Chapter 10: Whispers of Conspiracy
Night draped Dawnriver City in velvet silence, stars like scattered jade across the heavens. In the Liu Clan's courtyard, beneath the carved pavilion, the air shimmered with the faint hum of qi.
Inside his chamber, Lin Xuan's silver-blue flame flickered into existence, concealed from the outside world. He fed rare herbs into its hungry light, the flame refining their essence until a pill of extraordinary clarity formed. As he swallowed it, power surged through his meridians, hammering at his dantian. His qi swelled, breaking past the barrier—
Qi Gathering, 6th Layer.
Not far away, Liu Yue trained beneath the moonlight. Her Celestial Unity Crest pulsed faintly at her back, runes shimmering as her qi circulated faster, steadier. She too neared the 6th Layer, her determination written across her sweat-streaked face.
A knock came at the gate. Master Huo entered, robes heavy with dust, expression grim.
"The Zhi Clan has allied with the Iron Fang Sect, and behind them, the Hei Clan stirs. Their eyes are fixed on the Scriptures, blind to the peril of what they seek."
Lin Xuan's face darkened, but he only nodded, silent.
That same night, as moonlight spilled like silver over the courtyard, a woman appeared—her figure veiled, presence as elusive as mist. Her qi radiated the 6th Layer of Qi Transformation.
"I am Mei Ling," she said softly, voice tinged with frost. "The Hei Clan prepares a tournament, a lure to expose the Scriptures' holder. They will not rest until it is theirs."
Her gaze lingered briefly on Liu Yue's chamber before turning to Lin Xuan.
"I owe the Liu Clan a debt. Protect them, and I will lend you my strength."
Before he could respond, her figure dissolved into the night.
The following days were filled with training. Lin Xuan sparred with Liu Yue and Liu Yang, honing their techniques, correcting their flaws. With each clash of blades, their bond deepened—yet every smile, every laugh from Liu Yue, rekindled that ache in his chest. He buried it, focusing only on the battles to come.
At night, he perfected the Illusion Diversion Art, weaving multiple layers of deception until his clones seemed to breathe and bleed. His Celestial Unity Crest pulsed faintly at his back, a steady rhythm that whispered of hidden power waiting to awaken.
The tournament loomed—a trap set by the Hei Clan, yet also an opportunity. Lin Xuan's eyes hardened.
If they wanted to draw him out… then he would walk straight into their snare.