Ashes. A promise beyond death

Chapter 20- Where strength begins

The morning air inside the royal court was heavy with tension, despite the golden sunlight streaming gently through the arched windows. The throne room, usually a place of grandeur and order, felt unnaturally quiet—waiting.

The king sat motionless on his throne, draped in ceremonial robes, his furrowed brow revealing more than he spoke aloud. At his side, the queen kept a serene expression, but her fingers curled tightly around the folds of her gown.

Master Bao Fang stepped forward, bearing steady and respectful.

> “My king, if you will allow me to speak…”

“Speak freely, Bao Fang,” the king replied, waving a tired hand.

She bowed deeply, then lifted her gaze.

> “Your Majesty, I know a place where Yu Bin may finally find her sword. If you grant me permission, I ask to take her away for a month. For the first two weeks, I will guide her in deep cultivation. In the following two, I will train her to the edge of her limits. Only then will she be ready to bond. And I swear on my name—I will not leave her side.”

The king’s shoulders sank, the weight of years pressing visibly down.

> “I’ve tried everything,” he murmured. “Since the day she turned twelve, I brought home every rumored blade across the lands. Each one rejected her. I watched her spirit rise and shatter, again and again. You have no idea what it’s like—seeing your child crushed by hope.”

Bao Fang’s voice softened.

> “That’s because her spiritual energy was dormant. But now, something has changed. Her heart is awake. And that changes everything.”

Yu Bin stepped forward.

> “Father… I won’t be disappointed again. I trust Master. And even if I still don’t find a sword, I’ll find another way. I have my hands, my will. I can still learn to protect the people I love.”

The king studied her for a long moment. And in her eyes—so bright with resolve, so weathered by pain—he saw someone new. Someone stronger.

> “You’ve changed,” he said quietly. “You were stubborn, selfish. Reckless. But now…”

He paused, emotion catching in his throat.

> “Now I don’t know whether to be proud… or afraid.”

Yu Bin smiled faintly.

> “I misjudged Brother Xian. Twice. I thought he was arrogant. Later, I believed I saved everyone alone. But he was the one who got hurt… both times. I don’t want to keep hurting the people I love because I refuse to grow.”

The king stepped down and embraced her tightly.

> “My daughter has grown,” he whispered. “Go. Go with Master Bao Fang. I trust her with your life.”

---

They shared one last breakfast as a family. There was laughter. Hope. And a quiet promise that, no matter where Yu Bin’s path led, she wouldn’t walk it alone.

Outside, the wind kissed the castle walls, whispering farewell.

As Bao Fang and Yu Bin rose into the sky on the master's sword, a distant figure watched from the shadows of a tower window.

His face twisted with torment.

> “How dare you… touch her with those filthy hands,” he hissed under his breath. “You murderer…”

Tears slipped silently down his cheeks as hatred and sorrow coiled like vines around his heart.

---

High above the clouds, Yu Bin nestled her head gently against Bao Fang’s shoulder.

> “Master… it’s so peaceful up here. I feel… happy. If Brother Xian were with us, I think he’d love it.”

Bao Fang smirked.

> “Oh? You miss him already?”

Yu Bin flushed. “I—I didn’t mean it like that!”

Their laughter echoed into the clouds as they descended toward their destination.

---

But the moment they landed, all lightness vanished.

The house was a wreck.

Cobwebs blanketed the gate. Weeds swallowed the stone steps. The front door collapsed at a single push.

Yu Bin recoiled. “Master… this is where we’re staying?”

Bao Fang grinned. “Isn’t it perfect?”

> “It looks cursed!”

> “That makes it exciting.”

> “Master, I’m going home.”

But Bao Fang’s voice turned cold.

> “Down the hill live real monsters. Not ghosts. Real monsters.”

Yu Bin groaned. “Damn it…” and stomped inside.

They pushed the broken gate aside. Inside, the damage was worse—dust, rot, broken furniture. It felt like no one had lived here in a hundred years.

Bao Fang handed her a broom.

> “I’m going to the river. Get started.”

Yu Bin stared at the broom like it was cursed.

Still, she began to sweep. She scrubbed the walls, cleared the cobwebs, fluffed what was left of the mattress, even rearranged what little furniture remained.

When Bao Fang returned, she found Yu Bin curled up in a dusty corner, fast asleep.

> “Yu Bin,” she said gently, kneeling beside her. “You’ll catch a cold. Wake up.”

> “Master… five more minutes…”

> “I brought water. Wash up. We’re going into town for food and supplies. Then you can sleep as much as you like.”

> “I’m not hungry…”

Her stomach growled loudly.

Bao Fang burst into laughter. “Let’s go, silly girl.”

---

Together they went into the village, buying fresh bedding, tools, food, and supplies. Yu Bin grumbled at the price of everything. Bao Fang threatened to leave her behind. They argued, laughed, and returned home under the softening afternoon sun.

High above the hills, the wind chased them like a playful spirit.

> “You’re really different now,” Bao Fang said as they soared.

Yu Bin smiled faintly.

> “That’s what happens when people start believing in you.”

---

And so her true path began. Not in gilded temples or with legendary blades.

But in a broken home, rebuilt with bare hands.

In laughter that echoed through hollow halls.

In dust, sweat, and the stubborn will of a girl who refused to give up.