Chapter 3 — The Day the World Changed
The morning was quiet in Qinghe Town. The faint smell of boiling porridge drifted through the small house, mingling with the crisp scent of early spring. I sat at the table, lazily breaking apart a steamed bun while Mei busied herself near the hearth.
"You're too slow, Gege," she said with mock seriousness, setting a bowl in front of me. "At this rate, the food will get cold before you even touch it."
I smirked, leaning back. "I'm conserving energy. That's the mark of a wise man."
She rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. Despite her age, she always played at being the responsible one. It was… comforting.
We ate in companionable silence, the occasional clink of chopsticks and quiet slurps the only sounds. I didn't know it then, but this would be the last peaceful meal we'd share for a long time.
A sudden, sharp knock thundered against the door. Mei's head snapped toward it, her brows knitting together. I rose and opened it.
Standing outside were six people in flowing azure robes embroidered with cloud patterns. At their head was a tall, stern-faced woman whose presence made the air feel colder. She held a scroll in her hands.
"By order of the Azure Cloud Sect," she said, her tone flat and absolute, "we are here to take Mei of Qinghe Town as a disciple."
My mind went blank. "What?"
She didn't repeat herself. Instead, she motioned sharply, and two guards stepped forward.
I instinctively moved in front of Mei. "She's not going anywhere with you—"
A heavy shove sent me stumbling to the side. One of the guards sneered. "The Sect's decision is final. Resist, and you'll regret it."
Mei's small hands clutched at my sleeve. Her voice was a trembling whisper. "I… I don't want to go…"
The woman's eyes narrowed slightly. "Refusal means your household will answer for it. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."
Before I could move, the guards pulled her away. Her fingers slipped from my grasp.
"Mei!" I shouted, lunging forward.
The carriage was already waiting. They pushed her inside and the horses lurched into motion. I ran after it, feet pounding against the dirt road. My lungs burned, my legs screamed, but I kept going.
The gap widened. My vision blurred. My breath tore in ragged gasps. And then, darkness swallowed me whole.
When I opened my eyes, I was lying on my own bed, a thin blanket draped over me. My limbs felt heavy, my mouth dry. The room was dim — the sun already low in the sky.
I had no memory of how I got here. My boots, still dusty from the road, rested neatly by the bed. Someone had removed them. Someone had carried me home. But who?
The front door was ajar.
Inside, the table we'd eaten at earlier now held a small leather pouch. Gold coins spilled slightly from its mouth, catching the dim light. Resting atop it was Mei's hair ribbon — pale blue, tied neatly into a bow.
Her scent still lingered on it — wildflowers and faint traces of smoke from the hearth.
Under the pouch lay a folded scrap of parchment:
I'm sorry. I couldn't stop the order. — Azure Cloud Sect
The coins clinked heavily in my hand. They weren't payment. They were a brand — a mark of helplessness.
That night, I lay on my bed, turning the ribbon between my fingers. Sleep wouldn't come. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her being dragged away.
And then, it happened.
A soft chime echoed in my head, followed by a calm, mechanical voice.
[Knowledge Integration System Activated]Information available in exchange for currency. Spirit Stones preferred. Gold acceptable.Rank-based restrictions apply.
I froze, gripping the ribbon tighter. "…Information?"
[Sample Function: Query Accepted]Topic: Azure Cloud Sect — Basic Overview.
A faint, translucent panel appeared before my eyes, glowing softly in the darkness:
──────────────────────Azure Cloud Sect — Public Information• Location: Eastern Sky Ridge, 320 li from Qinghe Town• Known for: Cloudstep Lightfoot Arts, Azure Spirit Blade Technique• Entry: Select individuals chosen by sect scouts• Hierarchy: Outer Disciples → Inner Disciples → Elders → Sect Leader• Reputation: Prestigious sect specializing in agility and aerial combat──────────────────────
The letters hung in the air for a few moments before fading.
I stared at the ribbon in my hand. Slowly, I tied it around my wrist, knotting it tight.
The moonlight spilled through the window, casting a pale glow across the room.
"I'll find you, Mei," I whispered. "And I'll make them regret taking you."