The forest behind them, Li Wei and his companions emerged into a vast expanse of rolling hills. The air was cooler here, tinged with the faint smell of rain on the horizon. Despite their recent victories and the fragment they had claimed, the group remained tense, the challenges of the Deepwood Forest still fresh in their minds.
"We're heading toward the eastern regions now," Li Wei said, studying the map Elder Han had given them. "The next fragment should lie somewhere in the Echoing Spires, but it's a long journey."
Xin Ren frowned, scanning the landscape ahead. "This area is too open for my liking. If anyone wanted to ambush us, we'd see them too late."
Li Yan nodded, her bow already in hand. "It's better than being swallowed by another cursed forest. But we need to stay alert. Every time we've pushed forward, someone's been waiting for us."
Lan Fei, trailing behind, offered a faint chuckle. "You've certainly made an impression, Li Clan. The more progress you make, the more enemies you'll find eager to stop you."
Li Wei didn't respond, though he couldn't deny the truth in Lan Fei's words. The Heavenly Sword Art's fragments had drawn attention from rivals, and their victories only added fuel to the fire. He could feel the weight of the journey growing heavier with each step, the burden of the clan's legacy pressing harder against his shoulders.
The Encounter at the Crossroads
By late afternoon, they reached a crossroads where a single stone marker stood, its carvings worn smooth by time. The paths branched in three directions, each leading into unfamiliar territory. Li Wei consulted the map, frowning as he traced their next route.
"This doesn't match the map," he muttered. "The marker isn't listed, and these paths weren't mentioned."
"Another trick?" Jian Ming asked, glancing around nervously.
"No," Lan Fei said, stepping forward. "This is old. Older than most maps, I'd wager. But it's not just a marker—it's a signal."
Before anyone could ask what they meant, a figure stepped out from behind the marker. They were tall and lean, their long, dark hair tied back, and their robes bore no insignia, marking them as unaffiliated—or so it seemed. Their eyes, sharp and calculating, swept over the group before settling on Li Wei.
"You're far from home, Li Clan," the stranger said, their voice smooth and calm. "I assume you're heading east?"
Li Wei placed a hand on his sword, his stance cautious. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
The stranger raised their hands in a gesture of peace. "No need for hostility. My name is Zhao Kun, a traveler like yourselves. Though I must admit, I've been following your progress for some time."
"Another one?" Li Yan muttered, her eyes narrowing. "Why is everyone so interested in us?"
Zhao Kun smiled faintly. "Because you're making waves in a stagnant world. The Heavenly Sword Art—its fragments, its legend—has drawn the attention of far more than your rivals. There are those who would see you succeed… and those who would see you destroyed."
Lan Fei tilted their head, their expression curious. "And which are you, I wonder? A friend or a foe?"
"That depends on you," Zhao Kun replied. "I have information—knowledge of the Echoing Spires and the trials you'll face there. I could guide you, but only if you're willing to accept my terms."
Li Wei's grip on his sword tightened. "And what are your terms?"
Zhao Kun's smile widened slightly. "A share in what you find. The Echoing Spires hold more than just fragments—there are relics, techniques, and knowledge that could benefit us both. Allow me to claim what lies beyond your immediate goal, and I'll ensure you reach the spires safely."
A Divided Team
The group gathered in a tight circle, discussing Zhao Kun's offer out of earshot. The air was thick with tension, each member's expression reflecting their unease.
"I don't trust them," Li Yan said bluntly. "They've been following us, and now they suddenly want to help? It's too convenient."
Li Huang folded his arms. "Agreed. But if they know the area and the trials, it might be worth the risk. We're moving into unknown territory, and we can't afford unnecessary delays."
Xin Ren glanced at Lan Fei. "What's your take? You're usually the first to point out a snake when you see one."
Lan Fei smirked. "Oh, Zhao Kun's definitely hiding something. But that doesn't mean they're lying about the spires. If they can get us there faster, I say we use them. Just… keep an eye on your pockets."
Li Wei listened to the arguments, weighing the risks. Trust was a fragile thing, and their journey had taught him to be cautious. Yet the mention of relics and techniques beyond the fragments intrigued him. If Zhao Kun's knowledge could save them time and effort, it might be worth the gamble.
Finally, he nodded. "We'll accept your terms, Zhao Kun. But know this—if you betray us, there won't be a second chance."
The Journey to the Spires
With Zhao Kun leading the way, the team pressed onward, following the eastern path through the hills. The journey was uneventful at first, but as they approached the spires, the air grew colder, and the terrain became more treacherous. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground like broken teeth, and the faint sound of wind whistling through the spires carried an eerie tone.
"This place feels… unnatural," Jian Ming said, glancing around nervously.
"It is," Zhao Kun replied. "The Echoing Spires are said to be a remnant of an ancient battlefield, much like Ashenfang Canyon. The Qi here is warped, and the trials within are tied to the spirits of those who once fought and fell."
Li Wei frowned. "Spirits? Are we walking into another ambush?"
"Not exactly," Zhao Kun said. "The spires are less concerned with your strength and more with your resolve. They test your purpose, your loyalty, and your ability to sacrifice. Be prepared for illusions that strike at the heart."
Lan Fei chuckled. "Sounds like my kind of place."
Li Yan shot them a glare. "Somehow, I doubt that."
A Warning from the Past
As they neared the base of the spires, Zhao Kun paused, their expression uncharacteristically serious. "Before we proceed, you should know something. The spires have claimed the lives of many who sought their secrets. Some were consumed by greed, others by fear. If your purpose wavers, the spires will sense it and strike you down."
Li Wei met their gaze evenly. "Our purpose is clear. We're here to restore the Li Clan's legacy and protect the fragments from falling into the wrong hands."
Zhao Kun nodded. "Then let's hope the spires agree."
The Spires Await
The Echoing Spires loomed before them, towering stone formations that seemed to hum with a faint, haunting melody. The wind carried whispers that tugged at the edges of their minds, each voice murmuring fragments of doubt and fear.
Li Wei took a deep breath, his hand resting on his sword. "This is it. Whatever trials await, we face them together."
The team nodded, their resolve unshaken despite the tension in the air. As they stepped into the shadow of the spires, the ground beneath them seemed to shift, and the whispers grew louder.
The Echoing Spires had awakened, and the next trial of the Heavenly Sword Art was about to begin.
End of Chapter 32