The night sky over Mount Sangzhao was ink-dark, stars obscured by roiling clouds heavy with silent fury. Lin Su paced restlessly, her fingers clenching and unclenching as the demon mark on her shoulder burned hotter with every passing second. She gritted her teeth against the pain, forcing calm through ragged breaths.
She had felt the chains of the Path of Echoes, felt the brutal lash of her darkest fears—the terror of losing control, of hurting those she cared for. Now, the aftermath lingered, the mark pulsing as though feeding off the echoes of her torment.
From behind, soft footsteps approached. Bai Ru's quiet presence enveloped her before her gentle voice broke through Lin Su's inner turmoil.
"You're in pain," Bai murmured, concern woven into her words like threads of silk.
Lin Su scoffed lightly, though the sound lacked her usual bravado. "Nothing I can't handle."
Bai moved closer, fingers ghosting carefully over the glowing crimson patterns that marred Lin Su's porcelain skin. "Let me help."
Lin Su hesitated, pride warring with vulnerability. But when Bai's fingers touched her skin, the tenderness was undeniable. Warmth bloomed from Bai's touch, soothing the frantic pulses of the demon mark.
"Your energy calms it," Lin Su whispered, her voice uncharacteristically subdued. "How?"
Bai smiled faintly, her eyes soft. "Healing is about balance, not just mending. Your darkness needs something gentle to anchor it."
Lin Su stared at her, a sudden swell of emotion tightening her chest. "Thank you."
Bai's gaze never wavered. "We all need someone to lean on. Even you."
A sharp scream split the air, shattering their fragile peace. Bai stiffened instantly, head whipping toward the source—a dense thicket near the camp's edge.
Lin Su's mark pulsed painfully, her eyes narrowing as instinct took over. "Stay here," she ordered, stepping protectively in front of Bai.
Bai shook her head firmly. "Together."
Lin Su hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Fine. Stay close."
They moved swiftly toward the sound, footsteps barely disturbing the earth. But as they reached the clearing, Lin Su froze.
Wei Lan stood illuminated in pale moonlight, a blade dripping darkly in his hand. At his feet lay a young cultivator from the Verdant Fangs Sect, eyes wide and lifeless.
Wei Lan's lips curved in a chilling smile. "Ah, witnesses. How unfortunate for you."
"You betrayed the tournament's sanctity," Bai hissed, anger sharpening her usually gentle features.
Wei Lan chuckled darkly. "Sanctity is for fools and cowards." He lunged suddenly, blade arcing toward Bai Ru.
Lin Su reacted instantly, her demon mark erupting in furious flames across her back and arms. She met Wei Lan's blade with her own, a collision of sparks and fury.
"You dare threaten what's mine?" Lin Su snarled, her voice nearly unrecognizable.
Wei Lan grinned maliciously, eyes gleaming. "Possessive, aren't we? Good. Rage makes you careless."
Their blades clashed again, fierce and relentless, the sound echoing violently through the night. Lin Su fought with feral grace, each strike fueled by protective fury. But Wei Lan's cunning was undeniable, his strikes precise, exploiting every opening.
"Enough!" A voice cracked through the clash—powerful, commanding. Kai Jin emerged from the shadows, eyes alight with fierce determination.
Wei Lan paused, smirking coldly. "Ah, the hero arrives. Ready to watch your lover fall?"
Kai stepped forward, his presence radiating unwavering strength. "No. I've come to watch you run."
Wei Lan's confidence faltered slightly at Kai's unyielding tone. After a tense silence, he sneered, stepping back into the shadows. "This isn't over."
As silence reclaimed the clearing, Lin Su sagged slightly, exhaustion overwhelming her. Kai moved quickly, catching her as she stumbled.
"You came," she whispered, vulnerability coloring her voice.
Kai held her tightly, his voice gentle but firm. "Always."
Lin Su's eyes met Bai's, gratitude and warmth passing silently between them. In this circle of trust and unity, even betrayal would find no foothold.
Yet in the distance, unseen eyes watched, recording every detail, plotting each move.
The night was far from over.
**\[To Be Continued in Chapter 83: Tangled Bonds]**