Inheritance (Part 2)

Closing his eyes, Bai Jian envisioned the technique, feeling the energy of the sky flowing through him. He took a slow, steady breath, allowing his mind to quiet as he reached out with his senses, seeking the faint resonance of the skies. 

The cave was silent, but as he opened himself up to the subtle energies around him, he began to sense something else — a low hum, almost like a gentle breeze stirring far above.

Focusing on that sensation, he held his sword out, feeling its weight and balance as if for the first time. Gradually, he brought his qi down from his core, directing it into the blade. 

As he did, he imagined the vastness of the sky, stretching endlessly, the currents of air moving freely and powerfully above. Slowly, a faint glow formed around his sword, a wisp of mist-like energy swirling around the blade.

Each swing he performed was slow and deliberate, focusing on feeling the air move in response to his qi. With each stroke, he aimed to channel just a touch of the vast, open sky above, letting the faint energy ripple outward in delicate shockwaves. The strikes were subtle, barely disturbing the dust in the cave, but each one was more controlled and accurate than the last.

In this way, Bai Jian trained, repeating the motion, sensing the flow of the technique in his body, feeling it gradually align with the vastness he envisioned. He could feel his understanding deepening with each strike, and though the energy was still faint, he noticed the currents becoming more distinct, more responsive.

The process was exhausting. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his breathing grew labored, but Bai Jian pushed himself to keep going. 

His mind drifted to the elder's voice from earlier, the words resonating with him:

"If the heavens won't grant me power, I will take it through sheer will!"

With that thought, he raised his sword again, gathering his remaining qi for one final attempt. He visualized the clouds themselves, their weight and immensity, and swung his sword downward with all his focus.

This time, a distinct ripple of misty energy extended from the blade, dispersing into the air with a quiet, thunder-like rumble.

Bai Jian exhaled, the faint echoes of the strike lingering in the cave. He could feel it: the first steps toward Initial Mastery. The stormy energy within him was subtle, but real, and with time and practice, he knew he could turn it into something formidable.

As Bai Jian held the sword in his hands, the elder's voice echoed one last time within his mind, carrying a somber weight.

"Cloudsong. It has followed me through countless years, through victories and defeats alike. Though it is but a shadow of its former self, its spirit remains unbroken. Even now, it surpasses the strength of a mere Refined Relic."

The voice softened, tinged with a hint of hope. "Take care, young one. I entrust you with my legacy. I hope that Cloudsong will shine brightly once again across the Cangwu Continent."

With that, the elder's presence faded, leaving only silence.

Bai Jian remained still for a moment, staring at the sword in his hands. Then, with a deep sense of respect, he bowed toward where the elder's voice had been, silently vowing to honor the legacy left to him.

"Thank you, elder," he murmured. "I promise to do my best."

With the elder's presence dissipated and the final words resonating in his heart, Bai Jian turned back toward the entrance of the cave. He moved quietly through the shadows, Cloudsong resting in his grip.

....

As he returned to where Lian Huaixin lay, he noticed her breathing had grown shallow, her face pale. Her injuries had taken a toll, and he knew he had to act quickly. Reaching into his robes, he found a small vial containing a pill — a Serene Spirit Pill, a potent healing medicine he'd found near the altar.

"Hopefully, this will help," he muttered, carefully lifting her head to place the pill on her lips.

With a soft groan, she swallowed the pill, and after a few moments, her complexion began to regain some color.

Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting his as clarity returned to her expression. For a moment, she stared at him, her eyes reflecting something akin to wonder — or perhaps surprise.

"There's… something different about you," she murmured, her voice weak but curious. "Stronger."

Bai Jian gave a slight smile, not revealing too much, but nodded.

"Perhaps there is."

She closed her eyes, letting out a quiet sigh as the healing properties of the Serene Spirit Pill began to take effect. Bai Jian stayed by her side.

After a while, Lian Huaixin shifted, her strength returning enough to sit up. She looked around the cave and then turned her gaze to Bai Jian, her expression resolute.

"We should get out of here," she said quietly, glancing toward the faint glow of daylight at the cave's entrance.

Bai Jian nodded. "Agreed. The deeper regions of the forest aren't a place to linger, especially after an encounter like that."

They made their way out of the cave together, the atmosphere between them calmer but charged with newfound respect. As they ventured through the forest, they encountered a few spirit beasts along the way, but nothing nearly as dangerous as the Forest Serpent Wolf. 

With Lian Huaixin at his side, they quickly dispatched any minor threats, moving steadily until they finally reached the edge of the Yinwu Forest.

Back within the sect's grounds, Bai Jian slowed his steps as they neared the outer disciple quarters, glancing at her as they stopped.

"Thank you for taking care of me," she said, her voice softer now, a rare openness in her gaze. "And for helping me out back there."

Bai Jian shook his head, offering a slight smile. "You helped me just as much. I owe you as well."

She inclined her head, a hint of a smile touching her lips, though it was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared.

"I'll be taking my leave now," she said, adjusting her hood.

"But if you ever need help in the future… seek out Lian Xueyi in the inner sect."

With that, she gave him a final glance before turning and quickly disappearing into the winding paths of the sect grounds.

Bai Jian stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure with an amused smile. 

"So her name wasn't Huaixin after all," he thought with a quiet chuckle. 

"Lian Xueyi, huh?"

With the elder's legacy now his to bear and a new ally within the inner sect, he felt more prepared than ever before.