Breaking the Illusions

Xiao Lian's chest heaved, her limbs screaming with exhaustion, but she refused to collapse. Sweat trickled down her brow, stinging her eyes as she clutched her sword like a lifeline. The remnants of Qin Ziyan's illusions faded around her, dissolving into thin wisps of energy.

Her heart pounded like a war drum, her mind still buzzing from the mental assault.

Across the training grounds, Qin Ziyan leaned casually against a stone pillar, watching her with that ever-present, fox-like smirk. His silver hair caught the fading sunlight, and his violet eyes gleamed with an unsettling mix of curiosity and amusement.

"You broke my final illusion faster than I expected," he said, voice lilting like he was praising a pet for learning a new trick. "Not bad, Xiao Lian."

Xiao Lian wiped her mouth with her sleeve, tasting blood. The last illusion had shattered her psyche like glass, forcing her to relive her family's disgust over and over. If it weren't for SIS, she might have lost herself completely. But she didn't.

"I don't need your approval," she snapped, voice raw. "If you're done playing games, get out of my way."

Qin Ziyan chuckled, the sound low and sinister. "You misunderstand me." He pushed off the pillar, sauntering toward her like a predator. "I'm not mocking you. I'm impressed."

He stopped a few feet away, tilting his head as he studied her like a puzzle he wanted to take apart. "Most people crumble under my third illusion. You broke the seventh." He stepped closer, voice dropping to a murmur. "What are you, Xiao Lian?"

Her fingers twitched around her sword, instincts screaming to back away, but she stood her ground. "A disciple," she bit out. "Just like you."

Qin Ziyan's smile sharpened. "Liar."

The word coiled around her like a snake.

For a split second, she thought he'd trap her in another illusion but he didn't. He just stood there, letting the silence stretch between them like a blade.

Finally, he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Whatever. I suppose it doesn't matter." His gaze flicked to the distant mountains beyond the sect walls, expression darkening. "The tournament will be a bloodbath, anyway."

Xiao Lian frowned. "What do you mean?"

Qin Ziyan flicked her a glance, as if deciding whether she was worth telling. "The tournament isn't just about proving strength," he said, voice losing its playful edge. "It's a test. Not for us, but for them."

"Them?" she echoed, heart lurching.

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "The elders."

A cold chill ran down her spine.

Qin Ziyan stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I've been in this sect longer than you, Xiao Lian. Long enough to know the tournament isn't what it seems." His eyes gleamed like twin amethysts. "The Celestial Pagoda is real, yes. But the elders don't open its gates for charity."

She swallowed, her throat tight. "What are you saying?"

He circled her like a vulture. "They're looking for something," he said. "Or someone. And they'll happily break every finalist to find it."

Her pulse hammered. SIS buzzed faintly in her mind, processing his words.

[Warning: High-risk variables detected. Analyzing elder activity patterns…]

Xiao Lian's fingers curled into fists. She thought about the assassination attempt. The shadowed figure who'd tried to kill her. The fact that SIS had detected traces of elder-level Qi on the assailant.

Could the two be connected?

"I can't prove it," Qin Ziyan admitted, as if sensing her thoughts. "But I know the elders are watching the tournament closer than ever this year. And something tells me you're the reason why."

Her breath caught. "Why me?"

He laughed, the sound bitter. "Come on, Xiao Lian. You're a nobody who appeared out of thin air, climbed the ranks like you were born for it, and broke my illusions like they were paper. People don't do that." He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "Unless they aren't people at all."

Her heart twisted painfully, memories of her two past life clawing to the surface.

She stepped back, shaking her head. "You don't know anything about me."

Qin Ziyan straightened, rolling his shoulders like he didn't care. "Maybe not. But the elders are curious. And curiosity kills faster than swords around here. I only know... Or should I say, I heard that you are the cast out daughter of riches." He sighed. "I wonder why would your family, or should I say your father...why would your father sent you out to the place..."

The wind picked up, carrying the faint scent of incense from the sect temple.

Xiao Lian's jaw tightened. "Why are you telling me this?"

His smile returned, sharp and predatory. "Because I want you to make it to the finals."

She blinked. "What?"

Qin Ziyan spread his arms, as if it was obvious. "The stronger you get, the harder the elders will show their hand. And when they do…" His eyes darkened. "I want to be there to see what happens."

He turned, walking away without waiting for her response.

"Train hard, Xiao Lian," he called over his shoulder. "I'd hate to see you die before the fun starts."

She stood there long after he disappeared, her chest tight and her mind spinning.

[Analysis complete.]

SIS's voice echoed through her consciousness.

[Multiple anomalies detected in elder energy patterns. High probability of organized manipulation during the tournament. Recommended action: Increase personal combat capabilities immediately.]

Xiao Lian closed her eyes, steadying her breathing.

Qin Ziyan's illusions were brutal but at least they were honest. A reflection of her own mind's weaknesses. And she was okay with it, knowing fully well she has fought with him for the third time in a role. His illusions are very unique but dangerous.

The elders were a different kind of monster. And if they were truly watching her, waiting for her to break…She'd give them a reason to be afraid. And she will do that very well without leaving anything or anyone out of it.