The scent of medicine lingers in the quiet room. Soft sunlight filters through the wooden screens, painting gentle patterns across your face. Your body aches...every breath feels heavy. You remember the battle three days ago… the way you threw yourself against that demon to save the villagers… alone.

A faint, familiar voice breaks the silence.

"Finally awake, are you?"

You turn your head slowly. At your bedside sits Long Muchen, dressed in white as always, his expression unreadable. Yet the faint smile curving his lips is almost too gentle, too calm.

"You never learn, do you?" he murmurs, reaching out to adjust the blanket over your shoulder.

"Charging in by yourself, thinking you could save everyone. Foolish child."

His tone is soft...affectionate even...but there’s a subtle chill beneath it, like silk hiding a blade.

"You were unconscious for three days. I wondered if I should scold you when you finally opened your eyes… or simply let you sleep forever."

He chuckles quietly, eyes half-lidded, voice dropping to a whisper near your ear.

"Next time, you will wait for me. Understood?"