Revelation
The moon hung high in the sky, its silver light bathing the towering structures of the Heaven Blade Sect. Xiao Feng stepped into the quiet courtyard, his simple night robe emphasizing his elegance and commanding presence. The soft rustle of leaves accompanied his steady footsteps, and the faint scent of fresh herbs from his recent bath lingered in the air. His return had already caused a stir among the disciples, but his full splendor—untainted by the injuries and grime of his journey—now left everyone speechless. Whispers of awe rippled through the sect. Many gazes followed him, admiration and longing evident in their eyes.
Unaware of the effect he had on others, or perhaps choosing to ignore it, Xiao Feng made his way to his master's quarters. The grand hall was as he remembered—serene and regal, much like the woman who presided over it. Fairy Yulan stood by the open window, her figure framed by the moonlight. She turned as he entered, and for a fleeting moment, a blush crept onto her cheeks. Dressed in a simple robe, Xiao Feng's striking beauty seemed almost ethereal.
Fairy Yulan quickly composed herself, her expression returning to the calm, dignified demeanor she was known for. "Xiao Feng," she began, her voice soft but firm, "your aura… it's different. You carry the essence of Xiao Feng, yet you're not entirely the same. What has happened to you? And why does your cultivation feel lower than before?"
She paused, her eyes softening. "I don't wish to misunderstand you. You've always been special to me. My first disciple, the one I admired most for your unparalleled talent. But your earlier tone, your demeanor… it doesn't align with the Xiao Feng I knew."
Xiao Feng met her gaze, his expression calm and unreadable. After a brief silence, he replied, "Yes, Master, I am the Xiao Feng you know… and yet, I am not."
Her brows furrowed slightly, concern flickering in her usually serene eyes.
"The elders—Li and Bai—they weren't lying when they said I was dead," Xiao Feng continued, his voice even. "I did die, or at least, a part of me did. Do you know why? Because of them, Lin Yan, and countless others who couldn't tolerate my growth. My abilities frightened them. They called my powers evil."
Fairy Yulan's fists clenched, her knuckles white. Rage simmered beneath her composed exterior.
"But did I harm anyone?" Xiao Feng's voice grew colder. "No. My strength grew too quickly, and that alone was enough for them to turn against me. They came for my life, and I nearly lost it."
Fairy Yulan's lips parted, but no words came out. Her fury at the betrayal of her fellow elders warred with the need to stay composed for her disciple.
"At the very last moment," Xiao Feng said, his tone softening slightly, "something extraordinary happened. I don't know how, but I regained the memories of a past life. It was as if I was reincarnated within myself."
Fairy Yulan's expression shifted to one of shock and intrigue. "Reincarnated?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Xiao Feng nodded. "With my newfound clarity, I met Su Mei, a survivor of the Flame Sect massacre. Together, we faced a Leviathan Wyrm—an ordeal that nearly killed us both. She's now dedicating herself to cultivation at her sect's ruins under the guidance of a Phoenix Spirit. I've told her I would continue my path while she focuses on hers."
Fairy Yulan listened intently, her emotions carefully hidden. Xiao Feng's words were sincere, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that he was holding something back. She chose not to press him, trusting him to share what he deemed necessary.
"Master," Xiao Feng said, his gaze steady and unwavering, "I may have regained memories of a past life, but that doesn't change one thing: you are still my only master. In this life and the last, you have my utmost respect."
Fairy Yulan's heart eased at his words, the sincerity in his voice undeniable. For all the turmoil and mystery surrounding her disciple, she knew his loyalty remained unchanged.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, she said, "If what you say is true, then you've endured more than I can imagine. But know this, Xiao Feng—I will stand by you, no matter what. Let the others call your abilities evil if they wish. They'll answer to me if they dare harm you again."
A flicker of warmth touched Xiao Feng's chest, a rare feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. He gave a small nod, his calm expression betraying none of the thoughts swirling in his mind.
"Thank you, Master," he said simply.
Fairy Yulan's lips curved into a faint smile. "Now, rest. You've been through enough. Tomorrow, we'll discuss what comes next for you—and for the Heaven Blade Sect."
As Xiao Feng turned to leave, he paused briefly at the doorway. Glancing back, he saw his master watching him with an expression of quiet determination.
A subtle smile played on his lips as he stepped into the night. Master, you truly haven't changed. Let's see how long this peace lasts.
The next morning, the Heaven Blade Sect was abuzz with activity. News of Xiao Feng's return had spread like wildfire, and speculation ran rampant among the disciples and elders alike. Some viewed his survival as a miracle, while others whispered about dark secrets that might explain his return. But none dared voice their suspicions aloud, especially not under Fairy Yulan's watchful gaze.
In the privacy of his quarters, Xiao Feng sat cross-legged, his expression calm as he reflected on the events of the previous day. His return had already set things in motion, and he could feel the undercurrents of tension within the sect. The game he had once played was now a reality, and he was determined to rewrite its narrative.
"The Heaven Blade Sect," he muttered to himself, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "This time, the betrayers will face the consequences."
For now, he would play the role of the prodigal disciple, biding his time until the pieces fell into place. His enemies were many, but Xiao Feng was no longer the naive youth they had once sought to destroy. He was a force to be reckoned with, and his path was only just beginning.