Immortal Serenade

4. Ashes of Fate

Lin Xi slumbered in the chair on the verandah, the warm sunlight casting a gentle glow on her peaceful face. Suddenly, her friends Rui and Bai burst onto the scene, their laughter and chatter shattering the serenity.

"Lin Xi, wake up!" Rui exclaimed, shaking her shoulder. "You're finally done with your studies! Congratulations!"

Lin Xi rubbed her eyes, disoriented, as Bai chimed in, "And you're officially part of the Chronicle Hall now! We're so proud of you!"

Lin Xi smiled, still groggy, as Rui and Bai showered her with congratulations.

Hei Bai asked, "So, when are we heading back to the mortal world? I'm craving some of that delicious street food!"

Lin Xi's eyes sparkled. "Actually, we can go tonight. I've been missing someone too."

Rui asked, "Who is it?"

Lin Xi's expression turned contemplative. "Mei Lan, the female dancer I saw perform. Her dance still lingers in my mind."

Bai nodded. "We'll go see her perform again tonight then."

Lin Xi nodded, a soft smile on her lips, as the three friends began making plans for their nighttime excursion.

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Lin Xi entered the elegant courtyard of her family's residence, her mother seated on a intricately carved bench.

"Mother, I'm going to the Fairy Festival tonight," Lin Xi said, her voice gentle.

Her mother nodded, a knowing glint in her eye. "Be careful, Lin Xi. And don't forget to enjoy yourself."

Lin Xi smiled, bowing slightly before turning to leave. She met Rui and Bai outside, their faces excited and mischievous.

"Ready to sneak out?" Rui whispered, his eyes sparkling.

Lin Xi nodded, and the three friends slipped away from the festival crowds, making their way towards the hidden portal that led to the mortal world.

As they walked, the air grew thick with an otherworldly energy, and the trees seemed to lean in, as if sharing a secret.

"Tonight's going to be exciting," Bai said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lin Xi smiled, her heart racing with anticipation. "Let's go."

Together, they stepped through the shimmering portal and into the mortal world, leaving the fairy realm behind.

Xi and Jing walked through the crowded streets of Canton, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. They had unknowingly stumbled into the midst of a rebellion, and their actions had been misinterpreted as a threat to the rebels' plans.

Lei, the rebellion's leader, had sent his most trusted assassin, Ling, to eliminate the perceived threat. Ling and his team had been tracking Xi and Jing for days, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

As Xi and Jing turned a corner, Ling and his team emerged from the alleys, their eyes fixed on their targets. Xi, sensing danger, instinctively reached for her dagger, but Jing was unaware of the threat until it was too late.

"Jing, run!" Xi shouted, as Ling and his team closed in.

Jing hesitated for a moment, but Xi's urgent cry sent her sprinting down the street, with Xi close behind. The assassins gave chase, their footsteps echoing through the crowded streets of Canton.

Here's the next scene:

Lin Xi's eyes sparkled as she led Rui and Bai through the bustling streets of the mortal world, her heart set on finding Mei Lan. They arrived at the elegant teahouse where she had first seen Mei Lan's captivating performance.