Hex-Edge: Requiem of a Fractured Swordsman

The scent of burning sandalwood guided Lin Wufeng up the thousand-step path to the Celestial Strategy Pavilion. Dawn painted the temple's upturned eaves gold, but his six souls saw different threats:

"Archers in the maple trees," hissed Li Feng.

"The monks are chanting the Sutra of Unbound Mercy," noted Jing Xin. "They expect violence."

A child's voice piped up—Xiao Qi: "Why are the statues crying?"

The massive bronze gates swung open before Lin Wufeng could answer himself. White-robed monks formed two precise lines, horsetail whisks angled like swords. At their center stood Bai Yu, his forehead gleaming with fresh ritual sweat.

"You came." The monk's whisk trembled slightly. "Though I sense you're not...alone today."

Lin Wufeng touched his throbbing temple. The personalities had been arguing since last night's battle with Ying Sha. "We need the Pavilion's archives," he said through gritted teeth. "The Tome's last known location—"

"Lies!" Li Feng seized control mid-sentence. Lin Wufeng's posture straightened, his voice dropping an octave. "You lot couldn't guard a chicken coop. We're taking the damn book ourselves."

Bai Yu's monks stiffened. Then—laughter.

A hunched figure emerged from the temple shadows, leaning on a staff topped with a carved crow. Elder Wen, the Pavilion's blind archivist, chuckled wetly. "Ah, the Blood Blade persona! How...direct." He sniffed the air. "And the little one hides behind him. Hello, Xiao Qi."

Lin Wufeng recoiled. No outsider should know their names.

"Kill the seer," urged Xuan Gu, stirring for the first time in weeks. "His eyes see too much."

Elder Wen's milky gaze tracked the voice only Lin Wufeng could hear. "Come, fractured one. The answers you seek about the Tome..." He turned, robes whispering against stone. "...and the massacre that created you, lie within."

The offer hung like a blade over water.

Lin Wufeng stepped forward—just as the monastery's warning gongs boomed.