Qing Li remained sitting on the stone steps with his head lowered, still trying to calm the storm of emotions inside him. Hei Long stood quietly beside one of the wooden pillars,his eyes absentmindedly following the countless black threads drifting through the air. Wang Xio, however, slowly turned his head toward the shrine itself. His brows gradually furrowed as though something buried deep within his mind had begun fitting together. He stared at the shrine for several long moments before speaking in a low voice. "Something isn't right." Qing Li immediately looked up. "What is it?" Hei Long also turned toward him, his usually calm expression becoming more serious. "Did you notice something?"
Wang Xio didn't answer.Instead,he continued staring at the shrine, carefully replaying every memory they had experienced since arriving. The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. Then he spoke. "Have either of you noticed something strange about the memories?" Qing li blinked in confusion. "Strange?" Hei Long remained silent, waiting for him to continue. Wang Xio slowly nodded. "Every memory..." He paused briefly before continuing. "...ends the moment Ling Yuan disappears." Qing Li's expression slowly changed as he began recalling every scene they had witnessed. The children laughing together...the peaceful village...the strange changes inside the shrine...every memory had stopped abruptly. None of them had shown what happened after Ling Yuan vanished.
Hei Long's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're saying..." He slowly looked toward the ancient shrine. "...someone cut the memories short?" Wang Xio finally looked at both of them and nodded once. "That's exactly what I'm saying." His voice remained calm, but there was unmistakable concern behind it. "Think about it carefully." "Every single memory stops at the same point." "Not before." "Not after." "Exactly when Ling Yuan disappears."
Qing Li instinctively looked toward the silent shrine. A strange chill slowly crept through his body. "Who would hide something like that?" he whispered. Wang Xio slowly shook his head. "I don't know." Hei Long quietly stared at the threads drifting around the shrine. For some reason, they suddenly felt different.Qing Li slowly rose to his feet, unable to took his eyes away from the shrine.
The weathered wood, the faded carvings, and the silent doorway all seemed different now, as though they were hiding secrets no one had been meant to uncover. He frowned, his thoughts racing as an uneasy realization settled over him. "Then... if someone really hid the ending..." he murmured slowly, "...does that mean the memories we've seen were chosen on purpose?" His question lingered in the quiet night. Wang Xio's expression became more serious. He folded his arms and looked toward the shrine with narrowed eyes. "That's exactly what worries me," he admitted quietly. "If someone can decide which memories we see...then they can also decide which truths remain hidden."
Hei Long remained silent for a moment before calmly walking toward the shrine entrance. His footsteps were light as he stopped beside one of the old wooden pillars. He slowly raised his hand, his fingertips hovering just above the worn surface without touching it. Hiseyes reflected the faint lantern light as he whispered, "Chosen..." After a brief pause, he lowered his gaze. "To show us something." Wang Xio nodded once, but his face remained grim. "Or," he said in a low voice, "...to keep something from us." Qing Li looked back and forth between the two of them.He tightened his fists unconsciously before asking the question that had been lingering in his heart. "But... who could even do something like that?"
Several long moments passed before Hei Long answered,"The shrine." Qing Li turned toward him, confusion written across his face. "The shrine?" Hei Long gave a slow nod without taking his eyes off the shirne before them. "Every memory begins here!" he said softly. His gaze gradually shifted upward toward the countless threads winding around the roof beams like living vines. "And every memory ends here."
Wang Xio remained silent as he carefully observed the strange threads surrounding the shrine.The longer he watched, the more unnatural they seemed. Some floated freely through the courtyard, swaying gently with the breeze, while others quietly disappeared into tiny cracks within the weathered wooden walls and ancient stone foundation, as though they were connected to something buried deep inside the shrine itself. His expression slowly darkened. "They aren't just showing us the past." he said at last. Qing Li frowned and looked at him in confusion. "Then... what are they doing?"
Wang Xio drew in a slow, thoughtful breath before answering. "They're guiding us." Qing Li blinked. "Guiding us where?" Wang Xio was silent for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't know." There was no hesitation in his voice. It was simply the truth. He slowly lifted his eyes toward the old shrine, his gaze becoming unusually sharp. "But I'm certain of one thing." Qing Li and Hei Long both looked at him without speaking. Wang Xio continued quietly, "The truth we're looking for..." He paused, his eyes fixed on the dark entrance of the shrine. "isn't inside the memories we've already seen." His voice grew lower. "It's inside the memories we're being prevented from seeing."
