Ashes. A promise beyond death

Chapter 22: The place where Darkness waits

The river shimmered like liquid crystal under the afternoon sun, its gentle flow concealing the secrets of countless forgotten souls. The air was serene, yet tension hung like a phantom between the trees.

This was no ordinary river.

Here, life and death danced in silence.

Here, light and shadow merged beneath the current.

Bao Fang stood beside Yu Bin at the edge of the water, arms crossed, expression grave.

"Listen, Yu Bin," she said, her voice firm but touched with concern. "I never said this would be easy. I warned you—there are two kinds of spiritual energy here: life and death. You must choose life. Always."

Yu Bin frowned, frustration tightening her brow. "Why do I have to enter the water, Master? Why can’t I just stay close to it?"

Bao Fang didn’t blink. "Because spiritual cultivation isn’t something you do from a distance. True growth demands immersion. Contact. Sacrifice."

Yu Bin groaned dramatically and rolled her eyes. "Daaaammmmnnnn."

A faint smile tugged at Bao Fang’s lips. "When you're ready, step in. Just know this—I trust you. You can do this."

The princess drew a deep breath, steeling herself. Her spine straightened, and a quiet fire lit her eyes.

"Okay. Let’s do this."

With a sudden shout, she charged into the water—

—and instantly froze.

"So cooolllllddd! Master, I’ll freeze to death!" she shrieked, flailing slightly.

Bao Fang’s voice cut through the chill, calm and steady. "Yu Bin, listen to me."

"I-I’m listening, M-master..." she replied, teeth chattering violently.

"Close your eyes. Picture your meridian channels. Can you see them?"

Yu Bin gave a shaky nod.

"Each channel has a portal. Open them—one by one. Let the light spiritual energy in. Use your internal qi to shield against the resentful energy. Let your body become part of the water. Focus on the light. Trust it."

Yu Bin obeyed, surrendering to the process. Her body relaxed into the flow, limbs suspended. Slowly, the cold gave way to warmth. Radiant energy surged through her veins, pure and alive. Her spirit lifted, her core pulsed with power.

Then—something shifted.

A single thread of resentful energy slipped past her inner guard.

Suddenly, the river disappeared.

She was inside a memory—not her own.

Dark. Violent. Real.

A child screamed, his cry cutting through her soul like shattered glass. A man towered over him, eyes full of cruelty, blade glinting in hand. The boy had stolen an apple.

For that, the man was severing his fingers.

"Help me! Avenge me!" the boy sobbed, his tiny hands drenched in blood, reaching for her.

Yu Bin's lungs constricted. The pain. The injustice. It burned.

Then—light.

A hand pierced the darkness and yanked her back into the world.

She surfaced with a violent gasp, coughing river water as Bao Fang gripped her tightly.

"What were you doing?!" Bao Fang demanded, eyes wide with concern.

Yu Bin clung to her, trembling. "He was in pain… That man—he was cutting off a child’s fingers. Just for an apple. How could he… how could anyone…?"

Bao Fang’s expression softened. Her voice, though firm, held sorrow.

"That was a resentful spirit. That boy died perhaps a hundred years ago. His pain lingers. But you cannot carry it. Do not let the darkness into your body."

Yu Bin’s voice cracked. "But why?! Why do people like that even exist?!"

Bao Fang looked away for a moment, then met her gaze. "I don’t have all the answers. But I know this—for every monster in this world, there is someone who still believes in goodness. That is why we train—to be stronger than evil. Strong enough to protect the innocent."

Tears mingled with river water on Yu Bin’s face.

"I’ll do it. I’ll become strong. I won’t let evil win."

"Then return to the water. And remember who you are."

With trembling legs but an unshaken spirit, Yu Bin stepped back into the river.

This time, she did not falter.

The hours passed.

The sun dipped low, painting the sky in bruised gold.

Finally, Yu Bin’s body floated to the surface—drained but radiant.

Bao Fang rushed to her, catching her before she fell.

Back at the mountain hut, she laid the girl gently on the bed.

Yu Bin’s face was pale, but calm. Peaceful.

While she slept, Bao Fang moved quietly—preparing food, lighting a lantern, patching the gate.

Later, she sat beside the bed and gently shook the girl’s shoulder.

"Wake up, child. You need to eat."

"Let me sleep…" Yu Bin mumbled.

"Eat first. Then you can sleep forever."

With great reluctance, Yu Bin opened her mouth. One bite—and her eyes widened.

"So good…" she whispered, suddenly ravenous. She grabbed the spoon and finished the bowl in minutes.

"Eat well," Bao Fang said. "You’ll need strength."

By the time stars faded into dawn, the house was still again.

But something had changed.

Yu Bin woke with a groan, rubbing her eyes.

"Good morning, Master."

"Good morning, cutie pie," Bao Fang replied with a soft smile.

Yu Bin hesitated. "Master… about yesterday. That boy…"

"What about him?"

"Are humans really that cruel? In our realm, wars are about belief. But here? What justifies hurting a child? Are they… all like that?"

Bao Fang paused, then knelt beside her.

"Yu Bin, every forest has dry bushes. That doesn’t mean the forest itself is dead."

Yu Bin blinked, confused. "So not everyone is bad?"

"Exactly. There are many who still need our help. Don’t lose faith in them. You’re their future queen. You must protect both cultivators and mortals."

Yu Bin nodded slowly. "I understand now, Master. Thank you for listening."

"I’ll always listen to your heart, sweetie. Now wash your face. I’ll do your hair. Then we eat. And then… the river."

"Yes, Master," Yu Bin said, her voice soft—but certain.

The river waited.

And so did destiny.