“Face the truth, kid. She's not coming.”

  Lou Heng and Ishin stood at the base of the stairway, the ever-watching yellow dome towering above them. Dusk had settled across the city, casting long shadows across the square. Only the web of lanterns suspended between buildings illuminated the fading light, their glow flickering like captive stars. Despite the late hour, the square still teemed with people, their voices and footsteps merging into a low, ever-present hum.

  “She just needs more time,” Ishin protested, though his voice faltered.

  “More time?” Lou Heng’s tone was calm but firm. “It's been thirty days since she said she'd meet you. It's not a matter of time anymore. She's not coming.”

  For twelve days, the pair had resided in Yellow Dome City. In that time, they had followed the same ritual: waiting by the stairway from dawn until dusk before retiring to their rooms for the evening. Lou Heng had forbidden Ishin from wandering about alone, wary the young cultivator might try to slip away. But Ishin hadn’t cared. He’d used the long nights to cultivate, chasing whatever progress he could muster.

  On the morning of the twentieth day, they had waited expectantly for Ro Akira’s arrival. When she hadn’t appeared, Lou Heng suggested she was simply delayed. They had returned to the Moonpetal Hotel and extended their stay. With each passing day, Ishin clung to hope, unwilling to accept the possibility that his mother would not come. He’d noticed Lou Heng’s patience beginning to fray, but he’d prayed—truly prayed—that his mother would arrive before it snapped.

  Now, it was too late.

  “She’ll come,” Ishin said again, though even he could hear the desperation in his voice. She has to.

  Lou Heng’s gaze softened. “I know she was your mother, and this must be hard—but you have to accept reality.”

  “We don’t know for certain,” Ishin argued. “She could’ve gotten lost—or been delayed by another Sun Tiger attack. Maybe she’s wounded and needs help!”

  “Or more likely, she’s dead.” Lou Heng's words struck like a blade. “Ro Akira is too strong to be delayed by mere beasts. Nor do I believe she’d get lost. It’s possible she’s wounded, but if she’s that hurt, she still won’t arrive.”

  The Anji Elder’s voice dropped, tinged with something closer to reverence. “My honest guess is that she lost against that group from the Hidden Ring—whoever they are. For that, you have my sympathies.”

  Ishin turned away. Pride had no place in him now. “She can’t be…”

  “Look, kid. I know it's a painful truth to face, but you did what you were told. I'm as surprised as you that she didn’t come.”

  The Elder let out a slow breath. “Out of respect for your mother, I can escort you back to the Daihu Tribe. Perhaps some of your elders can help you look for her, if she is injured.”

  Ishin didn’t respond. If she’s hurt that badly, by the time I return with help, she’ll already be gone. As much as he hated to admit it, Lou Heng was probably right. She’s dead. Murdered by assassins who struck from the shadows—cowards.

  He clenched his fists. His mother hadn’t died in glorious combat against a worthy foe. She’d been ambushed. Slain in the dark by faceless killers. And I don’t even know why.

  “What do you say?” Lou Heng asked, breaking into his thoughts.

  “Apologies, Elder. I need a moment to think.”

  Lou Heng nodded. “Take your time.”

  Ishin’s thoughts swirled. Lou Heng was being generous—offering to escort him home. After the Sun Tiger incident, Ishin knew he’d never survive the journey alone. But is going back really the right choice?

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  His mother had told him not to return to the tribe. She had insisted he go west. If she just meant to meet me here, why wouldn’t she take me back to the tribe first? The Daihu Tribe is even closer to Tyrant’s Rest than Yellow Dome City.

  Did she think going back was dangerous? That didn’t make sense. As the First Warrior of the Daihu Tribe, Ro Akira’s authority should have made it one of the safest places. Unless… someone from within ordered her death.

  It was a wild thought. There was no one Ishin could point to, no evidence or proof. Still, someone had hired the Hidden Ring. It had to be someone who knew her—someone who wanted her dead badly enough to pay outsiders. But Ro Akira was respected. Revered. Who would do that?

