Chapter 56: Fractured Bonds

The mountain air was sharp with the scent of pine and the lingering traces of smoke from the collapsed vault. Li Feng's breaths came slow and measured, each exhale misting in the chill of the highlands. The sanctuary they had found was hidden within a dense thicket of trees, a shallow cave carved into the side of a craggy peak. It was a temporary haven, but it was all they had.

No one spoke as they settled in. The weight of their recent battle—and the revelation of Yan Zhi's survival—hung between them like an unspoken curse.

Yan Shun sat apart from the group, his hands clenched into fists, knuckles white with suppressed rage. He hadn't said a word since they had escaped the collapsing vault. His normally sharp, calculating demeanor had dulled, replaced with a vacant stare into the fire they had built for warmth. Mei Lian kept her distance from Li Feng, pretending to inspect the supplies they had left. But Li Feng could feel it—the quiet unease radiating from her, the unasked questions hanging on her lips.

And Zheng Wei… he was fading. His skin had taken on a sickly pallor, the wound in his side festering despite their efforts. His breathing was ragged, his energy drained beyond measure.

"We need medicine," Mei Lian said finally, breaking the silence. She dipped a cloth into a small basin of water, dabbing at Zheng Wei's forehead. "If we don't find something soon, he won't last another night."

"We can't afford to go back down the mountain," Yan Shun muttered. His voice was hoarse, as though he had been arguing with himself for hours. "Shen Longwei's men will still be searching for us."

Li Feng exhaled sharply, leaning back against the cave wall. The Black Phoenix Talisman lay beside him, its surface dark and pulsing faintly, as if mirroring the turmoil inside him. He hadn't told the others about the sensation he'd felt when he used it—the rush of power, the intoxicating strength. It had felt… natural. And that terrified him.

Yan Shun turned to him suddenly. "What was it like?"

Li Feng frowned. "What?"

"The talisman," Yan Shun pressed, his dark eyes searching Li Feng's face. "What did it feel like?"

Mei Lian looked up, her grip tightening around the cloth in her hands. Zheng Wei stirred, his gaze flickering weakly toward them, though he said nothing.

Li Feng hesitated. He wanted to lie. Wanted to tell them that it was unbearable, that he had no desire to use it again. But the truth clawed at his throat, refusing to be caged.

"It felt…" He exhaled slowly, running a hand over his face. "Like fire in my veins. Like everything slowed, and I could see my enemies' movements before they made them. It felt… right."

Mei Lian's face darkened. "That's not something to be proud of."

"I never said I was proud." Li Feng met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "But I can't deny what I felt."

Yan Shun scoffed, turning back to the fire. "You sound just like Shen Longwei."

The words hit like a blade to the ribs. Mei Lian flinched, but she didn't refute it. Li Feng's jaw tensed. "I am nothing like him."

Yan Shun let out a bitter laugh. "A man who wields power without restraint, who believes he alone can decide how it is used? Tell me, Li Feng, how is that any different?"

"Enough," Mei Lian said sharply. "We don't have time for this."

Zheng Wei groaned softly, drawing their attention. He blinked blearily at them. "Arguing… won't change anything."

Li Feng reached out, gripping his arm. "We'll get you help. Just hold on."

Zheng Wei gave a weak smile. "I trust you, but… if I die, don't let it be in vain." His eyes flickered to the talisman. "That thing… will break you before it ever saves you."

Li Feng swallowed hard, his grip tightening. "You're not going to die."

Zheng Wei chuckled weakly. "I like your optimism."

Night fell swiftly, swallowing the mountain in an abyss of shadow. Li Feng lay back, exhaustion pulling at his limbs. His mind was a storm, tangled between doubt, anger, and something darker.

Then the dreams came.

He stood in an endless void, the ground beneath him a swirling storm of blue and gold. A figure emerged from the mist, towering and ancient. The Azure Dragon Spirit. Its eyes burned with celestial fire, its scales shimmering like the night sky.

"You walk the edge of a blade, Li Feng," the dragon's voice rumbled, echoing through the void. "And your balance is slipping."

Li Feng clenched his fists. "What is the talisman? What does it want from me?"

"The same thing all power desires," the dragon intoned. "To be wielded. To be mastered. But mastery comes at a cost."

"I can control it."

"Can you?" The dragon's eyes narrowed. "You are not the first to hold the Black Phoenix Talisman. And you will not be the last. It does not serve—it consumes. Many warriors before you thought themselves strong enough to bend it to their will. None succeeded."

Li Feng's breath came shallow. "Then why give it to me? Why let me find it?"

The Azure Dragon's form flickered, shifting like smoke. "Because the celestial alignment is near. The world teeters on the edge of chaos, and the talisman is but one piece of the greater puzzle. The twin flames are nearing their convergence."

Li Feng's heart pounded. "Twin flames… you mean me and Shen Longwei?"

The dragon did not answer. Instead, the void trembled. The swirling mist darkened, and suddenly Li Feng was no longer alone.

A shadow stood before him. Himself.

His reflection's eyes burned black and gold, the talisman's power fully embraced. This version of him smirked, tilting his head. "We both know where this is headed."

Li Feng's blood turned to ice. "No."

"You can deny it all you want," the reflection said, voice smooth as silk. "But we are one and the same. The more you fight it, the closer you come to becoming me."

The void shattered.

Li Feng woke with a gasp, sweat beading on his forehead. The fire had burned low, casting shadows against the cave walls. He looked down at the talisman beside him.

It pulsed with dark flames.

Its power was awakening on its own.