Chapter 3: The Bond Unveiled

The journey back to Língyuàn Academy was marked by an unusual camaraderie between Liu Ming and Xiang. As they navigated through the dense forest, Liu Ming couldn't shake off the curiosity about the mysterious senior brother who now walked beside him.

"Xiang, are you sure you don't remember anything? Not even a fragment?" Liu Ming probed, glancing at Xiang.

Xiang shook his head, a furrow in his brow. "It's like trying to catch mist with your bare hands. There are glimpses, but they slip away before I can grasp them."

Liu Ming nodded, pondering the enigma that was Xiang. The forest, once daunting, seemed to embrace them, the sunlight filtering through the leaves casting a warm glow on their path. Yet, in the tranquility, a silent bond was forming between the two.

As they walked, Xiang's gaze lingered on Liu Ming's profile. "Why are you helping me, Ming? You don't owe me anything," he said, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and confusion.

Liu Ming flashed a reassuring smile. "Sometimes, kindness needs no reason. Besides, you saved me back there. We're in this together now."

Their conversation was interrupted by the distant laughter of students. The entrance to Língyuàn Academy emerged through the foliage, a majestic structure nestled between ancient trees.

Entering the school grounds, they were greeted by curious glances from fellow disciples. Whispers spread like wildfire as eyes flickered between Liu Ming and Xiang. Rumors of their encounter with the master's group had already circulated.

Among the onlookers was Mei Lin, a lively and outspoken girl from Liu Ming's class. She bounded over, her eyes filled with both concern and excitement. "Liu Ming, what happened? I heard there was a fight, and who's this?" she gestured towards Xiang.

Liu Ming quickly summarized the events in the forest, downplaying the magical confrontation. Mei Lin's eyes widened in disbelief. "You found Xiang, the missing senior brother? That's incredible!"

Xiang, uncomfortable with the attention, nodded politely. "I appreciate Liu Ming's help. I'm Xiang, but I don't remember much."

Mei Lin's curiosity was undeterred. "Well, Xiang, welcome back to the academy! We'll help you however we can. And you, Liu Ming, always stumbling into trouble," she teased, earning a shy smile from Liu Ming.

As they made their way to the dormitories, Mei Lin insisted on accompanying them. "We have to report to the master about the herb, and I'm sure he'll want to know about all this." Her eyes gleamed mischievously.

The master, a stern figure with a long white beard, listened intently to their account. His eyes flickered between Liu Ming and Xiang, his thoughts unreadable. "Very well. Liu Ming, you've passed your trial. Xiang, we'll find a suitable assignment for you," he declared, dismissing them.

As they left the master's office, Mei Lin turned to Liu Ming. "Passed your trial, found the missing senior brother—today is quite the day for you."

Liu Ming chuckled, but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Xiang. The academy, usually a place of routine and cultivation, was now tinged with an air of unpredictability.

Days turned into weeks, and Liu Ming and Xiang settled into a routine. Xiang, despite his memory lapses, displayed remarkable progress in cultivation, drawing admiration and curiosity from fellow students. Liu Ming, always the diligent disciple, continued his studies with an added sense of purpose.

One evening, as they practiced in the academy's courtyard, Mei Lin approached them. "There's a gathering tonight at the Celestial Pavilion. You should come; it's a tradition for new students to introduce themselves."

The Celestial Pavilion, an ethereal structure atop a hill, was adorned with glowing lanterns. The night air buzzed with excitement as students gathered.

Liu Ming and Xiang found themselves at the center of attention. Mei Lin, ever the charismatic host, announced, "We have two extraordinary individuals among us today. Liu Ming, who survived the trials of the forest, and Xiang."

Applause erupted, and students approached them with questions and greetings. Amid the chatter, a figure approached—the aloof and mysterious Zhen Wei, a senior known for his exceptional cultivation skills.

"Xiang, and Liu Ming, the adventurer. Interesting additions to our humble academy," Zhen Wei remarked, his eyes studying them intently.

Liu Ming, always reserved, nodded in acknowledgment. Xiang, unaccustomed to the attention, offered a polite smile.

As the night unfolded, Liu Ming noticed the subtle dynamics within the academy. Some eyed Xiang with admiration, while others regarded him with envy. Zhen Wei's keen gaze hinted at a deeper understanding, leaving Liu Ming intrigued.

Days turned into months, and as friendships deepened, so did the bond between Liu Ming and Xiang. One afternoon, beneath the shade of a blossoming cherry tree, Xiang spoke hesitantly.

"Liu Ming, I've been having dreams—"