Chapter 6: Moonlight and Flames

The night was heavy with mist as Arion slipped beyond the sect’s walls, seeking solitude in the forest. His crimson aura flickered faintly, hidden beneath layers of control. Each step carried him deeper into shadow, where the whispers of the Emperor guided his cultivation.“Your flames devour all,” the ancient voice murmured. “But beware — power without restraint consumes the vessel.”Arion exhaled, forcing the fire back into silence. His body ached, his meridians scorched from endless training. Yet his will was iron. I will not break. I will rise.A sudden rustle broke the stillness. From the trees emerged Selene, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight, her robes marked with the sigil of the Moonshadow Sect. Her gaze was sharp, her presence commanding.“You again,” she said, her tone cool but curious. “I followed the trail of your flames. You hide them well… but not from me.”Arion’s eyes narrowed. “And what will you do with that knowledge?”Selene stepped closer, her expression unreadable. “That depends. Are you a threat… or an ally?”Before Arion could answer, shadows moved in the forest. Rogue cultivators, drawn by the aura of forbidden power, emerged with blades gleaming. Their leader sneered. “Two sect disciples, alone in the dark? Perfect prey.”Arion’s crimson fire surged instinctively, his eyes blazing. Selene drew her blade, its silver light cutting through the mist. Without a word, they fought side by side — flame and moonlight weaving together in deadly harmony.The rogues fell one by one, consumed by fire and steel. When silence returned, Selene lowered her sword, her breathing steady. She looked at Arion, her lips curving into the faintest smile.“You fight like someone who has already lost everything,” she said softly. “That makes you dangerous… but also interesting.”Arion met her gaze, the ember of intrigue burning brighter. “And you fight like someone who refuses to bow. That makes you… unforgettable.”For a moment, the forest was quiet, the tension between them sharper than any blade. Then Selene turned away, her silver hair trailing like moonlight.“Remember my name, Arion,” she said. “Because the next time we meet, we may not be allies.”As she vanished into the mist, the Emperor’s voice chuckled in Arion’s mind.“Careful, mortal. Love is a flame more dangerous than vengeance.”Arion closed his eyes, crimson fire swirling within. Then let it burn.