Huff… huff… huff…
Tian You jolted awake in bed. This time felt different—a sensation of his mind churned into mush flooded his thoughts. Unsettling, yet he couldn’t recall a thing, not even why he’d woken.
After lying still for a moment to compose himself, the mental haze slowly cleared. He gently shook his head, finally feeling at ease.
“Morning already…?” He gazed toward the wooden window. Dawn’s light, warm with spring’s touch, streamed through, filling his vision. The gentle warmth on his skin soothed his heart into calm.
Knock, knock—
A soft tap sounded. Moments later, Hua Zhaoxue stepped in quietly, holding a bowl of fragrant millet congee. Seeing Tian You already sitting up, she startled backward like a frightened rabbit. After a beat, she stammered, “Y-you’re awake?”
Tian You smiled gently at her flustered expression.
“Thank you for worrying, Sister Zhaoxue. I’m fully recovered—no more fainting like before.”
“Mm… good.” Composing herself, she set the congee on the bedside table. “I made this early. Drink it warm—it’ll warm you up…”
He glanced at the steaming bowl, a trace of warmth flickering in his chest.
“Mm. Thank you, Sister Zhaoxue. I’ll finish it.”
After he spoke, Hua Zhaoxue stared blankly at his sunlit face. After a long pause, as if steeling herself, she bit her lip, walked to a cabinet, and retrieved a sealed box. A faint crimson glow shimmered around her hands. A soft click—then the lid opened slowly. Inside lay a mask, entirely silver.
Her eyes dimmed with sorrow and complexity.
*Without this mask, I might have already…*
She cut the thought short, took a steadying breath, lifted the mask, and offered it to him.
“What’s this?” Tian You asked, puzzled. The mask looked utterly plain.
“This was my father’s gift,” she said softly. “Its only purpose: to hide your true face. It emits no Qi Energy aura—ordinary people won’t notice, and even average Faithweavers won’t detect a thing.” She glanced at his breathtaking features, voice shy. “I… I worried you might go out while I’m away. But Tian You, you’re just… too ethereal. Looking like this could bring trouble. So…”
He nodded with a grateful smile. “Thank you for your kindness, Sister Zhaoxue. Honestly… I’ve been curious about the world outside.”
“It’s nothing… just a small gesture.” Her cheeks flushed as her gaze lingered on the mask—her father’s sole keepsake, a vessel of bittersweet memories she rarely dared revisit…
…………
Because she’d left the Flower Queen Contest early last night, Hua Zhaoxue had duties awaiting her. After brief instructions, she prepared light dishes, tidied the room, and hurried off.
Yet her retreating figure carried lighter steps than yesterday—the deep sorrow once hidden in her eyes had visibly softened…
Once her crimson silhouette vanished, Tian You examined the mask. Utterly ordinary. Trusting her completely, he lifted it toward his face.
A gentle pull guided it into place. No flash, no weight—just seamless contact. He rose, walked to the bronze mirror, and peered in. His features had shifted entirely into those of a common handsome youth. Only his eyes remained: vast, brilliant amethyst-gold. Still striking, yet far less dazzling than before.
“Wow… this mask is incredible.”
He’d never cared much for looks—he hadn’t even realized how arresting his face was to others. He was simply amazed by the craft.
After finishing the congee and side dishes, curiosity won. He secured the door and stepped out, following Hua Zhaoxue’s path.
Soon, a gentle breeze greeted him. The lakeside shimmered under morning light. A few stray boats drifted on the clear water; the faint scent of spent fireworks lingered—echoes of last night’s contest.
Tian You sighed contentedly, narrowing his amethyst-gold eyes as he strolled the shore.
Though early, the path grew busier. His current face was unremarkable, yet his tall, graceful frame and ethereal aura drew lingering glances from young women. Sparkles of interest flickered in their eyes. A few bold souls stepped closer—only to halt, awed by the untouchable grace radiating from him.
A shared whisper rose among them:
“Where did this young master come from? Why have we never seen him before?”
