7

Xiao Lin: The Reckoning of the Shadows

The forest was shrouded in a heavy silence, broken only by the rhythmic crunch of leaves beneath Xiao Lin's feet. His heart raced as he approached the clearing where his elder brother, Xiao Qi, awaited. An unspeakable tension hung in the air, a prelude to the confrontation that would soon unfold.

"Xiao Qi," Xiao Lin called out, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "How cruel are you to draw your sword against your younger brother? Have you forgotten me after all these years? I, the son born of a concubine, who you deemed unworthy of your recognition?"

A collective gasp swept through the gathered soldiers as they absorbed his words. "What young master of the Xiao family?" they murmured, their faces a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Xiao Qi's expression darkened as memories stirred within him. "Oh, you're the bastard who lives in the shadows…"

Before he could finish, Xiao Lin's sword arced through the air, slicing the words from his brother's lips. "How rude of you, brother! We meet again after years apart, and this is your greeting?" Xiao Lin's voice dripped with icy calm. "I will be sure to inform our father about your conduct. You'll soon join him in hell."

Xiao Qi cried out in pain, shock mingling with fury. The soldiers around him, witnessing the cruelty of their own kin, surged forward, weapons drawn. But Xiao Lin, with a flick of his wrist, dispatched them with ruthless efficiency, their lives extinguished in mere moments.

"What kind of monster have we offended?" Xiao Qi gasped, horror etched across his face as he beheld the carnage.

Moving toward his brother, Xiao Lin offered a final, chilling remark. "Oh, my brother, why did you side with them? You could have lived." In a swift motion, he ended Xiao Qi's life, the betrayal weighing heavy in the air.

As he stood over the lifeless body, he mused to himself, "I wonder how father will react to this? Perhaps I should have tried my illusion skill instead. There's always a next time."

Seeking solace from the bloodshed, Xiao Lin made his way to a nearby spring nestled within the mountains. There, he washed away the remnants of violence, burning the bloodied garments that had once marked him as a harbinger of death. Clad in fresh attire, he set off toward the inn that beckoned him with promises of a warm meal and a restful night.

The inn was bustling with martial artists from various families, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. Xiao Lin entered, hood drawn to obscure his features, blending into the shadows. He settled at a corner table, grateful for the reprieve, and ordered his meal, allowing the din of chatter to wash over him.

Moments later, a group from the Fire Sect burst into the inn, led by a commanding lady. They scanned the room, their eyes narrowing as they noted the crowded tables. Spotting Xiao Lin alone in the corner, they approached, seeking the one they deemed suspicious.

Unperturbed by their presence, Xiao Lin continued to eat, lost in his thoughts. However, he sensed their growing scrutiny, the tension palpable. The lady, sensing a challenge, turned to her companions. "This man appears unafraid. We must investigate him further."

After finishing his meal, Xiao Lin discovered there were no vacant rooms at the inn. Cursing his misfortune, he ventured into the nearby forest in search of a quiet place to rest. He found a thick branch of a tree and, using his sword, fashioned a makeshift bed.

As night fell, he drifted into a restless sleep, the echoes of battle still fresh in his mind.

Meanwhile, the Fire Sect disciples debated their next move over dinner. "It's hard to believe that only one man is responsible for the slaughter of the Assassin Sect," one of them remarked.

"Revenge seems the most likely motive," another chimed in. "The assassins have made many enemies over the years."

Their conversation turned to the man in the corner. "Did you see how he ignored us? He must know who we are," the lady said, her intrigue piqued. "His aura is strong, yet he shows no fear."

"Perhaps he's simply unaware of our reputation," suggested one disciple.

"Or he's hiding something," the lady insisted, determination gleaming in her eyes. "We need to find him."

Driven by curiosity and the thrill of the hunt, the group left the inn, determined to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic figure.

Xiao Lin awoke to the sounds of movement, his senses alert. Peering down, he saw the disciples searching for him, their intentions clear. Anger bubbled within him; he had sought only rest, yet here they were, disturbing his peace.

"I thought I could finally sleep in peace," he muttered, steeling himself for confrontation. "But it seems fate has other plans."

"Where is he?" the lady called out, frustration coloring her tone.

Xiao Lin leaped from the branch, landing among them with an unsettling calm. "You must be looking for me. May I inquire about the reason for your intrusion?"

The lady stepped forward, authority in her voice. "We suspect you of crimes against the Assassin Sect. You'll come with us. Don't try to run; you can't escape."

Xiao Lin's smile was a grim line. "So, anyone can take the law into their own hands in this nation? Why should I fear you?"

With a flourish, he unsheathed his katana. "You are the ones who are truly unlucky."

In a flurry of motion, he engaged them, striking with lethal precision. The forest echoed with the clash of steel, the disciples falling one by one. Soon, silence enveloped the clearing, broken only by the sound of Xiao Lin's steady breathing.

Turning to the lady, he spoke, "You are from the Fire Sect, and you've disturbed my peace. Who are you to question me?"

"Why are you killing innocent people?" she demanded, defiance flickering in her gaze.

"Innocence is a luxury I cannot afford. In my world, you are either with me or against me. Your loyalty to the imperial family makes you an enemy," he replied coldly. "It's better to eliminate threats before they arise."

Without a moment's hesitation, he ended her life, leaving behind a scene of brutal finality.

As dawn broke, Xiao Lin contemplated his next move. "I should clean up the Fire Sect. Killing one of their own will surely provoke retaliation. But I am prepared. I will employ my illusion techniques and methodically dismantle their power."

With renewed determination, he found another tree branch to rest upon, the warmth of the sun awakening him from his slumber. He cleaned himself in a nearby river and set out toward his next goal.

Three hours later, guards at the gate engaged in casual conversation when a young woman stumbled toward them, fear etched across her features. Blood stained her clothes as she gasped for breath.

"Help me!" she cried, collapsing at their feet.

"Miss Zheng Shuang, what happened?" the head guard asked, concern flooding his voice.

As she lost consciousness, the guards exchanged alarmed glances, the peace of the morning shattered by the promise of impending chaos.