The courtyard was quiet in the early morning. Mist clung to the stone like breath held too long, and the peach blossoms hadn't yet begun to fall.
Shengzhi stood before Master Yu in the meditation hall, his hands clenched behind his back.
"She summoned the Lotus Flame," Shengzhi said.
The old master's brows furrowed. "And she controlled it?"
"Barely. But she didn't burn."
"That power was sealed for a reason," Master Yu muttered, pacing slowly before the incense burner. "She is remembering too fast."
"She's scared. And angry," Shengzhi said. "She deserves to know the truth."
"Truth?" Master Yu turned, his robes whispering across the floor. "Which truth, Shengzhi? That she was killed by your father's command? Or that you once begged the heavens to bring her back?"
Shengzhi's silence was answer enough.
"Be cautious," the old man warned. "If she awakens fully before she's ready… she may not be the girl you've come to care for."
---
Lian sat by the reflecting pool, staring at her wavering reflection. The name "Yue Lian" no longer sounded foreign—but it didn't feel like hers either.
"Do you believe it?" she asked quietly.
Li Fang stood at the edge of the garden path, arms crossed. "That you're her reincarnation?"
She nodded.
He came closer, kneeling beside her. "I don't know. But I believe you're someone worth protecting, no matter who you were."
His voice was softer than she expected.
"You used to be more sarcastic," she said.
"I still am," he replied. "Just… less with you."
She met his gaze. His eyes didn't waver.
"Lian," he said suddenly, "if someday you remember everything, and it hurts too much to stay… will you still choose this life?"
She looked back at the water. "I don't know yet."
Before he could say more, footsteps echoed behind them.
Shengzhi approached, his expression unreadable. "Lian. Come. It's time."
"For what?"
He didn't answer until she stood. "To begin real training. If enemies are hunting you, you need to be ready."
As they walked side by side, Lian glanced at him.
"I saw you talking with Master Yu," she said.
He nodded.
"Did he tell you to stay away from me?"
His jaw clenched. "He warned me to be careful."
"And will you?"
"No," Shengzhi said. "Not unless you ask me to."
Something in his voice stirred a strange warmth in her chest.
---
Far below the mountain, in a cavern lit by green fire, Wuqian knelt before a figure shrouded in smoke.
"She used the flame," Wuqian reported.
The figure's voice was smooth and cold. "Then it's beginning."
"She's under the protection of your son."
The figure's gaze sharpened. "Not for long. The Lotus Flame belongs to me. Prepare the binding spell."
Wuqian bowed. "Yes, Master."
---
>To be continued...