Unwritten Destinies

Chapter 2: A Role Unwritten

The sun hung low over the horizon, bathing the Black Cloud Sect’s vast grounds in hues of amber and gold. Disciples moved in well-rehearsed formations, practicing sword techniques and channeling their internal energy with precision. The scene, picturesque and serene on the surface, masked the simmering tension beneath. Li Feng could feel it in the air—the anticipation of conflict, the weight of expectations.

He, however, was not on the training grounds. Instead, he found himself deep within the sect’s ancient library, where the scent of parchment and ink permeated the air. Rows of scrolls and tomes, some centuries old, filled the room, each holding the history and techniques of the Black Cloud Sect. It was a treasure trove of knowledge, and Li Feng was determined to unearth something—anything—that could give him an edge.

He sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by scrolls that detailed the sect’s formation techniques, martial philosophies, and cultivation secrets. But none of it made sense to him. Unlike the disciples born and raised in this world, he lacked the innate understanding of Qi and the body’s meridians. He could read about it all day, but understanding it was another thing entirely.

"Why am I even here?" he muttered to himself, frustration gnawing at him. "I’m not supposed to exist."

The thought weighed heavily on him. He had read The Crimson Lotus Ascends from start to finish. He knew every major character, every plot twist, and every significant event. But there had been no mention of Li Feng—no brother, no extra antagonist. He was an anomaly, an unscripted part of the narrative.

But that didn’t change the fact that he was here, living, breathing, and very much at risk. If he didn’t adapt, if he didn’t find a way to survive in this brutal world, he would end up like the countless nameless characters that littered the story’s battlefields—dead and forgotten.

He sighed and leaned back, letting the scroll in his hand drop to his side. His mind wandered to his brother, Li Tian—the infamous villain destined to fall at the hands of the protagonist. Despite his many flaws, Li Tian had been a compelling character, a man driven by power, ambition, and revenge. He had climbed to the top through sheer force of will, only to be undone by the hero, Zhao Yun, in a classic clash of good versus evil.

Li Feng didn’t know what kind of relationship they were supposed to have, or if they were even supposed to have one. His existence here threw the story off its course, and that terrified him.

The sound of the library door sliding open interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see Jin Su enter, her expression thoughtful as she scanned the shelves.

“I thought I’d find you here,” she said, offering a smile as she approached.

Li Feng returned her smile weakly. “Trying to make sense of all this,” he replied, gesturing to the scrolls scattered around him. “It’s a lot harder than I thought.”

Jin Su knelt beside him, glancing over the scrolls. “You’re studying formation techniques? That’s pretty advanced stuff.”

“I figured if I could understand the basics, it might help me find a way to contribute. But…” He trailed off, frustrated. “None of it is sinking in.”

Jin Su studied him for a moment, then spoke gently. “Li Feng, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. If you need help understanding something, you can ask. That’s what we’re here for—to learn and grow together.”

Her words were sincere, but Li Feng felt a pang of guilt. How could he ask for help when he didn’t belong in this world? When everything about him was an illusion? Still, he nodded, forcing a smile. “You’re right. I guess I’ve just been… overwhelmed.”

Jin Su’s gaze softened. “I can help you go over some of the basics, if you’d like.”

Li Feng hesitated, but then nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”

For the next few hours, Jin Su patiently explained the fundamentals of Qi manipulation, guiding Li Feng through the most basic breathing exercises and techniques. It was a slow process, but for the first time, he felt like he was making progress, even if it was small.

As they worked, Jin Su shared stories of her time training under Master Shen, describing the difficulties she had faced as a novice and the lessons she had learned along the way. Li Feng listened intently, grateful for her company and her guidance.

“Master Shen once told me,” Jin Su said, her voice thoughtful, “that the path of cultivation isn’t just about mastering techniques or gaining power. It’s about understanding yourself—your strengths, your weaknesses, your desires. Without that, no amount of training will ever be enough.”

Li Feng absorbed her words, realizing that perhaps his greatest challenge wasn’t just learning how to survive in the Murim world. It was coming to terms with who he was now—Li Feng, not Kai Lee.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said quietly.

Later that night, after Jin Su had left, Li Feng sat in his quarters, staring at the flickering candlelight on his desk. His body was exhausted from the day’s training, but his mind was still racing. He needed a plan—a way to secure his place in the Black Cloud Sect and ensure his survival in this dangerous world.

The first step was clear. He had to get stronger. If he didn’t, he would be swept aside when the inevitable conflicts erupted between the sects. And that meant mastering cultivation, no matter how alien it felt to him.

His second priority, however, was far more complicated: Li Tian. His brother was the key to everything. If the story followed its original path, Li Tian would become the most powerful figure in the Murim world, only to fall tragically to the hero. But with Li Feng’s presence, the story had already diverged. The question was, how would Li Tian react to him?

They hadn’t spoken since Li Feng’s arrival in this world, and from what he had gathered, Li Tian was rarely seen within the sect these days, preoccupied with expanding their influence and dealing with rival clans. But sooner or later, they would have to face each other.

And when that moment came, Li Feng would need to be ready.

The door to his quarters creaked open, and Li Feng’s head snapped up. A young disciple stood at the threshold, bowing respectfully.

“Young Master Li Feng, the sect leader requests your presence.”

Li Feng’s heart skipped a beat. “Now?”

The disciple nodded. “It is regarding the Azure Dragon Clan’s recent movements. Master Shen believes your input will be valuable.”

Li Feng swallowed hard, steeling himself. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for. A chance to prove himself, to influence the sect’s decisions, and to carve out his place in this world.

He rose to his feet, his mind already racing through the various strategies he had studied. This was no longer a game. The stakes were real, and his survival depended on every decision he made.

As he followed the disciple through the dimly lit corridors of the Black Cloud Sect, Li Feng felt a strange sense of resolve settle over him. He might not have been written into this story, but that didn’t mean he was powerless.

He would find a way to navigate this world, to rewrite his fate, and—if possible—his brother’s.

One thing was certain: the path ahead was fraught with danger, but it was his to walk. And in this unwritten chapter of the Crimson Lotus, Li Feng was determined to leave his mark.