บท 16: Destiny in Motion
Chapter 16: Destiny in Motion
"Aerich, let's go there! A crowd has gathered," Tasia exclaimed, grabbing Aerich's hand and pulling him through the bustling street.
"Excuse us, please move... thank you," she murmured politely, pushing her way through the crowd. Aerich allowed himself to be dragged along, weaving between the villagers until they reached the front.
An old man stood on a makeshift platform, gesturing towards a collection of books displayed behind him. "Come here if you wish to change your destiny and soar to greater heights!" he declared, his voice carrying a practiced allure.
Tasia had been darting around the village all day, her curiosity piqued by everything she saw. Despite her enthusiasm, Aerich noticed the calculated way she acted fascinated by even the most mundane sights. Berlotte, her loyal maid, quietly trailed behind, her composed demeanor a stark contrast to her lady's energy.
For Tasia and Berlotte, it was their first time stepping outside the Yu Clan's territory. Though Berlotte occasionally ran errands beyond the clan's borders, her travels never extended far.
Aerich sighed inwardly. He had no choice but to comply; his father had ordered him to accompany Tasia and show her around the village. Yu Zhong was confident enough in their safety—having reached the Third Layer of Core Condensation Realm, he was no longer concerned about rival families. Moreover, Tasia was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator, more than capable of defending herself against minor threats.
Though officially acting as their guide, Aerich felt more like a reluctant companion, dragged along by Tasia's whims. He understood her motives but couldn't ignore the pang of resentment at being used as a convenient shield.
He also couldn't shake the unease that came with Tasia's deliberate performance. When facing the villain Mo Jian, she would always act cold and expressionless. But how would Mo Jian react upon discovering someone else receiving Tasia's attention? Aerich had no doubt—jealousy and rage would follow, with consequences rippling through his family.
His thoughts were interrupted when Tasia tugged at his sleeve. "Aerich, what's on your mind? You've been so quiet," she asked, concern flickering in her eyes.
"Nothing," he replied quickly, forcing a smile.
Tasia's expression softened, her voice tinged with guilt. "I'm sorry for dragging you around like this. I know you didn't want to come."
Aerich rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "No, it's fine. I'm just not good with crowds," he said, offering a weak excuse.
"If you say so…" Tasia hesitated, then smiled.
Aerich's gaze turned serious. "Tasia, you're already in the Foundation Establishment Realm. I doubt you need someone like me—a mere First Layer Qi Refining cultivator—for protection."
Tasia opened her mouth to respond, but Aerich seized the opportunity to retreat. "I'll head home. You and Berlotte should explore on your own."
Before she could protest, Aerich turned and fled, unwilling to spend another moment caught in Tasia's orbit.
"He ran away?!" Tasia murmured, stunned. For the first time, someone had walked away from her—her.
Her fist clenched, her innocent smile wavering into a frown. The villagers nearby, who had been watching the scene with interest, exchanged hushed whispers. In a small village like this, rumors spread fast, and the sight of the Yu Family's young master playing guide to a noble girl was enough to ignite countless stories.
Time moved on, seasons changed, and Aerich found himself standing at the cusp of a new chapter in his life. At sixteen, he had grown taller, his once-awkward demeanor tempered by years of quiet resolve.
The day the Azure Sky Sect came to the village arrived all too soon. Aerich's cultivation had only reached the Third Layer of Qi Refining, a modest level for someone of his background. His father, Yu Zhong, had pulled every string he could to ensure Aerich would be included in the sect's recruitment, but doubts lingered.
As the hooded representative of the Azure Sky Sect approached the Yu Estate, Aerich and his companions—Tasia and Berlotte—waited in silence. They wore cloaks to avoid drawing attention, a precaution against rival families' informants.
"I will take them now," the hooded man said. Yu Zhong clasped his hand firmly in acknowledgment.
"Stay safe," Yu Zhong murmured, his gaze lingering on Aerich.
The hooded man raised a hand, beckoning Aerich, Tasia, and Berlotte to join him. "Hold hands," he instructed. "No matter what happens, do not let go."
Aerich felt a surge of nausea as the man activated a scroll, distorting the space around them. The sensation of being pulled through the void was overwhelming, but he gritted his teeth and held firm. When the world steadied, they stood before an enormous gate, towering above a gathering of cultivators.
"The test will begin shortly," the hooded man said before vanishing in a swirl of spiritual energy.
Aerich scanned the crowd, his heart sinking. Most of the other participants were far stronger than him.
Tasia, standing beside him, puffed out her chest. "Don't worry, Brother. I'll make sure you get into the sect somehow," she declared with confidence.
Berlotte raised an eyebrow. "Miss, your own admission isn't guaranteed. How do you plan to secure his?"
Tasia smirked, her tone smug. "Which sect would be foolish enough to reject me? I'm a prodigy at the peak of Foundation Establishment. You should focus on yourself."
Berlotte had no response, falling silent.
Despite Tasia's confident demeanor, their presence had drawn attention. Jealous glares bore into Aerich as the crowd assumed he was her fiancée.
Aerich sighed inwardly, wishing once again he could simply disappear.
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