The Trio

Meng Qingshan stood alone on the training grounds, his breath steady as he practiced his sword forms. The morning air was crisp, but it did little to chase away the turmoil that had settled deep within him. His mind kept returning to the events of the past few days—the voice recording, the betrayal, the overwhelming sense of loss. He had told himself that Chen Ning was dead, that he was Meng Qingshan now, and yet, the pain lingered."Qing," Sua Quan's voice broke through his thoughts. He looked up to see her approaching, concern etched on her face. "You've been out here since dawn. You need to take a break."Meng Qingshan wiped the sweat from his brow. "I'm fine, Sua."She studied him for a moment, then sighed. "You're not fine, but I won't push. How about we go on a mission? Something to get your mind off things."Before Meng Qingshan could respond, a third voice chimed in. "Sounds like fun. Count me in."They both turned to see a boy about their age, leaning casually against a nearby pillar. He had a sword strapped to his back and an easy smile on his face. His eyes sparkled with mischief, as if nothing in the world could ever truly bother him."Who are you?" Meng Qingshan asked, his tone cautious."Jiang Tian," the boy replied with a bow that was more playful than respectful. "I'm the newest addition to the sect. I've been assigned to join you two on your mission. Hope you don't mind."Sua Quan raised an eyebrow. "They didn't tell us we were getting a third member."Jiang Tian shrugged. "Surprise, I guess."Meng Qingshan wasn't sure what to make of this new arrival. There was something about Jiang Tian that put him on edge, but he couldn't quite place it. Still, he didn't have the energy to argue. "Fine. Let's just get going."As they set out, the atmosphere between them was tense. Meng Qingshan kept to himself, lost in his thoughts, while Jiang Tian tried to lighten the mood with jokes and stories. Sua Quan, sensing Meng Qingshan's discomfort, remained quiet, but she couldn't help but notice how Jiang Tian's carefree attitude contrasted sharply with the seriousness that had settled over their small group."So, Qingshan," Jiang Tian said as they walked, "what's your story? You seem like someone with a lot on his mind."Meng Qingshan glanced at him, not sure how to respond. "My story isn't important.""Everyone's story is important," Jiang Tian replied, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "It's what makes us who we are."Meng Qingshan fell silent, the words striking a chord within him. Jiang Tian's easygoing nature was disarming, and despite his initial reservations, he found himself appreciating the boy's company. But the wounds from Liu's betrayal were still fresh, and he wasn't ready to open up to anyone—not yet.The mission they had been sent on was a simple one: eliminate a small group of rebels who had been causing trouble in a nearby village. As they approached the area, Meng Qingshan felt a familiar sense of dread settling in his chest. He had been trying to distance himself from his old life, but the violence that came with being Meng Qingshan, the blood demon, was something he couldn't escape.When they arrived at the village, the rebels were waiting for them. The fight that ensued was intense, but Meng Qingshan's skills had only sharpened since he joined the demonic sect. He moved with precision, his blade cutting down his enemies with a cold efficiency that left no room for mercy.Jiang Tian and Sua Quan fought alongside him, but it was clear that Meng Qingshan was the one leading the charge. As the last of the rebels fell, Jiang Tian looked around at the bodies strewn across the ground and whistled. "Damn, Qingshan. Remind me not to get on your bad side."Meng Qingshan didn't respond. He was staring at the blood on his hands, a hollow feeling growing in his chest. He had won, but at what cost? The violence, the killing—it was all too familiar. He whispered under his breath, "I'm sorry."Sua Quan, who had been watching him closely, stepped forward. "You did it, Qing," she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder.As they made their way back to the sect, Meng Qingshan couldn't help but wonder if this was what his life would always be—fighting, killing, surviving. The path he had chosen was a dark one, but it was the only one he had left. He had to believe that, somehow, he could make it his own.