Lin Xian lay on a soft bed inside a small cave hidden deep in the secret realm. The air was cool, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of herbs placed nearby. His face was pale, and sweat covered his forehead. The poison he got while saving Shen Yue and Li Yueru was slowly spreading through his body.
Even though his body hurt, Lin Xian didn't regret saving them.
Outside the cave, Shen Yue was sitting with her knees hugged to her chest, looking down sadly. Her white hair moved gently with the wind, and her red eyes were full of worry.
Li Yueru returned from gathering herbs and sat beside her. "Still no change?" she asked softly.
Shen Yue shook her head. "Brother Lin still has a fever. He keeps smiling and saying it's fine… but it's not."
Inside the cave, Lin Xian heard their voices and gave a weak smile. Even in pain, he didn't want them to worry.
---
That night, Shen Yue stayed by his side, carefully placing a cold cloth on his forehead.
"Brother Lin," she whispered, "you always protect us. You're kind... not like my real brother. He never sees me like this."
Lin Xian slowly opened his eyes. His voice was soft but clear. "You're a good girl, Shen Yue. You deserve someone who cares for you. I'm happy to be your big brother."
Shen Yue smiled a little, her heart feeling warm.
---
Later, Li Yueru came in to check on them. Shen Yue had fallen asleep with her head resting on the bed.
Li Yueru sat next to Lin Xian and looked at him seriously. "Tell me the truth," she said. "That poison... it's not something normal pills can heal, right?"
Lin Xian closed his eyes and stayed silent for a while.
Then he nodded. "You're right. This poison was made to hurt the soul. The only real cure… is dual cultivation."
Li Yueru's eyes widened, but Lin Xian quickly added, "I won't force anyone. I'll find another way. I'd rather die than hurt your trust."
His words shocked her.
She had met many men who would pretend to be kind, but Lin Xian... he meant every word. He didn't ask for anything. He didn't blame fate. He simply smiled and bore the pain alone.
Li Yueru lowered her head. "Why are you always so selfless?"
"I told you before," he whispered. "I had a little sister. She was sick… and I couldn't save her. Maybe that's why… when I see you two, I just want to protect you."
Li Yueru's heart beat faster.
She looked at Lin Xian quietly for a long time. Then, slowly, she reached for his hand.
"If… if it's to save you," she whispered, "I'll do it."
Just as she was about to say more, the cave curtain moved.
Shen Yue had just woken up and stepped inside. She saw them holding hands and the look in Li Yueru's eyes.
Her red eyes widened. She turned and ran out of the cave, tears falling down her cheeks.
"Yue'er!" Lin Xian tried to sit up, but his body was too weak.
Li Yueru looked sad and guilty. "I didn't mean for her to see that like this."
Lin Xian sighed. "I have to talk to her. She's just confused."
---
Outside the cave, under the starry sky, Shen Yue stood alone, wiping her tears. Her heart felt strange and painful, like it was breaking.
She didn't understand these feelings completely. All she knew was… she didn't want to lose her place beside him.
Not to fate.
Not to her brother.
Not even to Li Yueru.
---
[Villain Points: +1200]
[New Objective: Repair Shen Yue's Trust Before Secret Realm Ends]