Whispers of Fate

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the uneven terrain as Bai Meixiu and Wu Zhihao pushed forward. Their surroundings had shifted from the dense forest into open plains dotted with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and earth, but the tension between them was palpable.

Lin Xuan remained silent in Bai Meixiu's arms, his small face serene. The faint golden glow from earlier had vanished, leaving no trace of the overwhelming power that had saved them. Wu Zhihao glanced at the child occasionally, his brows furrowed with unspoken questions.

"He doesn't seem like an ordinary child," Wu Zhihao finally said, his tone cautious but tinged with curiosity.

"He's not," Bai Meixiu replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of protectiveness. "You saw it yourself. Whatever he did back there wasn't normal. But I don't know why or how."

Wu Zhihao sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "We need answers. If the Sky Sect doesn't have them, we'll have to find someone who does. But we're running out of time. Those hunters weren't acting alone. Someone powerful wants him."

Bai Meixiu tightened her grip on Lin Xuan, her eyes narrowing. "Then we'll just have to stay ahead of them. I won't let anyone take him."

Wu Zhihao gave her a sidelong glance. "Your devotion is admirable, but we can't rely on luck or miracles. If we're going to protect him, we need a plan. And we need to understand what we're dealing with."

The distant outline of the Sky Sect's outer walls grew clearer as they crested a small hill. The sect's towering spires reached toward the heavens, gleaming faintly in the evening light. The sight filled Bai Meixiu with a mixture of hope and dread.

"What if they turn us away?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"They won't," Wu Zhihao said with quiet confidence. "The Sky Sect may have its flaws, but they value potential. If they see even a fraction of what that child is capable of, they'll let us in."

The path to the sect's gates was eerily quiet, the usual bustle of disciples and travelers absent. Bai Meixiu's unease grew with each step. As they approached the massive gates, a pair of guards emerged, their expressions wary.

"Halt," one of them commanded, his spear angled toward them. "State your business."

Wu Zhihao stepped forward, his posture relaxed but commanding. "We seek refuge and an audience with the elders. This child"—he gestured toward Lin Xuan—"possesses extraordinary potential. He needs guidance and protection."

The guards exchanged a skeptical glance. "Extraordinary potential, you say? You'll have to prove it. The elders don't have time for baseless claims."

Before Wu Zhihao could respond, Lin Xuan stirred. His small hand reached out, grasping at the air as if sensing something unseen. The ground beneath them trembled slightly, a faint pulse of energy rippling outward. The guards stumbled, their expressions shifting from skepticism to shock.

"What… what was that?" one of them stammered, his grip tightening on his spear.

Wu Zhihao smirked faintly. "Proof enough?"

The guards hesitated, then stepped aside. "Very well. Enter, but be warned—any disruption will not be tolerated."

The massive gates creaked open, revealing the sprawling courtyard of the Sky Sect. The architecture was both grand and imposing, with intricate carvings adorning every surface. Disciples in flowing robes moved purposefully, their gazes curious as they noticed the newcomers.

Bai Meixiu felt a wave of relief wash over her as they stepped inside, but it was short-lived. A tall figure in elegant robes approached them, his expression cold and authoritative.

"What is the meaning of this?" the man demanded, his voice sharp. "Outsiders are not permitted to enter without prior approval."

Wu Zhihao met the man's gaze evenly. "This child possesses a rare and powerful gift. He needs the sect's protection."

The man's eyes narrowed as he studied Lin Xuan. "Powerful gift, you say? The sect has no shortage of talented individuals. Why should we concern ourselves with an unknown child?"

Before Wu Zhihao could respond, Lin Xuan's eyes fluttered open. For a brief moment, his gaze met the man's, and a strange silence fell over the courtyard. The man's expression shifted, a flicker of uncertainty breaking through his stern facade.

"Very well," he said reluctantly. "I will inform the elders. But know this—if the child proves to be a threat, the sect will not hesitate to act."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away, leaving them under the watchful eyes of the disciples. Bai Meixiu exhaled shakily, her grip on Lin Xuan tightening.

"We're in," Wu Zhihao murmured, his voice low. "But this is just the beginning."

As they were led deeper into the sect, Bai Meixiu couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a den of wolves. The Sky Sect might offer protection, but it would come at a cost. She glanced down at Lin Xuan