Where Did Master Go?

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I slipped into the Crown Prince's residence under the cover of night. When I found Xiao Yi, he was lost in thought, gazing at a framed painting. Perched on a tree, I pondered how to start the conversation, but before I could act, Xiao Yi opened the window. Caught unprepared, I failed to conceal myself with magic and was "caught" red-handed.

"Lady Wuxie, you've come," Xiao Yi greeted me with a fleeting flash of pain in his eyes, masking it with a faint smile.

"It seems Sister Liyan has already told you," I said, jumping to the ground. Xiao Yi nodded gloomily. Seeing his sorrow, I hurried to console him. "Don't be too sad. There must be a way to find Lady Li Wan."

Xiao Yi knew all too well that finding Li Wan was like searching for a needle in a haystack. His smile turned bitter. My eyes inadvertently fell on the painting he had been admiring, and I was immediately captivated.

The painting depicted a vivid scene: under a starry sky, Li Wan, dressed in a green gauze dress, danced hand in hand with Xiao Yi, clad in pure white robes. Floating lotus lanterns adorned the lake, candles formed a glowing ring on the grass, and fireflies danced gracefully around the pair. It was an exquisitely romantic scene.

I stared at the painting, entranced, a strange feeling welling in my heart. A pair of slender, white hands waved in front of my face, snapping me back to reality. Xiao Yi followed my gaze to the painting and asked, "Do you like fireflies too, Lady Wuxie?"

"I do," I nodded.

"Come with me," Xiao Yi said with a gentle smile.

He led me through several intricately designed corridors into a secluded garden. The garden was filled with flowering trees, their subtle fragrance carried by the breeze. The cobblestone paths were spotless, lotus lanterns swayed gently in the trees, and petals drifted softly to the ground, creating a tranquil paradise.

"We're here," Xiao Yi suddenly stopped, and I, too absorbed in the scenery, bumped into him.

"Oh, sorry!" I apologized, holding my forehead.

"Are you hurt?" Xiao Yi asked with concern.

"No, no, I'm fine," I waved my hand. Only then did I notice a clear, shimmering lake ahead—it was the very place from the painting. Xiao Yi retrieved an elegant jade flute from his robe and began to play. The sorrowful melody echoed through the night, summoning countless fireflies that danced to the tune, their lights flickering beautifully.

"Do you like it?" Xiao Yi asked, carefully cradling a firefly in his hand.

"It's wonderful!" I exclaimed, nodding enthusiastically.

"I'm glad," he said softly, releasing the firefly before sitting down on the ground. Before long, the fireflies began to dwindle—an inevitable consequence of the illusion fading. Xiao Yi's expression grew melancholic as he lowered his gaze. "This jade flute, Yuheng, was the first gift Xiao Wan gave me. She imbued it with magic to summon these fireflies, but magic can fade. One day, Yuheng will no longer summon them."

Xiao Yi's love for Li Wan was far deeper than I had imagined. Watching him endure the slow erosion of his connection to her was heart-wrenching. My heart ached, and I sat beside him. "Brother Xiao Yi, don't be so sad. I can use the Void Arts to extend this magic."

Li Wan had used a sealing illusion spell. By strengthening the seal's spiritual energy, the spell would last indefinitely.

"Really?" Xiao Yi looked at me with surprise and hope.

"Of course. The Void Arts enhance the bond between you and Li Wan through your yearning for her, prolonging the magic's effect," I explained patiently. "It's harmless. You only need to focus on recalling your memories with her. The stronger your longing, the longer the spell will last—up to a hundred years or more."

Xiao Yi closed his eyes, his expression resolute. Taking a deep breath, I formed the seals and chanted:

"All five elements fade; reflections take form. Past virtues converge, bridging dreams of bloom and wither. Let thoughts flow unceasing, day and night entwined. Harmonize the six paths, by my command, manifest!"

A pale blue glow enveloped Xiao Yi and the jade flute. His yearning fed the seal, creating a new enchantment strong enough to preserve Li Wan's spell for over a century. Unexpectedly, his powerful emotions transformed the garden, recreating the scene from the painting before dissipating.

"I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime…" Xiao Yi opened his eyes, overwhelmed with emotion. "Thank you, Lady Wuxie."

"No need to thank me; it's your own strength. I merely guided it," I said with a smile, waving my hand dismissively. Xiao Yi gazed wistfully at the transformed surroundings. The lanterns swayed gently in the night breeze. I sat quietly beside him on the grass. The crackling candles and the illusionary fireflies cast a dreamlike beauty over everything.

My eyes fell on the conjured fruits and pastries laid on a small wooden tray. A thought struck me: Can things created by longing be eaten? Should I try? But what if it makes my stomach hurt?

"What are you thinking about?" Xiao Yi asked, noticing my dazed look at the food. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really. I was just wondering if the food created by Void Arts can be eaten," I replied with a grin.

"In that case, let me try it first. If it's fine, you can have some too," Xiao Yi offered warmly.

"No need to take such risks, Brother Xiao Yi!" I hurriedly stopped him. Xiao Yi chuckled. "Don't worry. Everything else looks real, so this probably is too."

"Well, that's true, but still…" Before I could finish, Xiao Yi picked up a pear and took a bite. He chewed thoughtfully. "It tastes just like the real thing—no ill effects. But perhaps you should wait a little longer to be sure."

Touched by his concern, I took a pastry and took a bite. "Then I'm not afraid either! Let's share the blessings and the risks together."

"Agreed," Xiao Yi smiled, his refined demeanor shining even more warmly. Suddenly reminded of Yan Jing, I hesitated before asking, "Brother Xiao Yi, your love for Li Wan hasn't wavered. Why does Xiao Ji's maid say you're involved with Yan Jing?"

"Who said that? We've never been together," Xiao Yi replied, startled.

"Could Xiao Ji have misunderstood Miss Yan Jing?" I wondered aloud, sensing there might be more to the story.

"Ji'er has always seen Yan Jing as a sister. Why would there be a misunderstanding?" Xiao Yi's puzzlement deepened.

"Maybe we're mistaken, then," I said awkwardly, laughing it off.

We chatted over the snacks, unaware of how time passed. When the moon rose high, I sighed. "Tonight's moon is especially bright. Is that also your doing with the Void Arts, Brother Xiao Yi?"

"Hardly! Tonight is the fifteenth day of the lunar month—it's naturally bright," Xiao Yi replied with a gentle laugh.

"The fifteenth? Oh no!" I exclaimed, jumping to my feet as realization struck.

"What's wrong?" Xiao Yi asked, startled.

"I need to get back to Yiqing Pavilion immediately. Goodbye, Brother Xiao Yi!" Without waiting for his response, I quickly used my flying spell to leave in a rush.