Chapter 11: The Dream That Never Fades
The air was thick with smoke.
Flames covered the battlefield, and cries echoed everywhere.
Ashen—still a boy, barely ten—stood in the middle of it all, clutching a small sword that shook in his hands.
Around him lay broken weapons… and his fallen comrades.
His breathing was shallow. His knees trembled.
> "I-I didn't mean to…" he whispered.
But the voices came again—sharp, angry, full of pain.
> "Why did you do that!?"
"It's your fault!"
"Because of you—they're dead!"
He covered his ears, screaming, but the voices only grew louder.
The faces of those he once called brothers and sisters turned to ash before his eyes.
He dropped to his knees, tears falling onto the burning ground.
> "No… please stop… I didn't want this…"
Then—silence.
Everything faded into black.
---
Ashen woke up suddenly, gasping for air. His body was covered in cold sweat.
For a moment, he didn't move—just stared at the wooden ceiling, trying to calm his heart.
> "It's just a dream…" he muttered softly.
"...just a dream."
But deep down, he knew it wasn't.
It was a memory.
He sat there for a while before lying back down. The night air was cool, and soon, his eyes slowly closed again.
---
By morning, the sun rose over the quiet village.
Outside, the Hans and Elder Rian helped prepare their things for the trip.
Lina was full of energy, tightening her small pack while Raizen tried to look calm but kept checking his sword.
Elder Rian chuckled softly. "You two look ready for a war, not a tournament."
Mei smiled as she handed them some wrapped food. "Eat this on the way, okay? Don't skip meals."
Jiro scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "And… uh, don't make trouble out there."
Lina laughed. "Don't worry, Father! Ashen will keep us safe!"
Ashen gave a small smile. "I'll do what I can."
Elder Rian stepped forward. "Take care, all of you. Remember—winning isn't everything. Learn what you can and return safely."
Lian nodded. "We will, Elder."
Before leaving, Mei looked at Ashen for a moment, her expression gentle.
"Thank you… for watching over them," she said softly.
Ashen only nodded.
They took one last look at the village before stepping onto the road that led toward the Azure Sky Sect.
For Lina and Raizen, it was the start of a new dream.
For Ashen… it was a reminder of one that never left.
---
The road stretched long and wide, lined with tall trees and rolling hills.
Lina walked ahead with bright eyes, her steps light and full of excitement.
> "It's my first time leaving the village," she said, smiling. "I wonder what the city looks like!"
Raizen grinned. "Bet it's full of strong cultivators! I'll challenge someone as soon as we get there."
Ashen sighed, but there was a hint of a smile on his face.
"Don't cause trouble before the tournament even starts."
Lian chuckled beside him. "They've got your spirit, Ashen. You trained them well."
Ashen looked away slightly. "They trained themselves. I just guided them."
For a while, they walked in peaceful silence, the sound of birds filling the air.
When they reached the top of a hill, the city finally came into view — walls shining under the sun, and the tall towers of the Azure Sky Sect standing in the distance like blades of light.
Lina gasped. "It's huge!"
Raizen clenched his fists, excitement burning in his eyes. "That's where we'll prove ourselves!"
Ashen looked at the city quietly, feeling the wind brush against his face.
> "A new beginning, huh…" he whispered.
Lian turned to him. "You'll join too, right? You'd easily make it in."
Ashen gave a small smile. "No. I'm not here to prove anything."
Lian sighed but didn't press further. He could sense something heavier behind Ashen's calm tone — something he didn't dare ask about.
Together, they started walking again, the road ahead bright with sunlight.
And though Ashen walked in silence, deep inside, he could feel it —
the weight of his past still following him, step by step.
By the time they reached the city gates, the sun was already high. The crowd was lively — merchants shouting, cultivators walking in groups, guards standing tall with spears in hand.
Lina's eyes widened as she looked around. "Whoa… there are so many people!"
Raizen walked beside her, calm but clearly amazed. "I've never seen a city this big before."
Lian chuckled. "Welcome to Azure City — home of the Azure Sky Sect."
Ashen looked up at the tall stone walls. They were carved with glowing runes that formed a soft barrier of Qi. Even from here, he could feel the steady power flowing through them.
> "It's been a long time since I saw a place like this," he murmured.
Lian smiled proudly. "You'll get used to it. Come on, the registration is at the outer sect hall."
---
As they entered, the crowd grew thicker. Posters of the Azure Sky Tournament were everywhere — a blue dragon coiled around a sword, shining under the sunlight.
Vendors sold food, talismans, and practice weapons along the road.
Lina's eyes sparkled. "Raizen, look! Sword charms!"
Raizen crossed his arms, pretending to act cool. "Not interested."
"Sure you're not," she teased.
Ashen just sighed, smiling faintly. "Stay focused, both of you."
---
They soon reached a wide courtyard filled with young cultivators stretching and meditating.
At the far end was a long table where sect disciples handled registration.
Lian stepped forward and greeted one of them. "Disciple Lian Han, returning with participants from Elder Rian's village."
The sect member nodded politely. "You're back early. The first round starts tomorrow. Register them now."
Lian waved them forward. Lina and Raizen stepped up.
"Lina Han, age ten," the disciple read. "Raizen, age sixteen."
He paused briefly, eyeing Raizen's calm but confident look. "You'll be placed in the 13 and above division."
Lina puffed her chest. "I'll win in mine too!"
Raizen smiled faintly. "We'll see about that."
Ashen stood behind them, quiet, but his eyes scanned the field — so many auras, each with its own rhythm. Some strong, some weak, but all eager. It reminded him of a time when he once stood among many… before everything changed.
---
After they finished, Lian turned to Ashen.
"You sure you don't want to join? Even if you don't aim for the top, it could be a good way to see the new generation fight."
Ashen shook his head slightly. "I've seen enough fights."
Lian sighed. "You're still the same. Always calm, always distant."
Lina looked back and grinned. "He's scared he'll lose!"
Ashen smirked. "You're getting brave, Lina."
Raizen chuckled. "Guess she learned that from you."
---
That night, they stayed in a small inn near the sect grounds.
The streets outside glowed with blue lanterns carrying the Azure Sky emblem. The crowd's noise faded into a soft hum.
Lina and Raizen sat by the window, talking about the battles to come.
Lian leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching them proudly. "Rest early, both of you. Tomorrow's your first step into a bigger world."
Raizen nodded. "We'll make the village proud."
Ashen stood by the window, looking out at the city. The moon hung quietly over the rooftops.
He could feel the calm but strong flow of Qi all around. It was peaceful — but also alive.
> "A world built on Qi and dreams…" he whispered.
"Let's see what it brings."
He turned to look at them one last time before lying down.
The night air was cool, the silence gentle. But deep inside, his old memories still whispered — of the war, of loss, of everything he once carried.
For now, though…
he let himself rest.