Chapter 5: Wrath And Restraints

The mark from the House of Wrath seared into Rui's right forearm seemed alive, battling against each other beneath her skin.

"What's happening to you?" Jin asked with concern,

Stay back," Rui warned, her teeth clenched against the pain.

The agony grew, spreading from her arm through her whole body. Sweat dripped down her face as she fought against the blaze inside her.

This seal was unlike before—it felt like something was trying to take over.

Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the temple's stone floor. Her body convulsed violently as the Wrath mark glowed brighter and brighter.

Within her, the Chaos Core connected with the Wrath Domain. It felt like two discordant instruments suddenly playing in harmony.

The unstable loop between her core and the mark spun out of control, and her body, untrained and inexperienced, couldn't contain it.

Jin, ignoring her warning, moved closer. His monk's training allowed him to sense the dangerous energy swelling within her.

"Your spiritual channels are overloading," he said gently, touching her shoulder.

Rui doubled over, a scream tearing from her throat as the pressure became unbearable.

The pink-gold aura surrounding her suddenly flared blindingly bright, then imploded inward like a collapsing star.

For a split second, everything was utterly still. Then she erupted. A blast of pink-gold fire burst from her body, shattering the time-freeze effect.

A shockwave rippled across the temple. The monks, once frozen in place, now flew across the courtyard.

Arms and legs flailed wildly, their white robes turning them into undignified aerial performers.

"DEMON!" one monk shouted before he collided with a prayer wheel, causing it to spin crazily.

Three junior monks soared over the meditation garden, landing in a heap among the pebbles. 

Elder Sun shot backward with such force that he became embedded halfway into the temple wall, his legs kicking uselessly. His expression was furious as he found himself unable to move.

"This is just what I—" He was cut off as a flying incense burner narrowly missed him.

The temple's sacred archives burst open, releasing scrolls that twirled in the air like confetti. Ancient texts on purification and enlightenment fluttered around, adding an odd festivity to the chaos.

Master Tao, arced gracefully before becoming stuck between two roof beams, his long white beard dangling.

"This is most... undignified," he wheezed, trying to maintain composure despite hanging precariously.

At the center of all this, Rui hovered in mid air. Her whole body was aglow with pink-gold fire, her hair a floating halo, her eyes blazing with intense light.

Then, the energy vanished. The trial mark of Wrath stopped glowing.

Rui dropped to the ground. She landed ungracefully, collapsing in a tangle of limbs and disheveled hair.

"Demon containment formation!" Elder Sun shouted, finally freeing himself from the wall. His face was twisted with anger as he pulled yellow talismans from his robe.

"She will destroy the entire temple!"

Five monks scrambled up, drawing spiritual paper charms from their sleeves. They positioned themselves in the shape of a pentagram around Rui and began chanting in an ancient language.

"By celestial decree and the laws of purity, we bind this corrupted essence!" one monk declared, placing a talisman on the ground.

It glowed blue, sending a chain of spiritual energy towards Rui's ankle.

"The sacred texts are clear—all demonic influences must be cleansed from this holy ground!" another monk shouted, forming complex signs with his hands.

Despite his bruises and torn robes, Jin stood protectively in front of Rui.

His arms were spread wide, forming a human barrier between her and the approaching monks.

"Leave her alone," Jin said quietly but firmly. Blood trickled from a cut above his eye, yet he remained resolute.

"She's injured. Whatever power she has, it's not evil."

Elder Sun's expression darkened.

"Step aside, Jin. You are letting your emotions cloud your judgment."

"My judgment is clear," Jin replied, standing his ground.

"I've spent my life sensing evil. There is none here."

The uncertain monks exchanged uneasy glances, caught between their elder's command and Jin's unexpected defense.

"I won't let you harm her!" Jin said, his echoing across the silent courtyard.

Elder Sun's face was full of indignation.

"You would betray your sacred vows for a demon? Have you forgotten everything we stand for?"

"I've forgotten nothing," Jin replied, his usual gentle demeanor now firm.

"Our first vow is compassion for all living beings."

Rui got to her feet, trying to look strong. Her head was still dizzy from the burst of energy, but she refused to show fear in front of the monks.

"I can defend myself," she declared, placing a hand on her hip to look confident.

However, her unsteady legs betrayed her, causing her to stumble into Jin.

Jin instinctively caught her around the waist, helping her regain balance.

