Veil of the Shattered Heavens

Chapter 21: The Silent Resolve



The Forest of Veiled Shadows was unrecognizable—a wasteland torn apart by the clash of heavenly fury and cosmic defiance. Craters marred the ground, trees had been reduced to splinters, and the once-vibrant air hung heavy with the residue of raw, unbridled energy. The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint crackling of dissipating remnants of power.

Mei Xue looked around in disbelief, her eyes wide as she took in the destruction. "This... this was caused by Xuan Li?" she murmured, her voice trembling.

Before she could process the scene further, Xuan Li staggered forward, blood dripping from his lips. His entire body trembled uncontrollably, his face pale as if the life was being drained from him.

Damn it... my body feels like it's falling apart... Xuan Li thought, his vision blurring. He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself, but his legs gave out, and with a heavy thud, he collapsed to the ground.

Veins bulged across his skin, glowing faintly as if surging with unstable energy. A scream tore from his throat as pain wracked his body, the once-dazzling cosmic aura around him fading rapidly.

"Xuan Li!" Mei Xue cried, rushing to his side. Without hesitation, she released her heavenly aura, enveloping him in its soothing glow in an attempt to ease his pain. But the moment her energy touched his body, it was consumed, and a violent shockwave erupted from Xuan Li, sending Mei Xue flying backward.

She landed hard against a shattered tree trunk, groaning in pain. Confusion and fear swirled within her as she tried to stand. "What... what's happening to him?" she whispered, her legs trembling as a powerful wave of energy surged through the area.

Before she could approach again, the power enveloping her grew too intense. It pressed down on her like a crushing weight, and her vision darkened as she fell unconscious.

From within the locket around Xuan Li's neck, a figure emerged, cloaked in a shimmering cosmic aura. Verdris, Xuan Li's master, hovered in the air, his expression grim as he observed his disciple's torment.

With a wave of his hand, Verdris released his own cosmic energy, surrounding Xuan Li's writhing body in a protective barrier. The chaotic energy tearing through Xuan Li's veins began to settle, the young man's screams quieting into strained breaths.

"It's okay," Verdris said softly, his voice carrying a strange warmth. "You can rest now."

As if lulled by the words, Xuan Li's body went limp, and he slipped into unconsciousness. Verdris continued to hover, his gaze never leaving his disciple.

He muttered to himself, "When this kid faced the heavens' tribulation, I was prepared to intervene the moment he was pushed too far. But every time he reached the brink of death, the cosmic origin guided him back. However..." His voice trailed off, his eyes narrowing.

Verdris extended his hand, and his cosmic aura pulsed as he peered into Xuan Li's soul. Inside the endless void of his disciple's inner world, something stirred.

At first, there was nothing but darkness, but then two enormous white eyes opened, hollow yet filled with incomprehensible majesty and chaos. They stared directly at Verdris as if acknowledging his presence.

For a moment, Verdris faltered, the sheer pressure of the gaze piercing even his formidable will. His eyes returned to normal, and he chuckled lightly, his lips curling into a small smile. "Disciple... what have you awakened? Sigh... perhaps you truly are the one who can reach that realm."

Hours later, Xuan Li woke with a start, his body aching but his mind clear. He found himself in the tent, wrapped in a blanket. Beside him, Mei Xue was sleeping, her hand clutching his. Her face was peaceful, but the faint marks of tears on her cheeks betrayed her worry.

He shifted slightly, and Mei Xue stirred, opening her eyes. Relief flooded her face as she sat up abruptly.

"Xuan Li!" she cried, throwing her arms around him before she realized what she was doing.

Xuan Li stiffened, feeling the soft sensation of her embrace. His mind stalled for a moment before he stammered, "Mei Xue... hold on... calm down..."

Realizing what she had done, Mei Xue immediately pulled away, her face turning bright red. "S-sorry! That was... reflex... yeah, just reflex. I didn't mean anything by it!"

Xuan Li let out a small laugh, his usual calm demeanor returning. "It's fine. I understand. You were worried."

Mei Xue's blush deepened. How can he say that with such a cool expression? she thought, flustered.

Stretching his body, Xuan Li felt a strange hollowness within him. Something's wrong... the energy feels distant.

A voice echoed in his mind. "Disciple, how is your body?"

"Master," Xuan Li replied silently. "I think I'm okay, but something feels off."

Verdris's tone grew serious. "Do you remember what happened earlier?"

"I do," Xuan Li said. "But I'm confused. When the thunder sword was about to strike, I felt... something. A presence, almost like a link. Afterward, I felt a surge of power, but once the tribulation ended, it faded, as though it had gone back to sleep."

Verdris was silent for a moment before answering. "It's a special thing. Don't dwell on it now. When the time comes, you'll understand on your own. But there's something else I must tell you."

Xuan Li tensed, listening carefully.

"For your next breakthrough," Verdris continued, "you'll need mastery over cosmic energy and an unshakable foundation. But..." His voice grew grim. "Facing the heavenly origin and the outburst of cosmic energy in your body has slightly damaged your meridians and foundation."

Xuan Li's eyes widened in shock. He remembered Verdris's warning vividly: No matter what happens, your foundation must remain intact. If it is damaged, the consequences will be catastrophic.

Verdris sighed. "What's done is done. For now, you cannot use cosmic energy."

Xuan Li latched onto the phrase for now and asked, "Master... is there a way to repair it?"

A faint smile formed on Verdris's lips. "What do you take me for? Of course, I can help you. But it will be extremely difficult. Even with the support of cosmic energy, I can only offer limited assistance. My power is far from restored—less than five percent. If I were at full strength, this whole...dimen..i mean this entire plane wouldn't be able to tolerate my existence."

Xuan Li's determination ignited. "Then I'll endure whatever it takes."

That night, Xuan Li stepped outside the tent, gazing at the starry sky. His heart was heavy with the weight of his broken foundation but also burning with resolve. I'll recover my strength. No matter how long it takes, I will overcome every challenge and rise above everything.

Behind him, Mei Xue watched silently. She could sense his burden but said nothing, silently vowing to be there when the time came for him to share it.

Xuan Li clenched his fists, his voice a quiet promise to himself. "I will rise."


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