"So, Liang Zhiguan, how did you come to be Master Xue's disciple?" he inquired casually, his stirring spoon tracing lazy circles in the pot, creating a soothing rhythm that filled the air.

Liang Zhiguan hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. "It's a long story," he began cautiously, his mind briefly wandering through the winding paths of his past.

Junjie, ever curious and perhaps a tad mischievous, chimed in with a grin, "Considering Master Xue's reputation for being selective with disciples, you must have some impressive persuading skills!"

Their banter was abruptly interrupted by the soft echo of footsteps approaching from the cavern entrance. The disciples turned as one, their attention drawn to the unexpected visitor stepping into the warm glow of the firelight. Liang Zhiguan instinctively rose to his feet, hand hovering near the hilt of his sword, prepared to defend their sanctuary against any potential threat.

Emerging from the shadows, a young girl with an air of mystery about her spoke softly, seeking to allay their suspicions. "I apologise for intruding," she offered with sincerity, her voice carrying an earnest tone that hinted at hidden layers. "I entered from the other side of the cave and overheard your conversation. I meant no harm."

Liang Zhiguan regarded her with a cautious stare, his grip on his sword unwavering. "And who might you be?" he inquired, his tone guarded yet tinged with curiosity.

"My name is Yuan Jiayi," the girl introduced herself with a tentative step forward, her demeanour gentle and unassuming. "Would you mind if I joined you?" Her eyes flickered briefly toward Liang Zhiguan's sword, a silent acknowledgment of his vigilance.

Junjie, ever the gracious host, intervened with a welcoming smile. "Please, make yourself comfortable," he urged, extending a gesture of hospitality despite the lingering tension. Reluctantly, Liang Zhiguan eased his hand away from his weapon, though his wariness remained palpable.

Yuan Jiayi settled down next to him, maintaining a respectful distance, her presence adding an intriguing twist to their impromptu gathering.

"We've just prepared some soup. Would you care for a bowl?" Junjie offered hospitably, pouring the fragrant concoction into humble earthenware vessels fashioned by the Fenghuang disciples earlier. Despite their unconventional nature, the makeshift bowls proved quite functional, reflecting the resourcefulness of their creators.

"Thank you," Yuan Jiayi accepted graciously, her slender fingers curling around the warm earthenware bowl as she nodded gently in appreciation. Liang Zhiguan took his portion in silence, his apprehension still lingering like a stubborn shadow despite the comforting warmth of the soup.

As they savoured the hearty broth, the cavern filled with the hum of conversation. Yuan Jiayi, Junjie, and the others engaged in lively chatter, exchanging anecdotes and sharing laughter that echoed off the rocky walls. Liang Zhiguan remained mostly silent, his mind preoccupied with a nagging unease that refused to dissipate.

Once the last remnants of soup had been consumed and the bowls set aside, Liang Zhiguan finally broached the question that had been weighing on his mind. "Forgive me for my curiosity, but may I inquire as to which peak you're from, Yuan Jiayi?" he ventured cautiously, his keen eyes searching for any flicker of deception in her response.

There was a brief pause, during which Yuan Jiayi's eyes seemed to flicker with a shadow of uncertainty before she answered. "I am a disciple of Qi Yun Peak," she revealed, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of tension.

Liang Zhiguan couldn't help but feel a surge of scepticism at her response. Despite his limited interactions with Qi Yun Peak disciples, it struck him as odd that she wasn't adorned in their customary robes. The disciples of Qi Yun Peak were known for their distinctive attire, woven with intricate enchantments and often embellished with symbols denoting their rank and achievements.

"What happened to your outer robe?" Liang Zhiguan questioned, his curiosity piqued. Before Yuan Jiayi could respond, Junjie interjected diplomatically, "Let's not bombard her with questions, Liang Zhiguan."

Yuan Jiayi, however, seemed unfazed by the inquiry and offered an explanation. "No need to worry," she assured Junjie, her voice calm and composed under the scrutiny. "Monsters destroyed it."

Liang Zhiguan couldn't shake off the growing sense of suspicion that enveloped him with each passing moment. The explanation seemed too convenient, too tidy to be believable. Qi Yun Peak robes were renowned for their durability, crafted with meticulous care under the masterful guidance of Xue Xinyu himself. The outer garments were enchanted to withstand the rigours of combat and the harsh elements of the mountainous terrain.

In fact, Liang Zhiguan was well aware of the formidable defences woven into the latest iteration of Qi Yun Peak's outer robes. Xue Xinyu's innovative spellwork imbued the garments with multifaceted protections: they could adjust their temperature in response to environmental conditions, erect formidable barriers against attacks, mitigate the impact of blows, and were woven from a resilient magical wool that defied tearing. Furthermore, upon being struck, the robes had the remarkable ability to repel the assailant with a powerful burst of force, ensuring the safety of the wearer.