  He shook his head, his teeth grinding. I don’t understand. None of it makes sense. He looked around at the bustling activity of Central Square—the lanterns glowing, the laughter of strangers filling the air. It was loud. Alive. And yet, he felt more alone than ever before.

  If I leave, I may never return. This place… it feels full of opportunities.

  Would Elder Fa even take him back as a disciple? Without his mother’s title protecting him, Jun Wu might act again. And what would he truly gain by returning? His cultivation path had already diverged. No instructor in the Martial Hall could teach him lightning cultivation. He was already ahead of most when it came to using a spear.

  Even if he went back, he’d need a job. With his mother gone, there’d be no one to support him. I’d end up a guard… or a laborer. Just another cultivator scrambling to survive.

  His thoughts turned to Brother Bin and Sister Na. He missed them fiercely. But as much as he wanted to see them again, it wouldn’t change the fact that he’d be stuck in the same situation. He’d still be weak. Still be lost.

  Then came the final deciding factor: The Hidden Ring. He needed to find them. Needed to learn who hired them. Even if I’m too weak now, I’ll grow stronger. I’ll get justice. That wasn’t going to happen in the Nine Striped Hills.

  There was also Spear Shore. A sliver of hope that his clan might be out there. And if they are, maybe they can help me uncover the truth. Help me avenge my mother.

  That hope gave him clarity.

  “I appreciate your kindness, Elder Lou Heng,” Ishin said, straightening. “For watching over me and offering to bring me home.”

  Lou Heng raised an eyebrow. “But?”

  “But I’ve chosen to stay.” Ishin’s voice was firm. “I believe the Heavens have guided me beyond the Nine Striped Hills. This is where I must walk my Immortal Path.”

  “Well said,” Lou Heng replied, a faint glint of approval in his eye. “Those who walk too narrow a path eventually find themselves bound. I’m sure your mother understood that.”

  The mention of her name sent a sharp pain through Ishin’s chest.

  “Are you staying for her?”

  “I need answers,” Ishin replied. “And there aren’t any back home.”

  “You’re not wrong.” Lou Heng reached into his satchel and withdrew two silver kaan. “Take these. They’ll cover your last night.”

  Ishin accepted them with both hands. “Thank you, Elder.” Truly, the Heavens must have sent him to my aid.

  “You’ll have to figure out your path tomorrow. Do you even have any money?”

  Ishin shook his head. “No, but I have six chakras harvested from Sun Tigers. I’ll sell them.”

  The original five were from the streak his mother had slain on their journey to Tyrant’s Rest. The sixth, she’d harvested from the lone cub. All of them had been stored in Ishin’s pack. Almost like she knew I’d need them.

  “Good enough. But be careful. There’s less honor in the empire proper than in the Nine Striped Hills.” Lou Heng gave him a long look. “And you’re an outsider here. A weak one.”

  That stung. But it was the truth.

  Lou Heng’s expression softened into a faint smile. “When you return to the hills, stop by the Anji Tribe. I’d be curious to hear your stories.”

  Ishin returned the smile. “When I return, I’ll fight you—on behalf of my mother. You’d better be at the fourth realm by then.”

  “Ha!” It was the most genuine laugh Ishin had ever heard from the man. “A promise made.” Then, to Ishin’s surprise, Lou Heng stepped back and offered a proper bow.

  “By the Heavens, you will keep it.”

  After a brief pause, Ishin returned the bow. “By the Heavens, I will.”

  Lou Heng bade Ishin farewell and made his way toward the city gate.

  Ishin had asked if the Elder would rather stay one more night at the Moonpetal Hotel and leave in the morning. Lou Heng had merely said, “I’ve grown tired of sleeping indoors.”

  And then he was gone.

  Ishin stood alone in Central Square, surrounded by the bright lanterns and echoing voices of strangers. He had always had someone by his side—his mother, his friends, fellow students. But now, for the first time in his life, Ro Ishin was truly on his own.