Qing Li slowly swallowed, unable to shake the uneasiness growing inside him. "Then... if someone really doesn't want us to see those memories..." he said cautiously, "...they must be hiding something important." Wang Xio gave a small nod. "Not just important." His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Important enough that even the memories themselves were cut apart."
Before anyone could say another word, a low rumble echoed from inside the shrine. The sound was deep and heavy.The three of them immediately turned toward the shrine. At the same moment, the memorial tablets resting upon the wooden altar began trembling gently. One after another, they shook against the old shelves, producing a series of soft knocking sounds that echoed through the quiet courtyard. Qing Li instinctively took a step back. "What... is happening?" Before anyone could answer, the old bronze incense burner sitting before the altar suddenly burst into life.
Without anyone touching it, thin streams of incense smoke slowly rose into the air. The faint fragrance spread throughout the shrine as the smoke curled upward in strange spirals instead of drifting away with the wind. Hei Long's eyes narrowed slightly. "No one lit it..." Then a faint golden light appeared across the ancient carvings covering the shrine walls. The faded patterns that had been dull only moments before slowly began glowing one after another. The light spread through every carved line like flowing water, illuminating flowers, birds, mountains, and unfamiliar symbols hidden within the stone.
The entire shrine was soon bathed in a quiet golden glow. Wang Xio's expression became serious. "Those carvings..." Before he could finish speaking, another deep rumble shook the ground beneath their feet. Dust drifted down from the ceiling as the stone wall behind the altar slowly began to move. Inch by inch, it slid sideways with a heavy grinding sound, revealing a narrow passage that had remained hidden behind it.
Meanwhile in present Xu Yang had already been awake for a long time. He sat beside the window, his gaze fixed on the mountains in the distance. The village was still asleep, but his mind had never rested. The dream from last night remained clear. The forgotten memories that surfaced with it were even clearer and fragments of a past he could not fully remember.Xu Yang lowered his eyes, his fingers tightening slightly. He had spent the entire night trying to organize everything he saw, but the more he thought about it, the more questions appeared.
Should I ask Yan Luo? His thoughts paused. Is this the right time to discuss it? They were childhood friends… He closed his eyes briefly, remembering the way Yan Luo had spoken, the way he reacted whenever the past was mentioned. But how can someone just forget someone? The question stayed in his mind,His expression darkened slightly. What if he isn't forgetting? What if he's pretending not to recognize me? A cold uneasiness settled in his chest. If that was true, then why? What reason would he have to hide it? Xu Yang looked down at his own hands, remembering the fragments from the dream. The memories were incomplete, but the emotions inside them felt real.
Xu Yang slowly exhaled. It's better not to say anything yet. Until I understand what those memories mean, there's no reason to make everyone worry. His gaze shifted toward the door. I'll ask him later. When we reach the shrine. When there's a chance. For now, I need to confirm it myself. (...) A quiet sound came from behind him, and Xu Yang looked over as Chen yu stepped out of kitchen.Chen yu paused when he saw him sitting there. His eyes immediately noticed the tiredness in Xu Yang's face. "You're awake early." Chen yu said quietly. Xu Yang turned his head slightly. "So are you." Chen yu studied him for a moment. "You didn't sleep."
One by one, the others began waking up. Lin Chen was the last to woke up, looking tired and irritated. "I still think leaving at sunrise is cruel." he muttered while adjusting his clothes. Yan Luo glanced at him. "You were the one who wanted to leave as soon as possible." "I wanted to leave," Qing Li replied, "not become one with the morning cold."Chen yu ignored their argument and began gathering their belongings. "We leave now."
Zhao Ming glanced toward the mountain path outside, his expression serious. "The shrine is not far from here. If we leave now, we can reach it before sunset." Hei Long stood near the doorway, looking toward the silent mountain. "The atmosphere has changed since last night." Yan Luo paused while fastening his sword. "You noticed it too?" Hei long nodded slowly. "The mountain is quieter. Too quiet."Xu Yang remained silent as he picked up his things, his expression calm despite the thoughts still weighing on his mind. Chen Yu noticed his silence but didn't say anything. He only looked away and continued preparing. Zhao Ming glanced between them. "We already know the shrine is connected to the strange changes here. We should be careful once we arrive." Yan Luo nodded. "No one separates. Whatever happens, we stay together."
Chen yu looked slightly amused by the silence."It's strange." Zhao Ming looked at him. "What?" "Usually someone would already be arguing by now." Yan luo understood immediately and gave a faint sigh. "You mean Qing Li." Chen yu nodded. "The mountain feels quieter without him." Lin Chen adjusted his bag and glanced at them. "Don't get used to it. He'll probably complain twice as much when he catches up."
