"That's enough, Tianran. Rest now," Yueqing's voice spoke gently, with a tone of concern that pierced the stillness of the night. She adjusted the blanket over Tianran's weary body, feeling him tremble after spending a long time in meditation. Tianran's breath was heavy, yet beneath the grip of exhaustion, he refused to give up. "Yueqing, I... I feel something is wrong," he whispered, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling of the student's room.
"Do you hear that sound?" he asked anxiously, "It feels like a call from afar."
"Calm down," Yueqing replied softly, running her hand over Tianran's head. "Let your body rest; everything will revert to normal when you wake up."
The system panel glowed dimly in the corner of his vision, half-inviting, half-warning:
─────[STATUS: INNER TRANSITION]─────
Physical Condition: Severely Fatigued
Qi: 7%
Spiritual Resonance: 25%
Void Pulse: Ready for Use
Mental Status: Vulnerable to dreams/visions
─────▲─────
Yueqing had already fallen asleep in the adjacent bed, her breathing steady. In the quietness, Tianran closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift into the boundary between consciousness and sleep. "I wish I could face this," he thought, even as his awareness began to fade.
The air around him thinned, and at that moment, his body felt as though it were floating, piercing through layers of sound and dim light. The aroma of damp earth, remnants of ginseng tea, and Yueqing's breaths slowly receded...
He stood alone in the endless gray expanse—without floor or sky, just an emptiness that felt all too real. In the enveloping silence, a heavy and grand voice reverberated from all directions, "Tianran, how daring of you to come here." The voice called out, as if the echoes of the past were never truly finished.
"Who are you? Why are you calling me?" Tianran asked, striving to affirm his presence even as his heart raced wildly.
"How long has it been since you last challenged the world, Yu Tianran?" The voice flowed like a melody, questioning, as if waiting for an answer that ran deep.
"I... I have fought for that purpose, but... am I strong enough?" Tianran responded with doubt, though his eyes began to ignite with a newfound determination.
"Strength comes from within you, Tianran. Find the path you desire," the voice affirmed, imparting encouragement that slowly spread throughout Tianran's soul.
A silvery blue light flickered, forming the image of a young figure with a stern face, eyes ablaze with determination, and dark hair shining like the night. His cloak was adorned with spiral patterns. Tianran gazed at him with uncertainty, feeling a tremor within himself. "Who… who are you?" he asked with a shaky voice. "Why do I feel like I know you?"
Fitran Fate, a figure that reminded Tianran of the deepest parts of his soul, answered slowly, "I am a part of you that has been lost. A remnant of memories that are not entirely yours, yet remain connected to every beat of your heart."
Tianran paused for a moment, trying to unearth the emotions swirling in his heart. "Fitran Fate… I… who am I compared to you?" His voice nearly vanished, caught in the grip of sorrow.
Fitran stared intently, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You are the me who has forgotten, Tianran. This name and this will have been passed down to you, but our memories have fragmented. This soul, always leaves traces, even if it isn't always easy to remember."
An odd blend of emotions surged within Tianran—longing, anger, fear, loss. "Why am I here?" he asked, more to himself. "Why must I remember wounds that are not mine?"
Fitran gazed deeply into his eyes, his gaze piercing into Tianran's soul. "Because all the weaknesses you feel today are tests I've endured a thousand times. Strength, Tianran, isn't just about Qi. It's about having the courage to embrace every side of yourself—the weak, the failed, even the parts you despise."
Tianran bit his lip, trying to process Fitran's words. "But... what if I'm not strong enough? What if I fail again?"
"Every failure brings a lesson," Fitran said firmly. "Don't let your fears shackle your steps. Courage will emerge when you are willing to face uncertainty."
The light shimmered, and from the mist stepped a young woman with long silver hair. Her eyes were crystal blue, and her face held both softness and a deep sorrow. She stood beside Fitran, gently taking his hand. "My name is Rinoa," she said, her voice clear, "I once loved someone who fought against everything for the world... and for me."
Tianran looked at both of them, trying to understand the strong bond between them as much as he could. "Are... are you also a part of me, Rinoa?" he asked, hope and doubt mingling in his tone.
Rinoa nodded, a warm smile gracing her face. "Within you, there are still traces of that feeling. In this soul, love, hope, and even fear never truly disappear. We are all connected, Tianran."
Fitran looked at her, his voice infused with warmth, "Do not repeat my mistake: thinking you can fight destiny alone. There's no true strength if you stand by yourself. With others by your side, you will find a way through every obstacle."
Tianran gazed at Rinoa with a mixed expression, his feelings swaying between uncertainty and a strange closeness. "You… are truly Fitran Fate's beloved?" He spoke softly, creating a distance between hope and fear.
Rinoa nodded slowly, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, I am his beloved, and within you, the remnants of that love are still buried. In the soul, there is love, hope, and also fear—all of it has never truly faded away."
Behind them, other shadows began to emerge. The silhouettes of students and teachers, figures marked by wounds, gathered and shared stories within the flow of memories. "They all… will never forget us," Tianran murmured, feeling the weight of the past drawing ever closer.
"We have failed, we have been lost," Rinoa added, her soft voice weaving through the tension. "But remember, our will never dims. Don't let your fear confine you forever. Trust in the path you will take."
Suddenly, from the midst of the fog, a giant black figure emerged—Void, instilling a profound sense of dread. "What do you want from us?" Tianran shouted, his voice echoing, reflecting the lingering tension. Void's purple eyes glowed, its body resembling an endless abyss.
Fitran stepped firmly in front of Tianran, as if becoming a shield. "This is the root of all your fears. Loss, emptiness—everything stems from here. Void cannot be destroyed," he said with a clear and confident voice. "It will not disappear; instead, it must be accepted and controlled."
