A Flicker in the Ashes
Your Author
Hello readers 😁
The aftermath of the battle left the temple in shambles, its once-grand structure reduced to rubble. The faint glow of the Phoenix Flame danced in the cracks of the stone floor, a reminder of the power unleashed to destroy the Black Phoenix’s core. But the air still felt heavy, as if the darkness hadn’t truly been vanquished.
Lan Yi leaned against a pillar, his body trembling with exhaustion. Ruo Chen stood beside him, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings, while Xiao Rui sat on a broken step, nursing a wound on his arm.
Xiao Rui
This isn’t over.
( Xiao Rui muttered, wincing as he tied a strip of cloth around his injury.)
The core was only a fragment of the Black Phoenix’s true power. Destroying it didn’t kill it—just weakened it.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi looked up, his face pale but determined.)
We need to figure out where the rest of its power is being kept. If we don’t, it’ll keep coming back.
Xiao Rui
(Xiao Rui shook his head.)
The problem is, we don’t know where the main source is. The temple was supposed to hold answers, but all we’ve done is wake the beast.
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s icy voice cut through their discussion.)
Then we find out. Sitting here isn’t an option.
His words held a calm authority that silenced the room. Lan Yi found himself glancing at Ruo Chen, his presence steadying him in a way he couldn’t quite explain.
Lan Yi (MC)
We should head back to the Phoenix Sect.
( Lan Yi said after a moment.)
The elders might have some idea of where to go next. And Xiao Rui needs proper care.
Xiao Rui
I’m fine.
( Xiao Rui grumbled, but the sharp pain in his voice betrayed him.)
Ruo Chen (ML)
Let’s go.
( Ruo Chen said, his tone leaving no room for argument.)
---
The Journey Back
The trek back to the Phoenix Sect was quiet, the silence broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of nightbirds. The forest seemed darker than usual, the shadows deeper, as though the remnants of the Black Phoenix lingered in the air.
Lan Yi walked a few steps ahead, his thoughts swirling. The events of the temple replayed in his mind—the shadowy figure’s words, the surge of power, and Ruo Chen shielding him without hesitation.
Ruo Chen (ML)
You’re too quiet.
( Ruo Chen said from behind him, his voice soft but firm.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi slowed his pace, letting Ruo Chen catch up.)
I’m just... thinking.
Ruo Chen (ML)
About the battle?
Lan Yi (MC)
About everything.
( Lan Yi hesitated, glancing at Ruo Chen.)
Back in the temple... You could have been seriously hurt. Why did you step in like that?
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze softened slightly.)
Because I made a promise to protect you. And I don’t break my promises.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi felt his chest tighten at the sincerity in Ruo Chen’s words. He looked away, his voice quieter.)
You can’t always put yourself in danger for me.
Ruo Chen (ML)
I’ll do what I have to.
( Ruo Chen replied simply.)
Their eyes met briefly, and something unspoken passed between them again. But before Lan Yi could say anything, Xiao Rui’s groan interrupted.
Xiao Rui
Can you two stop with the meaningful stares and help me walk? My leg is killing me.
( he muttered, leaning heavily on a tree.)
Lan Yi and Ruo Chen exchanged a look, a faint smile tugging at the corners of Lan Yi’s lips.
---
Back at the Sect
The Phoenix Sect buzzed with activity when they returned. The elders were waiting in the courtyard, their faces etched with concern as the trio approached.
Elder Qiu
You’ve done well.
( Elder Qiu said, his voice heavy with relief.)
But we sense the shadows have not been fully vanquished.
Lan Yi (MC)
They haven’t.
( Lan Yi confirmed, recounting the events at the temple. The elders listened intently, their expressions growing darker with each detail.)
Elder Qiu
The Black Phoenix’s power is vast.
( Elder Qiu said when Lan Yi finished.)
And if it’s not destroyed entirely, it will seek another way to return.
Xiao Rui
(Xiao Rui stepped forward, his voice hesitant.)
There’s something else. The figure at the temple—it wasn’t just a follower. It knew Lan Yi. It called him ‘descendant.’
The courtyard fell silent. All eyes turned to Lan Yi, who shifted uncomfortably under their gaze.
Elder Qiu
Descendant of what?
( Elder Qiu asked, his tone wary.)
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi hesitated.)
I don’t know. But the Phoenix Flame inside me... It feels like it knows the Black Phoenix. Like they’re connected.
Elder Qiu
(The elders exchanged worried glances. Finally, Elder Qiu spoke.)
If that’s true, then we need to delve into the history of the Phoenix Flame. There may be truths we’ve overlooked.
A Moment of Peace
Later that night, Lan Yi found himself sitting on the sect’s outer wall, staring up at the sky. The stars were faint, their light struggling against the lingering darkness.
Ruo Chen approached silently, his presence as calm as ever. He leaned against the wall beside Lan Yi, his arms crossed.
Ruo Chen (ML)
You should be resting.
( Ruo Chen said quietly.)
Lan Yi (MC)
So should you.
( Lan Yi replied, his tone light but tinged with weariness)
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Lan Yi, his gaze steady.)
What’s on your mind?
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi hesitated, then sighed.)
Everything feels... heavy. The Flame, the shadows, even my own past—it’s like there’s a weight I can’t shake.
Ruo Chen (ML)
You don’t have to carry it alone.
( Ruo Chen said, his voice firm but gentle.)
You have me. And Xiao Rui. The sect. We’ll face this together.
Lan Yi (MC)
(Lan Yi turned to him, surprised by the intensity in his voice.)
Why do you care so much?
Ruo Chen (ML)
(Ruo Chen’s expression softened, the coldness in his eyes giving way to something warmer.)
Because I see the burden you’re carrying. And because... I care about you.
The words hung in the air, unspoken feelings threading between them. Lan Yi’s breath caught, his heart beating faster.
Before he could finish, a distant cry echoed through the night, cutting through the stillness. Both of them were on their feet in an instant, their weapons at the ready.
Ruo Chen (ML)
Trouble.
(he muttered.)
Lan Yi nodded, his flames flickering to life. Whatever peace they had found was short-lived. The shadows were stirring once again.
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