Lin Chen adjusted his bag and glanced around the room, his brows slowly knitting together. "Wait." He looked at the others. "Where is he these days?" Everyone turned toward him. Lin Chen frowned deeper. "Why can't I see him following you?" Yan Luo stared at him for a moment before raising an eyebrow. "You noticed now?" A small smirk appeared on his face. "Wow. And here I thought I was the only one who…" He suddenly stopped, clearing his throat and scratching the back of his neck. Lin Chen narrowed his eyes. "The only one who what?" "Nothing," Yan Luo replied quickly. "I didn't say anything." Lin Chen stared at him suspiciously. "What were you going to say?" Yan Luo looked away. "Forget it."
Zhao Ming watched the exchange with slight confusion before finally speaking. "Who is Qing Li?" Lin Chen looked at him calmly. "Someone who doesn't know how to stay quiet." Yan Luo immediately looked at him. "He is one of us." Lin Chen glanced at Yan Luo. "That doesn't make my statement wrong." Zhao Ming looked between them. "Then why is he not here these days?" Yan Luo leaned against the doorway, thinking for a moment. "Who knows?" he said with a small shrug. "Maybe he's with someone else." Zhao Ming raised an eyebrow. "Someone else?" Yan Luo gave a faint smile. "He just wants someone who listens to him." Lin Chen crossed his arms. "That's impossible. He talks too much for anyone to keep listening." "You're still talking about him even when he's not here," Yan Luo pointed out. Lin Chen opened his mouth to reply, then paused. "That's different."
Zhao Ming watched them quietly, and a faint smile appeared on his face but it disappeared quickly when he looked toward the mountain. "Alright. We'll have time to discuss this later. For now, we should move!" Xu Yang stepped outside first. Chen Yu walked beside him and lowered his voice. "You're really not going to tell us what happened last night?" Xu Yang's steps slowed slightly. For a moment, he considered answering. But then he remembered the fragments he saw. The feeling that something was still missing. "Not yet!" Xu Yang replied quietly. Chen Yu studied him but didn't force him. "Then I'll wait." Xu Yang looked at him briefly. "Thank you."
Behind them, Yan Luo,Lin chen and Zhao Ming followed with Hei Long watching the surroundings carefully. The group left the mountain village behind and continued toward the shrine.Zhao ming frowned slightly as his eyes swept across the forest. He slowed his pace before quietly asking, "Does something feel strange to anyone else?" Chen Yu turned toward him. "You noticed it too?" Zhao Ming nodded. "It's too quiet."
Yan Luo stopped for a brief moment and listened carefully. His expression slowly hardened as his sharp eyes moved across the trees. "There aren't any birds." Lin Chen lifted his head, studying the branches overhead before adding calmly, "Not even insects." Chen Yu folded his arms loosely as he glanced deeper into the forest. "Even the wind feels weaker."Xu Yang remained silent. His eyes slowly scanned the forest around them while an uneasy feeling settled deeper inside him. He had noticed the unnatural silence long before anyone spoke.The group continued climbing higher, their expressions growing more serious with every step. The mist thickened around the trees, weaving between the trunks until the distant path almost disappeared from sight.
Suddenly Hei Long stopped walking. His footsteps came to an abrupt halt, causing everyone behind him to stop as well. Yan Luo's hand instinctively rested on the hilt of his sword as he looked toward Hei Long. "What is it?" he asked quietly. Hei Long didn't answer.Instead, he slowly raised one hand and pointed toward a towering tree standing beside the trail. Everyone followed his finger. Blue petals drifted through the air. One after another they floated silently from the branches above, turning lazily before settling across the forest floor.
Chen Yu's eyes widened slightly as he looked upward. "There are more than yesterday." Xu Yang watched one of the petals drift onto his sleeve before sliding quietly to the ground. Zhao ming stepped closer to the tree, studying the blossoms with a puzzled expression. "I don't remember seeing this many before." "There weren't!" Yan Luo replied, keeping his eyes on the branches above. "Yesterday there were only a few."
Now the petals continued falling endlessly despite the complete absence of wind. Hei Long slowly approached the tree and gently touched one of the blue blossoms. His brows gradually furrowed. "That's strange."Lin chen glanced toward him. "What is?" Hei Long withdrew his hand without looking away from the flowers. "I don't remember these flowers blooming during this season." Chen Yu frowned immediately. "Are you certain?" Hei Long nodded once. "I've walked these mountains for years. These trees shouldn't bloom yet." Zhao Ming instinctively looked farther into the forest. His expression slowly changed. "It's not just this tree."
