When William Wang Jinling saw Serena return alone, he knew that Prince Nolan hadn't managed to talk things through with her. Serena was still upset with them; even Nolan couldn't earn her forgiveness, and it looked like she wouldn't forgive William so easily either.
But that wasn't quite right. Serena didn't seem angry at all—just as she'd said before, she wasn't going to hold a grudge over this scheme. Yet at the same time, she was frighteningly indifferent. She still smiled when she saw them, but would subtly avoid them, intentionally or not. That kind of distance really stung.
William hesitated for a moment, then walked forward: "Serena..."
"William? Is something wrong?" From her tone and expression, you couldn't tell anything was off. It was as if nothing had happened at all. William, who had been ready with a whole explanation, suddenly found himself unable to say a word, and could only mutter, "It's nothing."
"Oh, then I'll head back to my room." Serena took a step back and walked around William.
And just like that, she wasn't angry, but she wasn't close either. It was as if there was an invisible wall between them—she wouldn't come out, and she wouldn't let them in, keeping herself safe inside.
William sighed and didn't chase after her. As he turned around, he happened to run into Prince Nolan just entering the courtyard. William stepped forward and sympathetically patted Nolan on the shoulder: "It's a long road ahead."
Nolan stiffened for a moment, then relaxed. A trace of unease showed on his cold face.
He would rather Serena yell at him, or even stab him outright, than have her give him the silent treatment. He had no idea how to handle this.
Nolan really wanted to shout at Serena: "Serena Feng, just tell me what you want—I'll do it!"
But he knew it wouldn't work. Even if he asked, he wouldn't get an answer. Serena would definitely say, "I don't need you to do anything. We're fine just like this."
Prince Nolan walked back with heavy steps. That night, all three of them ate in their own rooms, tacitly agreeing not to disturb each other, giving Serena plenty of time and space to think things through.
Honestly, neither of them had really done anything wrong. They didn't ask because they didn't want to hurt Serena. But only now did they realize—the things they thought were good for Serena weren't necessarily good in her eyes.
After dinner, Serena went out for a walk. When she came back, she found a piece of paper on the table. Opening it, she recognized the handwriting immediately, and her expression softened a little.
Clear autumn wind, bright autumn moon,
Fallen leaves gather, then scatter; cold crows roost, then startle.
Longing to meet—who knows when? This night, these feelings, too hard to bear!
Step into the door of longing, know the bitterness of longing,
Long longing, long remembering; brief longing, endless pain.
Had I known how love entangles the heart, I would've rather never met you at all.
"Had I known how love entangles the heart, I would've rather never met you at all?" Serena's index finger traced that line, her eyes lifting just slightly, revealing a smile she herself didn't notice—but Prince Nolan, hidden in the shadows, saw it.
Nolan let out a breath of relief. Serena smiled—maybe she'd forgive him after all. The scene at the teahouse hadn't been deliberately staged; the circumstances just happened to align, so he went with his instincts to confirm what he suspected.
If he had carefully planned it, Serena would never have found out—just like when she treated Prince Titus of Lyndaria's legs in the gorge. If he wanted, he could keep Serena in the dark forever.
Not asking Serena directly was his way of showing trust. But asking her face-to-face—wasn't that a kind of hurt, too?
He trusted her. He just wanted to know where she came from, whether she was what he thought—but he hadn't expected things to backfire.
Zuo An—the assassin!
Thinking of the man who ruined his plan, Nolan felt a murderous urge. If Zuo An hadn't shown up, Serena never would have found out.
Just then, Serena suddenly paused. The candlelight flickered dimly. With her head lowered, Nolan couldn't see her expression—he only knew...
She didn't reply to him as usual. Instead, she burned the letter. As the flames consumed the paper, Nolan realized his palms were sweating.
Serena Feng, you're ruthless!
Even more ruthless, after Serena burned the letter, she blew the ashes out the window. Then... she peacefully closed the window and went to sleep, enjoying a full night's rest, while Prince Nolan, standing in the shadows in place of his hidden guards, spent the night both watching and fuming.
At dawn, Nolan could only sigh helplessly and obediently return to his room. Right now, Serena was like a bristling little beast—he was in the wrong, so all he could do was stroke her fur the right way.
Nolan and William Wang didn't rush to leave. Instead, they stayed in the small courtyard. Serena didn't know why, but she didn't ask.
Nolan and William tacitly avoided mentioning her mother. They were clearly waiting for her to bring it up herself, but she refused to do so—let's see who would give in first.
Nolan waited several days, but Serena never came to ask him. After some discreet probing, he learned she hadn't asked William Wang either. That made him feel a little better.
It seemed Serena was truly angry this time. For three days straight, everything Nolan wrote to her was burned—but at least she read them before burning them.
Nolan could only keep trying. He believed that as long as Serena hadn't stormed off, things weren't beyond repair. After all...
Testing each other was only human. People like Serena, who barely have any curiosity, are a rare breed.
Of course, Nolan and William Wang didn't stay for that reason. They remained in the village because they'd already made their move. Now, they had to wait—for the conflict at Skyvault Palace Sect to erupt. They were sure... it would be soon!
The Skyvault Palace Master was having a rough time lately. First, his beloved daughter was injured and nearly disfigured. When her looks were finally restored—even prettier than before—he was in high spirits, ready to teach Prince Nolan and William Wang a lesson, to show them why the flowers bloom so red. But then...
He hadn't even made a move yet, but the other side was already making a huge show of force, threatening to wipe out Skyvault Palace Sect altogether. That made him furious—how dare these ignorant youths challenge a sect with the 'Xuan' legacy in the martial world? They must have a death wish.
Though the Palace Master was angry, he didn't take it seriously. He completely dismissed Nolan and William Wang. In the martial world, it's not about power—it's about strength. With his reputation, no one could rival him. When Nolan and William attacked Skyvault, all he'd have to do was raise his arm and countless minor sects would flock to his side. But then...
His son, who was practically invisible, suddenly appeared, saying Skyvault Palace Sect was in grave danger and urging him to act fast. He didn't believe it—until he tried contacting some allied sects for support. Their answers were evasive; none would give a straight reply. Only then did he realize how serious things were. He hurried to recall all the disciples, gathering Skyvault's strength to prepare for Nolan and William's attack. But just then...
A rumor spread through the martial world: his wife had spent nearly two hundred thousand taels of gold to buy a woman's life...
That woman was Serena Feng. He knew—Madame Skyvault had mentioned her more than once. He could understand his wife's urge to avenge their daughter, but where did two hundred thousand taels of gold come from? Even all of Skyvault Palace Sect couldn't produce that much silver.
The Skyvault Palace Master paced back and forth, waiting for his wife to come and explain...