Lei Ying sat in serene silence, the sunlight filtering softly through the translucent curtains of his chamber. His white robes gleamed like fresh snow, their flawless folds mirroring his otherworldly aura.
His pale skin was so pristine it could put the fairest maidens to shame, and his white hair cascaded like silver silk. The only contrast came from his piercing purple eyes, which shimmered with a cool intensity that seemed to peer into the very essence of things.
Before him rested the mysterious black book, faint pulses emanating from it like a quiet heartbeat. Lei Ying reached out with slender fingers, his movements deliberate, as though savoring the moment. He picked up the book, letting its strange energy hum against his fingertips.
For a moment, he studied it, tilting it in the light, his eyes narrowing slightly as he examined the intricate patterns etched into its surface. The book seemed ancient, its presence carrying an inexplicable weight. Lei Ying pressed lightly against its cover, attempting to open it.
Nothing.
He tried again, this time infusing a trace of his spiritual energy into the effort, but the book remained stubbornly closed, its secrets hidden from even his prodigious abilities.
A low chuckle escaped his lips. He leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Interesting," he murmured to himself, nodding as though acknowledging an unseen opponent. "Very interesting."
He set the book down gently, its faint pulses seeming to mock him now. Turning his gaze to the sect leader, who stood waiting anxiously nearby, Lei Ying's tone remained calm but carried an undertone of curiosity and authority.
"I want to see him," Lei Ying said, his purple eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "And the rest. Let's find out how he managed to get his hands on something like this."
The sect leader wiped at his brow, visibly relieved to have been addressed. "Yes, Young Lord Lei Ying," he said, bowing deeply. "I will lead the way."
Lei Ying stood with an effortless grace, the folds of his robe flowing around him like rippling water. His gaze lingered on the book for a moment longer before he turned, his steps calm yet purposeful. Xue Ling followed silently behind him, her presence as poised and disciplined as ever.
___
The dungeon was dimly lit, its walls cold and damp, the faint echoes of dripping water adding to its oppressive atmosphere. Wu Dian sat on the hard stone floor, chains binding his wrists and ankles. His face was twisted with rage, his voice low and venomous as he cursed Lei Ying under his breath.
"That despicable bastard," Wu Dian growled, his fists clenching tightly despite the restraints. "Using such shameless methods to steal others treasure—what kind of monster stoops so low? He's worse than a snake!"
As he continued muttering, his anger boiling over, a chilling voice cut through the silence, sharp and mocking.
"Flattering words, Wu Dian," Lei Ying said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Wu Dian's head snapped up, his eyes widening for a moment before narrowing into a glare. His heart pounded as he saw Lei Ying standing just beyond the cell door, alone, his white robes practically glowing in the dim light. Those piercing purple eyes glinted with amusement, a faint smile playing on his pale lips.
"You!" Wu Dian spat, his voice rising. His eyes turned bloodshot with fury. "You think you're so untouchable, don't you? Coward! Thief! You're nothing but—"
Lei Ying's chuckle silenced him, the sound eerily calm yet cutting. He stepped into the cell, his movements unhurried, leaving the sect master and Xue Ling waiting outside the dungeon. The faint sound of the heavy door closing behind him echoed ominously.
"Such passion," Lei Ying said, shaking his head in mock disapproval. "I understand your pain, Wu Dian. Truly, I do."
Wu Dian gritted his teeth, his whole body trembling with suppressed rage as Lei Ying casually leaned against the cold stone wall, the mysterious black book in his hand, pulsing faintly.
"You wanted to become strong, didn't you?" Lei Ying continued, his voice smooth and deliberate. "Strong enough to protect what you owned. Something like this black book—or perhaps…" He paused, letting the words hang in the air before delivering the blow. "Ye Qi."
Wu Dian's breath caught in his throat. His face twisted with a mix of anger and dread, but before he could respond, Lei Ying smiled, his expression equal parts cruel and amused.
"Come to think of it," Lei Ying mused, "Ye Qi has already fallen into my hands." He chuckled softly, his tone almost playful. "But don't worry. I'm a reasonable man. I can free both you and Ye Qi. All I want… is something from you."
Wu Dian's mind raced, his defiance faltering as Lei Ying stepped closer.
"I understand you come from the Wu family in the middle states of this realm," Lei Ying continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "And your family has connections to the upper realm.
There's something I want—something buried in your family's ancestral grave. Help me get it, and maybe…" He glanced at the black book before returning his gaze to Wu Dian, his smile widening. "Maybe I'll return this to you. Perhaps I could even arrange for you and Ye Qi to be together."
The words hit Wu Dian like a thunderclap. His face went pale, his breathing uneven. How did Lei Ying know all of this? His family's connections to the upper realm? The ancestral grave? And why did he speak of Ye Qi as if she were already under his control?
"Who… who are you?" Wu Dian asked, his voice hoarse and unsteady. His usual confidence had been stripped away, leaving only fear and uncertainty.
Lei Ying tilted his head slightly, his purple eyes gleaming with amusement. "Who am I?" he repeated, as though savoring the question. Then, with a faint shrug, he replied, "I don't know. All I know is that I am me. And that's all that matters."
Wu Dian stared at him, speechless, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and dread.
Lei Ying straightened, his calm demeanor unbroken. "Take your time, Wu Dian. But don't take too long. I'm not very patient, after all I'm also an hot blooded youth." With that, he turned and walked toward the door, leaving Wu Dian alone in the suffocating darkness, his mind racing and his heart heavy with the weight of choices he never thought he'd have to make.