Chapter 13: "Sect Master's Courtyard."

As the heavy doors of the Vermillion Flame Sect's Grand Hall closed behind them, Ye Xiaotian, Qin Lian, and Qin Mei stepped into the palace gallery. The air inside was cool, carrying the faint scent of incense that seemed to linger from generations past. The long corridor stretched ahead, its walls lined with ancient paintings and tapestries that depicted the sect's storied past.

Soft spiritual crystal lanterns illuminated the space, their glow highlighting every brushstroke of the masterful artwork. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly, a rhythm that matched the tranquil energy of the gallery.

Ye Xiaotian's sharp eyes moved from one painting to another, quickly cataloging the stories they told. Battles against demonic beasts, the founding of the Alchemist Pavilion, the rise of the Grand Elders. Each image was imbued with vibrant colors, almost alive with the energy of the moments they portrayed.

But one painting made him stop.

At the far end of the gallery, a massive painting commanded the space. It was easily the largest piece in the hall, its sheer size and detail drawing all attention. Ye Xiaotian paused before it, his gaze narrowing as he took in the scene.

A man stood atop a mountain, his figure tall and commanding. In his arms, he cradled a small child, holding it close as if shielding it from the world. Above him, a crimson bird with majestic wings soared through the sky, its feathers glowing like fire against the twilight backdrop. The bird's gaze was fixed on the horizon, its posture exuding both strength and sorrow.

Qin Lian noticed his lingering gaze and stopped beside him. For a moment, her usual composed demeanor softened as her eyes rested on the painting.

"This," she began quietly, "is the most important moment in the history of the Vermillion Flame Sect."

Ye Xiaotian's gaze remained fixed on the painting, his interest clear.

"That man," Qin Lian continued, pointing to the figure on the mountain, "is Qin Xianyang, the founder of the sect and my ancestor."

She paused, her eyes lingering on the image of the bird. "That crimson bird… is his lover the Vermillion Bird, the sacred beast. The baby in the ancestor's hand is their baby.

Ye Xiaotian's eyes remained on the painting as he listened.

"This moment," Qin Lian continued, "depicts the day the Vermillion Bird left him. She had to protect him and the child her own offspring from her clan."

Ye Xiaotian's brow furrowed slightly.

Her voice grew quieter, almost wistful. "The Vermillion Bird gave her heart to Qin Xianyang, a bond that defied the laws of both humans and spirit beasts. They had a child together, a union that her clan would never forgive."

She pointed at the horizon in the painting. "Her clan valued blood purity above all else. For them, the existence of a child born of a human and a Vermillion Bird was… unthinkable. They would have hunted her family to the ends of the earth."

Qin Lian's gaze lingered on the painting, her voice growing distant. "So, she left. She drew them away from the mountain, sacrificing her bond with Xianyang and her chance to raise their child."

Her voice grew quieter, almost wistful. "She never returned."

Ye Xiaotian's expression was unreadable as he turned back to the painting. There was something haunting about the scene the sacrifice, the separation, the heavy burden of love and protection.

He turned away after a moment, his expression unreadable. "Let's go."

Qin Lian nodded, leading the way out of the gallery. As they stepped into the open air, the view outside was nothing short of breathtaking. The sky had begun to shift to shades of amber and gold, the sun dipping lower over the horizon.

The peak of the first mountain was a masterpiece of natural beauty and architectural precision. Pavilions of varying sizes dotted the landscape, their intricate roofs gleaming in the evening light. Streams of clear water flowed through meticulously maintained gardens, and the air was rich with the scent of blooming spiritual flowers.

Qin Lian, noticing his gaze, began to explain.

"On the first mountain, there are three courtyards," she said, her tone instructive. "At the center of the peak lies the Sect Master Courtyard the most sacred area of the sect. It is built directly over the spiritual energy gathering array, making it the place with the densest spiritual energy."

She pointed toward another area in the distance. "The Elder's Courtyard is further from the array, reserved for elders of significant status. Beyond that, at the edge of the peak, lies the Core Disciple Courtyard, where our most talented disciples reside."

