The training hall shimmered with enchantments. Light danced along the walls—sigils carved into jade pillars, glowing softly like they were alive.
Lian stood at its center, her palms open, the heat of her inner flame pulsing through her fingertips.
"Again," Shengzhi said, his voice calm but firm.
She closed her eyes. Breathe in. Focus.
The fire rose—not wild this time, but slower, steadier. It flickered between her hands like a bird unsure if it wanted to take flight. Shengzhi stepped closer, adjusting her stance with a gentle touch to her wrist.
"You're holding back," he said.
"I'm trying not to burn anything."
"Fire burns. That's what it does," he said. "But you aren't just fire anymore."
She looked up at him. "Then what am I?"
He hesitated. "You were once called the Lotus Flame. A spirit of purity… and destruction. You were feared by many, worshipped by a few."
"And you?"
"I—" He stopped. "I tried to protect you. Back then."
Lian tilted her head. "Then why do I feel like everyone's lying to me?"
Before he could answer, the door slid open.
Li Fang stood there, arms crossed. "Sorry to interrupt your little fire date."
Lian blinked. "What is it?"
"There's someone asking about you. A traveler, just reached the mountain gate." Li Fang's tone darkened. "He says he's from your village."
Her blood froze.
"My village?" she echoed.
Shengzhi immediately stepped forward. "You stay here. I'll see who it is."
"No," Lian said. "I want to go."
---
They found the traveler waiting under the outer pavilion, guarded by two disciples. He was thin, hunched, wearing a worn straw hat that shadowed most of his face.
When he lifted it, Lian gasped.
"Uncle Jian?"
The man's eyes widened. "Lian… is it really you?"
She ran to him, half-shocked, half-ashamed. "What are you doing here?"
"I had to warn you." His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. "There are people in the village who remember. About your father. About the flame he tried to hide."
Shengzhi stepped forward. "What do you mean?"
"They're coming," the man said. "Men who wear black robes, with jade talismans. They're searching for something. Someone."
He looked at Lian directly.
"They think you're the key."
---
Later that night, Lian stood at the edge of the training hall, staring at her reflection in a quiet pool. Her reflection flickered—just like the fire in her heart.
She had no memory of being a sacred flame or an immortal lover. But the shadows were closing in fast. Too fast.
Behind her, footsteps.
Li Fang.
"You okay?" he asked, softer than usual.
She didn't answer.
He came closer, but not too close. "I don't know what you were before, and I won't pretend I understand what's happening now. But I know what I see."
She looked at him.
"You're not just some reborn legend," he said. "You're brave, and kind… and stubborn as hell."
A flicker of a smile tugged at her lips.
He stepped forward. "I don't care if you used to be some flame goddess or whatever. I like you. You. Right now."
Lian's breath caught.
"Li Fang…"
"I'm not asking for an answer," he said quickly. "I just… wanted you to know."
And then he walked away, lea
ving her in silence—surrounded by the firelight dancing at her feet.
---
> To be continued...