Beneath the Crimson Veil
The Phoenix Sect’s grounds buzzed with tension as Lan Yi, Ruo Chen, and Xiao Rui emerged from the archives. The revelations about the Black Phoenix cult and its ties to the sect’s dark history weighed heavily on them.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi clenched his fists, his usual smirk replaced by a hardened expression.)
If this rogue faction really survived, they could be anywhere. And they know these lands better than anyone.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen adjusted his sword, his icy demeanor unshaken.)
Then we’ll make them reveal themselves. They’re after power, and rituals like this always leave a trail of destruction. We follow it.
Xiao Rui
(Xiao Rui hesitated.)
But what if they’re already watching us? What if—
Ruo Chen (ML)
They are.
( Ruo Chen interrupted calmly.)
Both Lan Yi and Xiao Rui froze, their eyes scanning the empty courtyard.
Lan Yi (MC)
What do you mean, ‘they are?’
(Lan Yi asked, his voice low.)
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s gaze remained steady.)
Since we left the archives, there’s been a presence lingering nearby. Whoever it is, they’re skilled at concealing themselves, but not skilled enough.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi smirked, his fiery energy flaring.)
Then let’s give them a reason to show themselves.
As the trio walked through the outer courtyard, Lan Yi’s flames flickered subtly around his fingers, a quiet warning to anyone nearby. The tension was palpable, but no attack came.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen stopped suddenly, his gaze shifting to the shadow of a nearby pagoda.)
There.
Before anyone could respond, a flash of steel shot through the air—a concealed dagger aimed directly at Ruo Chen. With blinding speed, he unsheathed Winter Veil, the blade shimmering with frost as it deflected the attack.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi spun toward the attacker, his flames roaring to life.)
Well, well. Looks like someone couldn’t resist.
A figure emerged from the shadows, clad in dark robes adorned with sigils of the Black Phoenix. Their face was obscured by a mask, but their voice was sharp and mocking.
Unknown
You meddle where you shouldn’t, Phoenix Sect dog. You and your icy companion will regret sticking your noses into our affairs.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi grinned, his blade igniting.)
Dog? That’s rich coming from someone who hides behind a mask. Why don’t you show me what you’ve got?
The masked figure didn’t reply, instead summoning a wave of dark energy that surged toward them. Lan Yi met it head-on, his flames clashing with the dark aura. The courtyard lit up with the fiery explosion, sending shockwaves through the air.
Ruo Chen moved like a shadow, his frost magic slicing through the chaos with precision. His blade struck the masked figure’s weapon, freezing it instantly.
Ruo Chen (ML)
Who are you working for?
( Ruo Chen demanded, his voice as cold as his blade.)
Unknown
(The figure laughed, breaking free of the ice with a surge of energy.)
You’ll find out soon enough. That is, if you survive.
They leaped into the air, vanishing in a swirl of black smoke.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi cursed, extinguishing his flames.)
Great. Another coward who loves theatrics. What is it with villains and smoke bombs?
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen ignored the comment, inspecting the ground where the figure had stood.)
They dropped something.
Lan Yi crouched beside him, picking up a small, ornate pendant. It bore the mark of the Black Phoenix but also had a secondary symbol—a crescent moon intertwined with flames.
Lan Yi (MC)
Never seen this before.
( Lan Yi said, turning the pendant over.)
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s expression darkened.)
I have. It’s an ancient sigil that represents a pact between two sects. One is the Phoenix Sect, and the other… belongs to a group that disappeared centuries ago.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi frowned.)
You’re saying this rogue faction didn’t just survive—they’ve been making alliances?
Ruo Chen (ML)
It’s possible.
( Ruo Chen said.)
And if that’s the case, this cult is more organized than we thought.
Back in the Phoenix Sect’s main hall, Elder Qiu examined the pendant, his face grim.
Elder Qiu
This sigil is a relic of the Flame and Shadow Alliance.
( he explained.)
Centuries ago, the Phoenix Sect and the Shadowmoon Clan joined forces to combat a powerful demon lord. After the battle, the alliance disbanded, and the Shadowmoon Clan faded into obscurity.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi leaned against a pillar, his arms crossed.)
Faded into obscurity, or went underground?
Elder Qiu
(Elder Qiu sighed.)
We suspected as much, but there was no proof. If the Shadowmoon Clan has aligned with the Black Phoenix cult, their combined power could destabilize the entire cultivation world.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s gaze was calculating.)
We need to act quickly. The cult’s next move will be to secure more power—likely through another ritual. We have to find out where.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi straightened.)
Leave that to me. If they’re hiding on Phoenix Sect land, I’ll smoke them out.
Elder Qiu
(Elder Qiu nodded reluctantly.)
Be careful, Lan Yi. If they’ve infiltrated our territory, they’ll stop at nothing to protect their plans.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi grinned, his confidence returning.)
Let them try. They’ll regret picking a fight with me.
Nightfall: The Sect Grounds
Later that evening, Lan Yi stood on the sect’s outer wall, staring out at the dark forest beyond. His usually vibrant energy was subdued, his thoughts swirling.
Ruo Chen (ML)
Brooding doesn’t suit you.
Lan Yi turned to see Ruo Chen approaching, his silver hair glowing faintly in the moonlight.
Lan Yi (MC)
Didn’t think you cared.
( Lan Yi replied, his tone light but his eyes serious.)
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen stopped beside him, his expression unreadable.)
The enemy is cunning. If you let your emotions cloud your judgment, they’ll use it against you.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi smirked.)
And here I thought you didn’t know how to be concerned.
Ruo Chen (ML)
I’m not concerned.
( Ruo Chen said flatly.)
I’m stating facts.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi chuckled softly, but the sound lacked its usual humor.)
You ever feel like the world just throws you into chaos, expecting you to fix everything?
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen was silent for a moment before replying.)
All the time.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi looked at him, surprised by the honesty in his tone.)
Guess we’re not so different after all.
Ruo Chen (ML)
Don’t get used to it.
( Ruo Chen replied, though his lips twitched into a faint smile.)
As the two stood in companionable silence, a faint whistle pierced the night air.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi’s eyes widened.)
That’s a signal flare—from the eastern border.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s hand went to his sword.)
The cult is moving.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi’s flames flared to life.)
Then let’s move faster.
They leaped into action, unaware of the trap waiting for them in the shadows of the forest.
Your Author
that's it for now
Your Author
Meet u in the next chapter
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^ Life is gone ^
plz update more authy 😍
2024-11-26
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