Yuan Jiayi's explanation about the destruction of her robe did little to assuage Liang Zhiguan's suspicions. His mind raced with possibilities as he considered the implications of her presence and the mysterious necklace hidden beneath his robe. The night stretched on, the flickering fire casting shifting shadows across the cavern walls, as the disciples from different peaks remained vigilant, their camaraderie tinged with a newfound wariness in the presence of their enigmatic guest.

Given the exhaustive protective enchantments meticulously interwoven into the fabric of Qi Yun Peak robes, the mere suggestion that these garments could be damaged so effortlessly bordered on the absurd, if not outright ludicrous. These robes were crafted with a craftsmanship so meticulous that even a stray thread pulling loose would be considered an affront to Qi Yun Peak's rigorous standards. Such a minor mishap would be seen as a grave lapse in decorum, tantamount to committing the fashion equivalent of heresy within the august circles of the Peak.

Moreover, Liang Zhiguan's sharp eyes quickly noted the conspicuous absence of the delicate light blue ribbon, typically adorned with a dainty flower, which usually crowned the hair of every Qi Yun Peak disciple. This wasn't just a slip-up; it was a glaring omission, one that screamed louder than a goat at a heavy metal concert. This ribbon wasn't just a decorative piece of headgear; it was a badge of honour, a symbol laden with profound meaning and steeped in tradition. To go without it was not merely to forgo a fashion accessory—it was to forsake a sacred emblem that held a place of supreme importance in the hierarchy of Qi Yun Peak's cherished customs.

In the revered halls of Qi Yun Peak, the ribbon transcended mere adornment. It was a revered talisman, a tangible expression of commitment and unity. Its absence suggested a dramatic departure from time-honoured conventions, an unthinkable breach of protocol that was nothing short of a scandal. Among the disciples, it was an open secret that only one's soulmate could ever touch, let alone remove, this cherished ribbon. It was a privilege granted to no one else—a gesture steeped in intimacy and reverence.

"What happened to your hair ribbon?" Liang Zhiguan inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of genuine curiosity and barely concealed suspicion. However, before Yuan Jiayi could muster a response, Junjie intervened with the alacrity of a hawk swooping down on a wayward field mouse. "Liang Zhiwei, silence your incessant prying. It's impolite," he snapped, his voice dripping with annoyance and the unmistakable undertone of protectiveness.

Chastened by Junjie's rebuke, Liang Zhiguan mumbled a swift apology, his cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Without missing a beat, he directed his gaze toward the ominous shadows cloaking the far side of the cave. "I'll be right back; I'm going to reinforce the barrier on the other side," he announced with a touch of bravado, rising from his seat and striding purposefully toward the darkness from which Yuan Jiayi had emerged, like a man on a mission.

"You needn't bother; I've already erected one," Yuan Jiayi interjected, her tone a delicate balance of earnestness and desperation, as if trying to prevent a bull from charging into a particularly fragile china shop.

Undeterred by her protest, Liang Zhiguan pressed on, his resolve as steadfast as a rock facing an incoming tide. "It's no trouble; I'll double-check," he insisted, his determination as unyielding as his sense of duty.

"But really, the barrier is sufficient," Yuan Jiayi persisted, her voice tinged with a mix of reluctance and frustration, as if she were trying to convince a particularly stubborn mule to reconsider its life choices.

"It's alright, Yuan Jiayi. Liang Zhiwei is well-versed in barrier magic," Junjie added, grudgingly admitting Liang Zhiguan's expertise despite their earlier disagreement, like a cat reluctantly acknowledging the usefulness of a particularly clever mouse.

With a sigh that spoke volumes, Yuan Jiayi reluctantly released her grip on his arm, allowing Liang Zhiguan to proceed with his task. His journey through the cavern's vast and echoing depths soon uncovered a troubling truth: there was no alternate exit, just an endless expanse of rock and shadow.

Meanwhile, back at the observation point, Xue Xinyu was watching the unfolding events with an ever-growing sense of trepidation, his thoughts a tangled web of suspicion and doubt. "Xinyu da ge, you should drink less," Li Tao suggested gently, his voice laced with concern. Yet, Xue Xinyu remained transfixed, his gaze glued to the drama playing out on the screen before him, his mind churning with unease.

As the tension escalated, Xue Xinyu's disquiet deepened, fueled by the realisation that the cave had only one entrance. The presence of Yuan Jiayi, combined with the cave's singular egress, cast a long, dark shadow of doubt over the entire scenario. It was becoming increasingly clear that there was more to the girl's story than met the eye, and Xue Xinyu's instincts screamed that something was amiss.