The final day in the clan was one of grandeur and silent cruelty.
At dawn, the great courtyard teemed with movement as young cultivators prepared to set out for their respective academies. Servants bustled about, securing luggage, fastening supplies onto beast-drawn carriages, and finalizing farewells. The elders stood in ceremonial robes, their presence signifying the importance of the occasion.
Standing at the forefront of the procession was the clan leader himself. Dressed in deep silver and gold-threaded robes, his aura carried a silent authority that few dared to challenge. Beside him stood Lei Xuan, Qingyu, Lianyun, Feng Tao, and Heng Yi, all prepared for their prestigious journey to Celestial Academy.
Lei Xuan, the undisputed genius of lightning magic, carried himself with confidence befitting his lineage. His affinity granted him overwhelming speed and offensive power, making him one of the most promising disciples. Qingyu, gifted with water magic, stood with quiet grace. Though her clan had once favored Yinmo's father, her future had already been sealed—the academy would shape her destiny, whether she wished it or not. Lianyun, her twin, wielded wood magic with a steady, patient hand. Unlike Qingyu's fluid adaptability, Lianyun's approach to magic relied on resilience and methodical cultivation. Feng Tao, whose wind magic had bested many adversaries, carried himself with his usual smug confidence. His rivalry with Yinmo had left an imprint on the clan, and now, with the leader personally accompanying him to Celestial Academy, he saw his future stretching far beyond Moonveil's borders. Heng Yi, master of earth magic, remained composed. His affinity made him a force to be reckoned with in combat—unyielding, unshakable, a wall that defied even the strongest attacks.
Yet in the midst of these well-laid ambitions, one cultivator stood apart.
As Yinmo stepped forward, dressed in plain travel gear, his expression remained unreadable. He had packed lightly—only a few essentials tied to his waist, along with his newly acquired spell book and remaining resources.
The clan leader regarded him with cold detachment before finally addressing him. "You will go to Foundations for All Academy alone. No escort, no companions." His tone was calculated, measured. But deep within his heart, there was a darker intention—one he would never voice aloud. If fate takes him, so be it. If the wilderness swallows him whole, all the better.
The contrast was stark. Lei Xuan and the others received full ceremonial farewells—well-wishes, armed escorts, guidance from elders who ensured their safe passage. But for Yinmo, there was only silence.
A quiet cruelty.
Yinmo held his gaze for a moment, then simply nodded. He understood. He had always understood.
He turned without ceremony, departing under the weight of neglect. Alone.
The Damsel in Distress
Far from the structured order of the clan, beneath the dim haze of twilight, a different tale unfolded.
A figure moved quietly along the edges of a remote mountain path, her steps light, yet hurried. Her long midnight-black hair, unbound and cascading in waves, caught the last traces of moonlight, making it gleam like woven silk. The fabric of her dress, deep crimson trimmed with gold, fluttered with the wind—a sight both regal and fragile against the backdrop of untamed wilderness.
Her eyes, like molten amber, carried an unreadable story. They were filled with determination, but beneath the surface lingered an edge of distress, as if she had been running for too long from something unseen.
The first thing that struck anyone who saw her was her beauty—something haunting in its delicacy, yet undeniably commanding. The sharp lines of her face held elegance, but her presence carried a weight that made one believe she was no ordinary traveler.
She clutched something close to her chest—a satchel bound in silver thread—her grip tense. The remnants of battle lingered on her form; dust marred the rich embroidery of her robes, and a faint crimson stain graced her sleeve.
She was fleeing.
The mountains whispered with the winds, carrying signs of pursuit.
Unknown to her, the path she took would soon cross with someone unexpected.
And destiny, ever unforgiving, would make sure that their meeting was no accident.