The Mystic Realm loomed on the horizon, and the air in the sect buzzed with anticipation. Lin Xue could feel the tension mounting, not just from the rumors swirling around her, but from the entire sect as disciples prepared for the trial that would shape their futures. While Lin Xue had always been content to walk her path alone, she knew that the Mystic Realm was different. Unlike the controlled environment of the sect, it was a place where strength alone might not be enough to guarantee survival. Strategy, timing, and yes, perhaps even allies, would be necessary.
Lin Xue sat by the window of her quarters, her veil resting on the table beside her as she stared out at the tranquil gardens below. Her beauty, unmarred by the veil's absence, was an ethereal contrast to the hardened determination in her eyes. She had always disdained love, knowing that such entanglements only brought weakness. But alliances built on mutual benefit—that was something she could tolerate, at least for now.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Han Mei entered the room, her expression hesitant but respectful.
"Mistress," she began, "there are two disciples waiting to see you. Liang Chen and Xu Feng."
Lin Xue's brow furrowed slightly. Liang Chen she had expected—his interest in her had been clear since their first encounter. Xu Feng, however, was another story. He was not as outspoken as Liang Chen, but he had a reputation for his intellect and strategic mind. It seemed the time had come for the admirers in the sect to make their moves.
"Send them in," Lin Xue said calmly, settling into her chair as she mentally prepared herself.
Moments later, the door opened, and the two disciples entered. Liang Chen was as confident as ever, his handsome features softened by a charming smile. Xu Feng, on the other hand, was more reserved. He was tall, with sharp eyes that spoke of careful calculation rather than the straightforward admiration Liang Chen often displayed.
"Lin Xue," Liang Chen greeted warmly, his voice light but respectful. "I'm glad you agreed to see us."
Xu Feng remained silent, observing her closely as if gauging her reaction to their visit. Lin Xue returned their gazes with her usual cool demeanor.
"What is it that you want?" she asked directly, wasting no time on pleasantries.
Liang Chen exchanged a glance with Xu Feng before speaking. "We've heard the rumors, Lin Xue. The inner sect is buzzing with talk about you—your strength, your talent, and… your enemies. Zhao Yue is plotting against you, and there are others who would gladly see you fall. The Mystic Realm is a dangerous place, and you will need more than strength to survive."
Xu Feng finally spoke, his tone measured. "We've come to offer you an alliance. The Mystic Realm is unpredictable, and while your strength is formidable, the risks are high. Together, we can ensure that none of us fall prey to the schemes of others."
Lin Xue studied them in silence for a moment, her mind turning over the possibilities. She had already turned down several offers for alliances in the past, preferring to rely on her own abilities. But these two were different. Liang Chen's charm and charisma made him well-liked, and Xu Feng's strategic mind was known throughout the sect. Together, they could be valuable allies, at least for now.
"And what do you expect in return?" Lin Xue asked, her voice calm but sharp.
Liang Chen's smile widened slightly. "Protection, of course. You're not the only one with enemies, Lin Xue. Zhao Yue's influence runs deep, and there are others who would be glad to see us eliminated as well. We're not asking for much—just a mutual understanding. We watch your back, and you watch ours."
Xu Feng nodded in agreement. "No one in the Mystic Realm can be trusted completely, but a temporary alliance serves all our interests. When we return, we can go our separate ways. But inside the realm, survival comes first."
Lin Xue's expression remained unreadable as she considered their words. A temporary alliance—one that could be broken the moment their goals no longer aligned—was something she could agree to. She didn't need or want to rely on them, but having extra eyes and ears in the Mystic Realm could give her an edge.
"Very well," she said finally, her tone steady. "I will accept your offer. But make no mistake—I am not interested in becoming anyone's shield. If you get in my way, I won't hesitate to leave you behind."
Liang Chen chuckled, seemingly unfazed by her cold response. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Lin Xue."
Xu Feng's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded in agreement. "We understand. This is a matter of mutual benefit, nothing more."
With the agreement reached, Lin Xue stood, signaling that their meeting was over. "Prepare yourselves. The Mystic Realm is not a place for the weak or the foolish. When the time comes, we move swiftly and decisively."
The two disciples bowed respectfully and left the room, leaving Lin Xue alone once more. She watched them go, her thoughts already turning to the upcoming trial. The Mystic Realm was filled with unknown dangers, but it also held countless opportunities. Rare herbs, treasures, and ancient techniques could all be found there—if one was strong enough to claim them.
And Lin Xue intended to claim everything she could.
As the door closed behind her visitors, Han Mei approached cautiously, her eyes filled with questions she didn't dare voice. Lin Xue glanced at her, sensing the uncertainty.
"You don't trust them," Lin Xue stated, her tone more observant than questioning.
Han Mei hesitated before answering. "It's not that, Mistress. I just… I fear that their intentions might not be as simple as they claim."
Lin Xue smiled faintly, though the smile didn't reach her eyes. "Their intentions are irrelevant, Han Mei. What matters is that I control the outcome. They are useful for now, but when the time comes, I'll deal with them as necessary."
Han Mei nodded, though her worry remained. "As you say, Mistress."
With her allies now in place, Lin Xue turned her attention to the more immediate task at hand. The Mystic Realm would open in just a few days, and she needed to be fully prepared. Her cultivation had already reached the peak of Qi Condensation, and she could feel the impending breakthrough to Foundation Building, but she needed more than that. She needed power beyond her current limits.
Stepping toward her cultivation chamber, Lin Xue's eyes gleamed with icy determination. The Mystic Realm would be a battlefield, and she had no intention of losing.