The warm sunlight filtered through the practice grounds as Wen Ying, Feng Min, and Sheng Ling sparred together. Their movements were sharp but controlled, a stark contrast to the aggressive fights they had previously engaged in. It was clear they were focusing on honing their skills rather than trying to outmatch one another.
Wen Ying twirled her sword in a graceful arc, her movements fluid and precise. Feng Min countered with his own swift strikes, his calm demeanor masking the power behind each move. Sheng Ling, watching for an opening, stepped in with a calculated feint, drawing a light laugh from Wen Ying.
Just as the sparring session began to pick up pace, a hurried voice interrupted them. "Where is Song An?"
The three paused and turned to see Bai Yun approaching. Her expression was one of urgency, her brows knit with worry. Dressed in flowing robes, she carried herself with the air of someone bearing an important message.
"He's in the woods near the Bai Sect, practicing," Sheng Ling replied, lowering his sword. "What's the matter?"
Bai Yun wasted no time. "My aunt, Bai Xuanlu, isn't feeling well. She told me to bring Song An immediately."
Concern flickered across their faces. Wen Ying was the first to speak. "If it's urgent, we'll come with you."
Bai Yun nodded, grateful for their willingness. "There's no time to waste. Let's go."
Without further delay, the four of them set off, Bai Yun leading the way toward the woods where Song An often practiced. The path was lined with towering trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The group moved quickly but quietly, each of them sensing the weight of the situation.
As they neared the woods, they spotted Song An amidst the trees, his figure poised as he practiced a series of intricate sword techniques. The sight of him moving with such precision and focus momentarily eased the tension, but Bai Yun quickly called out to him.
"Song An!"
He stopped mid-move and turned, his expression shifting to concern when he saw the urgency in Bai Yun's face. "What's wrong?"
"It's my aunt," Bai Yun said, her voice trembling slightly. "She's unwell and asked for you. We need to go to the Bai Sect immediately."
Song An didn't hesitate. Sheathing his sword, he nodded. "Let's go."
The five of them set off together, the atmosphere heavy with a sense of unease. The journey to the Bai Sect was swift, but the silence among them spoke volumes. Each step seemed to carry an unspoken question: what had happened to Bai Xuanlu?
As the gates of the Bai Sect came into view, their pace quickened. The serene surroundings of the sect seemed at odds with the tension they carried, and an unspoken urgency propelled them forward.
Inside the quiet chamber of the Bai Sect, Bai Xuanlu lay on an intricately carved wooden bed, her pale complexion a stark contrast to her usual vibrant self. Several maids bustled around, their hands carefully arranging medicinal herbs and adjusting her blankets. The soft aroma of incense filled the room, mingling with the faint scent of healing salves. Despite their efforts, a sense of unease lingered in the air.
When Song An, Bai Yun, Feng Min, Sheng Ling, and Wen Ying arrived, the tension in the room was palpable. Bai Yun quickly moved to her aunt's side, her worry evident. Song An stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Aunt Xuanlu," he said gently, "what happened? You weren't like this when you returned from Baihin."
Bai Xuanlu opened her eyes slowly, her voice soft yet steady. "I wasn't feeling unwell at first, but as time passed, a strange heaviness settled in my chest. I thought it was fatigue from the journey and battle, but it has only worsened. I suspect it's not something ordinary."
The others listened intently as she continued. "When He Juan and I went to Baihin, we encountered more than just wandering demons. There was a demonic presence in the air, oppressive and ancient. It seemed to cling to the land itself, almost alive in its hostility."
She paused, her hand lightly pressing against her chest as if to steady herself. "The fights we had there weren't like the battles I've faced before. Those demons weren't just mindless creatures—they seemed... driven, as if guided by something unseen. I fear their attacks may have damaged my martial spirituality."
Song An exchanged a glance with Feng Min and Sheng Ling. Both looked troubled but said nothing, their expressions unreadable. Wen Ying, standing silently near the door, observed everything with a calm but curious gaze.
Bai Xuanlu continued, her tone more serious. "There's something mysterious about Baihin. He Juan and I only scratched the surface, but I could feel it—there's something deeper there, something tied to all of this."
Her words hung heavily in the air, each syllable carrying the weight of her experience. Song An, trying to piece together what she had said, finally spoke. "Why didn't you tell us sooner? If this presence is affecting you, it could be a greater threat to others."
Bai Xuanlu gave a faint smile, though her face was lined with weariness. "Because I needed to be sure. But now... I don't think we can ignore it any longer."
The room fell into silence, the gravity of her words settling over them like a shadow. The flickering light of the lanterns cast long, wavering silhouettes on the walls, as if echoing the uncertainty that gripped them all.