A Divine Thread Between Us
Echoes on a Quiet Road
Liáng Yǔhán
Forest Shrine Path | Morning Mist]
Dew clung to the leaves. Mist curled low across the ground. The ancient path to the shrine was silent, broken only by footsteps and the rustle of travel gear.
Kang Hayeon
(breaking the silence)
Kang Hayeon
You never answered me.
Lín Méiyuè
(not looking at her)
Kang Hayeon
Last night. You said something… before the wind stirred.
Lín Méiyuè
I didn’t say anything. You were hearing things.
Kang Hayeon
You’re a terrible liar.
Lín Méiyuè
(shouldering her spear)
Lín Méiyuè
Doesn’t matter. We should focus. We’re nearly at the shrine.
Kang Hayeon
Right. Of course.
But her voice was tight. Méiyuè didn’t notice—or pretended not to.
The shrine was more broken than expected. Vines split the stone. Celestial wards flickered in and out. A divine beast had been here recently.
Lín Méiyuè
This seal’s unstable. It must’ve gotten through last week.
Kang Hayeon
(touching the ward with glowing fingers)
Kang Hayeon
Whatever it was, it didn’t like the light.
Suddenly, the wind picked up. Energy swirled unnaturally.
A corrupted beast emerged from the trees—massive, spectral, growling.
Lín Méiyuè
(snapping into form)
Lín Méiyuè
Stay behind me!
She launched into battle, her spear glowing gold. Hayeon summoned spiritual glyphs, weaving spells mid-air.
Back-to-back, they fought seamlessly — until the creature pinned Méiyuè beneath a claw.
Kang Hayeon
Don’t touch her!
A surge of divine energy blasted the creature off. Her eyes glowed, power wild and barely contained.
Lín Méiyuè
(gritting her teeth)
Lín Méiyuè
Just bruised. Thanks…
They stood close—too close. The red thread shimmered faintly again.
But this time, Méiyuè stepped back.
Lín Méiyuè
We should seal the shrine before more come.
Kang Hayeon
You’re pushing me away.
Lín Méiyuè
(avoiding her gaze)
Lín Méiyuè
I’m pushing away nothing. I’m just doing my job.
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