inform Lanling Jin of what happened here! The rest of us will follow the Madam—the Young Master!"

The fight of almost two dozen cultivators who decided to stay against one fallen nearly-celestial creature started. Jiang FengMian situated himself practically in front of the Third Lady of Meishan Yu. With a child refusing to come down from her embrace, fighting will be cumbersome. He wanted to shout at her to retreat but he knows he's only asking for an earful if he attempts it.

Wei Change who was standing beside him was aghast at the brief fond smile he saw bloom on his Young Lord's face. Young Master, why art thou smiling? No, I can know who you're thinking of at the moment but is it really necessary to daydream of the madam when she's just behind you? This is an importa—see, you were almost hit by those spikes!

He was about to issue a warning for his young lord to focus lest he has to make a report to his sect leader in the following manner: 'Well, actually, Sect Leader, sir, he was thinking of his beloved while in the middle of a battle with a legendary creature, got distracted and slayed. Don't believe me? Look, he's smiling in his sleep, isn't he?' That would be so horrifying!

But before the words of caution escaped the poor attendant's mouth, the famous spiritual weapons, Chen Luan and Zidian, whirled past them and attacked the behemoth with precision.

With just the addition of one female cultivator, the struggling cultivators immediately felt the shift of the fight in their favor. The Madam is tremendously strong!

And before long, Nie Ju-Long also joined the fray and lifted the pressure from them altogether. With all the prominent young masters working together, it shouldn't take long before the giant serpent is vanquished.

It's truly powerful, Jiang FengMian thought as he landed another gash on a slightly exposed flesh, "Changze, don't let your guard down!" he reminded his aide, completely missing the other's offended countenance.

"We need a decisive attack to completely defeat this one!" Cangse Sanren notified them with a rare scowl.

No one got a chance to think of anything to reply as several purple arrays appeared mid-air near the serpent.

"You all! Move!" Yu ZiYuan yelled at them and when they all turned to see the fierce light in her amethyst orbs, no one dared question her and promptly obeyed.

The beast wasn't given any chance to retaliate despite the cease in relentless attacks when the whole space lit up with several heaven-defying thunderbolts going straight at the serpentine body.

"Oh my lord!" Cangse Sanren gasped and all eyes were torn between watching the earth-shattering attack and the young lady administering it. Everyone is torn except for a tall gentleman with blue-grey orbs, whose gaze never wavered from the young lady's figure. Even with a child sniffing while hugging her leg, the Third Lady of Meishan Yu can only be called impressive as her merciless attack rendered such a strong opponent defenseless. The smiled she showed after felt like a reward for their wait.

Amidst the murmur of appreciation from all around, someone coughed discreetly beside him, "Young lord, how about you pay Mister Wei over there some love?"

He was slightly confused for a moment but then realized that his servant was knocked off his feet some distance away and went to help him up.

"I thought Young Master forgot about me already." The brown-eyed young man uttered as he took the offered hand.

"That won't happen. I thought you were right behind me then."

"How about Ma—iden Yu?"

"She was seven steps behind me."

"…"

Thankfully, a reply was no longer necessary when a commotion broke out in the form of numerous yells. Jiang FengMian instantly turned around, about to unsheathe his sword once more when a supple body made him lose his balance and the sweet fragrance of lilac hit him.

His world tumbled down with him and he belatedly registered the sudden warmth pressed against him and a highly familiar voice high above him, "Brother! Slit its throat! It's casting something!"

Wha—

But before he could react further, the grass he's lying on suddenly shone with strange light and everything drowned in it.

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There's something rather soft but still entirely solid bearing down on him as he landed with a light grunt on the hard floor.

Silky strands tickled his fingers and he opened his eyes to find out just what is encumbering him at the moment. When azure eyes were met with violet ones and he felt someone punch him in the stomach at the comprehension that Yu ZiYuan is laying on top of him, his heart suddenly sprinting madly inside.

