Chapter 6: The Fate Lock
The sun barely peeked over the jagged Cloudveil mountains as Li Tianyu returned to the sect grounds. The familiar scent of pine and stone filled the air, but to him, it was tinged with urgency — a silent countdown ticking down in the shadows.
He kept the black quill hidden beneath his sleeve. Its weight was both physical and spiritual, an anchor and a warning.
As he entered the courtyard, disciples glanced at him with cautious curiosity. The faint golden glow still surrounded his eyes, marking him as changed. But no one dared approach—except for one.
Elder Luo Zhenhua.
The old man's smile was warm, but there was something unreadable in his eyes when they met Tianyu's.
"You've returned early," Luo said smoothly, voice like silk.
Tianyu nodded, bowing slightly.
"I hope your training bears fruit," Luo continued, though his tone held a subtle edge. "Our sect faces dark days. The Fate Reservoir is the source of all our power. Many covet it."
Tianyu's heart raced. He had seen that very same betrayal in the Forbidden Thread. He clenched his fists.
But he had a secret.
That morning, before returning, he had activated his Thread Lock — sealing Elder Luo's fate thread.
For three days, the assassination, the theft, the betrayal — none of it would come to pass.
For three days, the future was his to rewrite.
He approached Luo calmly, meeting his gaze.
"Elder Luo," Tianyu said quietly. "I've sensed a disturbance in the sect's fate. We must be vigilant."
Luo's smile faltered, but only for a heartbeat.
"You speak like one who knows more than he should," Luo replied. "Be careful with your words, young disciple."
The warning was clear.
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Later that evening, Tianyu sat in his chamber studying the panel, trying to strengthen his Life Points. The black quill rested beside him, ominous and silent.
Suddenly, the panel flickered, and a new message appeared:
> Alert: Fate Bureau Notice
"Subject Li Tianyu, you have altered a forbidden thread. This activity has been logged.
You are hereby summoned to the Trial of the Pen, a test to prove your right to rewrite destiny.
Failure to appear will result in fate nullification."
> > Location: Celestial Script Pavilion
Time: Two days from now, at dusk.
Tianyu's eyes narrowed.
The Fate Bureau — the celestial enforcers who ensured the divine script flowed without corruption.
They had noticed him.
But he wasn't afraid.
He was ready to fight not with fists, but with words.
> The author writes, the reader reacts, he thought.
Now, I will show them who holds the pen.
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✅ Word count: ~550 words