Echoes of the Past

The air was cool and crisp as Yu Zhong made his way through the dense bamboo forest near the base of the Golden Cloud Mountains. He had left the temple early that morning, hoping to find herbs to aid in Wu Ren's recovery. Though Master Jian He had managed to stabilize Wu Ren, the poison's lingering effects still plagued his companion, and Yu Zhong's concern drove him to search for any remedy that might speed up the healing process.

As he climbed higher into the mountains, the landscape changed. The thick trees gave way to mist-covered cliffs, where the wind howled like distant whispers. Yu Zhong paused on a rocky ledge, gazing out over the rolling mist below. The quiet reminded him of the silence in the Luminous Abyss, yet there was a strange sense of familiarity here—almost as if the mountain was watching him.

He gathered a few rare herbs growing among the rocks, their leaves glistening with dew. As he bent down to collect the last one, a rustling sound caught his attention. Yu Zhong's hand moved instinctively to the hilt of his blade, eyes scanning the misty path behind him. He sensed the presence of several figures, their auras faint but palpable.

Emerging from the fog, three individuals stepped forward. They wore dark robes embroidered with golden patterns resembling coiling dragons, their faces partially obscured by hoods. The leader, a tall man with sharp eyes and a silver streak in his hair, regarded Yu Zhong with a cool expression. Behind him, two younger disciples flanked his sides, their postures tense as they studied Yu Zhong's every movement.

Yu Zhong didn't lower his guard, but he relaxed his grip on the blade slightly, ready to speak rather than fight. "You've been following me for some time," he said, his voice cutting through the thin air. "Show yourselves properly, and tell me what you want."

The leader of the group stepped forward, pushing back his hood to reveal a face lined with age, yet with eyes that gleamed like steel. "You possess keen senses, young one," he remarked with a small, calculating smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Elder Han Qiu of the Golden Serpent Sect, and these are my disciples, Mei Lin and Jian Tao."

Yu Zhong's eyes narrowed at the name. He had heard whispers of the Golden Serpent Sect before—an ancient and reclusive order, rumored to dwell in the hidden peaks of the Golden Cloud Mountains. They were said to have ancient ties to creatures of legend, particularly those associated with dragons. Their isolation made them mysterious, and their intentions often veiled in secrecy.

Elder Han's smile faded as he scrutinized Yu Zhong more closely, his gaze lingering on the faint shadowy aura that seemed to ripple around him. "It seems the rumors of a shadowed power rising from the depths of the Luminous Abyss were not merely stories. You bear the mark of the Black Dragon's legacy, don't you?"

Yu Zhong stiffened, his hand tightening on the hilt of his blade again. "If you know what I am, then you should know not to test me. I've had enough of unwanted attention."

Mei Lin, a young woman with fierce eyes and long braided hair, stepped forward, a hint of eagerness in her voice. "We mean you no harm, at least not yet. But we cannot ignore the significance of your power. The Black Dragon's lineage is not something that appears lightly, and our sect has guarded its secrets for generations."

Jian Tao, a stern-faced young man standing beside her, added in a more measured tone, "Some within our sect believe that your appearance is a sign, a chance for our order to reclaim the lost knowledge of the dragons. Others, however, see you as a threat—someone who could disrupt the balance we have maintained here."

Elder Han raised a hand, silencing his disciples before turning back to Yu Zhong. "As you can see, opinions differ within our ranks. But I am of the belief that we may yet find common ground. You possess a power that our order has studied for centuries, and I suspect there is much you could gain from our knowledge as well."

Yu Zhong considered their words carefully. While he had little desire to be drawn into yet another conflict, he could not deny the potential value of the information they might possess. The Golden Serpent Sect's history with dragon lore could offer insights into the true nature of his abilities—insights he desperately needed if he hoped to control the darker aspects of his power.

"And what would you ask of me in return?" Yu Zhong asked, his tone wary. "Your sect wouldn't be extending this offer out of pure generosity."

Elder Han's smile returned, thin and knowing. "Astute of you. We seek only to understand the nature of your abilities, to study the effects of the Black Dragon's influence on your cultivation. In exchange, we can offer guidance, shelter, and perhaps a way to refine the raw power within you—so that it does not consume you."

Yu Zhong felt a surge of irritation, the thought of being dissected like some specimen grating against his pride. Yet the offer lingered in his mind, a tempting path toward understanding the volatile strength that had nearly overwhelmed him in the Abyss. He glanced toward the distant temple where Wu Ren lay recuperating, the thought of his friend's condition adding weight to his decision.

Before he could respond, a sudden pulse of energy rippled through the air. Yu Zhong turned sharply, sensing an unfamiliar presence nearby—one that exuded hostility. The disciples stiffened as well, their hands moving to their weapons.

From the mist, another figure emerged. This one wore the same robes as the others, but his expression was twisted with disdain, eyes glinting with malice as he focused on Yu Zhong. "Elder Han, this is a waste of time," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "This outsider is a danger to us all. His very existence is an affront to our order. Why should we offer him anything other than death?"

Yu Zhong met the man's glare with cold indifference, but the tension in the air grew thicker. Elder Han frowned deeply, stepping between the newcomer and Yu Zhong. "Be careful with your words, Wei Shen. The council has not made a decision, and you are not in a position to defy my judgment."

Wei Shen sneered but made no move to draw his weapon, though his hostility was palpable. "You may see promise in this... creature, but I see only a threat. If he is truly bound to the Black Dragon's will, it is only a matter of time before he turns on us. I won't be so naive as to trust him."

Yu Zhong's patience thinned, and he took a step forward, his shadow flaring briefly at his feet. "Enough of your posturing. If you believe me to be a threat, then do something about it. Otherwise, leave the talking to those who actually wish to resolve this peacefully."

The air crackled with tension as Wei Shen's hand twitched toward his sword, but Elder Han raised his arm sharply, his voice commanding. "Enough. This is not the time for bloodshed. If the council decides against our proposal, then you may state your case, Wei Shen. Until then, you will respect my authority."

With a final glare at Yu Zhong, Wei Shen turned and stormed back into the mist, his silhouette vanishing into the shadows of the mountains. Elder Han let out a slow breath, shaking his head. "Forgive his temper. He is... overzealous in his loyalty to our traditions."

Yu Zhong's eyes lingered on the spot where Wei Shen had disappeared, but he nodded curtly. "I've dealt with worse. Your offer... I will consider it. But my first priority is my companion's recovery. I won't be leaving him defenseless."

Elder Han inclined his head, a hint of relief crossing his features. "Take your time, Yu Zhong. We are not in a hurry. Should you decide to seek our aid, you need only follow the path north of this mountain. Our sanctuary is hidden from most, but not from those with the sight of a dragon."

With that, the Golden Serpent Sect members turned and faded back into the mist, leaving Yu Zhong alone once more on the rocky ledge. He stared after them for a moment, the weight of their offer heavy on his mind. The encounter had left him with more questions than answers, but it had also opened a door—a door to knowledge he could not afford to ignore.

With a final glance toward the distant peaks, Yu Zhong turned back toward the temple where Wu Ren waited. The world beyond the Luminous Abyss was proving to be no less dangerous, but at least now he knew the shape of some of the threats that awaited them.