With Xueyi's permission granted, the path ahead for Felicity and her companions cleared like a fog lifting after a storm.
The truth was undeniable: the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus stood no chance against the might of the Ten-Lords Commission. And with the Cloud Knights stationed nearby, their resistance had already begun to crumble—like a sandcastle eroded by relentless tides.
Guided by the markings on the note, they quickly tracked down the approximate location. But just as they were about to approach, Banxia halted in her tracks.
Her breath hitched. Felicity's earlier remark, "Love-brained people really are…" had struck deep—almost too deep. And now, faced with the moment she had been yearning for, Banxia found herself hesitating once more, her steps faltering as though her heart had forgotten how to beat.
Maybe Felicity was right after all… she thought bitterly. Maybe I really am a little lovesick. The thought gnawed at her. She had fallen headlong for Liangmu's youthful passion, for that reckless charm he exuded so carelessly. Yet… yet she believed Liangmu possessed his own unique brilliance. That had to mean something… didn't it?
"Everyone… Liangmu is a cautious man. Do you remember the note he left me? He told me to come alone…"
Her voice wavered, unsure.
Felicity's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with exasperation. "It's come to this, and you're telling me that now?"
Banxia shrank under the weight of Felicity's gaze, scratching her head awkwardly. She had almost forgotten that Felicity was never one to follow rules, much less the expectations of others.
Still, she couldn't protest. After all, Felicity had somehow delayed her Mara onset—though Banxia had no idea how she'd done it, it had bought her this moment, the chance to see her lover again.
Sighing, Banxia turned toward the spot where Liangmu was hiding and called out tentatively, "Liangmu? Are you there?"
A voice, surprised and wary, answered from within a wooden box. "Banxia? Is that you, Banxia?"
A young man poked his head out, his black hair falling in soft waves with a middle part. But when his eyes landed on Felicity and Bailu, the smile that had begun to form froze on his lips, turning brittle and strained.
"They are…?" Liangmu's eyes narrowed.
"They… this is Miss Bailu," Banxia stammered, her voice small. "The one I mentioned in the letter. She's the healer I brought for you."
But as she spoke, she instinctively held back the truth, sparing Felicity's identity with a quiet, unspoken choice.
Liangmu stared at Bailu for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, his breath left him in a sharp exhale, and his gaze snapped back to Banxia—hot, hungry, and burning with something far from love.
It was greed. Plain and raw.
"What about the goods?" His voice dropped, low and sharp.
"Um… Liangmu, listen to me—"
Banxia's voice trembled, her hands clutching the hem of her sleeves, but Liangmu's face had already darkened, a scowl twisting his features into something almost monstrous.
"So, there's nothing this time either, is there?"
"I… I tried—"
"How many times are you going to make me listen to that?" he snarled, each word cutting like a blade. "Is it so difficult for you to bring me the list of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? You swore to me, Banxia. Again and again, you swore you'd make it happen. I believed you, believed you could change things for me. And what did I get in return? Nothing!"
His handsome face contorted into something hideous, twisted with resentment and rage.
"But… we're lovers…"
"Lovers?" His voice cracked like a whip. "That's just your delusion."
The words shattered her like porcelain hitting stone. Banxia's breath caught, and she lowered her head, her heart splintering in silence. She had nothing left to say, no lie or excuse to soothe the agony that flooded her chest.
Felicity glanced at Bailu, who looked like an indignant little pufferfish, her cheeks puffed out and her fluffy tail flicking back and forth. Her round eyes widened, as though she were about to speak.
Felicity reached out gently, patting Bailu's head as if calming a storm. "It's all right, Little Bailu. There's no need to heal someone like him."
"But… an agreement is an agreement…" Bailu's voice was soft, hesitant.
Felicity only smiled, her fingers brushing across the girl's silky hair. "Healing injuries and illnesses can't cure the darkness in a person's heart. For people like him…"
"It's up to us to decide."
Xueyi's cold, measured voice cut through the tension. Everyone turned sharply, eyes widening at the sight of the girl standing at the entrance, twin blades gleaming in her hands. Her presence radiated a quiet, lethal intent.
"The Ten-Lords decree. Karma comes for all."
Her voice was a whisper of finality. Xueyi raised her right arm, her finger aimed squarely at Liangmu.
"Soldiers! Arrest these two immediately!"
--+--
Felicity and Bailu were safely escorted back to the Exalting Sanctum. Yet Bailu seemed far from her usual self—her playful energy dulled, her steps dragging, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She cast a glance toward the distant Cloudford, a shadow of guilt clouding her gaze.
If only they had protected Banxia… maybe she wouldn't have been taken away.
She pouted, her tiny lips trembling.
"Everything comes with a price," Felicity said quietly, ruffling Bailu's head, her fingers tracing gentle patterns through the girl's hair. The more she touched, the more she adored the soft, warm sensation beneath her palm.
"I know…" Bailu mumbled, though her heart wasn't in the words. Her gaze drifted to the Ambrosial Arbor in the distance, its blooms glowing like distant stars.
Children could understand the harsh truths of the world, but living with them… that was another matter entirely.
Banxia had lied, yes—but she had also protected Bailu for a time, and her intentions hadn't been entirely selfish. Still, it wasn't something Felicity dwelled on—children, after all, were often too soft-hearted.
"..."
Time passed in a quiet hush. Bailu sat unmoving, lost in thought, while Felicity grew restless. It wasn't good for a child to sit around moping, she thought, so she nudged Bailu gently and rose to her feet.
"Well, there's no point in overthinking. We still have to live, don't we? How about I take you out for some food?"
"...Okay."
Bailu's voice was a whisper, but after a long pause, she nodded and clutched Felicity's arm tightly, as if afraid to lose her too.
They wandered the Exalting Sanctum's streets once more, though Bailu's usual joy was absent. Even her favorite candied haws failed to catch her eye—she simply followed Felicity in quiet steps.
Still, as they walked, a subtle change blossomed. The tension in Bailu's posture eased, and a faint smile began to bloom on her lips.
"Hello!" A bright, lilting voice called out. A cheerful girl with light brown hair bounced over, her steps light and her familiar grin radiant.
"Qingque, you're leaving again after another win? Come play another round if you dare!" a disgruntled shout came from behind her.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Qingque laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "I'd love to keep playing, but Master Fu asked me to wait here for an important guest. Look! Doesn't she look like someone important? She must be Master Fu's distinguished guest!"
In the distance, the sound of cards scattering on a table echoed, accompanied by groans of frustration. Felicity squinted toward the commotion.
"…Mahjong?" she murmured.
"Ah? You know of our Celestial Jade?" Qingque's eyes sparkled, emerald green and full of mischief. "What do you think? Want to play a round?"
Felicity blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. Qingque's excitement was infectious, and Bailu, her tail perking up, raised her hand eagerly.
"I want to play too!"
"Oh? Isn't this Miss Bailu?" Qingque grinned even wider. "Perfect timing! We've got three players—just one more and we can play a proper game. What do you say?"
She was already rubbing her hands together, practically vibrating with anticipation.
Felicity hesitated, casting a sideways glance at Bailu's pleading eyes, soft as dew. With a quiet sigh, she nodded.
"…Well then. Everyone's here."
--+--