NOVEL WEB Chapter 14: Chapter 14 – Ashes on the Wind
"You can't carry fire and expect not to burn."
Part 1: The Decision
Dawn crept into the Black Reed Archives like a thief—unwelcome and pale. The mist had lifted slightly, revealing the jagged spires and collapsed towers more clearly.
Inside the stone reading chamber, the trio sat silently, the decoded ledger between them.
Yun Luo broke the silence. "If we bring this to a major sect, they might reward us. Or kill us."
Mu Yan chuckled darkly. "Or kill us and take the credit."
Li Wei stared at the names listed in crimson ink—elders, alchemists, merchants, even a sect leader or two.
He closed the scroll slowly. "We keep it hidden. Memorize what we can. Then destroy the copy."
"That's it?" Mu Yan asked.
Li Wei looked up. "We move. Quietly. Help who we can. Strike only when it counts."
It was not a grand answer. But it was one they could survive.
Part 2: Embers Stir
The Archivist said nothing as they prepared to leave.
Only when Li Wei turned to bow did he finally speak:
"You chose the path of silence. But silence can echo loudest."
He handed Li Wei a worn talisman—a passive formation slip.
"Use this when the shadows grow teeth."
The old man disappeared into the stacks before they could thank him.
Part 3: Ashfire's Reach
Three days later, they reached a crossroad tavern at dusk—half built into a rock cliff, half supported by ancient roots.
Li Wei sensed something the moment they stepped in.
Too quiet.
Too still.
They had just sat down when the doors closed behind them.
Five figures entered. Black robes. Masks. No words.
One tossed down a satchel.
Inside: a single piece of paper.
RETURN WHAT IS OURS.
Yun Luo gripped her dagger. Mu Yan cracked his knuckles.
Li Wei did not rise.
"You followed the wrong trail," he said.
"Then correct it," one masked figure replied.
They moved.
Li Wei drew his blade.
Part 4: Fire in the Wood
The fight was brutal.
Two masked attackers were Martial Dao Peak Postnatal, one was early-stage Qi Condensation. The others were enforcers.
Li Wei moved like falling leaves, his footwork weaving around strikes.
Falling Leaf Footwork – Proficiency: (13/100)
He targeted joints, necks, vital lines.
**Silent Sever