The forest thinned as the temple came into view, an ancient structure nestled against the mountainside. It seemed to defy the ravages of time, its stone walls weathered but standing firm. The vines draped over its façade looked more like a veil than a sign of decay. A tranquil silence enveloped the area, broken only by the soft crunch of footsteps as Ling Tianyi and Zhi Yue approached.
Tianyi stopped abruptly, his gaze locked on the temple. Something stirred within him—a faint, unplaceable feeling.
"Don't tell me you're feeling nostalgic," Zhi Yue teased, stepping around him. "Or is this your dramatic way of pretending you've never been here?"
Tianyi's lips pressed into a thin line. He didn't answer, but his hesitation spoke volumes.
"Oh, come on," Zhi Yue continued, gesturing toward the temple. "It's just another crumbling shrine. What's the big deal? Or is it one of those places? You know, where the mighty Ling Tianyi once graced mortals with his presence."
Tianyi's glare could have frozen fire, but Zhi Yue simply grinned and sauntered forward.
The interior of the temple was simple yet pristine. Despite its age, there was no sign of dust or neglect. The floors were swept clean, and offerings of fruit and rice sat neatly before a massive statue. Tianyi's breath caught as his eyes fell upon it.
The statue depicted a figure seated in serene meditation, exuding an aura of quiet authority. Though its features were partially worn, there was no mistaking it—it was him.
"Well, well, well," Zhi Yue said, his voice laced with mockery. He leaned against the offering table, picking up a rice cake. "I've heard of vanity, but building yourself a temple? That's next-level, Tianyi. Bravo."
"I didn't build it," Tianyi muttered, his voice distant as he stepped closer to the statue.
"Sure you didn't," Zhi Yue replied, taking a bite of the rice cake. "And I'm just a humble farmer with a penchant for apples. You're really bad at lying, you know that?"
Tianyi ignored him, his fingers brushing the base of the statue. The touch sent a jolt through his mind, unlocking fragments of memory. He saw himself standing in this very spot, surrounded by villagers bowing in reverence. He remembered their devotion, their unwavering belief in him—and something else. Something he couldn't quite grasp.
"I was here," he murmured, more to himself than to Zhi Yue.
"Congratulations on that revelation," Zhi Yue said, sitting cross-legged in front of the statue. He plucked another fruit from the offerings. "What's next? You'll tell me you used to have tea parties with these mortals? Honestly, Tianyi, this is almost too easy."
Tianyi closed his eyes, letting instinct guide him. His hands moved into a series of seals, the movements fluid despite his weakened state. The air grew dense, a low hum vibrating through the temple.
The ground beneath their feet began to tremble.
Zhi Yue tilted his head, watching with amusement. "Are we summoning something fun, or is this just your way of asking the earth for answers?"
The tremors intensified, cracks spreading across the temple floor. Light erupted from the statue, enveloping the room in a golden glow. A deep, resonant sound echoed through the air as the floor split open, revealing a radiant artifact rising from the depths.
It was a lotus-shaped object, its petals shimmering with ethereal light that shifted between hues of gold and violet. The artifact spun slowly, emitting a melody that seemed to resonate with Tianyi's very soul.
"Oh, now that's pretty," Zhi Yue said, shielding his eyes from the glow. "A divine nightlight, perhaps? Or is this one of your old toys?"
The artifact hovered before Tianyi, circling him with an almost sentient excitement. Finally, it floated into his outstretched hand, dimming as it settled into his palm.
"The Heavenly Soul Lotus," Tianyi whispered, the name emerging from the depths of his memory.
"Heavenly Soul Lotus?" Zhi Yue repeated, bursting into laughter. "That's what you called it? How original. Let me guess—it's supposed to represent purity and enlightenment? Oh wait, that doesn't fit you at all."
Tianyi's grip on the artifact tightened, but he didn't rise to the bait.
The lotus pulsed with light, and Tianyi's hands moved into another series of seals. The artifact dissolved into a stream of light, entering his chest in a burst of energy. He staggered as his body was struck by an otherworldly force. Lightning crackled around him, and memories flooded his mind.
He saw flashes of war, the Heavenly Soul Lotus in his hand as it cut through both gods and demons. He remembered laughter, the devotion of villagers, and the quiet satisfaction of their gratitude. But the memories stopped short of the events that had led to his fall.
When the light finally faded, Tianyi stood straighter. His body felt stronger, his spiritual energy flowing more freely.
"Well, look at you," Zhi Yue drawled, reclining against the statue. "All powered up and ready to brood some more. Let me guess—next comes the part where you swear vengeance or give a heartwarming speech about redemption?"
Tianyi turned to him, his eyes sharper than before. "Do you ever stop talking?"
"Not when it's this entertaining," Zhi Yue replied with a grin. "Besides, someone has to keep you from taking yourself too seriously."
As Tianyi inspected the temple, Zhi Yue made himself comfortable beneath the statue, rifling through the offerings.
"You know," Zhi Yue said, holding up a roasted sweet potato, "these mortals really should've offered something more exciting. No wine? No roast pheasant? Honestly, Tianyi, how did you survive on this bland devotion?"
Tianyi sighed, exasperated. "Why are you like this?"
"Because you're like that," Zhi Yue said, gesturing at him with the sweet potato. "Someone has to balance out all that doom and gloom."
As they prepared to leave, Tianyi glanced back at the statue one last time.
"You're thinking about them," Zhi Yue said, his tone unusually soft. "The ones who built this place. The ones who believed in you."
Tianyi nodded. "They deserved better."
Zhi Yue smirked, though his eyes held a glimmer of something deeper. "Maybe. Or maybe they got exactly what they needed. Even gods fall, Tianyi. You just fell harder than most."
Tianyi didn't respond, his gaze lingering on the statue. Finally, he turned and began walking away.
"You coming?" he asked over his shoulder.
"Of course," Zhi Yue said, falling into step beside him. "Where else would I be? Someone has to make sure you don't mope yourself into oblivion."
As they left the temple, a shadow passed over the clearing, unnoticed by either of them. Hidden in the forest, a figure watched their retreating forms, its eyes gleaming with malice.