The System of Desires
Chapter 9 — Scarlet Hollow and Burning Hearts
The Shen compound had barely woken when Kai returned from the Ash Woods. He looked like hell — bloodstained clothes, torn sleeve, soot on his face — but his eyes were sharp with purpose.
Lian was waiting for him, standing at the gates. She took one look at him and ran forward.
"You're hurt!"
Kai tried to wave her off, but she grabbed his arm and pulled him closer, inspecting the cut on his shoulder.
"It's nothing," he said.
"It's not nothing," she shot back. "You fought something dangerous again, didn't you?"
Kai hesitated, then nodded.
Lian exhaled shakily, then squared her shoulders. "Then I'm coming with you this time."
Kai blinked. "What?"
"You heard me. Whatever you're doing — wherever you're going — I'm not staying behind again."
"Lian, this isn't a clan duel or some training exercise," he said seriously. "Scarlet Hollow is dangerous. Demonic Qi is everywhere. If something happens—"
"Then you'll protect me," she said, meeting his eyes. "Right?"
Kai groaned inwardly.
[New Companion Added: Lian Shen.]
[Affinity with Lian: +10. Affinity Level: 90% — Devotion Strengthening.]
Three's a Crowd
When they reached the edge of the forest, Yue was already there, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed.
She raised a brow. "You brought her?"
"Lian insisted," Kai said.
"I can fight," Lian said defensively.
Yue smirked faintly. "I never said you couldn't. Just don't slow us down."
Lian bristled. "I won't."
Kai sighed. This is going to be a long trip.
Into Scarlet Hollow
Scarlet Hollow wasn't really a hollow — it was a collapsed canyon filled with red mist, jagged stone, and twisted roots.
As they descended, the air grew colder, and the demonic Qi pressed against their skin like a physical weight.
"Stay close," Kai said. "And keep your Qi circulating. This place is toxic."
They fought their first ambush barely five minutes in — skeletal wolves with glowing red eyes leaped from the mist.
"Left!" Yue called.
Kai spun, striking one wolf midair with his spear. It burst into black smoke.
Lian channeled her sword art, slicing cleanly through another.
When the fight ended, Yue glanced at Lian with a new expression — grudging respect.
"Not bad," she admitted.
Lian sheathed her sword. "Told you I wouldn't slow you down."
Kai smiled faintly.
[Affinity with Lian: +4. Affinity Level: 94% — Trust Deepening.]
[Affinity with Yue: +3. Affinity Level: 46% — Respect Increasing.]
The Hollow's Heart
Hours later, they reached the heart of the hollow — a massive stone platform surrounded by broken pillars.
Another black altar pulsed with malevolent energy.
"Second one," Kai said grimly.
But before they could approach, the ground shook.
A massive figure emerged from the mist — a hulking demonic beast with four arms and horns like scythes.
"Great," Kai muttered. "Mini-boss fight."
[Boss Encounter: Corrupted Bonefiend — Power Level: Dangerous.]
Battle Under the Red Mist
The Bonefiend charged, its roar shaking the air.
"Split!" Kai shouted.
Yue darted left, Lian right, as Kai met the monster head-on. His spear clashed against the creature's claws, sparks flying.
"Hit its joints!" Yue shouted, firing a Qi blast at its knee.
Lian leapt forward, slashing the same spot. The beast roared and swung at her —
"Lian!" Kai lunged, tackling her out of the way as the claw smashed into the ground where she'd been standing.
Their faces were suddenly inches apart.
"You okay?" he asked, breathing hard.
Lian's cheeks flushed. "Y-Yeah…"
Before Kai could move, Yue's voice cut through the moment.
"Lovebirds, focus!" she yelled.
Kai groaned and rolled off Lian, spear spinning as he rejoined the fight.
The Killing Blow
After a brutal exchange of blows, Kai found an opening.
"Hold it still!" he shouted.
Yue used her chain weapon to snare the beast's arm, Lian struck its knee, and Kai leapt — spear blazing with the Blazing Serpent Art.
The flaming spear pierced the Bonefiend's chest. It let out a final, guttural scream before dissolving into ash.
[Boss Defeated — Rewards: +500 EXP, Bonefiend Core Obtained.]
Aftermath and Tension
Lian knelt beside Kai as he panted, his shirt soaked with sweat.
"You're bleeding again," she said softly, reaching for a healing pill.
Yue watched them, her expression unreadable.
"You two make a good team," she said after a moment. "Maybe too good."
Lian's eyes narrowed slightly. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Yue smirked. "Nothing. Just an observation."
Kai stood, ignoring them both, and turned to the altar.
"Let's finish this."
Together, the three of them destroyed the altar, the black stone shattering under their combined Qi.
[Quest Progress: 2/3 Altars Destroyed.]
Campfire Confessions
That night, they camped at the edge of the hollow.
Kai sat by the fire, cleaning his spear.
Lian sat close to him, her shoulder brushing his.
"You scared me back there," she said quietly. "When that thing almost hit me."
Kai looked at her seriously. "I'd never let anything happen to you."
Lian swallowed, her eyes softening.
From across the fire, Yue watched silently, her fingers drumming against her knee.
[Affinity with Lian: +6. Affinity Level: 100% — Lian's Heart Belongs to You.]
[System Notification: Dual Cultivation Opportunity Detected — Lian Shen.]
Kai's breath caught as the System message flashed before his eyes.
Not now, he thought quickly, glancing at Yue.
The night air grew heavy with unspoken tension.
Chapter End — The Final Altar
At dawn, the System chimed again.
[Quest Update: Final Altar Location Revealed — Temple of Silent Screams.]
Danger Level: Extreme.]
Kai stood, spear in hand.
"This ends with the next one," he said.
Yue smirked. "Good. I hate leaving things unfinished."
Lian nodded firmly, determination in her eyes.
For the first time, Kai realized he wasn't alone in this fight — but the thought brought as much worry as comfort.