dark descendent lurking fate

1. The Grand Elder Arrives

The quiet chamber echoed with the rhythmic ticking of a bronze incense clock.

Lin Yue stood alone, the blade laid carefully across a silk-covered table.

Moments later, the doors swung open as Grand Elder Lin—an aging yet sharp-eyed cultivator—entered. His hair was silver, but his spine unbent, and his presence still commanded silence from disciples and beasts alike.

> "You called, Yue'er?" he said with a calm voice.

She gestured to the sword.

> "This was offered in trade… by a boy I brought to you."

The moment his eyes landed on the blade, he froze.

A deep silence took over the room.

---

2. Recognition of Craft

Grand Elder Lin stepped forward, slowly, reverently. He didn't touch the blade. Not yet. Instead, he leaned in and narrowed his eyes, inspecting the edge, the hilt, the veins of molten crimson that danced through the steel like living blood.

> "This... isn't just a spiritual weapon," he whispered. "This is... refined soul-forging technique. At least tier five beast materials... maybe six."

His breath grew heavier.

> "Where is the cultivator who offered this?"

> "He's waiting. He said he forged it."

Grand Elder Lin snapped his gaze to her.

> "He lied."

Lin Yue blinked.

> "What?"

> "This kind of forging... hasn't existed in this realm for a hundred years. Not even the capital's armories possess anything of this level."

"Either he has a beast spirit blacksmith, or access to a lost forge art."

His fingers twitched—an alchemist by trade, but a man who had lived among power-hungry nobles and greedy sects long enough to understand exactly what this weapon represented.

> "Yue'er... listen to me carefully. This weapon alone could change our family's standing. If that boy can provide even one more of these, we could rise into the Imperial Pill Sect Alliance."

---

3. The Urgent Command

> "I want his background. I want to know what sect he belonged to. Why he came here. Who taught him. But most importantly..."

His voice dropped.

> "Secure. That. Deal."

> "How?" Lin Yue asked, nervously. "He's calm, but guarded. He doesn't talk much. And he only offered the sword for an elixir."

Grand Elder Lin's face darkened.

> "Then offer him ten elixirs. Offer him a personal lab. Offer him our name, our protection. Offer him a marriage tie if you must."

> "Grandfather!"

> "I'm serious. You're the best alchemist of your generation—but even you can't make weapons like this. We need him. And if we don't secure him…"

He paused.

> "Others will."

---

4. Quiet Footsteps

Back in the guest chamber, Ash sat cross-legged, meditating.

The elixir Lin Yue had given him was powerful—but even now, he could feel the wild spiritual energy within the Yin-Yang Lion trying to wake.

A flicker of white heat. A breath of black void.

He calmed it with will alone.

The door creaked open. Lin Yue entered, expression unreadable.

> "Ash," she said softly. "My grandfather saw the blade."

He opened one eye.

> "And?"

> "He… was impressed. Overwhelmed, actually."

Ash said nothing.

> "He would like to offer a better deal. We can provide you with a private alchemy lab. Unlimited elixirs. Spiritual herbs. Anything you need."

Ash narrowed his eyes.

> "Why?"

> "Because he believes your skills are beyond anything in this realm. And we want to help you grow them... with us."

A pause.

Ash stood.

> "You don't understand what you're asking for."

> "Then help me understand," she said quickly. "Let us in. Just a little. Let us walk beside you."

Ash looked away, silent for a long moment.

> "I'll think about it."