Ashes. A promise beyond death

Chapter 21- The Quiet Flame

The sky was overcast, veiled by soft gray clouds as Bao Fang gently lowered Yu Bin onto the sword, enlarging its surface with a pulse of spiritual energy. The wind whispered around them, carrying the damp scent of morning mist and the rustle of distant trees.

Yu Bin blinked, confused. "Master… are you telling me you could make this sword bigger all along? And I had to ride in your arms like a baby?"

Bao Fang chuckled, her voice light and teasing. "Yes."

Yu Bin narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

"It’s easier," her master replied with a casual shrug.

"How is that easier? Carrying someone in your arms is definitely harder than just expanding a sword!"

Bao Fang gave her a sly smile. "Making it bigger requires more spiritual energy. Carrying you saves mine."

"But you're strong! You wouldn't even feel the difference!"

"Yes, and strong people like to conserve energy too," Bao Fang smirked.

Yu Bin sighed in defeat and sat down on the blade, limbs heavy. "I'm so sleepy..."

Bao Fang’s expression softened as she knelt beside her. "Sleep. I'll carry you from here."

"Thank you, Master..." Yu Bin murmured, letting her head rest gently against Bao Fang's chest. The warmth and heartbeat beneath her ear stirred a long-forgotten comfort—a peace she rarely allowed herself to need.

They soared through the clouds, silent except for the whispering wind and Yu Bin’s steady breathing. When they arrived at the cabin, Bao Fang gently woke her, carried her inside, and began to prepare a space for her to rest. A simple mattress, a soft blanket, two pillows. She tucked Yu Bin in like a child, her gaze lingering for a moment on the girl's sleeping face.

So much had changed.

While Yu Bin slept, Bao Fang prepared a small meal. The scent of herbs and rice filled the dusty room. When the food was ready, she roused her student.

"You should eat and go back to sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day," Bao Fang said, her tone uncharacteristically gentle.

"Okay, Master," Yu Bin replied quietly, rubbing her eyes. Her own obedience surprised her.

Bao Fang smiled, patting her head with rare tenderness. "Good girl."

"Master... will you sleep beside me tonight?" Yu Bin asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "This place... it feels like it might fall down. I don’t want to be alone."

Bao Fang didn’t hesitate. "I’ll be right here."

Yu Bin smiled—genuine, sleepy—and with her master beside her, she drifted into peaceful dreams.

---

Morning came with sunlight filtering through broken shutters, casting soft beams across the dusty floor. Yu Bin stirred, her body aching slightly. She turned, expecting to see Xian Chen beside her.

But he wasn’t there.

Reality returned like a slap. She blinked, confused, then remembered: she had left the city. Left behind the warmth of that strange, tangled bond. The rope no longer bound them. Only memory remained.

Across the room, Bao Fang was preparing breakfast.

"If you’re awake, wash up outside. Then come eat. We start training today," she said without looking back.

Yu Bin groaned. "Don’t we have a bath inside?"

Bao Fang scoffed. "Be grateful I fetched water. Starting tomorrow, you’ll go down to the river. That’s your bath and your training ground. Get used to it."

Yu Bin grumbled, "Fine. Come help me undress then."

A pause.

"What?" Bao Fang turned, brow raised. "You want me to undress you?"

Yu Bin blinked innocently. "You’re my master. Morning routine, right?"

"Oh, I see. Morning routine..." Bao Fang’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, you are a princess. And beautiful..."

Yu Bin froze. That teasing tone. That devilish grin.

"Nope. Nope. I’m out." She grabbed her clothes and bolted outside.

Bao Fang’s laughter echoed behind her.

Outside, Yu Bin struggled through her first solo bath. The water was freezing, and the awkwardness of her efforts made it miserable. When she returned, teeth chattering, Bao Fang nearly choked laughing.

"Is this your first time bathing alone?"

"Yes," Yu Bin muttered.

Bao Fang sighed, then helped her dry off, dressed her in clean clothes, and tied her hair into a neat ponytail.

"You look like a real cultivator now," she said, tugging a loose strand forward.

They ate together in comfortable silence. Then Bao Fang stood.

"It’s time. Today, you begin cultivating with the river."

---

The river was a serene vision—crystal waters gliding beneath a canopy of trees, birds singing overhead.

Yu Bin gasped. "It’s so beautiful here, Master."

She ran toward the water, laughing—then shrieked as her feet hit the stream.

"COLD! MASTER, IT'S FROZEN!"

Bao Fang laughed until her sides hurt. "Told you."

"You want me to train in that?!"

"And sleep in it sometimes."

Yu Bin stared at her. "You're trying to kill me."

Bao Fang smirked. "If I wanted you dead, you’d already be floating face-down."

Yu Bin groaned, but even as she complained, something stirred. The river called to her. Cold, yes. But pure. Ancient. Alive.

She stepped forward again, trembling but determined.

And so her training began.

Not in grand halls or sacred temples, but in freezing water, with trembling limbs and a quiet flame that refused to be extinguished.