Chapter 4: The Weight of Potential
Zhang Xian stood at the window of the Supreme Celestial Sect's grand hall, gazing at the endless sky beyond. His thoughts lingered on the girl's confession. A Dao body… It was rare, and its value was immeasurable in the world of cultivation. But for her, it had become a curse—a mark that drew predators from every corner of the world.
The girl's face flashed in his mind, her weariness and hidden pain as vivid as the sunlight that bathed the hall. No one deserved to be hunted like that. Her fear was not unwarranted. Even now, Zhang Xian could sense the subtle shift in the air as his thirty-six cultivators maintained a heightened state of vigilance. Their calm exteriors belied the readiness to act should danger approach.
"Master Zhang," Xian Long (Celestial Swordmaster) said as he approached from the side, his eyes sharp and watchful. "The girl has retired to her quarters. Liu Fang (Legendary Chef) has prepared a meal for her, and Yu Mei (Serene Alchemist) has offered her a calming elixir. She should be able to rest peacefully tonight."
Zhang Xian nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. "Good. She's been running for too long. Let her feel what it's like to be safe, even if only for a night."
Xian Long's eyes narrowed. "Do you believe her story, Master? Dao bodies are coveted by even the most righteous sects. If word of her presence spreads, there will be no end to the trouble it brings."
"That's precisely why I believe her," Zhang Xian replied calmly. "Those with true power don't need to lie. The desperate, however, have everything to lose. She has nothing left but hope."
Xian Long's gaze softened at his master's words, and he offered a slight bow of respect. "Then we will guard her as one of our own."
Zhang Xian turned away from the window, his robes swaying with his movement. "Not just as one of our own, Xian Long. She is one of our own now."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Xian Long's mouth. "Understood, Master."
---
Later that night
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the Supreme Celestial Sect. The soft hum of Dao patterns resonated across the island, creating a serene harmony that lulled the disciples to sleep.
Within one of the guest chambers, the girl lay on the bed, eyes open, staring at the ceiling. Despite the comfort and warmth of the room, sleep eluded her. Her heart was still uneasy, every creak of wood or shift in the air triggering old instincts to flee.
Safe… but for how long?
Her mind wandered to the words of Zhang Xian. "You're not a tool to be used. You are a person, and you will have the freedom to choose your path here."
Her fingers clenched the blanket. "Freedom, huh…" She had heard similar words before, but they always came from liars or manipulators. Was he different? Could she truly trust him?
Her eyes closed as exhaustion finally pulled her into the abyss of sleep. But her dreams were not peaceful. She was back in the forest, running, chased by unseen figures, their voices filled with greed and hunger. Her feet pounded against the ground, heart racing in terror. No matter how fast she ran, they were always just behind her, their laughter like the howling of wolves.
Suddenly, the world shifted. The forest melted away, replaced by a field of endless shadows. The darkness swirled around her, suffocating and cold. She spun in place, searching for an escape, but there was none.
"Is this all you are?" a voice echoed from the shadows, deep and resonant, neither male nor female but a perfect blend of both.
Her breath hitched. "Who… who's there?"
The darkness rippled, and out of it emerged a figure cloaked in black robes adorned with silver markings. A mask of white porcelain hid their face, and glowing red eyes shone through the mask's slits. The figure hovered just a few steps away, arms hidden beneath flowing sleeves.
"Is this all you are?" the figure repeated, its voice as calm as still water. "A girl running from her fate? Or are you something more?"
Her eyes darted around, looking for a way out, but there was none. Panic clawed at her throat. "What do you want from me?! I just want to be free!"
The figure tilted its head. "Then free yourself."
With a wave of its hand, the shadows surged toward her like a tidal wave. Her scream echoed as the darkness swallowed her whole.
---
The Next Morning
The girl woke with a gasp, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her hands gripped the blankets as if they were a lifeline. Her heart pounded, and sweat covered her brow. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for threats, for pursuers, for anything.
But there was only silence.
She blinked, breathing in the warm air scented with the faint aroma of herbs. Her gaze fell on a tray of food neatly arranged on the table beside her bed. Freshly steamed buns, a bowl of clear broth, and a small cup of sweet-smelling tea.
Her heart began to slow, and reality set in.
I'm still here. I'm still safe.
The door slid open, and Liu Fang (Legendary Chef) entered with a calm smile. Her presence was like a soft breeze after a storm. "Awake already?" she asked, her voice carrying a casual, friendly tone.
The girl's gaze flickered toward Liu Fang, unsure at first, but the warm smile on the chef's face eased her unease. "I… I didn't sleep well."
Liu Fang nodded knowingly. "Nightmares have a way of haunting even the strongest of us." She glanced at the food. "Eat. You'll feel better."
Her fingers hovered over the bun, her gaze flickering between it and Liu Fang. Slowly, she reached out, took the bun, and bit into it. Her eyes widened in surprise as warmth and flavor spread through her mouth. It was unlike anything she had ever tasted—soft, fresh, and filled with a rich sweetness that calmed her nerves.
"Good, isn't it?" Liu Fang asked, smiling proudly. "The taste of peace."
She swallowed, nodding slowly. "It's… it's really good."
Liu Fang chuckled softly and sat cross-legged on the floor, her eyes warm. "It's nothing. Just a little bit of love put into every dish." She paused, her expression softening. "You've been through a lot. But you're safe here. You don't have to run anymore."
The girl hesitated but eventually set the bun down and met Liu Fang's eyes. "You really mean that?"
Liu Fang's smile grew. "Of course. We all take care of each other here. You're not alone."
Her heart tightened, the words striking a chord deep within her. For the first time in so long, she felt as though she could let her guard down, even if only for a moment.
---
Outside the Grand Hall
Zhang Xian sat on the steps, gazing at the sunlit sky. Beside him, Yu Mei (Serene Alchemist) sat quietly, her eyes closed as she absorbed the energy of the morning light. Her presence was always calm, like a gentle stream.
"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" Yu Mei asked without opening her eyes.
"She reminds me of someone," Zhang Xian replied softly. "Someone I failed to save."
Yu Mei opened her eyes and glanced at him, her gaze filled with quiet understanding. "But you didn't fail her."
"No," he agreed. "But I see the same look in her eyes. She's still fighting her past."
"Then give her something new to fight for," Yu Mei said, her voice serene but firm. "Give her a reason to stay."
Zhang Xian leaned back, his eyes tracing the clouds above. "I will."
He rose to his feet, his robes flowing like waves of silk. "I will give her something to protect. A place to belong. A home that no one can take from her."
Yu Mei watched him go, a small smile gracing her lips. "You already have, Master."
End of Chapter 4