His face turned bright red as his hand made contact, even up to his ears.

"S-sorry," he mumbled, clearly flustered but keeping a firm hold until she was steady.

"Don't apologize," Rui said softly, grateful for the support.

"Just don't let these bald bullies think I'm weak."

Master Tao, now free from the rooftop, stroked his long beard thoughtfully as he approached them.

Unlike Elder Sun's anger, Master Tao's eyes were filled with curiosity.

"The situation requires proper deliberation," Master Tao stated, his aged voice commanding respect.

"This... visitor... possesses power beyond ordinary demonic energy.

Elder Sun stepped forward. "Master, you cannot possibly suggest—"

"I suggest nothing yet," Master Tao interrupted.

"But hasty judgment serves neither heaven nor earth."

He turned toward Jin and Rui. "We will take her to the inner sanctum for formal discussion. Under strict observation, of course."

The gathered monks exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared contradict their eldest master.

"She will remain bound by spiritual restraints," Elder Sun insisted, "and guarded at all times."

Master Tao nodded, "Agreed. Jin will take primary responsibility for her conduct in our monastery."

Jin looked surprised by Master Tao's decision.

"Me? I have to be responsible for her?"

"You chose this when you stood between her and our defenses," Master Tao explained, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Now, you must manage the consequences of that choice."

Elder Sun scoffed, "This is unheard of! Allowing a powerful demon into our main area? The protective wards might react violently!"

"Then we will discover her true nature," Master Tao said calmly.

"The wards only reject those with harmful intentions."

Rui straightened up, trying to appear dignified despite her disheveled state and the pain from her Wrath mark.

"I don't intend to destroy your monastery. I just..." She paused, unsure how to explain without revealing too much.

"You broke through our sacred barrier, disrupted a purification ritual, and erupted with demonic energy," Elder Sun concluded for her.

"Well, if you put it that way." Rui muttered.

A small black shape darted towards Rui, launching itself at her chest. She caught Kee Kee instantly, and the little creature nestled into her arms.

"You reckless, flame-headed princess!" Kee Kee hissed, though only Rui could understand. To everyone else, it was angry barks.

The monks recoiled at the sight of the demonic creature. Elder Sun reached for another talisman, but Master Tao stopped him with a gesture.

"The small one comes too," the old monk declared. "They are clearly bound."

Jin, staying close to Rui, looked at the creature in her arms.

"Is that safe?" asked Jin.

"Kee Kee? He's harmless."

Kee Kee belched a small flame, singeing Jin's already tattered sleeve.

With a wince, Rui amended,

"Mostly harmless."

The monks led Rui through the stone paths of the Hidden Lotus Temple, her wrists bound with glowing spiritual restraints.

The paper talismans on her forearms emitted a soft blue light, meant to suppress demonic energy—though they flickered as they struggled against her powerful core.

Jin walked beside her, assigned as her reluctant guardian. He focused on the stone path in front of them to avoid looking at her. 

His clothes were stained with dried blood, but he didn't want any medical attention until Rui's issue was taken care of.

"So," Rui started talking as they climbed the narrow stairs cut into the cliff,

"Is this how you usually treat guests? These restraints are a bit much for a first date."

Jin nearly stumbled on the steps, his face turning red.

"This—this isn't—we're not—"

"I'm just kidding," Rui said with a small laugh and leaned closer to whisper as if sharing a secret.

"But you're quite cute when you're flustered." Jin blushed even more and cleared his throat. Rui looked around at the misty mountains and asked,

"Where exactly are we going? This place feels overly pure, and it's making my skin itch."

Jin turned to her, his expression relaxing a little.

"This is the Hidden Lotus Temple. We're up in the Cloudspire Mountains, right at the edge between the human world and the celestial realms."

His voice carried a note of pride.

"The monastery has been here for over 800 years, serving as a center for purification and spiritual healing."

"That explains why I'm itching," Rui muttered, her curiosity piqued.

"And you? Are you one of these purification specialists?"

"I'm a wandering monk," Jin explained. "I travel to different villages to perform exorcisms and healing rituals. I come back to the temple sometimes for... reflection."

Rui observed his face and caught the slight pause before he said "reflection."

"Is that another word for punishment among monks?" Jin looked surprised.

"How did you—"

"I'm really good at reading people," Rui said with a small smile and a wink.

"Especially adorably awkward monks with secrets."