A Song For The Ages

Feiyin stood in the courtyard of the Runeweaver Circle's residence, his arms folded behind his back as he waited. The evening breeze was soft, carrying the scent of fire-veined minerals and alchemical herbs drifting from the workshops nearby.

The sun dipped low, painting the mountain horizon in gold and crimson. Around him, laughter and conversation murmured through the open-air garden, where his faction members had gathered.

Today was a special day.

He turned when he heard footsteps behind him. Yan Xue stepped into the light, her red hair catching the sun's last rays, casting flickers of flame down her shoulders.

"Come," Feiyin said with a smile. "Let me introduce you to the rest."

They stepped into the lively group. Auren looked up from the table, nodding politely, while Lirael grinned and waved with both hands. "Leader~! And who's this fiery beauty? Another second-class? We're collecting them now, huh?"

Feiyin chuckled. "This is Yan Xue, Essence Alchemist, and... as of this morning, a Runeweaver."

Yan Xue offered a short wave. "Nice to meet you all."

Meng raised an eyebrow. "Did she lose a bet too?"

Feiyin smirked. "That and her curiosity got the best of her."

Yuli leaned forward, eyeing Yan Xue. "Another one roped in by Feiyin's... unrelenting charm."

Yan Xue laughed. "Something like that."

Zayesh gave her a respectful nod, while Auren simply sighed as Lirael leaned over to whisper something no doubt mischievous.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere grew warm. They talked and teased, shared stories of their work, their struggles, and how each of them had been approached by Feiyin.

"He told me I had a choice, that I didn't have to follow the path expected of me," Zayesh murmured, his red skin glowing faintly in the firelight. "That I could make something worthwhile with pill alchemy, even if my kind look down on it."

Yan Xue listened with growing curiosity and quiet admiration.

A few days later, as the group began to settle into routine, something changed.

Feiyin sat beside Baiyu, who had remained coiled and sleeping since beginning her evolution. Her body began to stir.

He immediately focused his oscillation sense on her, feeling the deep, harmonic rhythm of her internal transformation. Baiyu's white scales shimmered, fracturing into radiant hues as if tiny rainbows had been trapped beneath a crystalline surface. She rose slowly, her body now twice her previous size, her golden eyes brighter, deeper, wiser.

She flicked her tongue toward him, nudging his arm. Her warmth pulsed with strength.

"You look beautiful," Feiyin whispered, awed.

A gentle flick of her tail across the back of his head made him chuckle.

"Okay, okay, you're stronger too," he teased.

But he could sense it clearly now, wind, lightning, water. The elements whispered in her aura, something newly awakened yet raw and deep.

The peace shattered when the communication jade flared, casting a dim glow across the table. Feiyin reached for it without hesitation. Zhou Rui's voice rang out sharply, edged with urgency.

"The inner disciples, they're being sent out," Zhou said. "A mission in the Warring States region to establish a presence and keep the blood flowing. The orders came directly from the top, which means that old monster's awake."

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

Feiyin's body went still, though his pulse began to race. Behind his composed gaze, tension crept in.

"It's too soon," he muttered.

"He must've stirred just enough to begin testing things again," Zhou continued grimly. "This mission's not random. It's a trial for the newest batch of inner disciple who managed to step into the Elemental Infusion Phase to spread the sect's influence. They will be taking a group of outer disciples as aides as well. And only the Sect Master can approve something like this."

Feiyin's eyes swept toward Baiyu's sleeping form before narrowing. "If he's awake, I can't risk everything we've built up, so I'll go."

Zhou didn't argue. "You've got one day. Head down the mountain to the eastern outpost. You'll find a small gathering point near the boundary. Say that you received the dispatch from the branch. It's safer that way."

"Can I ask you something?" Feiyin said quietly. "Watch over Mu and the others."

There was a beat of silence before Zhou grunted. "Yes, yes. I'll do it. Now stop wasting time. The longer you wait, the greater the risk. Get moving before the wrong eyes fall on you."

"No need to be shy about it." Feiyin laughed as he shut the connection, knowing the old man would probably be cursing him right now.

Feiyin packed carefully, sliding bottles, pouches and talismans into his storage bag. Baiyu curled around his shoulder and waist, pressing close.

"You really got heavier," he joked.

She slapped his head again, softer this time.

He grinned, memories of his father getting scolded by his mother dancing on the edge of his thoughts.

Later that day, Feiyin stood before the Runeweavers, each face lit with concern.

"I have to leave," he said. "It's sudden, but it can't be helped. Sergeant Mu will take care of things."

"Sergeant?" Mu groaned as the others laughed.

Yuli stepped forward, concern in her eyes. "Will you be okay?"

"Our fearless leader won't lose that easily!" Lirael proclaimed.

Wrapping an arm around her Lirael shoulder,"I like you," Yan Xue said, chuckling.

"While my sister may be right, what about the circle? Auren asked.

"Indeed," Meng nodded, "what should we do while you're away?"

Feiyin smiled. "Grow and stay steady. When you all reach second-class, we'll expand properly." He continued, looking at the familiar faces around the room, a growing smirk on his face, "until then, listen well to Sergeant Mu."

With Mu beside him, Feiyin walked to the exchange district, purchasing formation plates and essentials.

"You're leaving a lot behind," Mu said.

"That's why I'm trusting you with it," Feiyin replied. "Focus on the Circle, and your growth."

Mu responded with his usual calm voice, though a hint of tension crept beneath it. "Who do you think I am?"

Then, more quietly, his eyes steady on Feiyin, he asked, "Do you really have to go?"

Feiyin exhaled, the weight of reality sinking in. "I wouldn't if I could. But that old thing... he's stirring again. The orders came from above. If the Sect Master is giving missions again, then he's awake. I can't ignore it, not when we're getting so close to our goals. I won't risk it."

Mu blinked, taken aback. "So that's why you're leaving so soon..."

Feiyin gave a thin smile, his usual lightness trying to return. "I'll take it as a sightseeing trip."

Mu looked away, jaw tight. Then with a smirk, he added, "Then I guess I'll be taking the lead for our bet."

Feiyin gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Mu! My man! I trusted you!"

Mu allowed a small smile, his green bangs swaying as he chuckled. "It's your fault. So you better be careful out there. Don't you dare fall to anyone."

Feiyin reached out and clasped Mu's shoulder, firm and steady. "Don't worry. We've still got too much to do together. I won't be falling anytime soon. Just take care of yourself, and the Circle, for now. And when you do win the bet, hug Ren and Yue for me. I'll be footing the bill for the feast we promised!"

Mu wiped at the corners of his eyes, laughing despite himself. "Are you sure you can afford it? Yue probably eats like ten people now."

Feiyin chuckled, reaching up to pat Baiyu, who was coiled loosely across his shoulders.

"I already have a glutton living with me every day. What's another one?"

At that, Baiyu, as if understanding perfectly, flicked her tail and thwacked him gently on the head.

Mu doubled over laughing.

With one last glance and a wave, Feiyin turned toward the descending mountain path, his back straight, silhouette cast long by the setting sun.

Mu, seeing his fading back disappear into the sinuous path, clenched his hands tight.

Don't worry, I'll take care of everything on our side, so just take care of yours