Ye Xiaotian nodded as he processed the information. It was now clear why there had been opposition to him living in the Sect Master Courtyard.

"That's why the elders are opposing you," Qin Lian said, glancing at him. "To them, your position is unearned. Only those who make the greatest contributions are allowed to live in the Sect Master Courtyard and even then, only for a year."

She trailed off, her expression turning slightly amused. "And then there's the other reason: jealousy."

Ye Xiaotian raised an eyebrow. "Jealousy?"

Qin Lian coughed lightly, her cheeks tinged with the faintest hint of red, averting her gaze. "You'll… understand in the future."

Behind them, Qin Mei's footsteps faltered for a moment. Though her veil hid her face, a slight flush crept over her neck as her sister spoke.

Ye Xiaotian, oblivious to their reactions, simply nodded. He wasn't here to delve into sect politics or rivalries. His goal was cultivation to grow stronger and break free from the shadows of his past.

Still, his mind lingered briefly on the elder in the Grand Hall who had looked at him with killing intent. That man's aura had been dangerous, and Ye Xiaotian resolved to remain cautious.

After a short walk, they reached the Sect Master Courtyard, located at the very center of the peak. As Ye Xiaotian climbed the final set of stone stairs, the full expanse of the courtyard came into view.

The courtyard itself was surrounded by towering crimson flame trees, their fiery leaves glowing faintly in the dimming light. Four pavilions stood around a central garden, each one radiating a quiet strength. Streams of crystal-clear water flowed through the gardens, and the air hummed with a palpable energy.

Qin Lian gestured toward the fourth pavilion, her fiery robes swaying slightly with her movement. "This will be your residence," she said.

The pavilion was a blend of elegance and power, constructed from spirit-enhanced wood that seemed to glow faintly in the evening light. The roof was adorned with intricate carvings of the Vermillion Bird, and the structure exuded a quiet strength, as though it had been waiting for its occupant to arrive.

"This pavilion has been unoccupied for decades," Qin Lian explained. "It is yours now. Furnish it as you see fit. If you need anything, let me know."

Ye Xiaotian stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the pavilion. He could feel the spiritual energy in the air dense and vibrant, like a constant pulse of life.

But while others might have been overwhelmed, Ye Xiaotian remained composed. Compared to the Celestial Phoenix Sect and his spirit world, the energy here was modest. Yet, he knew that for the people of the Desolate Shadow Continent, this was a treasure beyond measure.

He nodded calmly. "Thank you."

Qin Mei, standing beside him, studied his reaction closely. Her amber eyes narrowed slightly.

He's so calm, she thought. Most disciples would be trembling with excitement to live here. But he… acts as if it's nothing.

"What do you think of it?" she asked softly.

Ye Xiaotian glanced at her briefly. "It's peaceful. And the spiritual energy is… acceptable."

Qin Mei blinked, slightly taken aback. "Acceptable?"

Qin Lian stepped forward, her expression serious. "This pavilion is more than just a place to live, Ye Xiaotian. It is a symbol of your potential. I meant what I said earlier your presence here is invaluable."

Her fiery eyes locked onto his. "I cannot afford to let you leave. Not when you have the potential to reshape the balance of power in this world."

Ye Xiaotian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. He appreciated her support but remained cautious of her intentions.

As Ye Xiaotian entered the pavilion, a sense of tranquility washed over him. The interior was spacious yet simple, with polished wooden floors and walls inscribed with protective runes. A central meditation chamber radiated spiritual energy, and a small library held shelves of scrolls and books.

He clenched his fists as he stood in the center of the room.

Stronger, he thought. I need to become stronger. So no one can control me again.

Outside the pavilion, Qin Lian and Qin Mei stood silently.

"He's different," Qin Mei murmured. "There's something about him… something even he doesn't fully understand."

Qin Lian nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I know. That's why I can't let him go."

Qin Mei turned to her sister. "Do you trust him?"

Qin Lian's gaze lingered on the pavilion's entrance. "I don't need to trust him yet. What I need… is for him to trust me."

End of Chapter 13