Chapter 128: Ember of Trust
The Liu Clan courtyard basked in the soft glow of late afternoon,
a tranquil space enclosed by sturdy stone walls, adorned with patches of wildflowers and a small training circle worn smooth by years of practice,
the air carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and the faint tang of qi lingering from the day's exertions,
a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of a lone maple tree at the center, its red leaves fluttering like embers against the sky.
Lin Xuan stood near the training circle, his black eyes faintly glowing with white pupils,
the Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsing with the steady rhythm of his 6th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm strength,
his mind still turning over the morning's events with the Soul Lamp Hall, a quiet pride mingling with the unease of Anika's recent absence.
The courtyard's peace was broken by a soft whoosh as Anika reappeared,
her raven hair slightly disheveled, a satchel slung over her shoulder, her presence commanding yet softened by a faint smile,
in her arms, she carried a strange object—an egg sparking with red lightning, its energy crackling faintly, sending a shiver through the air.
She moved toward Lin Xuan's room, a modest chamber off the courtyard with a simple bed and a chest of scrolls,
placing the egg on a cushioned mat with care, its lightning casting erratic shadows on the walls.
Lin Xuan followed, his curiosity piqued, his voice firm yet tinged with concern,
"Anika, what's this? Why did you bring the egg of the Eclipse Sky Dragon here? What are you hiding?"
Anika turned, her eyes meeting his, a mix of determination and secrecy in her gaze,
"Husband, it's tied to me—part of my past. I can't explain it all yet, but it's not a threat. Please, seal it in your system's inventory for now. It'll be safer there."
Lin Xuan's brows furrowed, his interest sharpening as he opened his system window with a mental command,
a blue screen materializing with a soft hum, its interface displaying a list of items—pills, weapons, and now the Eclipse Sky Dragon Egg.
He clicked the egg's icon, and with a whoosh, it vanished into his inventory, the room's tension easing slightly.
"Alright," he said, his tone softening, "but we'll talk about this later. I trust you—for now."
Anika nodded, a grateful smile tugging at her lips, then turned to Liu Yue, who had joined them, her raven hair tied with a crimson ribbon,
her 7th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura trembling with excitement,
"Sister Anika, what was that egg? It felt… powerful!"
Anika chuckled, her voice warm,
"It's a long story, Yue'er. For now, let's focus on your training. Look at our hair—raven like the night. It's a sign we share something special. Let me teach you Eternal Soul Ember's Soul Spark Revival."
They moved to the courtyard, Liu Yue's eyes wide as Anika ignited a faint obsidian-violet spark in her palm,
its warmth mending a small scratch on Liu Yue's arm from earlier practice, the glow casting a gentle light,
"Try it,"
Anika encouraged,
"Focus your qi into a spark. It's tricky at first."
Liu Yue concentrated, her qi flaring with a crackle, the spark sputtering wildly,
her face scrunching in frustration,
"It's slipping away! I can't hold it!"
Anika stepped closer, her voice patient,
"Don't force it, Yue'er. Let it flow like a breath. Here, I'll help."
She summoned Samsara-Burning Plumes' Memory Flicker Flames, delicate obsidian-violet feathers drifting around Liu Yue,
their crimson edges soothing her chaotic qi, a soft hum easing the tension in her shoulders,
"Feel that?"
Anika asked, her tone gentle.
"It calms the mind. Try again."
Liu Yue nodded, her focus steadying, the spark stabilizing into a faint glow,
a relieved laugh escaping her,
"I did it! Thank you, Sister!"
Lin Xuan watched from the sidelines, his heart swelling with pride,
he activated Life Gate, a green aura enveloping him with a whoosh, channeling regenerative energy to aid Liu Yue's qi flow,
his voice warm,
"You're doing great, Yue'er. Keep it steady."
Anika glanced at him, a silent gratitude in her eyes, their trust deepening as he supported her teaching,
the courtyard growing quiet, the air lightening with the scent of wildflowers and a fragile harmony.
Later, in the meditation room, a small chamber with cushions and a low table,
the family gathered—Luo Shuang with her silver hair and 2nd Layer aura, Liu Yang with his Blood Forged Glaive and 3rd Layer strength,
their faces reflecting a growing acceptance as Anika guided Liu Yue through another spark,
Luo Shuang spoke, her voice soft,
"Anika, you've brought a new light to this house. We're grateful."
Liu Yang nodded, his tone gruff but sincere,
"Yeah, she's one of us now. Just… keep teaching Elder Sister like that."
Lin Xuan smiled, his internal conflict easing, yet a vow forming in his mind,
"I'll unravel your story one day, Anika. But for now, I'm glad you're here."
Anika's laugh was light,
"Patience, Husband. All in good time."
The room grew still, the air filled with the scent of incense and the warmth of family,
Lin Xuan's support a pillar, Anika's teaching a bridge,
their bonds strengthening amidst the shadows of unanswered questions.