Tianran trembled, fear apparent on his face. "But if I fail… does that mean everything will be lost?" he asked, his voice trembling, reflecting deep-seated doubt.
Void moved closer, his voice like a chilling whisper that haunted the air. "Power is born from emptiness. If you reject yourself, then you will vanish with me—forgotten forever."
Fitran gazed at Void with courage, his eyes soft yet resolute. "Do not fear that emptiness, Tianran. Within it lies the source of your strength. Only by daring to confront your own shadows can you discover the power you seek."
Tianran clenched his fists, trying to shake off the crippling fear. "All of this… could it really be a part of me, right? I have to seek it," he said, his voice trembling yet beginning to steady.
A spiritual status panel appeared between them, seemingly affirming the resolve that was newly born within Tianran.
─────[SPIRITUAL VISION: SOUL CROSSROADS]─────
Connection of Souls: Fitran Fate (Origin)
Resonance: 77%
Void Affinity: 30%
New Skill: [Echo of the Void]
Choice: Accept the legacy or reject & return
Effect: Inner strengths and weaknesses clash
─────▲─────
Tianran took a deep breath, his eyes filled with tension as he gazed at Fitran and Rinoa. "What if I really fail to embrace all of this? Will I lose everything?" He felt a burning fear within him.
Fitran, with a gentle yet meaningful smile, replied, "Every living being has surely faced their lowest point, Tianran. Failing is not the end, but rather a part of your journey. As long as you choose, you still hold power."
Tianran lowered her gaze, gripping her own hands tightly. "But… if I choose to refuse, will I remain weak?"
Rinoa looked at her with affection, clear tears streaming down her cheeks. "Don't throw away your hope just because fear shrouds you. Remember, uncertainty is also a part of the journey towards strength."
Void extended his hand towards Tianran, his voice soft yet powerful echoing throughout the room. "Rest in my embrace, or rise as the heir of the Spiral and the Void. Choose with your heart, and discover the strength within."
Tianran closed her eyes, allowing all her feelings—pain, love, fear, hope—to blend within her chest. She reached out, touching the light from Fitran Fate, a warm-cold current spreading to her bones.
"Fitran," Tianran's voice trembled, "can I bear all of this? All the loss and pain…?"
Fitran nodded, his face filled with understanding. "Tianran, every wound will teach us. Love and loss are part of this journey. If you fully accept yourself, you will find your strength."
In a soft voice, Tianran said, "I… accept everything. Loss, love, failure, emptiness. If this is my legacy, I will embrace all its risks."
Rinoa moved closer, listening to every word. "And I will always be here to support you. You are not alone, Tianran. Together we can face this darkness."
The spiral light and Void shadows collided, sending vibrations through the spiritual realm.
The system's voice thundered like the bells of a thousand years, stirring fear in Tianran's heart.
"Choice accepted. The legacy of Fitran Fate and the Resonance of the Void are now one. Skill 'Echo of the Void' activated."
The spiritual status panel lit up brightly:
─────[ACCEPTANCE OF LEGACY]─────
Echo of the Void — Level 1
Effect: Qi control increased, mental resistance up, Spiral/Void potential unlocked
Rinoa's Resonance: 8% (Emotional Memory)
Predecessor Connection: Connected
Side Effects: High emotional fluctuation, risk of losing identity
─────▲─────
Fitran gently patted Tianran's shoulder. "Your journey has just begun. Don't fear the fall—I've fallen thousands of times. Remember, Rinoa... she will be the light when you feel lost."
Rinoa gazed at Tianran, thin tears streaming down her cheeks. "We will all support you. One day, you will understand: love is not a weakness—it is the reason we endure the darkness."
The Void and other spirits faded away, leaving Tianran alone in the tranquil spiral light.
"Returning to the real world. Status: Heir of the Spiral and Void confirmed. Skills and spirit enhanced."
**
Tianran awoke in his bed, breathless, cold sweat trickling down. Yueqing stirred beside him, watching with concern.
"Are you having nightmares again?" Yueqing whispered, her hand gently touching Tianran's forehead, checking if he had a fever. "You look really shaken."
Tianran turned his gaze, his eyes reflecting a purple-blue light for a brief moment, confusing himself as if caught in a battle between two worlds. "I…" Tianran's voice was hoarse, "I met the past. Now I know, I can't run away anymore."
Yueqing furrowed her brow, "Rinoa, again?"
Tianran nodded slowly, his breath gradually calming. "She gave me a message, Yueqing. 'Love is not a weakness—it's our reason to endure the darkness.'"
The system panel illuminated with the full aura of the Spiral and Void, flooding the room with a stunning light:
─────[SOUL STATUS: EVOLUTION]─────
New Skill: Echo of the Void (Lv.1)
Qi: 13%
Opened Meridians: 1/12
Soul Resonance: 88%
Void Affinity: 35%
Effects: Increased Qi control, mental stability, ability to absorb trauma and hope
Note: Emotional Connection with Rinoa — faint
─────▲─────
Yueqing held Tianran's hand. "Welcome back, Tianran. We all know this isn't the end, but a new beginning."
Tianran replied, gazing at the ceiling that now felt more expansive, a curve of hope blossoming within his heart. "I feel like I can do this. The echoes of Fitran Fate and Rinoa still resonate within me."
"That is your strength, and also a reminder of what is worth fighting for," Yueqing said passionately, "never doubt yourself again."
"For the first time, I feel deserving of my new life, of every pain and hope that I've embraced," Tianran declared, unable to suppress his broad smile. "We will face all challenges together."