A heavy silence descended upon the ruins, a stillness that was not easily broken. The decisions awaiting them were as monumental as splitting a mountain with a single strike.

  Master Kin Lishuan placed a firm yet gentle hand on Yu Sui’s shoulder. His voice carried the warmth of a father’s love.

  "Yu... my son. You are not a curse. You are not a monster. You are my son. I raised you with these very hands. How could I ever believe those lies? My son, I am proud of you, and I will be for all eternity. And Mo Yan... my boy, you are no longer just a Prince; you are the protector of this realm. You must stand by Yu Sui. You both must fight for yourselves, for us, and for this kingdom. The future is waiting for you, my sons."

  Yu Sui’s eyes widened, a lump forming in his throat, but he remained silent. He stole a glance at Mo Yan, who stood with a heavy heart and eyes brimming with unshed tears.

  Master Fung Shu-Ri stepped forward to stand beside them.

  "Mo Yan, Yu Sui. We shall offer our very souls and spiritual essence to forge a divine shield, ensuring you reach safety. But in exchange..." He spoke with unwavering iron in his voice, "...you must promise us. Promise that you will restore the kingdom. That you will uncover the truth behind the fall of the Xuemo Sect... and end this cursed era. You two are our final hope."

  The young boy stepped forward as well, tugging at Mo Yan’s sleeve. His small voice was filled with a surprising resolve.

  "I want to help too... I want to give my spirit... for Big Brother Mo and Big Brother Yu..."

  The three Masters shared a look of mingled pride and sorrow. Master Fung Shu-Ri continued:

  "Mo Yan, Yu Sui, you must travel to the hidden valley of Duang Wenxiri. There... you will find Grandmaster Qinji, the High Mistress of forgotten truths. It is a realm where every lie is stripped bare and every truth is recorded the 'Book of Heaven.' Only she holds the full record of that fateful day... the truth behind the fall of the Xuemo Sect... and the origin of this unknown bond that tethers your souls."

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  From his sleeve, Feng Shu-Ri produced a shimmering, ancient emblem.

  "This is the Invitation Seal. Show this at the gates of Duang Wenxiri. Only then will Grandmaster Qinji allow you entry."

  He pressed the emblem into Mo Yan’s hand and gazed at them both one last time.

  "Go. And never look back. No matter where you find yourselves, remember that we are with you, and we shall remain so until the very end."

  With those words, the three Masters began to step back. Seeing the finality in their movements, Yu Sui and Mo Yan began to plead in a panic, falling to their knees in emotional turmoil. But the Masters remained deaf to their cries. Their eyes were peaceful, their voices steady, and their resolve absolute.

  Master Chui Yong instructed the young boy to run to a safe place and not look back. The boy obeyed; he looked at Mo Yan and Yu Sui one last time, let go of Mo Yan’s sleeve, and ran away weeping, knowing what was to come.

  Then, Master Fung Shu-Ri, Master Kin Lishuan, and Master Chui Yong sat in a triangular formation, hands joined in prayer. Their bodies began to glow with the final sparks of their spiritual power.

  Master Kin Lishuan spoke in a voice of profound serenity.

  "We are not dying. We are... becoming a part of you."

  Together, they activated the seal. A golden circle erupted beneath them, etched with the runes of the ancient Chwen language. In its center, a pure white flame ignited.

  "No, stop!" Yu Sui and Mo Yan screamed. "We don't need this! There must be another way!"

  But the mantra had already begun.

  From the heart of the flame, three spheres of radiant soul energy drifted upward one silver, one gold, and one sky-blue. The three spheres merged and split into two equal halves. They hovered briefly in the air before shooting with incredible velocity into the chests of Mo Yan and Yu Sui. The impact threw them backward, and they collapsed, writhing in the brilliance of the light.

  When the pain receded and they scrambled back inside, a hollow silence filled the temple. Their Masters... were gone. Nothing remained but their robes lying on the ground where they had sat, their swords resting beside them.

  Yu Sui and Mo Yan stood paralyzed. Yu Sui stared at the empty robes in total disbelief, his strength failing as he collapsed to the ground. Mo Yan caught him instantly. “Yu!”

  Yu Sui’s eyes remained fixed on the spot, tears falling one after another. Finally, he spoke, his voice trembling with shock.

  "They gave everything for us... Mo."

  Mo Yan looked at the site, his own eyes an endless river of grief.

  Yu Sui wiped his tears and stood up, looking toward the distant horizon. With a heavy burden weighing on his soul, Mo Yan turned to him.

  "Then we shall make it meaningful. Let us find Grandmaster Qinji. Are you with me, Yu?"

  Yu Sui looked at him and nodded his head in silent, solemn agreement.