Morning arrived quietly, heralded by the gentle chirping of birds nesting on the stone-brick ledges of the Spirit Hall branch in Heaven Dou City. Golden beams of sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow onto the sleeping figure curled beneath the covers.
The rays touched the face of the young girl on the bed, brushing softly against the subtle shadows under her eyes, dark circles betraying her restless night. The peaceful chirping of birds outside served as a delicate contrast to the unrest within her heart.
Qian Renxue stirred, her lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the light that now warmed her face. Her lashes trembled ever so slightly as she turned her gaze toward the unfamiliar ceiling. It took her a moment to remember , this was not her bedroom in the Elder’ Hall present in Spirit City. There was no sound of soft footsteps or the familiar voice of Wu Meng, her personal maid.
By now, in Spirit City, Wu Meng would have already entered with a silver basin of cold water and a gentle reminder to wake. That small routine, that comfort, it was absent here.
She sighed quietly and pushed away the thick blanket covering her. Her movements were slow, deliberate, as though weighed down by something invisible. When she sat upright on the bed, the dimness under her eyes became apparent , stark shadows betraying the fatigue etched into her very soul.
She raised a pale hand to her temple, massaging it gently as she whispered to herself
“When will these whispers leave me alone?”
Like a low murmur echoing through an ancient corridor, never ceasing, never letting her rest. Whispers that clawed at the edges of her consciousness, trying to slip past her defences, trying to root themselves in the core of her mind.
Closing her eyes again, Qian Renxue steadied her breathing. And in that breath, she entered into the silent vastness of her Spirit Sea.
The inner world was still. Quiet Floating above this serene world was a twofold seal , one blazing with the scorching heat of flame, the other exuding a chilling frost, both swirling in harmony, keeping the unknown at bay.
It was working. The seal was doing its job. That should have brought relief… but it didn’t.
The whispers always returned, whenever she entered her dream land.
Just as Qian Renxue was lost in thought, a familiar voice echoed gently through the stillness of her Spirit Sea.
“Little Renxue,” the old voice said gently, laced with faint amusement, “how did you find your way here so early in the morning?
Turning her gaze, Qian Renxue saw Electrolux, his aged and wise figure floating just above with his usual calm demeanor. While Tianmeng lay curled up in a distant corner, snoring faintly like a lazy child napping after a feast. She didn’t bother mentioning the slumbering worm, there were more pressing concerns.
“Teacher, The whispers,” she said quietly, her voice strained. “They never stop. They come without warning… every time.”
She clutched her arms tightly, “I couldn’t sleep,” she said softly, her voice nearly drowned by exhaustion “It feels they are slipping into my mind when I least expect it. It’s like… they’re haunting me.”
Electrolux’s expression turned grave. “These whispers… they only come when you sleep, don't they?” He paused, then added thoughtfully, “It’s as if they target your vulnerability , not your power, but your peace. They aim to erode your will slowly, to wear down your mental fortitude over time.”
He came closer, his tone steadier now, firm and guiding. “But you must not waver, Qian Renxue. The strength of the mind is like a blade, sharpened in darkness and pressure. You’ve endured more than most, and you still stand. So long as you refuse to bend, they cannot break you.”
His words resonated with her. For a brief moment, warmth flickered in her chest, with a little suspicion but she hid both emotions deep in her heart.
But Qian Renxue did not see the flicker in Electrolux’s eyes as she turned away. His usually calm gaze with gray coloured eyes now gleamed a shade of gold, deep, ancient, and eerily indifferent watching her.
Eyes, so warm just moments ago, turned cold and indifferent as she began to fade from her Spirit Sea.
But Qian Renxue did not see it.
She returned to herself.
The room was quiet, bathed in soft morning light. The sounds of chirping birds floated in from the window. Qian Renxue rose from the bed and stepped barefoot onto the cool floor. She stood before the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection.
She smiled.
It was a small smile, practiced and composed , but it was a smile that felt foreign, mechanical. Not the kind that came from joy or ease, but one constructed from habit.
Something cold had begun to take root behind her face, a quiet void that grew deeper with each passing month.
Her humanity… it was slipping.
And she wasn’t sure if she cared.
She tilted her head slightly, letting a lock of golden hair fall forward. Her fingers brushed against her own cheek.
“Is this the price I pay to be strong?”
From beyond the window, sunlight touched her face again. But instead of warmth, it only cast longer shadows across.
Her eyes rose toward the sky, gazing the rising sun.
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Author Notes: Arc 2 is over. Do you guys like the story so far? Because in Arc 3 one will really glimpse Qian Renxue's manipulation.