Blossoming Path

As I rushed back home, the weight of what I had just learned settled heavily in my chest. The realization of what was happening, of what had been happening under my nose this whole time, made my heart pound even harder. The ambient qi in the village, stronger than it should have been. And now it all pointed back to one person.

Tianyi.

When I reached my front door, I paused, quickly scanning the area for any sign of prying eyes. The last thing I needed was someone from Narrow Stone Peak catching me talking to her. The village was still quiet, early enough that most people were either still eating or getting ready for their day. I slipped inside the house and closed the door behind me as quietly as I could.

“Tianyi,” I called softly, approaching my bed, where she’d spent the night hidden. "You can come out now."

There was a slight rustling from underneath the bed, and then a soft sigh as she emerged, moving with that quiet grace that always unnerved me a bit. Windy was curled up beside her, his blue eyes gleaming in the dim light, as if sensing my thoughts. Tianyi’s large, too-bright eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.

I took a breath, steadying myself. "I need to ask you something, and I need you to be completely honest with me."

Her head tilted slightly, the faintest sign of curiosity.

"I’ve noticed... the ambient qi in the village," I began, choosing my words carefully. "It’s stronger now, more than it was when I left for the Verdant Lotus Sect. And since I got back, it’s been getting even stronger. Stronger than it should be."

Her gaze didn’t waver, but I could see the recognition in her eyes.