Whispers of the Jade Lotus
Chapter 8
Lan Yueming
(pausing)
Duty and honor are all I've known. Personal desires are secondary.
Wei Lianfeng
But what about your happiness?
Lan Yueming
Happiness is a fleeting emotion. Purpose is enduring.
Wei Lianfeng
(Softly)
I think you deserve both.
Lan Yueming turns to face Wei Lianfeng, their eyes meeting in the dim light. The unspoken emotions between them hang heavy in the air.
Before either can speak further, a soft knock interrupts them. Lan Yueming rises to open the door, revealing a young woman with a hooded cloak.
Mei Lin
My name is Mei Lin. I need your help.
Mei Lin
(glancing around nervously)
Not here. Meet me at the old shrine outside town at dawn. Please.
Without waiting for a response, she disappears into the night, leaving the two cultivators exchanging puzzled looks.
Wei Lianfeng
Well, that was mysterious.
Lan Yueming
We should be cautious. It could be a trap.
Wei Lianfeng
Or it could be someone in genuine need. Either way, we'll find out at dawn.
At dawn, they arrive at the dilapidated shrine, overgrown with vines and shrouded in mist. Mei Lin awaits, her expression tense.
Mei Lin
Thank you for coming.
Lan Yueming
State your business.
Mei Lin
I belong to a sect that has been targeted by a rogue cultivator dabbling in forbidden arts. We need your assistance to stop him.
Wei Lianfeng
Why seek us out?
Mei Lin
Your reputations precede you. And... I have no one else to turn to.
Lan Yueming
Where is this rogue cultivator now?
Mei Lin
He operates from a hidden lair in the mountains. I can guide you there.
Wei Lianfeng
Sounds dangerous. I'm in.
Lan Yueming
We'll help. Lead the way.
As they trek through the rugged terrain, Mei Lin shares more about her sect and the rogue cultivator's atrocities. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including treacherous paths and hostile creatures.
Mei Lin
He wasn't always like this. Once, he was a respected elder.
Wei Lianfeng
Power can corrupt even the best of us.
Lan Yueming
Stay vigilant. We're nearing his territory.
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes watches their every move from the shadows, plotting their next move.
The group arrives at the rogue cultivator’s lair, a dark cavern with ominous carvings glowing faintly on the walls. A cold, oppressive energy hangs in the air.
Wei Lianfeng
This place gives me the creeps. You sure your rogue cultivator friend isn’t summoning demons in here, Mei Lin?
Mei Lin
I wouldn’t call him a friend, but... I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility.
Lan Yueming
Focus. This energy suggests traps and dark enchantments. Stay alert.
Wei Lianfeng
(grinning) When am I not alert?
Lan Yueming shoots him a look, but before he can retort, a low growl echoes from deeper within the cave.
A horde of shadow beasts emerges, their forms shifting and writhing. Lan Yueming draws his sword, its glow cutting through the darkness, while Wei Lianfeng activates his talismans to shield Mei Lin.
Lan Yueming
Mei Lin, stay behind us!
Wei Lianfeng
Got it! Just don’t let them ruin my robes. They’re new!
Comments