The Last Immortal's Blade

chapter 3 wudang village 

With the Su family cemetery behind him, Su Xuan began his journey to the Eternal Dao Sect. The sect was located far to the east, beyond the Wudang Mountains, and the journey would take weeks. But Su Xuan was undeterred. The trials of the Eternal Dao Sect were his best chance to grow stronger, to gain the power he needed to fulfill his promise. Every step he took was a step closer to avenging his family, to uncovering the truth behind their massacre. The weight of his oath pressed heavily on his shoulders, but it also fueled his determination.

As he traveled, the Vision of the Dead—his newfound ability granted by the Nytheris Oculus Pupil—proved to be both a blessing and a curse. He could see the spirits of the dead wandering the world, their ethereal forms flickering in and out of his vision like shadows in the moonlight. Some were peaceful, their whispers gentle and soothing, offering fragments of wisdom or warnings of dangers ahead. Others were filled with rage and sorrow, their anguished cries echoing in his mind, a constant reminder of the pain and suffering that lingered in the world.

The ability allowed him to sense danger and uncover hidden truths, but it also weighed heavily on his soul. The spirits were relentless, their presence a constant intrusion into his thoughts. At times, he felt as though he were walking between two worlds—the realm of the living and the realm of the dead. It was a burden he bore in silence, for he knew that this power, however taxing, was a gift that could help him achieve his goals.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Su Xuan arrived at Wudang Village. The village was a small, humble settlement nestled at the foot of the Wudang Mountains, its wooden houses and narrow streets exuding a sense of quiet simplicity. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest. Lanterns hung from the eaves of buildings, casting a warm, golden glow over the village.

Su Xuan’s boots crunched against the gravel path as he made his way through the village. His dark robes, worn and travel-stained, blended seamlessly with the shadows, and his hood was pulled low to conceal his face. He drew little attention from the villagers, who were busy with their evening routines—children playing in the streets, merchants closing their stalls, and elders sitting outside their homes, sharing stories and laughter.

The village was peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned within Su Xuan’s heart. He paused for a moment, taking in the scene. The simplicity of life here was almost foreign to him, a reminder of the world he had lost. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to imagine what it might be like to live in such a place, free from the burdens of vengeance and power. But the thought was fleeting, quickly replaced by the cold reality of his mission.

Su Xuan’s stomach growled, a reminder that he hadn’t eaten properly in days. He spotted a small restaurant at the edge of the village, its sign creaking softly in the evening breeze. The scent of roasted meat and spices wafted through the air, drawing him in. He pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The restaurant was modest, with wooden tables and chairs arranged neatly across the room. A few patrons sat scattered throughout, their conversations hushed and casual. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold, desolate places Su Xuan had grown accustomed to. He chose a corner table, far from the other patrons, and sat down, his back to the wall.

A young server, a girl no older than sixteen, approached him with a timid smile. “Welcome, honored guest. What can I get for you?”

Su Xuan kept his voice low. “A bowl of rice and whatever meat you have. And tea, if you have it.”

The girl nodded and hurried off to the kitchen. Su Xuan leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the room. The other patrons paid him little mind, their attention focused on their meals and conversations. He allowed himself a moment of respite, his mind drifting to the trials that awaited him at the Eternal Dao Sect.

As he waited for his meal, the whispers of the dead began to creep into his mind. At first, they were faint, like the rustling of leaves in the wind. But soon, they grew louder, more insistent.

“Beware… danger approaches…” a voice hissed, its tone urgent.

“The mountains hold secrets… secrets that could destroy you…” another whispered.

“You cannot escape us… we are always with you…” a third voice croaked, its tone filled with malice.

Su Xuan clenched his fists beneath the table, his jaw tightening. The spirits were relentless, their voices a constant reminder of the burden he carried. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He couldn’t afford to lose himself to their whispers, not now.

The server returned with his meal, placing the bowl of rice and a plate of roasted meat in front of him. She set down a cup of steaming tea and bowed slightly. “Enjoy your meal, honored guest.”

Su Xuan nodded in thanks and began to eat, his movements deliberate and measured. The food was simple but flavorful, a welcome change from the dried rations he had been subsisting on. As he ate, he allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection.

But his peace was short-lived.