Embers of Deception
Lan Yi woke with a start, sweat dripping down his forehead. The dream had been vivid—a dark phoenix caged in golden flames, thrashing to escape. Its cries reverberated in his mind, a haunting melody of anger and sorrow.
He sat up in his quarters, the faint glow of dawn filtering through the paper screens. Outside, the Phoenix Sect stirred to life, disciples preparing for their morning rituals. But Lan Yi’s mind lingered on the vision. It wasn’t the first time he’d dreamt of the dark phoenix, and he doubted it would be the last.
---
An Ominous Invitation
Lan Yi joined Ruo Chen in the courtyard, where the latter was practicing his sword forms. The rhythmic clash of ice against the air sent chills through the early morning mist.
Ruo Chen (ML)
You look like you haven’t slept.
(Ruo Chen observed, his blade coming to rest.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi managed a weak smile.)
Dreams again.
someone
(Before Ruo Chen could respond, a disciple approached, bowing deeply.)
Lan Yi, Ruo Chen—Elder Qiu requests your presence immediately. It’s urgent.
The two exchanged a glance and hurried to the elders’ chamber.
Inside, Elder Qiu and the other leaders stood around a scroll unfurled on the table. The markings on it were foreign, but the dark energy radiating from it was unmistakable.
Elder Qiu
It was delivered this morning.
( Elder Qiu explained, his expression grim.)
An invitation from the remnants of the Shadow Phoenix Cult.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi frowned, his flames flickering at his fingertips.)
They’re trying to lure us out.
Elder Qiu
Perhaps.
( Elder Qiu replied.)
But the message claims they’ve uncovered a hidden relic tied to the Phoenix Flame. If true, it could either bolster our strength or destroy us entirely if it falls into the wrong hands.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi’s gaze hardened.)
We can’t ignore this.
A Journey into Shadows
The elders agreed that Lan Yi and Ruo Chen would investigate the cult’s claims. Xiao Rui insisted on joining, citing his expertise with spiritual wards. Together, the trio set out, following the directions provided in the cryptic scroll.
The journey took them deep into the Eastern Wastelands, a barren expanse scarred by ancient battles. The land itself seemed to resist their presence, the air thick with a suffocating darkness.
As they approached the designated location—a crumbling temple shrouded in black mist—Lan Yi felt a tug on his spirit, as if the Phoenix Flame within him recognized something.
Xiao Rui
This place is cursed.
( Xiao Rui muttered, clutching his talismans tightly.)
Ruo Chen (ML)
Stay close.
( Ruo Chen instructed, his icy blade already drawn.)
---
The Relic’s Test
Inside the temple, the air was even heavier. Broken statues and faded murals depicted a time when the Phoenix Flame burned brightly, but shadows now consumed the imagery.
At the center of the main hall stood a pedestal, atop which rested a glowing crystal. Dark tendrils snaked around it, pulsing ominously.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi approached cautiously, his flames illuminating the chamber.)
This must be the relic.
As soon as he touched the crystal, the ground trembled. The tendrils sprang to life, lashing out at the trio.
Lan Yi’s flames roared to life, burning through the shadows, while Ruo Chen’s blade froze the tendrils in place. Xiao Rui chanted furiously, his talismans forming protective barriers around them.
But the shadows kept coming, their attacks growing more coordinated.
Ruo Chen (ML)
This isn’t just a trap.
( Ruo Chen shouted.)
Something’s controlling them!
Lan Yi focused his energy, channeling the Phoenix Spirit. The flames surged, driving back the darkness. In the crystal’s glow, a faint image appeared—a figure cloaked in shadow, watching them.
Lan Yi (MC)
Who are you?
( Lan Yi demanded.)
Unknown
(The figure laughed, its voice echoing in the chamber.)
The phoenix rises, but every flame casts a shadow. You cannot escape yours, descendant.
The crystal shattered, and the shadows vanished.
Unforeseen Consequences
Back at the Phoenix Sect, Lan Yi presented the remnants of the relic to the elders. While they deliberated its significance, Lan Yi couldn’t shake the figure’s words.
Later that evening, as Lan Yi stood by the training grounds, Ruo Chen approached.
Ruo Chen (ML)
You’re distracted.
( Ruo Chen noted, his tone softer than usual.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi sighed, his shoulders slumping.)
That figure in the temple—it knew me, or at least it knew the Phoenix Flame. I can’t help but feel like this is all connected to my dreams.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.)
You don’t have to face this alone. Whatever shadows come, we’ll face them together.
Lan Yi looked up, surprised by the sincerity in Ruo Chen’s voice. For a moment, the tension between them melted away, replaced by an unspoken understanding.
Lan Yi (MC)
Thank you.
( Lan Yi said quietly, his flames flickering gently in the cool night air.)
A New Threat
As the sect settled for the night, a lone disciple patrolling the outer walls stopped abruptly. A shadow moved in the distance, its form shifting unnaturally.
Before the disciple could react, the shadow lunged, consuming him in an instant.
The darkness spread, creeping toward the heart of the Phoenix Sect, its movements deliberate and malevolent.
In his quarters, Lan Yi jolted awake once more, the cries of the dark phoenix echoing in his ears. But this time, they weren’t just in his dreams.
Your Author
Meet u in next chapter 😸
Comments
^ Life is gone ^
this story is full of thrill.
2024-12-18
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