Chapter 124: Shared Shadows
The Liu Clan garden bloomed with the soft hues of dawn,
a serene expanse of stone paths and flowering jasmine, framed by ancient trees swaying gently,
the air rich with the earthy scent of dew-kissed grass and the faint tang of medicinal herbs,
a haven where the family's tensions began to unravel in the days following Anika's arrival.
Anika moved with ease, her raven hair catching the morning light as she adjusted Liu Yang's grip on the Blood Forged Glaive,
her voice steady, "Keep your wrist firm, Yang'er—let the blade's pulse guide your swing."
Liu Yang, at the 3rd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, nodded, his youthful face focused as he swung the red-hued weapon,
its faint hum cutting through the air, a testament to his growing skill under her tutelage.
Nearby, Luo Shuang sat on a stone bench, her silver hair cascading like a silken waterfall,
her hands grinding herbs into a paste, her 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura a gentle presence,
Anika joined her, sharing a remedy for joint pain, her knowledge impressing the matriarch,
"This blend of willow bark and lotus root should ease your stiffness, Mother. My family used it often."
Luo Shuang smiled, a rare warmth in her eyes, "You're full of surprises, child. Thank you."
Lin Xuan observed from a distance, his black eyes faintly glowing with white pupils, the Celestial Unity Crest pulsing in sync with his breath,
his resistance softening as he watched Anika's ease, her laughter with Liu Yang and Luo Shuang a melody that eased his guarded heart.
That afternoon, they meditated together under a gnarled oak,
the garden's tranquility wrapping around them, the air thick with the scent of earth and qi,
Lin Xuan sat cross-legged, his mind clearing as Anika joined him, her presence a steady anchor,
the Celestial Unity Crest on his back warming, its rhythm aligning with her subtle qi flow.
He activated Jade Aegis (Jade Body), his skin hardening into a rugged, jade-green armor,
a faint earthy glow emanating with a soft whoosh as he repelled a falling leaf,
Anika's eyes widened, her voice filled with admiration,
"Xuan'er, your growth is remarkable! That glow—it's like the earth itself protects you."
Lin Xuan smiled, a rare flush on his cheeks, "It's new, from the records I've unlocked. Your encouragement helps."
Their meditation deepened, a silent connection forming, his wariness fading as her qi brushed against his,
a bond growing stronger with each shared breath.
Later, in the family hall, Liu Yue approached Anika, her raven hair tied with a crimson ribbon,
her 7th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura trembling slightly as she spoke, her voice low,
"Sister Anika, I… I need to tell you something. I care for Lin Xuan, more than a brother sometimes."
Anika's expression softened, her smile gentle as she took Liu Yue's hands,
"Yue'er, I see it—your heart is pure. I hold no jealousy. To me, it's a sister's love, and I cherish that. Let's support him together."
Liu Yue's tension eased, a relieved laugh escaping her, "Thank you, Sister. I was so worried."
The family gathered, the hall's wooden beams echoing with their voices,
Anika stood before them, her gaze steady as she began a tale,
"My elder brother sacrificed himself for me and our siblings, shielding us. His courage lives in me, and I hope it can guide us now."
The room fell silent, the air heavy with the scent of sandalwood incense and the weight of her words,
Luo Shuang's eyes glistened, her voice soft, "That strength… it's a gift to our family now."
Liu Yang nodded, his glaive resting against the wall, "If he was like that, maybe you're here for a reason."
Lin Xuan felt a pang of guilt, his doubt in Anika clashing with the trust her story inspired,
his bond with Liu Yue strengthening as they moved to train Qi Web Severance together,
their qi threads intertwining as he guided her, his voice patient,
"Focus on the dummy's energy, Yue'er. Sever the threads like this—"
He demonstrated, a faint crackle sounding as the dummy's stance faltered, Liu Yue mimicking him with growing confidence,
their laughter mingling,
the hall growing quiet, the air lightening with the scent of tea and a fragile unity,
Lin Xuan's growth a beacon, Anika's trust a foundation,
their family a tapestry woven with shadows of doubt and threads of hope.