Master of Shattered Fates

Dawn found Liu Chen still awake, watching fate lines dance across his ceiling. The guards posted outside his door had changed shifts twice during the night, but he hadn't slept. How could he, with the weight of Lady Frost's revelations pressing on his mind?

The black flower sat on his bedside table, disguised by a simple trick he'd discovered through experimentation. By touching the fate lines that governed perception, he could make objects appear slightly different to others' eyes. The flower now looked like a simple meditation token to anyone who glanced at it.

His first successful use of his new power, though the effort had left him with a headache.

A commotion outside his door drew his attention. The guards were changing shifts again, but this time he recognized one of the voices—Wang Hao.

"Master Feng's orders," his rival was saying. "I'm to observe the subject and report any unusual behavior."

"Young Master Wang," one of the guards replied respectfully, "we weren't informed—"

"Are you questioning a direct order from Master Feng?"

Liu Chen suppressed a groan. Of course Wang Hao would find a way to insert himself into the situation. His rival's fate lines blazed with barely contained anger and jealousy as he entered the room.

"Comfortable, trash?" Wang Hao sneered, taking up position by the window. "Enjoying all the attention your little accident has brought you?"

Liu Chen said nothing, keeping his expression carefully blank. He could see the complex web of fate lines surrounding Wang Hao—threads of ambition, pride, and deep-seated insecurity all woven together. Interesting, how much his new sight revealed about people's true nature.

"Nothing to say?" Wang Hao's voice sharpened. "No explanation for what happened in the garden? The mighty tree that hasn't bloomed in centuries just happens to transform right after you have some mysterious accident?"

"I already told Master Feng everything I know," Liu Chen replied quietly.

"Lies." Wang Hao stepped closer, his fate lines writhing with anger. "You did something. Used some forbidden technique, made some dark deal. The worthless one suddenly gaining power? There has to be a price."

If he only knew, Liu Chen thought. But he kept his face impassive, years of practice at hiding his feelings serving him well.

"Young Master Wang," he said carefully, "I understand your concern. But perhaps you should direct your questions to Master Feng or the other elders?"

"Don't play innocent with me." Wang Hao's hand shot out, grabbing Liu Chen's collar. "I know you're hiding something. And when I find out what it is—"

Liu Chen saw the attack coming in the fate lines before Wang Hao moved. His rival's destiny threads bunched and coiled, telegraphing his intent to strike. Without thinking, Liu Chen reached out with his new power and twisted.

The fate line governing Wang Hao's balance shifted ever so slightly.

Wang Hao's punch went wide as he stumbled, catching himself against the wall. His face flushed dark with rage and embarrassment.

"You—"

"Is there a problem here?"

Elder Sun stood in the doorway, his fate lines radiating calm authority. Behind him, Liu Chen caught a glimpse of the regular guards looking concerned.

"Elder Sun." Wang Hao straightened quickly, smoothing his robes. "I was just—"

"Just leaving, I believe." The old master's tone left no room for argument. "Your presence here has not been authorized by Master Feng. Unless you'd like me to discuss this incident with him?"

Wang Hao's fate lines churned with frustrated rage, but he bowed stiffly and left without another word. Elder Sun watched him go, then turned to Liu Chen with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, Elder." Liu Chen touched his collar where Wang Hao had grabbed him. "Thank you for the timely intervention."

"Mm." Elder Sun moved to the window, gazing out at the still-blooming tree. Its golden fate lines continued to pour forth, though they seemed calmer now, more organized in their patterns. "You should be more careful, Liu Chen."

"Sir?"

"That stumble just now." The old master didn't turn around. "Most wouldn't have noticed anything unusual about it. But I've spent sixty years studying fate lines. It was a very subtle manipulation—almost elegant in its simplicity. But a manipulation nonetheless."

Liu Chen's heart skipped a beat. "Elder Sun, I—"

"Don't." Elder Sun finally turned, his fate lines complex with worry and something else—pride? "The less I know right now, the better. But understand this: you are being watched very carefully. Not just by Wang Hao or Master Feng."

"The other elders?"

"Among others." Elder Sun sighed heavily. "Things are happening that haven't happened in a very long time. The black flowers are only the beginning." He fixed Liu Chen with a penetrating stare. "Be very careful who you trust."

With that cryptic warning, the old master left. Liu Chen watched him go, noting how his fate lines interacted with the guards outside—there was something odd about the pattern, something that suggested...

His eyes widened slightly. Elder Sun had subtly manipulated the guards' fate lines, ensuring they wouldn't remember his visit.

Be very careful who you trust, indeed.

Liu Chen leaned back against his pillows, mind racing. Elder Sun had seen his manipulation of Wang Hao's fate line but hadn't reported it. Had chosen to warn him instead. But warn him about what, exactly?

Things are happening that haven't happened in a very long time.

The black flower sat innocently on his bedside table, still disguised as a meditation token. Lady Frost's words echoed in his memory: When you're ready to learn the truth—the whole truth—crush it between your palms.

But was he ready? Elder Sun's warning suggested there was more happening than even Lady Frost had revealed. How many layers of secrets and hidden agendas was he caught between?

A whisper of movement caught his attention. The fate lines from the tree were shifting again, forming new patterns. As he watched, they began weaving themselves into complex characters—ancient script that he somehow understood:

The time of choosing approaches, young breaker. Will you remain bound by their laws, or forge your own path?

The words faded as quickly as they had formed, leaving Liu Chen with a decision to make. He could continue playing the role Lady Frost had suggested—the worthless disciple whose power was just beginning to develop normally. It would be safer, easier.

Or he could take the risk. Crush the flower. Learn the truth.

Outside his window, black petals danced in the morning breeze, and Liu Chen began to plan.