Chapter 15 - Hei Yueh (2)

Xiǎo Lán focused her mind and activated her cultivation skill, "Mind Connect." She closed her eyes and concentrated on Master Wu's energy signature, trying to establish a telepathic connection with him.

After a few moments of silence, she felt a subtle resonance in her mind, indicating that the connection was successful. She opened her eyes and saw Master Wu's energy signature glowing in her mind's eye.

"Master Wu, we're going to press on ahead," Xiǎo Lán said, her thoughts transmitting directly into Master Wu's mind.

"Ah, Xiǎo Lán, I sense that you and Ling Xiao are determined to face whatever lies ahead," Master Wu responded, his thoughts echoing in her mind. "I will remain here and continue to meditate, focusing my energy on supporting you both from afar."

"Thank you, Master Wu," Xiǎo Lán said, her thoughts filled with gratitude. "We will be careful and keep you updated on our progress."

"I have no doubt that you two will succeed," Master Wu said, his thoughts filled with confidence. "You have both grown so much stronger since our journey began. I have every faith that you will overcome any obstacles and reach your destination safely."

Xiǎo Lán smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over her. "We will, Master Wu. We won't let you down."

"I know you won't, Xiǎo Lán," Master Wu said, his thoughts filled with warmth. "You and Ling Xiao are like two peas in a pod, destined to face whatever challenges come your way together. I will continue to support you both from afar, and I have no doubt that you will emerge victorious in the end."

Xiǎo Lán nodded, her thoughts filled with determination. "We will, Master Wu. We won't give up, no matter what."

With that, the telepathic connection was severed, and Xiǎo Lán opened her eyes to find Ling Xiao looking at her with a curious expression.

"What did Master Wu say?" he asked, his voice filled with interest.

Xiǎo Lán smiled, her eyes sparkling with determination. "He wishes us luck on our journey and has every faith that we will succeed."

Ling Xiao nodded, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Then let us press on ahead, Xiǎo Lán. We have a long journey ahead of us, and I can sense that we are getting close to our destination."

As they entered the city, they were immediately struck by its sheer size and energy. Towering buildings made of a glittering white stone that seemed almost otherworldly stretched towards the sky, their rooftops hidden in the clouds. The streets were filled with people of all shapes and sizes, rushing to and fro with a sense of urgency that was palpable.

Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. They passed by vendors selling all manner of exotic goods, from rare spices to shimmering fabrics that seemed to change color in the light. They saw performers of all kinds, from acrobats to musicians, entertaining the crowds with their skills.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao started to look for a place to spend the night. They had heard of a famous inn located in the heart of the city, known for its luxurious accommodations and excellent cuisine.

After asking for directions, they finally arrived at the inn, a grand building with a sign that read "The Golden Dragon" in bold letters. They entered the lobby, a spacious room with a high ceiling and beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and ornate furnishings.

The innkeeper, a friendly woman with a warm smile, greeted them and showed them to their room. It was a cozy space with a comfortable bed, a small table, and a window that looked out onto the city.

As they settled in, Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder at the city around them. They had never seen anything like it before, and they couldn't wait to explore it further.

But as they prepared for bed, they heard a strange noise coming from outside their room. It sounded like footsteps, light and stealthy, as if someone was trying not to be heard.

Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao exchanged a curious glance. Who could be sneaking around the inn at this hour? And what did they want?

Without a word, they got out of bed and approached the door, their senses on high alert. They listened carefully, trying to pinpoint the location of the noise.

Suddenly, the footsteps stopped right outside their door. Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao froze, their hearts pounding in unison.

As they stood there, frozen in anticipation, the door slowly creaked open. A figure slipped inside, their eyes scanning the room with a sense of urgency.

Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao instinctively moved closer together, their hands on the hilts of their swords. They were ready for anything.

The figure, a young woman with a look of determination etched on her face, closed the door behind her and leaned against it. She was breathing heavily, as if she had been running.

"Please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have to help me."

Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao exchanged a skeptical glance. What did this woman want with them?

"What do you need help with?" Xiǎo Lán asked, her hand still on the hilt of her sword.

The woman hesitated, looking around the room nervously. "I'm being pursued," she said finally. "By the Hei Yueh Sect."

Ling Xiao's eyes narrowed. "What do you have to do with the Hei Yueh Sect?" he asked, his voice firm.

The woman took a deep breath before answering. "I used to be one of them," she said, her voice laced with a hint of shame. "But I discovered something...something that made me realize I had to get out. They're not what they seem."

Xiǎo Lán's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

The woman hesitated again, looking around the room nervously. "I shouldn't have come here," she said suddenly. "I've put you in danger."

And with that, she turned to leave. But Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao were too quick. They grabbed her arms, holding her in place.

"Wait," Xiǎo Lán said, her voice firm. "You can't just leave now. What do you know about the Hei Yueh Sect?"

The woman struggled against their grip, but Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao held firm. They knew they had to get to the bottom of this.

"Tell us," Ling Xiao said, his voice intense. "What secrets do you know?"

And with that, the woman's eyes flashed with a hint of fear. She knew she had no choice. She took a deep breath and began to speak…

"I was a member of the Hei Yueh Sect for many years," she began, her voice trembling. "I rose through the ranks quickly, becoming one of the top cultivators. But as I grew more powerful, I started to notice strange occurrences within the sect. People would disappear, and no one would talk about it. I saw strange rituals being performed in the dead of night, and I began to suspect that something was very wrong."

Xiǎo Lán and Ling Xiao listened intently, their grip on her arms tightening as they sensed the gravity of her words.

"I discovered a dark secret," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Hei Yueh Sect is not just a simple cultivator organization. They are a front for a much larger, more sinister force. They are seeking to summon an ancient evil, one that will grant them unimaginable power and control over the world."

Xiǎo Lán's eyes widened in horror. "What kind of evil?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The woman hesitated, looking around the room nervously. "I shouldn't have said this much," she whispered. "But I have to warn you. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. They will crush anyone who gets in their way."

Ling Xiao's face darkened with anger. "We won't let that happen," he growled. "We'll stop them, no matter what it takes."

The woman nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I knew I could trust you," she said. "But you have to be careful. They have eyes and ears everywhere. They will know I've betrayed them soon enough."

Xiǎo Lán nodded grimly. "We'll protect you," she promised. "But we need to know more. What can you tell us about their plans?"

The woman took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. "I can tell you the location of their secret temple," she said. "But you have to promise me one thing: you must destroy it. No matter what happens, you must destroy it."

Ling Xiao nodded, his eyes burning with determination. "We promise," he said. "We'll destroy it, no matter what it takes."

And with that, the woman nodded, a look of relief washing over her face. She knew she had made the right decision. Together, they would bring down the Hei Yueh Sect and save the world from their evil plans. But little did they know, the sect was already onto them, and a deadly trap was waiting in the shadows…