Wang Xian narrowed his eyes at the robed figure before him—the boy who stood in the place where the mythic tree had just been, glowing faintly with power too old to name.
His features were sculpted, not born—graceful in a way that made the air around him feel artificial, as if reality bent to avoid comparison.
He was handsome. Wang Xian would admit that.
…A little. A fingernail's width.
No, a pinprick of difference.
But it still irritated him.
"Thank you for your protection."
The boy's voice was calm, but it echoed with depth, like the wind through the bones of the world. When he smiled, it was like watching moonlight bend.
And of course—
"He smiled! He smiled!!" Su Jin squealed, fingers clasped under her chin. Her pupils were practically heart-shaped.
Cheng Yao, more shameless still, made a lunge toward the boy's face. "Can I touch it?!"
Wang Xian yanked both girls back by the collar, face expressionless. "Control yourselves, damn it."
The boy didn't react. Just extended a hand. "This world does not permit myth to exist," he said. "I must leave. These are gifts—for your aid, and for our fates crossing. Farewell."
Ten petals of pale, glassy fire emerged from his palm. They floated—then split. Five drifted to Nangong Wu, five to Hua Xiangrong.
Then the boy was gone. The air where he had stood now tasted of ozone and memory.
"What are they?" Wang Xian demanded, stepping toward Nangong Wu.
"See for yourself," she said, handing one over.
Item: Shanyin Ancient Pagoda Flower (Mythic)
🌸 Change Your Fate Against Heaven
Consuming the petal resets your talent.
90% chance to become Epic, 10% chance to become Mythic.
⚡ Power of Heaven's Wrath
Grants a 1% chance to awaken a second talent.
80% chance of Legendary, 15% Epic, 5% Mythic.
Wang Xian whistled low through his teeth.
So. It was a talent reset.
But with the potential to unlock a second talent? Even mythic?
He stared at the petal in his palm as if it might bite him.
This wasn't a reward. It was a wager with fate.
"Uncle…" Nangong Wu's voice was hesitant.
"Hm?"
"I want three of the five petals."
Wang Xian blinked. "...That's it?"
She flinched. "I know, it's selfish. But I—"
"Stop," Wang Xian cut in. "That's not why I paused."
She looked up, confused.
"I was surprised you didn't ask for all five."
She froze. "Wait, what?"
Wang Xian chuckled and handed her three. "I only need two."
"Really?" she whispered.
"They're for my parents," he said simply. "Their talents are nothing special. It's time they had something better."
"Uncle…" she said, eyes softer now. "Thank you."
"Yeah, yeah. Enough with the mushy stuff."
She gave him a sly smile. "You're so shy."
"You're so annoying."
He walked off before she could say anything more.
His parents were standing apart from the group, watching the carnage of ghosts fade to ash on the wind. Their eyes met his when he approached.
He handed each a petal.
"Take it," he said.
His mother shook her head. "Son, your talent's just average, right? You use it."
"Your mom's right," said his father. "Mine's nothing worth saving. Use both. If one doesn't work, maybe two will."
He smiled at them.
"My talent's already mythic," he lied smoothly. "I just said it was ordinary so you wouldn't worry about me."
They narrowed their eyes at the same time.
"Really?" his dad said, arms crossed.
"Swear it."
"I do."
"You used to lie all the time. Remember in school—Mom asked how much the class trip cost and you said—"
"Okay, okay!" Wang Xian shouted, suddenly alarmed. "Let's not dig up ancient history."
Su Jin was already snickering. Cheng Yao had wandered over, eyes glittering with interest.
"Uncle lied in school?"
"Everyone does!" he snapped.
The group began to circle, grinning, eyes full of teasing fire.
"Go level!" Wang Xian barked. "While Yaoyao's buff is still active! Don't waste the chance!"
They scattered like mischievous birds—but not before giving him a collective tsk.
He turned back to his father, only to find him staring at the petal in his hand, brow furrowed.
"You okay?" Wang Xian asked.
His dad gave him a sharp look. "Show me your status window."
Wang Xian blinked. "What?"
"I want proof."
"Dad…"
"I think you're still lying."
Wang Xian stared, jaw slack.
Since when was his dad this sharp?