Everyone turned to look. Blue blossoms covered every nearby tree. Farther ahead, more trees stood wrapped in the same flowers. As far as their eyes could see, countless blue petals drifted gently through the silent forest. Lin Chen narrowed his eyes. "Yesterday this wasn't here." Chen Yu quietly nodded. "Something changed overnight." Yan Luo watched another petal float past his face before speaking in a calm but serious voice. "Nothing changes this quickly without a reason."
Xu Yang remained silent as his eyes followed the falling petals.Yan Luo noticed him staring at the petals for slightly longer than everyone else and called his name. "Xu Yang." Xu Yang looked toward him without changing his expression. Yan Luo studied him carefully. "You've noticed something." Xu Yang was silent for a brief moment before slowly shaking his head. "Only that..." He lifted his eyes toward the path disappearing into the silent mountain ahead. "...the closer we get to the shrine, the less this place feels alive." No one answered. They simply continued walking beneath the endless rain of petals.
They continued walking deeper into the mountain.The trail narrowed as towering trees closed in around them, their branches weaving together overhead until only thin strands of sunlight reached the ground.Xu Yang quietly scanned the surroundings while Chen Yu and Yan luo remained alert on either side of him.Behind them,Zhao Ming, Lin chen, and Hei long followed without lowering their guard.
Suddenly, a slow metallic scraping echoed through the forest.*Clang... Clang... Clang...* The sound dragged across the ground, heavy and deliberate, sending an uneasy chill through everyone. Xu Yang immediately stopped walking. Chen Yu's eyes sharpened as he turned toward the trees. Zhao Ming instinctively reached for the weapon at his waist. Yan Luo's hand settled firmly on the hilt of his sword, his body shifting protectively in front of the group. Hei Long silently narrowed his eyes, carefully searching the shadows. Lin Chen looked around uneasily before swallowing."Did everyone hear that?"Another metallic scrape answered him. *Clang... Clang... Clang... *This time it was much closer.
Yan Luo's expression hardened. "Stay alert." Chen Yu slowly nodded without taking his eyes off the forest. "Something's approaching." The scraping suddenly stopped and silence fell over the mountain once again.Then a figure stepped out from between the trees. He walked slowly, his movements calm and unhurried. He wore mask that completely hid his face.Silver chains coiled tightly around both of his arms, their loose ends dragging across the ground and producing the metallic sound that had drawn everyone's attention.
Lin Chen's breathing caught for a brief moment as his eyes widened slightly. "He..." His voice trembled imperceptibly. "...Who... who is he?" Zhao Ming stared at the masked stranger without blinking. "I've never seen anyone dressed like that before." Chen Yu frowned, instinctively taking half a step closer to Xu Yang. "Be careful. Something about him feels... wrong." Hei Long remained unusually serious as he quietly muttered, "No... it's not just wrong." His gaze stayed fixed on the silver chains. "He's dangerous."
Yan Luo stepped forward without hesitation, placing himself between the stranger and the others. His shoulders straightened as his fingers tightened around his sword. "Nobody moves!" he said quietly before raising his voice toward the stranger. "Who are you?" The masked figure didn't even look at him. His attention never left Xu Yang. Xu Yang instinctively met his gaze, but before he could speak, his eyes drifted downward to the silver chains coiled around the stranger's arms. His breathing slowed almost imperceptibly. ...Those chains. His brows knitted together. Why do they look so familiar? He searched his memories desperately, trying to grasp the fleeting feeling that kept slipping away. I've seen them before... haven't I?He forced himself to search deeper, but the harder he tried, the further the memory retreated, as though something was deliberately keeping it out of reach. His expression tightened with frustration. Why... can't I remember?
Masked figure looked at Xu yang and said,"I don't have much time." Xu yang frowned slightly. Yan Luo's brows furrowed. "I asked you a question." Once again, the masked figure ignored him completely. His hidden gaze remained fixed on Xu Yang alone. "Xu Yang." Hearing his own name caused Xu Yang's expression to tighten slightly. "What do you want?" The masked figure answered without hesitation. "Don't go to the shrine." Every person standing there froze. Lin Chen stared at him in confusion before quickly looking toward Xu Yang. "What did he just say?" Zhao Ming slowly frowned. "Why would he say that?" Xu Yang kept his eyes on the stranger. "Why?"
