The days following their return to the Celestial Mountain Sect passed in a quiet, almost surreal calm. The sect resumed its daily routines, with disciples practicing their techniques, studying ancient texts, and attending lectures from the elders. It was as if the battle against the darkness at Blackthorn Keep had been a distant nightmare, something that belonged to another time and place. Yet, for Li Mei, the memory of that battle remained vivid, a constant reminder of the dangers that still lurked in the shadows.
Despite Elder Jin Zhi's advice to rest, Li Mei found herself unable to fully relax. The weight of her responsibilities, the vision of the dimming stars, and the destruction of the Heart of Shadow all lingered in her mind, refusing to let her find peace. She spent her days in the training grounds, honing her skills and deepening her connection to the celestial energy that flowed within her. It was her way of coping, of preparing herself for whatever might come next.
Qiao Ling and Feng Hao often joined her in her training, their presence a comfort. The bond they had forged during the battle at Blackthorn Keep had only grown stronger, and they had become a close-knit team, each member relying on the others for support and strength. They didn't speak much about the events that had transpired, but the unspoken understanding between them was enough. They all knew that the darkness wasn't truly gone, and that one day it would return.
One morning, as Li Mei was practicing her sword forms in the secluded courtyard where she had first trained with Qiao Ling, Elder Tian approached her. His expression was thoughtful, his gaze serious, as if he carried the weight of many concerns.
"Li Mei," he began, his voice gentle but firm, "you have been pushing yourself hard since our return from Blackthorn Keep. I admire your dedication, but I fear that you are not giving yourself the time you need to truly recover."
Li Mei lowered her sword, wiping the sweat from her brow as she turned to face him. "I'm fine, Elder Tian," she said, though she knew the words sounded hollow even to her own ears. "I just… I can't shake the feeling that something is still out there, waiting."
Elder Tian nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "I know that feeling well. The battle against darkness is never truly over, and it is only natural to feel a sense of unease after what you have faced. But remember that you are not alone in this. The entire sect stands with you, and we are all here to share the burden."
Li Mei appreciated his words, but the tension in her chest remained. She had always felt a deep connection to the stars, a sense of purpose that had driven her forward, but now that connection felt more like a burden than a blessing. The prophecy, the vision, the battle—it was all so much to carry.
"What if I'm not strong enough?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if, when the darkness returns, I fail?"
Elder Tian's gaze was steady, his voice filled with quiet conviction. "You are stronger than you know, Li Mei. The stars chose you for a reason. They saw in you the strength, courage, and determination needed to face the challenges ahead. But strength is not just about power or skill; it is also about wisdom, about knowing when to push forward and when to rest, when to seek help and when to stand alone. You have proven yourself time and time again, and I have no doubt that when the time comes, you will rise to the occasion."
Li Mei wanted to believe him, to find comfort in his words, but the doubts still gnawed at her. She had faced the darkness once, and she knew she could do it again, but the fear of failure, of not being enough, lingered like a shadow over her heart.
"Take some time for yourself," Elder Tian continued. "Reflect on what you have accomplished, and what you have learned. The journey ahead will be long, and you must be prepared not only in body, but in mind and spirit as well. You are not alone in this, Li Mei. We are all here to support you."
Li Mei nodded, grateful for his guidance. "Thank you, Elder Tian. I'll try to remember that."
With a final, reassuring nod, Elder Tian left her, and Li Mei was once again alone in the courtyard. She sheathed her sword and sat down on a nearby stone bench, closing her eyes as she tried to clear her mind.
The sun was warm on her skin, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers. It was peaceful here, a stark contrast to the chaos and darkness she had faced at Blackthorn Keep. But even in this tranquil setting, the weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her, refusing to let her find true rest.
After a while, she felt a familiar presence beside her. Opening her eyes, she saw Qiao Ling sitting next to her, her expression calm but concerned.
"Elder Tian is right, you know," Qiao Ling said, her tone gentle but firm. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. It's okay to take a step back, to breathe."
Li Mei sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I know, but… I can't help it. Every time I close my eyes, I see that vision, the stars dimming, the darkness spreading. What if it happens again, and I'm not ready?"
Qiao Ling placed a hand on her shoulder, her grip reassuring. "Then we'll face it together, like we did before. You don't have to carry this burden alone, Li Mei. We're a team, remember? We've got your back."
Li Mei looked at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Qiao Ling. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Qiao Ling smiled back, her expression softening. "You'd be just fine, I'm sure. But you don't have to find out. We're in this together, all of us."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the weight of their shared experiences creating a bond that needed no words. The sun continued to shine, the world around them peaceful and calm, a brief respite from the storm that loomed on the horizon.
After a time, Qiao Ling stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "Come on," she said, her tone light but with a hint of determination. "Let's go find Feng Hao and do something fun for a change. We deserve it after everything we've been through."
Li Mei hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded, standing up and dusting off her robes. "Yeah, you're right. Let's do it."