Promises in the Twilight

The main hall of the Heavenly Summit Sect is a place that always makes me feel out of place. White jade pillars, polished to a shine, support a ceiling painted with scenes of dragons and phoenixes dancing among golden clouds. The disciples advance gracefully, their robes perfectly ironed, their steps light as if they did not touch the ground. And I... I am a contrast. My clothes are damp from my return from the lake, and even though I cleaned the blood and water with a basic spell, I can't help but feel like my feet dirty this place.

"Lian Zhi, come in," the teacher calls with his firm voice.

Looking up, I see him sitting on the elevated throne at the end of the room, a man whose presence seems to fill every corner of the room. Hua Tian, ​​the sect leader, is a middle-aged man with snow-white hair and dark eyes that see beyond appearances. Beside him, his daughter, Hua Mei, stands, staring at me. She is a perfect contrast to her father: her ethereal beauty and sky blue dress make her look more like an immortal spirit than a human.

I feel a knot in my stomach as I meet his eyes. Hua Mei doesn't smile, but she doesn't seem upset either. He just watches me, like he's waiting for something.

—Did you bring the lotus? Hua Tian asks, leaning forward slightly.

—Yes, master. —I speak as clearly as possible, trying to hide the tension in my voice. Carefully, I spread the Scarlet Lotus in front of me, holding it with both hands.

A murmur runs through the room. I can feel the looks of the other disciples, some filled with amazement, others filled with disdain. Especially that of Wang Ming, who remains in the shadows with a group of his followers. His mocking smile is gone, replaced by a grimace of disbelief.

Hua Tian rises from his seat and descends the steps with impressive grace for someone his age. He stops in front of me, his eyes assessing me with an intensity that gives me goosebumps.

"You did it," he says finally, his voice echoing through the room like a gong. It is not a compliment, but neither is it a reproach. It is simply a fact.

"I did," I reply, keeping my gaze downcast, though my chest swells with silent pride.

Hua Tian takes the lotus from my hands and examines it. The light emitted by the flower reflects on his face, giving it an almost supernatural glow.

"The Scarlet Lotus is a precious object," he says, turning toward the room. It requires not only skill to obtain it, but also courage and determination. Lian Zhi has proven that he has these qualities. From today onwards, you will be recognized as an official disciple of the sect.

Another murmur runs through the room, but this time it is louder. Some disciples seem surprised, others downright upset. Wang Ming steps forward, his face twisted into an expression of protest.

-Teacher! —he says with a forced bow—. With all due respect, isn't it too early to give him such recognition? He…—his eyes slide to me, full of venom—"doesn't have the experience or heritage of others.

Hua Tian raises a hand, silencing Wang Ming. —It is not heredity that defines a cultivator, but his heart. If you have doubts about my decision, Wang Ming, you can raise them at the training ground.

The implicit threat in his words is clear, and Wang Ming reluctantly retreats, although his gaze promises me future trouble.

"That will be all for now," Hua Tian declares, turning to me once more. Lian Zhi, rest and prepare. Your real training starts tomorrow.

I nod, bowing deeply before leaving the room. But before I can leave, a soft voice stops me.

—Lian Zhi.

It's Hua Mei. I turn to look at her, surprised. She rarely speaks directly to me, and when she does, it is always in the presence of her father. But now, she is alone. The other disciples have retired, and the room is almost empty.

"Yes, Miss Hua Mei," I reply, keeping my tone formal.

She takes a few steps towards me, her eyes searching me. —Why did you do it? You risked your life for something that others would consider trivial.

I don't know if what I see in his eyes is curiosity or something deeper. But I can't lie to you.

"Because I want something more," I respond, clenching my fists. My voice cracks slightly, but I don't stop. I don't want to be just another disciple. I want… a place here. A future. And… —I look at the jade pendant on my neck, remembering the promise I made years ago—, someone who can walk with me in that future.

For an instant, a flash of emotion crosses Hua Mei's face, but it disappears as quickly as it came. She nods slightly, though she doesn't say anything else. Then, he turns around and disappears through one of the side doors, leaving a faint floral scent in his wake.

I stand there for a moment, trying to process what just happened. Finally, I leave the living room and walk towards the bedrooms. But in my chest, something has changed. Hua Mei's words, her look, her presence, give me new strength. I know this path won't be easy, but it doesn't matter. If I want to reach my destiny, I can't allow myself to hesitate.