But before he could even discern whether he's feeling dismay or delight at their current situation, the lady already righted herself and moved away from him. Feeling bereft and rather disappointed, his only consolation the glimpse of how her creamy cheeks heated to mimic his, Jiang FengMian slowly sat up to look around him, clearing his throat.

Not recognizing the foreign place on a cliff by the sea, apprehension filled him. This is most definitely not Bai Lu Mountain nor anywhere near it if he's any judge. Aside from the cultivators who were fighting alongside them, the area of greenery is mostly empty.

It seems like they were transported to a faraway land.

He noted that his attendant and their guest were fine as they, too, sat up with amazement filling up their countenance. He put one knee up to rest an elbow on top as he calmly tried to determine what should be done now. From all corners, exclamations and contemplation could be heard, either out of worry or anger.

If his eyes happened to be on the Third Lady of Meishan Yu sect, it would only be because her familiar face is a welcoming sight in this unknown place.

Currently, Maiden Yu has a deep frown etched between her brows and he would have willingly soothed her but he hardly thinks it'll be a welcomed gesture.

When sharp eyes happened to find a target for her wrath, the graceful woman moved like an avenging goddess as she seized a fistful of Lan Qiren's robes.

Yu ZiYuan ferociously yelled at the white clad man. While there is undeniable chill that could be felt at the seriously irate expression on her face, there was also something oddly mesmerizing at how honest her dark eyes are. With her hair fluttering with the wind and the blazing hue of the sky bouncing off her fair skin and light robes, not even her anger could stop her from looking so breath-taking. It's quite a shame that particular gaze wasn't turned on him.

Jiang FengMian pressed the back of his hand against his lips, How enviable.

With knowledgeable eyes that could detect any wayward thought, Wei Changze chimed in, "Young Master, I don't know what you're thinking about but I ask you to please come to your senses."

Deceptively innocent blue-grey eyes questioningly glanced the other's way, "What was that?"

"Nothing. Are you hungry?"

The Yunmeng Jiang heir frowned at his servant's strange tone and their guest's odd expression as though she's holding back a laugh. But when Cangse Sanren was addressed by a rather severe voice, he went back to the object of his earlier observation.

"Do you per chance know of any transportation arrays?" Maiden Yu asked curtly.

The rogue cultivator answered earnestly and provided what information she can about activating one, "Only those of True Foundation level or higher can possibly have enough qi and the right kind to do it."

True Foundation level is a difficult tier to enter even for someone in their mid-twenties. It won't be a surprise if none of the cultivators currently present has reached that far yet in their cultivation. Even he just broke through the level below it.

"Make it, I can activate the array."

Meishan Yu's Third Lady's easy answer stunned him and he stared with wide eyes at the young lady's reply.

His cultivation is not measly by any level of standards but he suddenly felt significantly less at the gap in power between him and Yu ZiYuan. He fell into deep consideration, Looks like we're actually falling behind. I need to double the amount of time we use in training and cultivation.

Wei Changze felt his jaw drop on the grassy terrain at their future madam's power, Was the Madam born to make people feel like rotten potatoes in comparison?, when sudden dread filled his stomach as though his young master just decided that they would depart from this world due to overwork. "Young Master? You weren't thinking of anything sinister right?"

"Why would I be?" Jiang FengMian queried but did not care for the answer as he returned to the conversation with Maiden Yu.

"Can you do it?" the violet-eyed young lady prodded.

Cangse Sanren nodded with glittering eyes that made Jiang FengMian frown a little. "Lady Yu is truly amazing."

True that he was astonished at hearing it first but in retrospect, he should have presumed that Maiden Yu would rise above any expectations anyway. She just doesn't seem to know how to disappoint.

Afterwards, Yu ZiYuan walked away to provide medical assistance to her fellow disciples and other cultivators. He felt a little sad that she didn't even cast a glance his way.

