Whispers in the Dark

Li Yuan sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of his small room, staring at the folded letter in his hands. The wax seal bore no insignia, but the parchment carried a faint scent of sandalwood, unlike anything he had encountered in the sect. Someone had gone through great lengths to ensure secrecy.

He hesitated for a moment before breaking the seal.

"If you wish to learn the truth about your martial spirit, come to the old willow tree behind the west training grounds at midnight. Come alone."

A faint chill crept up his spine. Who could have sent this? And why mention his martial spirit?

Ever since his awakening, he had avoided speaking about the changes within him, the strange crimson energy flowing through his veins. The power he used in battle was not a normal martial technique—he knew that much. It felt raw, unrestrained, as if something ancient lurked beneath his consciousness.

Was this a trap?

Possibly.

Would he still go?

Absolutely.

---

Midnight arrived, the moon veiled by drifting clouds. Li Yuan moved through the shadows of the outer sect, his footsteps light against the stone pathways. The sect was silent, save for the occasional chirp of night insects.

The west training grounds were rarely used at night, making it the perfect place for a secret meeting. Near the edge of the forest, an ancient willow tree loomed, its gnarled branches swaying in the cold breeze.

Li Yuan approached cautiously, his senses heightened.

"You came."

A soft, feminine voice echoed from the darkness.

Li Yuan turned sharply, his muscles tensed. From behind the tree, a figure stepped into the pale moonlight.

It was Luo Xin.

She wore a dark cloak over her usual robes, her expression unreadable. But her violet eyes gleamed with a strange intensity.

"You?" Li Yuan frowned. "You sent the letter?"

She tilted her head. "I did."

Li Yuan studied her carefully. "Why? What do you know about my martial spirit?"

Luo Xin sighed, crossing her arms. "I don't know everything. But I do know that you're not normal, Li Yuan. Your power… it's not something an ordinary outer disciple should have."

He narrowed his eyes. "And how would you know that?"

She hesitated, then took a step closer. "Because I've seen it before."

A gust of wind rustled the willow's branches, sending leaves fluttering around them.

Li Yuan's heart pounded. "Explain."

Luo Xin glanced around as if ensuring no one was listening. Then, in a whisper, she said, "There is a hidden faction within the Four Seasons Sect. They operate in the shadows, watching disciples with… unusual talents. If they've noticed you, then you're in danger."

Li Yuan felt a chill. "And you? Are you part of this faction?"

She hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking her head. "No. But I know someone who was."

"Who?"

"My older brother."

Li Yuan was taken aback. He had never heard Luo Xin mention any family before.

She continued, "He was an inner sect disciple—a genius. But one day, he vanished without a trace. The sect claimed he died during a mission, but I never believed them. He had been investigating something… something connected to martial spirits like yours."

Li Yuan's grip tightened. "And you think I'm connected to this?"

"I know you are." Her gaze bore into him. "You awakened something that shouldn't exist. And now, they'll come for you."

Silence stretched between them.

Li Yuan had faced danger before, but this was different. This wasn't just about proving himself in the sect—this was something deeper, something far more dangerous.

Finally, he asked, "Then what do you suggest I do?"

Luo Xin hesitated before saying, "For now, lay low. Keep winning your battles, but don't reveal too much of your power. And… trust no one."

Li Yuan scoffed. "Including you?"

A small smirk played on her lips. "Especially me."

For some reason, her words sent a thrill through him. Luo Xin was different from the others—clever, dangerous, and unpredictable. And right now, she was the only one offering him answers.

He exhaled slowly. "Fine. I'll be careful. But if you find out anything more—"

"I'll let you know," she finished.

The tension between them lingered, but Li Yuan finally nodded. Turning on his heel, he disappeared into the darkness, his mind racing with new questions.

And in the shadows of the willow tree, Luo Xin watched him go, her expression unreadable.