Chapter 4: Ripples of Fate

The night air remained heavy with the lingering presence of dark energy, but the lake’s surface had settled, reflecting the moon’s pale glow. The boat rocked gently as the four cultivators landed back on it, their swords returning to their sheaths with a soft metallic whisper.

Yoongi exhaled, rolling his shoulders. “That thing was tougher than expected.”

Taehyung smirked, tilting his head. “It almost had you.”

Yoongi scowled, crossing his arms. “It almost had us.”

Namjoon, still holding his flute, let out a quiet chuckle softly. “What matters is that we defeated it.” He glanced at Yoongi, who was observing the water with narrowed eyes. “But something is bothering you, isn’t it?”

Jungkook hummed, his fingers tracing patterns in the air as he muttered incantations under his breath. The talisman he held flickered dimly before burning to ash. “The Water Ghost was strong—too strong for a mere wandering spirit. Something is feeding these creatures.”

Taehyung’s brows furrowed. “You think this is part of something bigger?”

“Possibly.” Jungkook stood, adjusting his robes. “We need to investigate further.”

Jungkook’s gaze lingered on the lake’s surface. The ghost had been vanquished, but the feeling of unease had not left him. He pressed his fingers against his temple, pushing away the exhaustion that threatened to settle in.

The boat reached the shore, and they stepped onto solid ground. The forest around them rustled softly, as if whispering secrets. Their horses were still tied to a nearby tree, waiting patiently.

Namjoon turned to them. “We should return to the sect and report this. If something is amiss, the elders must know.”

Jungkook nodded, though his expression remained troubled. “ Hmmmm .”

As they mounted their horses, Jungkook found himself side by side with Taehyung. The other man sat with easy grace, his posture relaxed as he guided his horse forward. The moonlight cast a soft glow over his face, highlighting his sharp features.

Namjoon called out to them , “We’ll take the eastern path back. Stay alert.”

The group rode in silence for a while, the night air cool against their skin. The presence of spiritual energy in the air had not completely dissipated, and each of them remained on edge.

Jungkook’s fingers tightened around the reins. Something told him this was only the beginning.

As they reached the outskirts of the sect, the towering gates loomed before them. Guards greeted them with respectful bows, stepping aside to allow their entry.

Namjoon dismounted first, addressing the nearest disciple. “Summon the elders. We have news.”

Jungkook slid off his horse, his mind still preoccupied with the battle, with Taehyung’s presence beside him, with the unknown threat lurking beneath the surface of their world.

He had a feeling that whatever was coming…

It would change everything.

Later that night, Jungkook was seated in the study room on the terrace side of the first floor, immersed in ancient scrolls. The soft glow of lantern light illuminated his face as he traced his fingers over the delicate ink strokes, absorbing the wisdom of past cultivators.

From the garden below, Taehyung’s eyes found Jungkook through the open terrace doors. A small smile played on his lips as he watched the younger man’s focused expression, the way his brows furrowed slightly in concentration.

Without a second thought, Taehyung leaped gracefully from the garden, landing on the terrace railing before stepping down. Jungkook barely had time to react before Taehyung was in front of him, a small wooden basket in his hands.

Jungkook blinked up at him. “You’re reckless as ever.”

Taehyung smirked, placing the basket in Jungkook’s hands. “A gift.”

Jungkook lifted the lid, eyes widening slightly at the sight of two tiny bunnies nestled inside, their ears twitching. “You…” He looked up at Taehyung, his lips parting in surprise. “Why?”

Taehyung’s voice was softer now. “For earlier. Thank you.”

Jungkook felt warmth spread through his chest as he gently picked up one of the bunnies, its soft fur tickling his fingers. His gaze met Taehyung’s, and for a brief moment and he turned away immediately, the world outside the terrace faded away.

With a small chuckle, Taehyung shook his head. “You’re impossible Kook.”

Taehyung grinned. “And now you play with them , you wouldn't feel lonely anymore.”

Jungkook glares at Tae , cradling the tiny creature against his palm. “I don't feel like this.”

Under the moonlit sky, with the gentle presence of the bunnies between them, an unspoken warmth settled in the air. Jungkook sighed, shaking his head at Taehyung’s antics, but his fingers instinctively curled around the tiny creature in his palm. Taehyung watched him with quiet amusement, his smirk softening into something more tender. Neither of them spoke, yet in that shared silence, a sense of comfort lingered—one that neither sought to define, yet both understood.

To Be Continued…

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