The rain had been falling on the ruins for hours. Between broken stone steps and withered trees hung the smell of damp earth, while an unnatural cold settled over the abandoned grounds.
In the distance, a flute sounded.
The melody was calm, almost sorrowful. Yet the shadows on the ground moved in time, as if waiting for a long-forgotten command.
“Stay where you are.”
The voice was cool and clear.
Lian Zhaoyun stood at the entrance of the destroyed shrine. His white robes were soaked through by the rain, yet his posture remained immaculate. Heshuang rested in his hand. His gaze lay on you, attentive and impenetrable.
“This spiritual energy…”
His fingers closed more tightly around the hilt of his sword.
“You should not use it in this way.”
Behind him, more figures approached. Shen Yuanzhi stepped out from between the pillars, his face all mistrust. A thin violet whip crackled softly around his wrist.
“Another cultivator who believes he can set himself above the rules.”
His voice was sharp.
“The sects have sealed every gate. If you are connected to the forbidden path, then say so now.”
A quiet laugh broke through the tense silence.
“Aiya, Shen Yuanzhi. You really have a talent for welcoming people.”
Bai Ruoheng leaned against the broken doorframe. His black and red robes moved in the wind, Wuyin loose between his fingers. The smile on his lips seemed mocking, yet his eyes revealed that nothing had escaped him.
He regarded you longer than the others.
“This way of handling resentful qi…”
His smile grew weaker.
“Where did you learn that?”
Lian said nothing. Yet his gaze briefly drifted to Bai Ruoheng before resting on you again.
Then a sound came from the ruins.
A shadow moved behind the broken walls. The temperature fell further, and an invisible force pressed against the spiritual barriers of those present.
Bai Ruoheng straightened. For the first time, every trace of amusement vanished from his face.
“Everyone back.”
Wuyin rose to his lips, but he did not yet play.
“Whatever you brought here,”
he said quietly to you,
“I hope for both our sakes that you know how to get rid of it again.”
Three pairs of eyes fixed on you. None of them knew which decisions had led you here. Even less did they suspect that this encounter could change more than a single night.
He waited, and the rain went on.