Chapter 3: Ripples of Change
Lin Xuan's footsteps echoed softly as he walked along the stone paths of the Azure Sky Sect. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The silver spindle weighed heavily in his sleeve, a constant reminder that everything had changed.
He replayed the fight with Zhao Jing in his mind. The rush of clarity, the certainty of knowing what would happen next — it felt like he had been given a glimpse into a world that no one else could see. But beneath the thrill of victory, a gnawing question remained: What price will I pay for this power?
He didn't know, but for now, he would use it to forge a better path. His future was no longer a prison. It was a puzzle waiting to be solved.
As he approached the outer disciples' training grounds, a familiar voice broke his thoughts.
"Lin Xuan!"
He turned to see Yu Lan, one of the few disciples who treated him with kindness. Her dark eyes shone with worry as she jogged toward him, her long braid swinging behind her.
"Are you all right?" she asked, scanning him up and down. "I heard what happened yesterday. You beat Zhao Jing?"
Lin Xuan nodded. "I did."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "How? He's been training longer than you, and everyone knows he's vicious. You're not hurt, are you?"
"I'm fine," he said, offering a small smile. "It seems... I finally got a little lucky."
Yu Lan's brows knitted together. "Luck doesn't change overnight, Lin Xuan. Something's different about you."
He tensed for a moment, but then he relaxed. He trusted Yu Lan. If anyone deserved to know the truth, it was her. He leaned in closer, his voice low. "What if I told you I found a way to see... possible futures?"
She blinked. "Possible futures?"
He hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's like seeing threads stretched out before me. Each thread is a path I can take. If I choose the right one, I can change what happens."
Yu Lan stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she shook her head with a soft laugh. "If it were anyone else, I'd think they were crazy. But you... I believe you."
Relief washed over him. "Thank you, Yu Lan."
Her smile faded. "But be careful, Lin Xuan. Power like that — it sounds dangerous. If the elders or other disciples find out, who knows what they'll do?"
He nodded, his jaw tightening. "I know. That's why I need to get stronger. I won't let anyone take this from me."
A sharp voice cut through the air, interrupting their conversation. "Outer disciples, assemble!"
Elder Yu's commanding presence silenced the courtyard. Disciples scrambled into formation, their faces tense with anticipation. Lin Xuan and Yu Lan joined them, standing shoulder to shoulder.
Elder Yu's gaze swept over the gathered disciples. "Today's assignment is not mere training," he announced. "You will be sent to the Redleaf Forest to gather Spirit Grass. It is a rare herb essential for our cultivation pills."
A murmur of excitement and unease spread through the group. The Redleaf Forest was known for its treacherous terrain and lurking spirit beasts.
"Teams of three will be formed," Elder Yu continued. "The task is simple: gather as much Spirit Grass as you can and return by sundown. Fail to do so, and you will receive no contribution points for the month."
Lin Xuan's heart sank. Contribution points were everything to outer disciples. Without them, he couldn't earn resources or advance his cultivation. He couldn't afford to fail.
Elder Yu began assigning teams. When he reached Lin Xuan, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Lin Xuan, you will team up with Zhao Jing and Yu Lan."
Lin Xuan's stomach twisted. He shot a glance at Zhao Jing, who was already glaring at him with barely concealed rage.
Yu Lan whispered, "This... isn't good."
Zhao Jing sneered. "Don't think yesterday's fluke will save you in the forest, Lin Xuan. Out there, no one will be watching."
Lin Xuan felt the silver spindle warm against his skin, a silent reminder of his power. He met Zhao Jing's glare with a calm he didn't truly feel. "We'll see who needs saving."
"Enough talk!" Elder Yu snapped. "Prepare to leave immediately."
The disciples scattered to gather supplies. Lin Xuan and Yu Lan stuck close together as they filled their packs with water, herbs, and simple weapons.
Yu Lan's voice was a whisper of worry. "He'll try something, Lin Xuan. I know it."
"I know," he replied, his fingers brushing the spindle. "But this time, I'll be ready."
They stepped toward the forest's edge, where the shadows of ancient trees swallowed the sunlight. The air grew colder, heavy with the scent of damp earth and old leaves. Zhao Jing led the way, his posture stiff with barely contained fury.
Lin Xuan took a deep breath. The future threads shimmered faintly in his mind, each one branching into unknown possibilities. Danger lay ahead, but so did opportunity.
This time, he thought, I won't be the one to fall.
With a final glance at Yu Lan, he stepped into the forest, ready to face whatever fate had in store.