Chapter 2: The First Thread

The world gradually came back into focus. Lin Xuan's heart still pounded, his body trembling from the strange energy that had coursed through him. The silver spindle felt warm in his hand, a soft glow pulsing beneath his fingers. He took a deep breath and glanced around. The courtyard was as empty as before, the ancient Sky-Reaching Oak standing silently behind him. It was as if nothing had happened — except now, the world felt different.

The voice echoed again in his mind.

"Threads of Fate detected. Awaiting command."

Lin Xuan swallowed hard. He wasn't imagining it. This was real. He closed his eyes, steadying his thoughts. "What... what can you do?"

The voice responded, calm and mechanical.

"The Eternal Loom System allows the Host to analyze and manipulate possible futures. Each decision creates a thread. You may analyze these threads or weave new ones to alter your destiny."

His mind raced. He'd always been told that fate was unchangeable, that his role in life was determined by the heavens. Yet now, in his hand, he held the power to reshape his path. "Show me a thread," he whispered.

The air around him shimmered. Before his eyes, glowing threads appeared, stretching out like strands of spider silk. Some threads shone brightly, others flickered or frayed at the edges. His gaze was drawn to one thread in particular — a vision of himself standing in the courtyard, his practice sword splintered at his feet, Zhao Jing laughing in his face. The same humiliation. The same defeat.

He clenched his fists. "What happens if I change it?"

"Altering a thread will create a new possibility. Be warned: each change may create ripples that affect other threads."

He took a shaky breath. He didn't fully understand the consequences, but one thing was clear — if he did nothing, his future would remain a path of failure. "Then let's change it," he said. "Show me how to win."

The threads shifted. A new vision emerged — one where he dodged Zhao Jing's attacks, where his strikes landed with precision and power. In this thread, he saw himself standing tall, Zhao Jing's sneer replaced with a look of shock. The path was clear. He opened his eyes, determination burning within him. The courtyard was empty now, but tomorrow... tomorrow would be different.

The sun had barely risen when Lin Xuan stood in the same spot as the day before, his practice sword gripped firmly in his hand. A chill wind whispered through the air, but he barely felt it. Around him, the other outer disciples gathered, their eyes already filled with disdain. Zhao Jing stepped forward, his lips curling into a familiar smirk.

"Back for more, Lin Xuan? Haven't you learned your lesson?"

Lin Xuan met his gaze, his expression calm. "I'm ready."

A ripple of surprise passed through the crowd. Zhao Jing's smirk faltered for just a moment before he sneered again. "Very well. Don't say I didn't warn you." He lunged, his sword a blur of motion.

Lin Xuan's heart pounded, but his mind was clear. He could see the thread — every movement Zhao Jing would make, every opening that would appear. Time seemed to slow as he sidestepped the attack, his body moving with a grace he hadn't known he possessed. There! He struck, his practice sword rapping against Zhao Jing's wrist. Zhao Jing yelped, his grip loosening. Lin Xuan spun, his blade sweeping low and knocking Zhao Jing's feet out from under him.

Thud!

Zhao Jing hit the ground hard, his eyes wide with shock. The courtyard fell silent. Lin Xuan stood over him, his chest heaving. For the first time, he felt the weight of humiliation lift from his shoulders. He wasn't the same defeated boy anymore.

Zhao Jing scrambled to his feet, his face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "You... you got lucky!"

Lin Xuan shook his head. "Luck had nothing to do with it."

The crowd murmured, their disdain replaced with curiosity — and maybe, just maybe, a hint of respect. Elder Yu's voice cut through the silence. "Enough. Zhao Jing, return to your duties." His gaze lingered on Lin Xuan, eyes narrowing slightly. "Lin Xuan... well done."

Lin Xuan bowed his head. "Thank you, Elder."

As the crowd dispersed, Lin Xuan's fingers brushed the silver spindle hidden in his sleeve. The power to see and shape his future was now his to wield. But this was just the beginning. What other threads could he weave? What other destinies could he create? The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, he felt ready to walk it.