The masked figure remained perfectly calm. "Because they're waiting for you." Xu Yang felt his heartbeat quicken. "Who?" The masked figure slowly lifted his head toward the sky visible through the trees."The Heavenly Court." Xu Yang's eyes narrowed instantly.Chen yu's expression changed. Zhao Ming looked completely confused. Even Yan Luo's face grew noticeably more serious.The masked figure lowered his gaze back to Xu Yang. "They know you've begun remembering."
Xu Yang's fingers slowly curled into fists.He forced himself to remain calm before asking quietly, "Remembering what?" The masked figure answered immediately. "The truth they erased."Xu Yang glanced instinctively toward Yan Luo and noticed the subtle change in his expression. ...He reacted. Why? Does he know what this man is talking about? The masked figure took one slow step forward. The silver chains wrapped around his arms shifted softly with a metallic sound. "...If you enter the shrine now," he said calmly, "...you'll walk into their trap."
Zhao Ming slowly turned toward Yan Luo, his voice barely above a whisper. "What does he mean?" Yan Luo didn't answer. His sharp gaze never left the masked figure. Chen Yu finally broke the silence, his expression guarded. "How do you know all of this?"Xu Yang continued staring at him, countless questions racing through his mind. Who is he? How does he know my name? How does he know about the memories I recovered? And... why is he warning me?
Before anyone could ask another question, the mountain suddenly trembled beneath their feet. And low humming sound echoed across the forest.Everyone instinctively looked toward the sky.They saw brilliant pillar of golden light tore through the clouds, illuminating the silent mountain in an instant. The blue petals drifting through the air were scattered by the sudden burst of spiritual pressure, swirling wildly around the forest.
Zhao Ming suddenly stopped walking, his eyes snapping toward the sky. His expression changed instantly, all traces of curiosity disappearing. "No." Yan Luo followed his gaze without hesitation.The moment he sensed the overwhelming spiritual pressure, his face hardened. "They came..." he muttered.Within moments, several figures emerged from the fading radiance and landed gracefully upon the mountain path ahead. Their white robes were embroidered with flowing golden clouds that shimmered with every movement. Golden tokens rested at their waists, each engraved with ancient Heavenly symbols that radiated a solemn pressure.
Lin chen stared at them in complete confusion, his brows knitting together. "Who are they?"Chen Yu's eyes widened slightly as recognition surfaced from something he had once read. His voice remained cautious. "White robes... golden cloud embroidery... Heavenly tokens..." He paused before looking toward Yan Luo. "...Are they... members of the Heavenly Court?"Yan Luo didn't answer right away, his sharp eyes remained fixed on the newcomers, his expression growing more serious with every passing second. After a long silence, he gave a slow nod. "Yes."
One of the cultivators calmly stepped forward. His white robe fluttered gently despite the absence of wind. He appeared older than the others, his sharp eyes carrying an unquestionable authority. The golden token at his waist shone brighter than the rest, making it clear he was their leader. He didn't even glance at Xu Yang. His gaze settled directly upon the masked figure. Then he spoke,"Your interference ends today."
Xu Yang frowned slightly. ...He isn't talking to me. Chen Yu noticed it as well. His eyes shifted toward the masked stranger. "They're here for him..." Masked figure lowered his head ever so slightly before letting out a quiet sigh that almost sounded tired. "...You found me." The Heavenly leader's expression didn't change. "Did you truly believe you could remain hidden forever?" The masked figure slowly lifted his head, the smooth mask revealing nothing of his emotions. "No," he replied calmly. "I only hoped to delay you." The leader folded his hands behind his back. "Delay changes nothing." "Perhaps," the masked figure answered softly, "but sometimes a single moment is enough to change everything."The heavenly cultivator's eyes narrowed slightly. "You continue to obstruct Heaven's order."
The masked figure gave a quiet and almost amused laugh. "Order?" His head tilted slightly toward the sky. "Is that what you're calling it now?" The Heavenly cultivators behind their leader subtly shifted their stances, their hands resting near the weapons at their sides. Zhao Ming swallowed hard. "They're going to fight..." Chen Yu lowered his voice. "Stay behind Yan Luo." Lin Chen looked from the masked figure to the Heavenly cultivators, confusion written plainly across his face. "What is happening?" Hei Long answered without looking away from the confrontation. "We're standing between two people who know far more than they're willing to say." Xu Yang remained silent. His eyes never left the masked figure. One question echoed endlessly inside his mind. Who... are you really?