The distant roar of the waterfall echoed faintly in the background, mingling with the gentle whisper of the wind that drifted through the open window. The words carved into the wall had captured everyone's attention, but for Johan, they seemed like a distant flickering memory he couldn't quite grasp.
What truly mattered was severing his connection with Qian Yun's parents. That link, fragile as it was, had tethered him to a past he yearned to forget. Only by breaking it could he return to the Forest of Forgotten Echoes and learn the ways of this strange new world. His mind churned with the weight of this realization, lips twitching into a faint, contemplative frown as he stared at the silent words on the wall.
Li Ping shifted her gaze to him, her expression tender yet cautious. "Young master, what are you going to do now?"
Long Xiao and Lei exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them as they both weighed options.
Gong Feng shrugged as he wandered around the room, his tone light but edged with certainty. "It's obvious what he has to do. He's not in any shape to go chasing after his parents now. The best course is to return to the palace, to heal and gather strength."
He cast a quick glance out the window, where the moon's pale glow illuminated a sleeping Xinyi, her peaceful face untouched by the night's turmoil.
"We'll rest here for tonight," Gong Feng continued softly. "And in the morning, we make our way back."
He turned, eyes drifting over his companions, settling momentarily on Li Ping, who hovered anxiously beside Johan.
Long Xiao nodded subtly, signaling Lei with a faint whistle. They silently slipped out of the room, leaving Johan and Li Ping alone with the quiet shadows.
Johan watched their departure, his gaze lingering on the doorway, then turned to face her.
"Li Ping, I need to ask you for a favor." His voice was low, almost a whisper, but steady.
"Anything for the young master," she replied without hesitation, her eyes bright with loyalty.
Johan hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly.
"The oracle told me I should leave behind any lingering attachments. My parents' absence means I must go back to the oracle. I believe, in time, I'll find them... somehow."
"Will you accompany me on this journey of recovery?" He looked down, eyes shadowed, voice tinged with a quiet resolve.
Li Ping's brows furrowed slightly, but her resolve was clear. She didn't want to return to the forest, but she cared deeply for Johan's well-being. If helping him meant risking everything, she was willing.
"Yes, young master. I will help you," she said firmly, bowing her head.
Johan's face softened, and he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Your assistance is deeply appreciated. We leave as soon as everyone falls asleep. This way, no one will be troubled by my burdens anymore."
Her brows creased with concern. "Young master, are you saying we're leaving without telling anyone?"
Johan nodded, retracting his hand, then moved to the window. His back was to her as he watched the sleeping dragon. Its body was a silent guardian beneath the moonlight.
Downstairs, Long Xiao had settled into a chair, his eyes closed but ears alert. Lei hung upside down like a bat in the living room. Gong Feng had already retired to the guest room, the quiet of the night wrapping around them. Through the stillness, the faint shuffling of Johan and Li Ping could be heard.
They smoothed out the worn map the imperial physician had given them on the bedside table, their whispers barely audible. Long Xiao's sharp ears caught the subtle noise, and he was already on his feet, silent as a shadow. He moved swiftly upstairs, his senses attuned to their secret quiet planning.