As though hearing the earnest and unconscious desires of his benevolent young master who sometimes forget his own servant or exhaust his fellow disciples with new-found sulking temper, the absolutely loyal Wei Changze racked his brains and upon seeing a hint of blood on a smooth temple, the light of ingenuity popped up in his head and promptly raised his voice unnecessarily in concern, "Young Master! You're wounded!"

The tall young man lightly pressed his hand on his forehead and inspected his fingers to find blood smeared on it.

"It's merely a scratch, I just need to clean it to make sure it won't get infected. Don't fret."

Wei Changze would wish his young master would know when not to speak! Don't tell me you were not about halfway to a mope if the Madam doesn't come for you! He exasperatedly thought as he sent a signal to the rogue cultivator who offered her help before respectfully rejecting her offer. Madam, please have mercy on your poor servant and not neglect our young master! Oh, are you truly coming here? He's all yours!

"Here Young Master Jiang, it's mine, but if you don't disdain it, please use it."

When Yu ZiYuan knelt in front of him with a beautifully embroidered handkerchief in her hand, Jiang FengMian felt a little self-conscious, his breath stuttering in his chest. For some reason, it's hard to meet those violet orbs.

The warmth he could feel through the soft fabric as she cleaned his wound burned his skin in unimaginable ways. There was uproar in his chest and he was afraid that the woman in front of him would hear it. He could feel the creeping blush climb to his neck and the building sweat on his palms and was almost frantic to keep his countenance in check lest he shows an embarrassing side to the maiden. He feels that he won't like that.

"Please, there's no need for you to go through the trouble." He said as sedately as he possibly can, praying that his voice isn't shaking now.

"Don't be a fool, you wouldn't even know if it's already clean enough." Yu ZiYuan scolded with a small frown.

That she would insist on doing it for him warmed his chest and there's a looming sentiment surrounding his heart that he can't explain as blue-grey eyes found it in him to trace the features of the woman before him. The crimson glow of the sunset kisses her skin while the softly blowing wind teased her hair. He somehow wants to touch her for no reason at all. He clenched his hands to fists beside him to stop the errant thought and contented himself with the fact that those magnificently expressive wine-red eyes are on him at this moment.

But too soon, the tender touch left him as the purple gaze fell away, "Forgive me for being forward. Here." The Third Lady of Meishan Yu gave him the handkerchief she was using on him. That not even an accidental brush of skin grazed him as she straightened and walked away from him filled him with a nonsensical amount of disappointment. What is this?

He stared at the pretty lotus flowers embroidered at the handkerchief, remembering once more that Maiden Yu was really skilled in embroidery. He thumbed the silken threads, confused at the swing of his emotions. This never happened before. It's rather disconcerting.

There was a soft clicking of tongue beside him and he turned to find a mildly frowning Wei Changze. It's not often that happens. "Really, Young Master, you should learn when not to speak." He whispered, "That's a hard to come by chance."

He raised an eyebrow and replied in kind, "I shouldn't trouble Maiden Yu too much for such a small thing." He doesn't understand why his friend seems to be reproaching him all of a sudden.

Wei Changze coughed against his hand that suspiciously sounded like 'Guanyin, help me.' and the heir of Yunmeng Jiang's frown deepened but before he could even call out the young man for his questionable words, his servant spoke again in a nonchalant tone as though he nothing happened, "Alright, Young Master, would you like me to hold on to that handkerchief? I will have the laundry staff wash it so we can return it to Maiden Yu after." Had Jiang FengMian been paying attention, he would have caught the calculating gleam on the other's dark eyes.

At these words, however, long slender fingers unconsciously tightened around the silk fabric. True that it'll only be proper courtesy to give the handkerchief back afterwards. But…

Surely she won't remember ever handing him one of her own, right?

She might find it a hassle if he bothers her with such a trifling matter.

Ah, yes, Maiden Yu dislikes troublesome affairs. She might very well consider this as thrown away property.

In that case…it's ok to hold on to this, right?

