The ritual chamber returned to silence. The phoenix relics rested dimly, their brilliance absorbed into Lin Hao and Qingyue.
Master Yuan crossed his arms and looked at them both. "That's enough for today. You've both gone through more than most do in a year. Go rest. Tomorrow, we begin training."
Lin Hao bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master."
Qingyue did the same, though her eyes lingered on the phoenix sculptures a moment longer before turning away.
They left through the long corridor beneath the estate. The air was cool, the walls still glowing faintly from the residual Qi.
As they reached the courtyard and the stone steps that led out of the Yuan residence, Qingyue suddenly stopped.
"Wait," she said, her voice soft but firm.
Lin Hao turned. "Hm?"
She hesitated for a moment, arms crossed in front of her chest. "Don't think… just because you gave me that sculpture and we shared this weird resonance, that you're going to become the future son-in-law of the Yuan family."
Lin Hao blinked.
"…Son-in-law?"
His voice cracked a little in surprise.
Qingyue narrowed her eyes. "That's what everyone would expect now, right? A shared awakening, matching relics, gold-grade potential—people will talk."
Lin Hao raised his hands in defense. "Wait—hold on. I didn't… I wasn't thinking about that."
"Oh?" she asked, eyebrow raised. "So you're saying the Yuan family isn't good enough for you?"
"What? No!" Lin Hao said quickly. "That's not what I meant. I wasn't expecting anything when I gave you that sculpture. I meant what I said—I believe in your talent. That's all. I wanted to help."
Qingyue stared at him for a moment. Then, to his surprise, a faint blush colored her cheeks. She turned away abruptly.
"…Idiot."
She walked ahead, quickening her pace toward her quarters.
Lin Hao stood there for a few seconds, confused.
He scratched the back of his head and muttered, "What did I say wrong?"
No answer came, just the distant sound of her steps fading into the quiet evening.
He shook his head and left through the outer gate. The walk home under the night sky helped ease the noise in his mind, but her expression still lingered.
By the time he reached his house in Villa Dragon, the lights inside had dimmed. His mother was likely asleep, his father recovering from another herbal bath. Everything was quiet.
He went to his room, laid down, and stared at the ceiling for a long time.
So much had changed in such a short span.
The relics. The training. The awakening. His new bond with Qingyue.
He closed his eyes, and her image drifted into view.
"Idiot," she had said.
He exhaled through his nose and let the silence take him.
Sleep came quickly.