Chapter 7: A Line in the Sand
The masked figure let out a low chuckle, the sound reverberating through the still air. "Ah, perceptive and bold. Rare qualities in someone so young. But let me ask you this—what is power without the means to wield it? What is ambition without a path?"
Xia Yu's hand remained on the hilt of her sword, her stance firm. "And I suppose you're here to offer me that path?"
The figure's mask tilted slightly, the glowing runes pulsing faintly. "I'm here to make you an offer—a chance to rise above the mediocrity of those who cling to scraps. The Glowing Fern is a trinket compared to what we can provide. Techniques, treasures, allies… all yours, if you accept."
Epoch's voice whispered urgently in Xia Yu's mind. "Host, their Qi is layered with hostility and deceit. Their words are designed to ensnare you. Do not yield."
Xia Yu's lips curved into a faint smile, though her gaze remained cold. "You haven't told me the price. Or is it one of those deals where I find out too late to back out?"
The figure took a step closer, the air rippling with their movements. "Clever. The price is loyalty. You will obey the will of our alliance, fulfill our tasks, and in return, we will ensure your rise. But know this—refusal comes with consequences. You've already drawn the attention of powerful forces, and without us, your survival is far from guaranteed."
Xia Yu's expression didn't waver, though her mind raced. She had heard of such groups before—shadowy alliances that thrived on manipulation, binding their members with promises of power while draining their autonomy. But she wasn't someone who could be cornered so easily.
"And if I refuse?" she asked, her tone calm but laced with steel.
The masked figure chuckled again, though this time there was an edge to the sound. "Then you will walk a path fraught with enemies. And when you inevitably fall, no one will mourn your loss."
The tension in the air was almost suffocating, but Xia Yu didn't back down. She met the figure's gaze—or where their gaze would have been behind the mask—and took a step forward. Her voice was steady, unwavering. "I'd rather carve my own path, no matter how dangerous, than walk one paved by chains."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then the figure's Qi surged, a wave of energy crashing against Xia Yu like a tide. The sheer power forced her to brace herself, but she didn't falter.
"You are bold," the figure said, their voice now cold. "But boldness without caution is foolishness. You will regret this decision, girl. When you are drowning in enemies, begging for salvation, remember this moment."
With that, the figure turned, their cloak billowing as they disappeared into the shadows as swiftly as they had come. The oppressive weight lifted, but Xia Yu's muscles remained taut, her sword still half-drawn.
Epoch's voice cut through the silence. "Host, your choice was wise. Such alliances rarely benefit those at the bottom. But be warned—their interest in you will not end here."
Xia Yu exhaled slowly, releasing the tension from her body. "I'll deal with them if they come back. For now, I have work to do."
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The night was falling fast when Xia Yu found a secluded cave at the base of a mountain. It was small, hidden by a curtain of vines, but it would serve as a temporary refuge. She needed to refine the Glowing Fern before its aura attracted more trouble.
Inside the cave, she lit a small flame with her Qi and sat cross-legged on the cool stone floor. The Glowing Fern lay in her palms, its radiant energy pulsating faintly. Closing her eyes, she began to channel her Qi, guiding it carefully to draw out the herb's essence.
Epoch's guidance was precise, its voice calm yet firm. "Focus. The fern's energy is volatile—attempting to refine it too quickly could harm your meridians. Let the flow be natural."
The process was grueling. The fern's Qi was dense and wild, resisting her control at every turn. Beads of sweat formed on Xia Yu's brow, her body trembling as she forced the energy to align with her own. Pain rippled through her, sharp and relentless, but she gritted her teeth and pressed on.
Minutes turned into hours, the faint glow of the fern dimming as its energy merged with hers. When the last thread of Qi settled within her, Xia Yu's aura flared, stronger and more refined. Her breathing was labored, her body heavy with exhaustion, but she could feel the difference—the surge of power coursing through her veins.
"You've done well," Epoch said, its tone almost approving. "Your cultivation is stabilizing. The Qi Foundation Stage is within reach."
Xia Yu opened her eyes, the sharpness of her gaze reflecting her progress. She rose slowly, her muscles aching but her resolve stronger than ever. The masked figure's words lingered in her mind, a reminder that power came with its own set of challenges.
"I don't need shortcuts," she murmured to herself, stepping toward the cave's entrance. "I'll face whatever comes. On my terms."
The moon hung high in the sky as she looked out over the forest below. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with dangers she could barely comprehend. But Xia Yu had no intention of backing down. Her journey was just beginning.
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End of Chapter 7