Chapter 36

Chapter 36: The Gates of the Azure Serpent

The journey eastward led them through mountain passes where the wind carried strange whispers and the trees bent as if watching. For days, Xiao Lian and Yun Mei Lian followed the fading ink of old maps and the guidance of the tomb spirit's words. Their destination: Azure Serpent Peak, a place spoken of in hushed tones by wandering swordsmen and cloaked storytellers in tea houses.

They arrived just as dusk kissed the cliffs, and before them loomed a staircase carved into sapphire-hued stone, climbing so high into the fog it vanished into clouds. At the base stood two statues—coiled serpents with blades for tongues and eyes of shimmering jade.

"So this is it," Xiao Lian said, his voice low.

Yun Mei Lian nodded. "No one who enters does so lightly. The Azure Serpent Sect trains those who would kill gods—or become them."

As they placed a foot upon the first step, the air rippled. A figure appeared midway up the stairs, as if woven from mist.

He wore indigo robes that shifted like liquid shadow. His gaze was sharp, his presence sharper.

"You carry the Windblade," he said flatly, addressing Xiao Lian. "And you…" He turned to Yun Mei Lian, his eyes narrowing. "You carry a forgotten name."

Mei Lian stiffened, but said nothing.

"I am Elder Xu, Warden of the Serpent Gate," the man continued. "If you seek entrance, you must first pass the Trial of Echoes."

Xiao Lian stepped forward. "We are ready."

"Are you?" Elder Xu raised a hand.

Suddenly, the stone beneath their feet vanished.

They fell—not into darkness, but into memory.

Xiao Lian found himself standing in the courtyard of the Aetherwind Sect, but it was aflame. Disciples screamed. His master, Bai He, lay dying, impaled by a shadowy figure that turned to face him.

It was himself.

Meanwhile, Yun Mei Lian stood in a mirror-world of a palace she had long forgotten. A man sat on a throne of serpents—General Yun Zhen, her brother. His voice echoed: "You left me. You took the path of illusion, while I fell for truth."

The Trial of Echoes had begun.