Chapter 120: The Tower's Echo
The Liu Clan house buzzed with a tense, unspoken energy,
a modest hall adorned with polished wooden beams and scrolls of family triumphs,
the air thickening with the earthy scent of sandalwood incense, the faint bitterness of tea, and the weight of anticipation,
golden rays spilling through tall windows, casting long shadows across the gathered family.
Lin Xuan sat at the center, his cultivation at the 6th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
his black eyes faintly glowing with white pupils, the Celestial Unity Crest pulsing subtly on his back,
Anika beside him, her raven hair framing her face, her presence a quiet challenge to the room's tension.
Facing them were Luo Shuang, now at the 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, her silver hair cascading like a silken waterfall,
her hands trembling slightly as she held a teacup, her beautiful features marred by concern,
Liu Yue, at the 7th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, her raven hair tied with a crimson ribbon,
her gasp a sharp intake of breath as she leaned forward, and Liu Yang, at the 3rd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
his youthful face frowning as he gripped the Blood Forged Glaive, its red hue pulsing faintly.
Anika smiled sweetly, her voice lilting as she broke the silence,
"My name is Anika. I am Lin Xuan's wife."
Shock rippled through the room like a wave—
Luo Shuang's teacup clattered slightly, her hand trembling as she set it down,
Liu Yue gasped, her eyes widening, a mix of disbelief and curiosity,
Liu Yang frowned deeper, his grip tightening on the glaive, his voice a low mutter,
"What's this about a wife?"
Lin Xuan cut in, his voice urgent, rising to his feet as he waved his hands,
"No, no, she's just saying things, Mother!
Yue'er, you believe me, right? Let me explain—please."
Luo Shuang's eyes softened, but her voice carried a mother's worry,
"Xuan'er, sit. Explain, child. We trust you, but this… this is sudden."
He sank back, his gaze pleading as he began, his voice faltering with the weight of memory,
"It started four years ago in the Black Tomb.
I found a tower-shaped structure that entered my sea of consciousness, a presence I couldn't shake.
Inside was her—Anika. She claims to be my wife, knows about Ren, and speaks of a bond I don't remember.
I've resisted, but the tower's pulse… it's tied to her, to me, maybe to Ren's disappearance.
I need you to understand—I'm still me, your son."
The room fell silent, the air heavy with the scent of incense and the strain of his words,
Liu Yue, her voice soft,
"Brother, if the tower's real… maybe she's part of it. But we need time."
Liu Yang nodded, his frown easing slightly,
"If Father is involved, we'll figure it out together. Just… who is she, really?"
Luo Shuang set her teacup down, her voice steady but laced with emotion,
"Xuan'er, we believe you. But Anika—if you're tied to him, prove your place here.
This family bows to truth, not claims."
Anika watched, her gaze steady, her smile fading into a thoughtful expression,
her voice a quiet assertion as she leaned toward Lin Xuan,
"I'll show you, in time. The tower's echo is our beginning—trust will follow."
The hall grew quiet, the family's eyes on Lin Xuan,
the air lightening with the scent of tea and a fragile hope,
Lin Xuan's honesty a plea for understanding, the mysterious wife's assertion a promise yet unfulfilled,
their bow to family a foundation to rebuild upon.