The hall seemed to shrink under the weight of the two new arrivals. Mo Qing's presence radiated precision and danger; every step he took was deliberate, measured, like a predator circling its prey.
Feng Lan followed closely, eyes fixed entirely on Mo Qing. Every word, every movement of his companion seemed to hypnotize him. A small smile played on his lips, completely devoted.
Ling Wei immediately stepped in front of Shen Yu, hand hovering over his sword. "Explain yourselves. What are you doing here?"
Mo Qing's smile was calm, sharp, and chilling. "Simply observing," he said smoothly. "And ensuring that nothing—no one—interferes with the plan."
Feng Lan leaned slightly forward, his gaze never leaving Mo Qing. "Exactly. Whatever you say, we'll handle it. I trust you completely."
Shen Yu stiffened. Wait… this guy is just… following him?
Ling Wei's hand tightened. "Do you always follow others blindly?" he snapped.
Feng Lan tilted his head, grinning softly, like the comment didn't bother him at all. "If the person knows what they're doing? Absolutely. Mo Qing knows."
Mo Qing's lips curved in a faint, satisfied smile. He didn't need to say anything else; Feng Lan's total devotion spoke for itself.
Shen Yu's pulse spiked. This is… dangerous. He's completely under Mo Qing's influence.
Mo Qing turned his sharp gaze toward the group. "Celestial Veil, Azure Sky, all of you…" His voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight. "You must understand—the awakening of Shen Yu is not something to be taken lightly. If mishandled, it could unravel far more than you imagine."
Feng Lan nodded vigorously, almost bouncing in his excitement. "Yes! That's why we have to be careful. Mo Qing's plan is flawless, and we'll follow it perfectly."
Ling Wei ground his teeth. "You're… just blindly following a schemer?"
Feng Lan shrugged, a light, playful gesture that belied the tension. "I'm not worried. He's… brilliant. I can see why he does everything the way he does. It's… amazing."
Shen Yu felt a chill run down his spine. Amazing? He's completely whipped.
Mo Qing's eyes glinted dangerously. "Good. I need such loyalty. If you understand the stakes, you'll act accordingly. That is all."
Feng Lan's smile widened, subtle admiration sparkling in his eyes. "I understand perfectly. Whatever you need, I'll make sure it happens exactly how you want."
Mo Qing's gaze swept over Shen Yu and the others. "Celestial Veil, Azure Sky… take note. We are not here to take him. We are here to ensure he stays exactly where he is meant to be."
Ling Wei's grip on his sword tightened. "That's a threat."
Mo Qing's lips quirked. "Consider it… a warning."
Shen Yu's qi stirred, reacting to the tension, surging in ways he hadn't felt before. A flicker of power, raw and unstable, hissed beneath his skin.
Feng Lan's eyes followed Mo Qing's every movement, utterly enchanted. "You're always right… I'll do exactly as you say. I won't let anything go wrong."
Mo Qing gave a faint nod of approval, eyes glinting. "Good. That is exactly how it should be."
Outside, the wind whispered through the courtyard. Inside, the hall was heavy with unspoken dangers, shifting loyalties, and one loyal heart so completely devoted it made the room feel… more perilous than any enemy could.
And Shen Yu realized, with a tightening in his chest, that this was only the beginning.