Whispers of the Jade Lotus
Chapter 5
The Inner Chamber
(They reach a grand chamber glowing with dark energy. At its center stands an altar with a cracked mirror—the Jade Lotus Mirror. Around it are more of the cursed talismans, pulsing faintly.)
Wei Lianfeng
Well, there it is. The infamous mirror. Doesn’t look all that scary.
Lan Yueming
Appearances can be deceiving. Don’t touch it.
As they examine the altar, Wei Lianfeng notices Lan Yueming’s expression—focused, yet troubled.
Wei Lianfeng
You’re worried about more than just this mirror, aren’t you?
Lan Yueming
This artifact doesn’t belong in the mortal realm. Its presence will only bring destruction.
Wei Lianfeng
And here I thought you were immune to emotions. You’re not half as cold as you let on, are you?
Lan Yueming hesitates, his gaze meeting Wei Lianfeng’s. There’s a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes.
Lan Yueming
You don’t understand.
Wei Lianfeng
(gently)
Maybe not. But I’m here, aren’t I? You don’t have to carry this alone.
Their proximity grows closer as the energy in the room hums. For a brief moment, Lan Yueming feels a warmth he hasn’t known in years.
A Sudden Intrusion
(Before anything can be said, the dark energy surges. Shadows form into a figure—a masked cultivator cloaked in black.)
Masked Cultivator
Foolish mortals. You should have stayed away.
Masked Cultivator
You won’t live long enough to find out.
The masked cultivator moves with unnatural speed, his strikes imbued with dark energy. Lan Yueming counters with his sword, while Wei Lianfeng uses talismans to shield them both.
Wei Lianfeng
This guy’s fast! Got any brilliant ideas, Lan Yueming?
Lan Yueming
Stay back. I’ll handle this.
Wei Lianfeng
(mocking)
Oh, sure. I’ll just sit here and cheer you on, shall I?
Lan Yueming glances at him briefly, his voice lowering.
Lan Yueming
You’ve already done more than enough.
Wei Lianfeng blinks, startled by the unexpected gratitude, but the moment is cut short as the masked cultivator charges again
The masked cultivator summons shadow constructs to attack them. Lan Yueming and Wei Lianfeng fight side by side, their movements gradually synchronizing as they adapt to each other’s style.
Wei Lianfeng
You know, for someone who claims I’m reckless, you don’t seem to mind me saving your life.
Lan Yueming
If you could focus more on fighting and less on talking, I’d be grateful.
Wei Lianfeng
(to himself) 😏
Grateful, huh? Keep sweet-talking me like that, and I might start blushing.
During the fight, the masked cultivator lands a powerful blow that sends Lan Yueming crashing into a pillar. Wei Lianfeng rushes to his side, his usual humor replaced with genuine concern.
Wei Lianfeng
Lan Yueming! Are you okay?
Lan Yueming
I’m fine. Focus on the enemy.
Wei Lianfeng
Not until you promise not to do something stupid like that again.
Lan Yueming
You’re being irrational—
Wei Lianfeng cuts him off, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Wei Lianfeng
And you’re being stubborn. Let me help.
Their eyes meet, and for a moment, the world around them fades. Lan Yueming feels an unfamiliar warmth in Wei Lianfeng’s touch, and Wei Lianfeng realizes his own heartbeat has quickened.
Wei Lianfeng devises a plan, throwing a talisman that binds the masked cultivator in place for a brief moment.
Wei Lianfeng
Lan Yueming, now’s your chance!
Lan Yueming channels his spiritual energy into his sword, delivering a precise strike that disrupts the cultivator’s dark aura. The masked figure retreats into the shadows, his parting words chilling.
Masked Cultivator
You cannot stop what’s coming.
As he vanishes, the chamber grows still. The oppressive energy dissipates, leaving behind only the fractured Jade Lotus Mirror.
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