The Hua Sect | XianWang

Chapter 35. 招展花

Once their preparations were complete, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying led their horses from the stables, saddling them and securing their packs. The animals, sensing the gravity of the situation, seemed to stand a little taller, their ears pricked forward as if eager to begin the journey.

"We ride until nightfall," Lan Zhan said, mounting his horse with a graceful ease that spoke of years of practice.

Wei Ying swung himself up onto his own mount, his expression determined. "And then we ride again at first light," he added. "We can't afford to waste any time if we're to stop this man before he strikes again."

With that, the two warriors set off, the steady beat of their horses' hooves marking their departure from the safety of their sects. The road before them stretched long and treacherous, winding through dense forests and over rugged mountains.

As they rode, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying fell into an easy silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the challenges that awaited them. But there was comfort in their shared determination, and in the knowledge that they faced this danger together. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying finally decided to make camp for the night. They had been riding for hours, pushing their horses hard in their determination to cover as much ground as possible.

They found a suitable spot nestled at the base of a small hill, providing some shelter from the wind and a decent vantage point to keep watch for any potential threats. With practiced efficiency, they tended to their horses, ensuring the animals were fed and watered before securing them for the night.

Next, they set about making camp, building a small fire and laying out their bedrolls. The warmth of the flames was a welcome comfort in the chill of the evening air, and they huddled close, savoring the heat as they ate a simple meal of dried meat and fruit.

As they sat in companionable silence, the weight of their mission hung heavy in the air. They knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger, and that their investigation could lead them into the heart of darkness. But they were prepared to face whatever lay ahead, driven by their unwavering determination to protect their world.

As the night wore on, they took turns keeping watch, one sleeping while the other stood guard. The night was quiet, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the wind and the occasional hoot of a distant owl. They remained alert, their senses attuned to any signs of danger.

Despite the peaceful surroundings, sleep did not come easily. Their minds were racing with thoughts of the investigation, the mysterious man, and the dark magic he wielded. But eventually, exhaustion won out, and they drifted off to sleep.

When dawn broke, they rose with the sun, ready to continue their journey. They packed up their camp quickly, eager to make up for lost time. With a final glance at the place they had called home for the night, they mounted their horses and rode off, leaving behind only the dying embers of their fire.

As Lan Zhan and Wei Ying continued their journey, they found themselves in a dense forest, the trees towering overhead and blocking out much of the sunlight. The air was cool and damp, the ground soft and mossy beneath their horses' hooves.

They rode in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. The forest seemed to press in around them, the only sound the occasional call of a bird or the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Finally, Wei Ying broke the silence, his voice cutting through the stillness of the forest. "Do you think we're getting close?" he asked, his gaze scanning their surroundings.

Lan Zhan considered the question for a moment before responding. "It's hard to say for certain," he said, his voice calm and measured. "But I believe we are on the right track. We must remain vigilant and keep our senses sharp."

Wei Ying nodded, his expression growing more serious. "I've been thinking about the mysterious man and his dark magic," he said. "What do you think drives him? What could be worth turning to such evil powers?"

Lan Zhan pondered the question, his brow furrowed in thought. "It is difficult to know what motivates someone to turn to the dark arts," he said. "Perhaps he seeks power or control, or maybe he is driven by some deeper, more personal goal. Whatever the reason, it is clear that he poses a great threat, and we must do everything in our power to stop him."

Wei Ying nodded again, his expression resolute. "You're right," he said. "We have a duty to protect our world and those we love. No matter the cost."

They continued to ride in silence, their thoughts heavy with the weight of their mission. But despite the dangers they faced, they were resolved to see it through, driven by their unwavering dedication to their cause.

. . . . . 

The mysterious man sat alone in a dimly-lit room, surrounded by ancient tomes and dusty scrolls. The air was thick with the smell of incense and the sound of his quill scratching against parchment filled the silence.

He was deep in thought, his mind racing with plans and schemes. He had been planning this for years, biding his time and gathering his strength. And now, his patience was finally paying off.

The man smiled to himself, a cruel glint in his eyes. He knew that the warriors, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying, were pursuing him, but he was not afraid. In fact, he welcomed the challenge.

"Let them come," he muttered, his voice echoing through the empty room. "They think they can stop me, but they underestimate my power. I have been studying the dark arts for years, unlocking secrets that have been lost for centuries. They are no match for me."

The man stood, his dark robes swirling around him as he moved to a large crystal ball that sat on a nearby table. He placed his hands on either side of the orb, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.

The crystal began to glow, images forming within its depths.

. . . . . 

Published. 27.02.2024

Words. 1031