CHAPTER 117: ISOLATED

The next morning dawned pale and misty, the soft light filtering through the canopy casting a serene glow over the camp. Yet beneath the calm surface, tension simmered like an undercurrent no one dared speak of aloud.

Hei Long awoke early, stretching with practiced ease before slipping out of his tent.

His thoughts were already on the delicate balance of the mission, on Mu Lanyue, and on the silent war with Lin Fan. He knew this was more than a simple escort—it was a battlefield of emotions, strategy, and wills.

As he made his way toward the communal fire, he spotted Mu Lanyue seated on a fallen log, quietly sharpening a slender dagger. Her eyes lifted when she saw him, a faint smile touching her lips.

"Good morning," Hei Long greeted, his voice low but warm.

"Morning," she replied softly, setting the blade aside. "I hope you slept well."

"Better now." He sat beside her, his gaze steady. "The road ahead will be treacherous. We must remain vigilant—not just of the bandits, but of other dangers."

She nodded thoughtfully. "And... of other complications?"

Hei Long’s smile deepened. "Indeed. There is always more than meets the eye."

Their conversation was interrupted by the clumsy approach of Lin Fan, who was carrying a basket of freshly gathered herbs, trying hard to seem casual but failing miserably.

His eyes darted between Hei Long and Mu Lanyue, full of barely concealed frustration and longing.

"Morning," Lin Fan said awkwardly, dropping the basket with a loud thud. A few herbs spilled, rolling away into the grass.

Hei Long arched a brow but said nothing, allowing Lin Fan to flounder.

Mu Lanyue glanced at Lin Fan, her expression softening momentarily, but then quickly regaining its polite distance.

Lin Fan cleared his throat, trying again. "I thought I’d help out a bit. Show that I’m useful."

Hei Long chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Useful? Perhaps. But actions speak louder than words."

Lin Fan shot Hei Long a glare but dared not argue. Instead, he turned his attention to Mu Lanyue.

"Miss Mu Lanyue, if there’s anything you need—"

Hei Long interrupted smoothly, "Lin Fan, your intentions are noted. But sometimes, stepping back is the best way to move forward."

Mu Lanyue smiled gently at Hei Long, the kind of smile that made Lin Fan’s chest ache. It was the smile of trust, of comfort, of something he desperately wished was meant for him.

Over the following days, Hei Long’s bond with Mu Lanyue grew steadily.

They trained together, exchanged quiet conversations by the fire, and shared fleeting moments of laughter.

Hei Long’s natural charisma, combined with his genuine care, wove a thread of connection that tightened around her heart.

Lin Fan, meanwhile, found himself increasingly isolated. His efforts, once bold and brash, became awkward and desperate.

Small gifts went unopened, offers of protection politely declined, and attempts at conversation met with polite excuses.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped low, Lin Fan watched from a distance as Hei Long helped Mu Lanyue steady herself on a rocky path, their hands briefly touching.

The warmth of that contact burned like acid in Lin Fan’s veins.

He clenched his fists, jaw tight. "Why won’t she see me? What more do I have to do?"

But no answer came, only the growing ache of helplessness.

That night, Lin Fan lay awake, replaying every moment, every word, every glance. His obsession gnawed at him, clouding his mind and fueling a desperate desire that threatened to consume his reason.

Meanwhile, Hei Long sat quietly by the fire, contemplating the unfolding story with a mixture of satisfaction and cold calculation. This was the game he had always played—always won.

And as the stars blinked overhead, the war of hearts waged on, silent yet unrelenting.

As the days stretched on, the journey wore on the small group in subtle but undeniable ways. The forest grew thicker, the paths narrower and more treacherous.

The steady chorus of birdsong and rustling leaves seemed to mask the undercurrents of tension that flowed beneath every interaction between Hei Long, Lin Fan, and Mu Lanyue.

Hei Long moved through the forest with an effortless grace, his eyes always alert but calm, his steps silent as shadows.

Mu Lanyue matched his pace without faltering, her delicate hands occasionally brushing against his as they helped steady each other on slippery stones or over twisted roots.

Their moments together were a series of quiet exchanges—soft laughter, shared glances, the kind of unspoken understanding that builds bonds far stronger than words ever could.

Lin Fan, on the other hand, struggled. His breaths came in ragged bursts as he hurried to keep pace, his heart pounding with a mix of exhaustion and jealousy.

Each time he caught sight of Hei Long and Mu Lanyue sharing a private smile, it felt like a knife twisting deeper into his chest.

One afternoon, as the sun hung low behind the trees, Lin Fan spotted a small clearing and seized the opportunity. He hurried ahead and called out, "Mu Lanyue! Over here!"

She turned, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, and made her way toward him. Hei Long watched from behind a tree, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

Lin Fan forced a grin, though his voice wavered slightly. "I found some wild herbs that can help with wounds and fatigue. I thought I could prepare a poultice for you."

Mu Lanyue’s smile was polite but distant. "That’s very kind of you, Lin Fan. Thank you."

Encouraged, Lin Fan knelt to gather the herbs, fumbling with the leaves and stems as sweat dripped down his brow. As he worked, he stole glances at Mu Lanyue, wishing desperately for a spark of warmth in her eyes directed at him.

Suddenly, Hei Long stepped forward, voice calm but tinged with amusement. "Allow me."

Before Lin Fan could protest, Hei Long’s hands moved with practiced skill, expertly blending the herbs and forming a neat poultice.

Mu Lanyue watched, eyes shining with gratitude as Hei Long gently applied the remedy to a small scrape on her arm.

Lin Fan felt the weight of defeat settle heavily on his shoulders. He forced a laugh. "Looks like you’re the better healer after all."

Hei Long’s smile deepened, eyes gleaming with quiet triumph. "Experience does count for something."

Mu Lanyue’s gaze flicked between the two men, her expression unreadable for a moment before softening. "Thank you both."

As night fell, the campfire flickered against the darkness, casting warm light over the trio. Hei Long and Mu Lanyue sat close, their conversation flowing easily, filled with laughter and shared stories.

Lin Fan lingered on the outskirts, clutching a small carved wooden trinket he had made for Mu Lanyue. His voice cracked as he finally spoke, "Mu Lanyue, I... I made this for you. To keep you safe."

She accepted it with a gentle smile but placed a hand lightly on his arm. "Thank you, Lin Fan. It means a lot."

But the warmth in her eyes was reserved for Hei Long.

Lin Fan’s heart shattered anew, yet he clung desperately to hope.

Hei Long caught the flicker of pain in Lin Fan’s eyes and, with a quiet chuckle, whispered to himself, "This is only the beginning."