Chapter 62

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The Reunion of Fates

The world was crumbling. The ground beneath Xiang's feet trembled violently as the crack in the earth widened, splitting the land apart with a deafening roar. The sky above was a chaotic swirl of dark clouds, and the air was thick with the scent of impending doom. Earthquakes ravaged the globe, and panic spread like wildfire. People screamed, buildings collapsed, and the very fabric of reality seemed to be tearing apart.

Xiang stood at the edge of the chaos, her heart pounding in her chest. She was trapped—not just physically, but emotionally. Memories she had buried deep within her soul began to resurface, flooding her mind with images of a life she had long forgotten. Her hands trembled as she clutched her head, trying to make sense of the storm raging inside her.

The temple. It was the same temple she had seen in her dreams, the same one that had appeared when she had died in her past life. Its ancient walls loomed before her, a haunting reminder of her mortality and the cycle of rebirth she seemed to be trapped in. The sight of it filled her with dread, but also a strange sense of familiarity.

Wen Shia stood beside her, her expression a mix of concern and fear. She, too, was unsure of what to do. The world was falling apart, and the answers they sought seemed just out of reach. She glanced at Xiang, who was now screaming in frustration, her voice echoing through the chaos.

"Xiang!" Wen Shia called out, her voice firm but gentle. "Calm down! You need to focus!"

But Xiang was lost in a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, sorrow, regret—they all surged through her like a tidal wave. And then, like a dam breaking, the memories came rushing back. She saw herself as a young student, training under Wen Shia's guidance. She remembered the lessons, the laughter, and the bond they had shared. But she also remembered the pain—the day Wen Shia had been killed by a man whose face she could not quite recall.

The weight of these memories was too much to bear. Xiang's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground. Just as she was about to hit the cold, hard earth, Wen Shia caught her, cradling her in her arms.

"Xiang, come back to me!" Wen Shia pleaded, her voice trembling. "You can't give up now!"

But Xiang was unconscious, her body limp and unresponsive. Wen Shia's heart raced as she gently shook her, calling her name over and over. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Xiang's eyelids fluttered open. Her eyes met Wen Shia's, and for the first time in what felt like centuries, she spoke.

"Master…" Xiang whispered, her voice soft but filled with emotion. Then, after a pause, she added, "Wen Shia…"

The sound of her name on Xiang's lips sent a shiver down Wen Shia's spine. It had been so long since Xiang had called her by name. The years of separation, the pain of loss, and the joy of reunion all collided in that single moment. Wen Shia's eyes glistened with tears as she pulled Xiang into a tight embrace.

"You're back," Wen Shia murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "You're finally back."

Xiang clung to her, her own tears streaming down her face. The weight of her past life, the memories she had buried, and the love she had forgotten—it all came rushing back. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she felt whole again.

The world around them seemed to fade away. The earthquakes, the crumbling temple, the panicked screams—none of it mattered. In that moment, it was just the two of them, reunited after what felt like a lifetime apart. The bond between master and disciple, or perhaps something even deeper, had been rekindled.

But their moment of peace was short-lived. The sound of approaching footsteps snapped them back to reality. They turned to see Doming, accompanied by a group of soldiers, striding toward them. His presence was commanding, but his eyes were fixed solely on Xiang.

"How did you get here?" Wen Shia demanded, stepping protectively in front of Xiang.

Doming ignored her, his gaze never leaving Xiang. "Xiang…" he said, his voice low and filled with disbelief. "I saw you die. How are you here?"

Xiang's expression hardened. "I don't know you," she said coldly. "Stay away from me."

But Doming wasn't convinced. "You look exactly like her," he insisted. "You sound like her. You are her. But how? Have you been reborn?"

Wen Shia stepped forward, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "Enough," she said sharply. "If you have something to say, say it to me."

Doming's eyes flicked to Wen Shia, and for a moment, it seemed like he might draw his weapon. But then he shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "This isn't over," he said, his voice tinged with both anger and sadness. "I'll find out the truth, one way or another."

As Doming and his soldiers retreated, Xiang and Wen Shia exchanged a glance. There was so much left unsaid, so many questions unanswered. But for now, they had each other, and that was enough.

The world was still falling apart, but in that moment, they found a glimmer of hope. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united by a bond that not even death could break.

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