Whispers of the Blind

***

The water was cool against Yun Guo's hands as he washed his face by the stream. The rippling sound of the water soothed his nerves, and for a moment, he felt calm. But then, a shiver ran down his spine.

He froze, his hands hovering over the water. He could feel it—someone was watching him. His grip tightened on the Lightstone, the artifact pulsing faintly in his hand.

"Who's there?" he called out, his voice firm.

The forest answered with silence.

Yun stood slowly, turning his head toward where he felt the presence, his blind eyes scanning the darkness. After a few tense moments, the sensation faded, leaving him with only the sounds of the stream and the wind rustling through the trees.

He shook his head, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Must be my imagination."

But it wasn't.

Behind the large tree a few paces away, a figure stood hidden in the shadows, watching him with tear-filled eyes.

It was a woman, her long black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Her expression was one of sadness and longing as she gazed at Yun Guo.

Her name was Lin Yi, and she had followed him to this strange world, though he didn't know it yet.

***

Lin Yi's Journey

Flashback: Main World

Lin Yi sat alone in her quiet apartment, her hands trembling as she stared at the photo of Yun Guo in her hands. It was an old picture, taken years ago, back when they were carefree college students. She was laughing in the picture, and Yun was grinning beside her, his arm slung casually over her shoulder.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she whispered, "I should have told you…"

Their last meeting replayed in her mind like a haunting melody. Yun had been sick, though she didn't know how serious it was at the time. They had met for tea, and she had noticed how tired he looked, how thin he'd become. But instead of telling him what she felt—how much he meant to her—she had kept the words bottled up, afraid of ruining their friendship.

And then, just days later, Yun Guo was gone.

The grief was unbearable, but what hurt even more was the regret.

"If only…" she murmured, clutching the photo to her chest. "If only I'd said something…"

As her sobs filled the quiet room, a voice suddenly whispered in her ear, soft and melodic.

"Do you want to see him again?"

Lin Yi froze, her breath catching. "What…? Who's there?"

"I can take you to him," the voice said, smooth and almost teasing. "But there is a price."

Lin Yi's heart raced. Was she losing her mind? She looked around the room, but it was empty.

"What price?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Your voice," the whisper replied. "You will never speak again. But in exchange, you will find him. You will see Yun Guo once more."

Lin Yi hesitated, her mind reeling. She had spent every day since Yun's death wishing for just one more chance to be with him. To make up for the words she never said. But was she willing to give up her voice—her ability to tell him how she felt?

"Yes," she whispered finally, her voice breaking. "Take it. Just… let me see him again."

"So be it," the voice said, and Lin Yi felt a cold, sharp pain in her throat. Her world spun, and the last thing she heard was the voice's faint, mocking laughter.

When she woke, she was in a new world.

Lin Yi in Huaxia

Lin Yi had wandered the strange, ancient land for days before finding Yun Guo. She had watched him from a distance, afraid to approach.

Her heart ached as she saw him struggle with his blindness, the way he moved cautiously, relying on instincts and the mysterious artifact in his hands. This wasn't the Yun she remembered—strong, confident, and always ready with a smile.

And yet, it was still him.

Her fingers itched to reach out, to touch his hand, to tell him she was here. But she couldn't. Her voice was gone, stolen in exchange for this chance to be with him.

For now, all she could do was watch.

The next morning, Yun Guo felt the same shiver down his spine as he knelt by the stream. This time, he didn't ignore it.

"I know you're there," he said, his voice steady. "I don't know who you are, but I can feel you watching me."

Silence.

Yun stood, gripping the Lightstone. "Come out. If you mean me harm, get it over with. If not, then stop hiding."

After a long pause, he heard the soft crunch of leaves. Someone was stepping closer.

"Who are you?" Yun asked, his heart pounding.

The figure stopped just a few feet away, and Yun could feel their presence clearly now. It was warm, familiar, and… heartbreaking.

"Do I know you?" he asked, his voice faltering.

Lin Yi stepped closer, her hand trembling as she reached out and gently touched his arm. Yun flinched but didn't pull away.

"Who are you?" he asked again, his voice softer this time.

Lin Yi opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She clutched her throat, her face twisting in frustration.

"You can't speak?" Yun guessed.

She nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks.

For a moment, Yun was silent, his mind racing. Then, slowly, he reached out and touched her face, his fingers brushing away a tear.

"Why does it feel like I know you?" he murmured.

Lin Yi smiled sadly, placing her hand over his.

***