The wind over Silvermount didn't blow—it whispered.
Every gust carried with it the hush of long-lost names and ancient regrets. Fog clung to the jagged cliffs like a lover afraid to let go, and the sunlight above barely pierced through.
Lin Feng stood at the mountain's base, cloak fluttering as he surveyed the crumbling steps that wound upward.
"Why does every important place feel like a ghost story?" he muttered.
Ruoxi, tightening her boots, glanced up. "Because the living rarely guard secrets worth dying for."
"That's… unexpectedly poetic."
"I had tea this morning."
He chuckled. "Remind me to buy you more."
They ascended in silence, only the crunch of stone underfoot to mark their passage.
Halfway up, a sudden pressure dropped like a hammer. Lin Feng's foot froze mid-step.
"Killing intent. Someone's watching."
Ruoxi dropped into a defensive stance. "How many?"
"One," he said.
She blinked. "You sure?"
He nodded. "Because it's that strong."
---
A shadow leapt from the cliff wall.
It wasn't fast.
It was instantaneous.
A blur of black and silver, trailing petals of midnight.
Lin Feng raised his blade—just in time to parry.
Clang.
A slender figure somersaulted backward, landing lightly. She wore a veil, silver ribbons in her hair. Her weapon was a thin crescent blade that shimmered like moonlight.
"You're slower than I remember," she said.
Lin Feng narrowed his eyes.
"Do I… know you?"
The girl tilted her head.
"In a past life? Yes."
Ruoxi's eyes widened. "Lin Feng… what is she talking about?"
"I have no idea."
The girl smiled beneath her veil.
"You left before the wedding."
He blinked.
"…What?"
---
They set camp under the cliff's edge. The girl finally introduced herself as Yue Lian, guardian of Silvermount—and, apparently, the only living heir to the Moonfallen Sect.
"You died before we could finish our vows," she explained casually while sipping tea.
Lin Feng coughed. "I don't remember proposing."
"You didn't. I did."
Ruoxi looked between them, face unreadable.
Lin Feng sighed. "Did I accept?"
"Oh, you tried," Yue Lian said, giggling. "Then got poisoned by your own disciples."
"…Charming."
She set down her cup. "I waited. All these years. I told the sect you'd return."
"And now?"
"I'm still waiting. But I figured I could help you not die again in the meantime."
---
At night, Lin Feng wandered the temple ruins of Silvermount alone.
Faded banners hung torn in the halls. Statues of forgotten heroes stared blankly.
At the heart of the temple, a sealed mirror stood—a relic of the ancient sect.
It pulsed faintly.
Lin Feng approached.
And it spoke.
"The Sixth Key is here. But not for the weak."
He drew his blade.
"I'm done being weak."
---
A gate shimmered into view—hidden beneath the mountain. Cold. Silent.
As he touched the seal, the mountain trembled.
Outside, Yue Lian turned to Ruoxi.
"He's opened the gate, hasn't he?"
Ruoxi nodded. "Yes."
"Good."
She unsheathed her blade.
"Then it's time I kill the impostor who calls himself 'my fiancé.'"
Ruoxi blinked. "…Excuse me?"
Yue Lian smiled sweetly. "Kidding. Probably."
To be continue...