Blossoming Path

Tian Zhan strolled forward, each step calculated, like a storm gathering strength. I could feel the tension tightening as Wei Long stood frozen, torn between anger and confusion.

“What are you doing here?”

But Tian Zhan only gave him a cold glance, dismissive, as if he were an inconvenience rather than an adversary.

“You don’t deserve an answer from me,” He said coolly. The blatant disregard, dripping with disdain, visibly rattled the Narrow Stone Peak disciple, his face slowly flushing red. And as much as I hated the man, it was almost comical to see him shrink, his rage barely contained in the face of Tian Zhan’s utter confidence. It was a remarkable contrast; Wei Long, built like a bull, fists ready to crush, but visibly holding himself back in front of a man no taller than I was.

I felt the briefest opening and turned to Tianyi. “Are you alright?” I whispered, voice low and urgent, reaching out to steady her. My heart twisted at the sight of her, even in the pale morning light.

There were faint, spider-webbed cracks along her neck, each line a reminder of Wei Long’s brutal strength. And all over, those raised lines on her skin now held darkened edges from the blows she’d taken.

She gave me a small nod, trying to brush it off, but I couldn’t help it. I pulled her close, arms wrapping tightly around her.

"I'm sorry. This is my fault.” I murmured, the words breaking in my throat. She was tougher than I could ever be, but seeing her like this, almost shattered, brought every hidden fear to the surface. She didn’t say anything, only leaned into the hug, and for a moment, the chaos around us dimmed, replaced by the quiet relief of knowing she was still here.

Windy let out a soft hiss, giving me a soft smack on the arm, clearly affronted.