“It’s good that you only told me about this,” Rhee remarked as the two made their way back toward the main path. “If you told the wrong person, it might reach the Void Wraith Sect and their Hidden Ring group.”

  Ishin peered around the morning clearing, careful to ensure no one was watching them. They were still a fair distance from the path, and given the vast size of the sect, there were fortunately no disciples along the section of the path up ahead.

  “That’s why I only told you,” he confessed. “I like Mei and Long, and I trust them both with my life after what we experienced on Desolate Island, but…”

  “But you don’t know how they’d react to this revelation,” Rhee finished for him. “A wise precaution.” She regarded him with a mixed expression. “Even though we’ve known each other for several months now, I’m still grateful you trusted me enough. How did you think I would respond?”

  Ishin pondered the question. “I wasn’t sure,” he admitted. Rhee tilted her head at that. “I just knew it was safe to share this with you. More importantly, I wanted to. I didn’t want to keep any more secrets between us.” Ishin met her eyes. “You opened up to me about your own goals long before this—back when we were in the Howling Scape Forest. You deserved the same. You’re my closest friend, Sister Rhee.”

  It was true. While Ishin still valued his Na and Bin back in the Nine Striped Hills, everything he had gone through over the last several months—joining the Eight Oaths Resolve School, the expedition into the Howling Scape Forest, fighting in the Exhibition Tournament, and surviving Desolate Island—had all been experienced alongside Rhee. Their bond had grown exponentially as a result, stirring something deep within Ishin’s heart.

  “That’s… thank you,” Rhee replied. She looked away toward the north. Ishin couldn’t see her face, but he heard the rhythm of her breathing change. When she finally turned back to him, her expression was one of profound appreciation.

  Instead of replying, Ishin merely nodded, and the two continued in silence back toward the path. For several minutes they walked together, until Rhee spoke again. They were still alone, with no other disciples nearby, yet Ishin could tell she was choosing her words carefully.

  “You don’t know why they attacked your mother?”

  “No. From what you and your grandfather have alluded to about them, I wonder now if it was a contract rather than a true vendetta.”

  “It likely was,” Rhee affirmed. “That’s what they’re known for.” She brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. “And you don’t know who would want your mother harmed.”

  “I’m sure she had enemies within the Nine Striped Hills,” Ishin said. “But I doubt any of them would have employed assassins from a different region of the province. Most would have challenged her directly. Assassination is considered dishonorable among the tribes.”

  “That makes sense. So whoever hired them likely came from your mother’s former life—which you don’t know anything about?”

  “Correct. That’s why I need to get answers from… that group.”

  “And vengeance,” Rhee stated without judgment, giving Ishin a sidelong glance.

  “Yes.” It was a simple truth. Everyone involved in his mother’s death would pay. It didn’t matter how long it took him to gain the necessary power—he would have his vengeance.

  “I wonder if we could use your bloodline as a clue,” Rhee said thoughtfully.

  The idea caught Ishin so off guard that he stopped walking. “What?”

  Rhee took a few more steps before realizing he wasn’t beside her anymore. She turned around. “Your bloodline. You’re trying to find your clan, right? We might be able to narrow it down by researching which clans possess similar bloodline abilities.”

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  Ishin stared at her in shock. Why didn’t I think of that? He felt foolish for never considering it, yet Rhee’s logic was undeniable. “Is it really that simple?” he asked, barely concealing his hope.

  A reassuring smile spread across Rhee’s lips. “Clans with bloodlines aren’t very common, even across the entire empire. Those that possess them are fairly well known.” She began counting on her fingers. “There’s the Liu Clan in Amber Hills Province, famous for their ability to turn their skin into gold. The He Clan in Han Province is rumored to manifest gills, allowing them to survive underwater like fish. And the Qian Clan is said to be truly remarkable—they live in the Golden Dawn Empire, and people say they have yellow and purple eyes that allow them to see people’s souls.”

  Ishin found himself both fascinated and amazed by the information. The Qian Clan’s rumored ability to see souls was particularly striking. “There are that many other clans with bloodlines?”

  “Not many, considering the billions of people on the continent. There are more than the ones I mentioned, but that should illustrate my point.” She lowered her fingers. “All we need to do is research clans with lightning-related bloodlines. There can’t be many of those.”

  “That’s a very good approach,” Ishin said, nodding. He was even more glad now that he had shared his true goals with Rhee. She had known for less than half an hour and had already formed a better plan than he had. Once again, he was struck by her intelligence. “Do you think the sect library will have information like that?”

  “Possibly,” Rhee said. “And we can always ask Mei to look for books that might contain it on your behalf. That way, you won’t waste contribution points unnecessarily.”

  “I definitely can’t afford that,” Ishin laughed. He needed his points for a spear, cultivation resources, and techniques.

  “Actually,” Rhee said, as if another thought had just occurred to her, “Mei might already have insight into your clan if you’re from an Ancient Clan.”

  “Ancient Clan?” Ishin frowned. He had never heard the term before.

  “Right—of course you wouldn’t know,” Rhee said, realizing her assumption. “Among the countless clans across the continent, there are a handful known as Ancient Clans. Most are said to be extremely powerful, but what they share is that they can trace their lineage back to the original migrations onto the continent. The Wen Clan is the only Ancient Clan I know of within the Heron Empire.”

  Trace their lineage back that far? Ishin couldn’t imagine how that was possible. Isn’t everyone from the Dragon Fang Continent?

  “Wait,” Ishin said. “I thought everyone lived on the Dragon Fang Continent. Are you saying there are other continents?”

  Rhee waved a dismissive hand. “There used to be. From what I remember, there were three or four others, but disasters or other events forced everyone to migrate here eventually. That’s not what matters.” She refocused. “Ancient Clans like the Wen Clan are among the oldest on the continent, and many of them are said to possess bloodlines like yours.”

  Now Ishin understood where she was going. They resumed their pace toward the Administrative Hall. “So you think Mei might know which clan I belong to if my clan is an Ancient Clan like hers.”

  “Exactly. Between her clan’s knowledge and the fact that her aunt oversees the sect library, Mei could be instrumental in figuring out where your clan originated.”

  “Then I should talk to her tonight!” Ishin said excitedly. Without realizing it, his pace quickened. This is incredible. Thanks to Rhee, he now had both a plan and a lead. Maybe I can learn my clan’s identity by the end of the week.

  “Wait up,” Rhee laughed, jogging to catch up.

  “Sorry,” Ishin said, slowing.

  “I know you’re excited, Brother Ishin, but don’t tell Mei everything right away. Once you share that information, you can’t take it back. I suggest you ask her to help research clans with bloodlines—including Ancient Clans—without mentioning your own bloodline yet.”

  Ishin considered her advice. “Yes, I see your point. I can always tell her later.”

  “Exactly. This gives us a starting point. In the meantime, we keep gathering contribution points and cultivating. You still need to grow stronger if you want to confront… them.”

  “That’s true.” Ishin met Rhee’s eyes. “And if I want to keep up with you as you rise to the Heavens, I can’t afford to slack off.”

  Rhee gave him a beaming smile. “That too.”

  Ishin twisted his shoulders. “Now then—shall we start running again?”