He told as much to Wei Changze and the younger man nodded his head in tandem to his words, "Ah, so were going with that, huh?" when he raised an eyebrow again, the other immediately amended his words, "That is, I think Young Master is absolutely correct. Er, Lady Sanren seems to need some assistance, I'll go see what I can do to help, shall I, Young Master?"

He gave his consent and after watching his servant walk away, he trained his gaze on the tall young lady carrying a crying child on her embrace. The view is strangely gratifying.

He looked back down at the cloth in his hand, unaware of how his gaze softened as he smiled slightly and proceeded to tuck the handkerchief inside his robes for safekeeping.

He suddenly wondered how she'll look in violet robes in such a scene and felt his cheeks flare at the daring thought. He coughed as he internally scolded himself for his inappropriate thoughts. It's scary how clearly he managed to imagine it. I think it'd suit her perfectly, he still discovered himself thinking seconds later. She would look lovely under the morning sun…walking across the water bridges…in violet robes…with a toddler in her arms…who'll be playing with her silver Yunmeng Jiang bell. The young master of Yunmeng instantly pressed a hand against his mouth at that vivid image, hoping that the vibrant hue of the setting sun successfully hid his flaming face from anyone's scrutiny. He swallowed hard as he shook his head hard. Where are these thoughts even coming from? He surreptitiously looked around, hoping that no one saw him and could guess the subject of his imaginations.

He breathed deeply to calm himself. Is he in shock over the unbelievable situation they're currently in? Well, it's truly a dire case. It's not every day that one finds themselves suddenly transported in an unknown place. That must be it. He closed his eyes to compose himself.

It took him several minutes of meditation to find a sliver of peace in his mind, though not quite that successful to take that pleasing image out of his head. Just as he was about to exhale in relief, his ears were assailed by a faint but nonetheless, soul-stirring voice. Blue-grey eyes abruptly open in search of the melody and it landed on one Nie Ju-Long. That can't be. There's no way that such a velvet-like song is coming out of the muscle-packed gentleman.

"She's singing." Nie Ju-Long incredulously whispered to himself before he, along with several pairs of eyes, gazed at the ambling form of Maiden Yu.

From his position, he could clearly see the dignified profile of Meishan Yu's Third Lady as she cradles the small head of the boy in her arms against the crook of her neck. Her lush lips moving to form solemn words of the lullaby they could all hear from the sound transmitting talisman the heir of Qinghe Nie attached to her. Her voice is not tender but it's incredibly warm and smooth. There's something in its firm tone that makes one feel safe and comforted. And it's undoubtedly delightful to hear. Who would have thought that someone as fierce as this arresting woman could sound so sweet?

The evocative melody was enough for his breath to catch in his throat as he listened quietly. As though of one mind, afraid that any loud sound from their group would cause her to stop singing, they all remained silent and unmoving. From the corner of his eyes, he thought he saw a young cultivator cover Young Master Jin's mouth when he tried to groan while unconscious. He can only be absently grateful.

He wishes his heart would stop hammering against his rib cage as it disrupts his hearing a little. As the lady walks back to their make-shift camp with the sleeping child in her arms, he thought the image overlapped with his earlier delusions of her wearing violet robes while walking along Lotus Pier. While half of him was persuading his mind to halt the outrageous imagery, the other half was busy thinking of the addition he instantaneously made.

If she sings while walking with the child, she'll be a vision.

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One of my readers asked me for a possessive/yandere-ish JFM and my decision even before then was to make a character just a tiiiinyyy bit jealous and possessive...but what the heck is this?! I don't know anymore lol
In my defense, I think(?!) I can justify it so ohohohohohoho oh well

I'm so sorry! Even I don't know what I'm doing with him hahahaha
This is truly crack treated seriously

I would try to update on September 9 since that'll be this fanfiction's anniversary but please note that I am so bad with deadlines lol

Please know that I post this mainly in AO3