Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, but Wang Yifan felt no warmth. The events of last night still haunted him—the encounter with the wraith hunter, the revelation of Li Yin's mysterious nature, and the heavy burden of the key in his possession. His mind was a whirlwind of questions: Who exactly was Li Yin? Or rather—what was she?
Li Yin stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the outside world. Her voice broke the silence, calm and distant. "You don't need to waste your energy guessing what I am. What matters now is what comes next."
Wang Yifan gripped the key tightly, its weight feeling heavier than ever. "Alright then," he said, his tone edged with frustration. "What's coming next? You said the wraith hunter was the weakest enemy. What's stronger than that? And what exactly is this key hiding?"
Li Yin finally turned to face him. Her expression was unreadable, her gaze piercing. "This key," she began, her tone steady, "is a conduit of reincarnation."
"A conduit of reincarnation?" Wang Yifan echoed, frowning. "What does that even mean?"
Li Yin stepped closer, her slender fingers brushing against the key. "Beyond the human world lies a network of realms, each governed by its own laws. Wraiths are just one of many beings that inhabit those realms. Reincarnation, however, is universal. It governs all life. The key is a bridge between these realms, a tool that grants access to the cycle of reincarnation. It's also a weapon—one that can alter destiny itself."
"Alter destiny?" Wang Yifan's brows knitted in confusion. "Is that why those monsters are after it?"
Li Yin nodded. "Exactly. But altering destiny isn't a gift—it's a curse. The key's power is immense, but every use comes with a price: it drains your life force."
"My life force?!" Wang Yifan exclaimed, nearly dropping the key. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
Li Yin's gaze hardened. "Would it have mattered? You can't escape the key. From the moment it chose you, your fate was sealed. Your only option now is to master it before it masters you."
Wang Yifan's face darkened as he placed the key on the table. "This thing is a curse. I don't want it."
Li Yin regarded him in silence for a moment before picking up the key. She held it in her palm, its metallic surface glinting in the sunlight. "It is a curse," she admitted. "But it's also an opportunity."
"An opportunity?" Wang Yifan scoffed. "To die faster?"
"Not just that." Her voice softened, but her eyes remained steady. "It's an opportunity to see truths hidden from the rest of the world and to protect the people you care about."
Wang Yifan faltered, memories of his family and his best friend, Zhang Lei, flashing through his mind. He clenched his fists. The attack last night had made one thing painfully clear: if he didn't act, the people he loved would pay the price.
"Alright," he said at last, his voice firm. "What's the first step?"
Li Yin's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. "You must forge a pact with the key."
"A pact? How do I do that?"
Li Yin didn't answer directly. Instead, she walked to the center of the room, where she raised her hand and drew a glowing silver arc in the air. The temperature in the room dropped, and an eerie energy filled the space.
"The key has a will of its own," she explained. "It won't submit to you unless you prove your resolve. The pact is a trial, one that tests your determination and strength."
"Trial?" Wang Yifan's voice cracked. "What happens if I fail?"
Li Yin's expression turned grave. "If you fail, your soul will be devoured by the key, and you'll cease to exist."
"What?!" Wang Yifan stumbled back, his face pale. "Are you serious? This is insane!"
Li Yin crossed her arms, her voice cold. "Do you think you have a choice? Either you let the wraiths kill you, or you take control of the key. At least this way, you have a chance."
Wang Yifan stared at the key, his mind racing. Fear churned in his chest, but so did something else—a flicker of resolve. He thought of his parents, his friends, and the life he still wanted to live.
"Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "Let's do this."
Li Yin nodded approvingly. "Stand here," she said, pointing to a glowing sigil on the floor.
Wang Yifan hesitated but stepped into the center of the sigil. The room darkened as shadows gathered around them. A heavy pressure descended, making it hard for him to breathe.
"Close your eyes," Li Yin instructed. "Focus on the key and let it feel your intent. Show it your will."
Wang Yifan closed his eyes, clutching the key tightly. At first, there was only silence and darkness. Then, faintly, he heard whispers, low and indistinct, as if carried on a distant wind.
"Who are you?" A deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind.
Wang Yifan's heart raced, but he forced himself to answer. "I am Wang Yifan."
"What do you seek?" the voice asked, its tone ancient and commanding.
Wang Yifan hesitated for a moment, then said firmly, "I want to live. I want to protect the people I care about."
The voice went silent, as if contemplating his words. Then it spoke again, this time with a chilling edge. "To live is to endure pain. To protect others is to sacrifice yourself. Are you willing to pay the price?"
Wang Yifan clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Yes, I am!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, a blinding silver light erupted from the key, engulfing him entirely. The light was searing, its energy overwhelming, but he gritted his teeth and stood his ground.
When the light faded, Wang Yifan opened his eyes. He was still standing in the sigil, the key glowing faintly in his hand. His body felt weak, but his spirit burned with a newfound strength.
Li Yin approached him, a rare smile playing on her lips. "Congratulations. The key has accepted you."
"Does this mean I'm safe now?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
Li Yin shook her head. "This is only the beginning. The pact binds you to the key, but mastering its power will take time. Be prepared—your true challenges are yet to come."
Wang Yifan sighed, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Great. Just what I needed."
Li Yin's gaze softened, and for the first time, there was a hint of warmth in her voice. "You won't face them alone. I'll be here."
Wang Yifan glanced at her, surprised, but said nothing. He looked down at the key in his hand, feeling its weight anew. It was no longer just an object; it was a part of him, tied to his fate.
His journey had only just begun.
(To be continued…)