The chamber was quiet, lit only by a single, faintly flickering lantern. The stone walls around them seemed to close in, as if to contain the words that hung heavily in the air. Shen Yuan sat across from Gui Zuwang, his gaze hard and unyielding.
"Tell me the truth, Gui Zuwang."
Gui Zuwang reclined, raising an eyebrow, a faint, amused smirk playing on his lips. "Truth?" his voice echoed softly, as if the word itself held some deep irony. His eyes danced with the slightest hint of mischief, and he swirled his cup of wine lazily. "Truth is a wide word, Shen Yuan. You'll have to be a bit more specific."
A flicker of irritation crossed Shen Yuan's face, but he forced it down, tightening his grip on the arms of his chair. Losing his temper here would get him nowhere. "Since I came to this sect, everything that's happened feels like it was… planned. Like each event was set up just for me. None of it feels natural."
Gui Zuwang raised his cup to his lips, drinking as if Shen Yuan's words were of little importance. "You're suggesting, then, that all the challenges, all the little 'coincidences'… that they're somehow connected?"
Shen Yuan leaned forward, his gaze steely. "I'm saying it's obvious. From my grandfather's death to the strange encounters I've had… even the rivals who have cropped up at just the right times. Nothing about this feels random."
Gui Zuwang paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he met Shen Yuan's gaze. His smirk faded, replaced by a look of faint amusement mingled with respect. "You really are more perceptive than I expected," he murmured. "But to connect so many dots… not many could do that."
Shen Yuan held his stare, waiting.
Gui Zuwang's smirk returned, his gaze darkening as he continued. "Yes, Shen Yuan. Nothing you've experienced has been without purpose. Every move, every encounter, they were carefully orchestrated."
Shen Yuan felt a chill run down his spine, but he forced himself to stay calm. He had suspected manipulation, but hearing it confirmed was something else entirely. "Orchestrated by whom?"
Gui Zuwang set his cup down, resting his chin on his hand as he observed Shen Yuan. "By those who see you as a potential threat. People who would rather eliminate you before you can grow strong enough to challenge them."
A strange thrill ran through Shen Yuan's veins. "And you? Are you one of them?"
Gui Zuwang laughed softly, shaking his head. "I am… an observer. A man with his own motives, but not so foolish as to waste talent when I see it. Consider me a guide, if you like. But remember, I won't shield you from those who want you gone. That's something you'll have to handle on your own."
Shen Yuan's thoughts churned. This wasn't the sort of answer he had expected. "So what now?" he asked, his voice quieter but no less determined. "What am I supposed to do with this?"
Gui Zuwang's gaze turned sharper, more intense. "Now?" he said, his tone soft but laced with warning. "You do what they fear most. Grow. Rise. Power, Shen Yuan, is the only language they understand. They fear what you might one day become, not what you are now. Show them just how right they are to be afraid."
Shen Yuan's hands clenched, a fire lighting in his eyes. "I'll make them regret underestimating me, especially for what they did to my grandfather…" Shen Yuan's eyes glowed an eerie red with bloodlust.
Gui Zuwang watched him, a strange glint of approval in his gaze. "Good. But remember… don't rush. Let them think they're still in control. And when the time is right, show them who you truly are."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke, the silence hanging heavy in the room. Shen Yuan felt his resolve solidify, a cold determination settling over him. He was no pawn to be played with, no weakling they could manipulate or discard.
If they thought they could control his life, they were wrong. He would turn the tables, make them regret every scheme and every plan.
Then he again turned to Gui Zuwang, "I have a few more questions!"