Chapter 1: Unsealed Fate: The Escape
The wind howled, its mournful wail echoing through the forest, as dark clouds brooded in the sky in the dead of the night. A woman, her face hidden beneath a long black hood, clutched a baby in her arms. Rain lashed down mercilessly, drenching them both. She was fleeing, desperate to escape from an unseen pursuer, her heart pounding in her chest and she cradled the baby securely in her arms. She kept on running not knowing where to go. Tears continously welled up in her puffy eyes and rolled down her cheeks, her lips quivered as she hid in a hut in the heart of the forest.Amid the unrelenting rain, she managed to held her child securely, submerging the infant in a cocoon of warmth and protection. The woman cast a furtive gaze outside. Rain pelted the ground, obscuring any traces of her presence. Her eyes darted from tree to tree, searching for any sign of the relentless masked pursuers.She had hidden in her chamber, a silent witness to the gruesome scene unfolding before her. Masked men, black as the night, showed no mercy as they mercilessly slaughtered her entire family. In her dread, she accidentally knocked over a vase. The sound shattered the fragile illusion of safety she had clung to, alerting the masked intruder.One of the black-clad men, his eyes as cold and merciless as death, charged toward her door. With no way to escape, she smashed a window and leaped out, clutching the baby tightly to her chest.Don't let her escape! We need that baby!" one of the masked men shouted, hurling a sword at her. With a desperate twist, she managed to dodge the deadly attack. Recalling the mercilessly death of her family, the woman weeped silently in the corner as her baby slept peacefully in her arms.
Her clothes were torn and covered in mud, and she bore wounds on her head and arms from the thorny plants in the forest.As the rain subsided, the woman cautiously emerged from the shelter of the hut. The first light of dawn painted the sky. Her battered body struggled to carry her frail frame out into the open, every step a painful effort. Sensing no immediate danger, she lowered her guard and heaved a sign of relief. But little did she knew that I was all a treacherous trap to set her up.The moment she ventured outside, she found herself encircled by ten masked men, all brandishing weapons. With her injuries and no other options, the woman swiftly activated a talisman, invoking its power to transport herself. Despite her physical wounds, her unyielding spirit and latent divine essence remained intact.She sprinted through the treacherous terrain, rain-soaked and bloodied, every step driven by a mother's desperate determination for her child. Her martial skills enabled her to fend off the assailants who surprisingly caughtup with her indicating that they were not ordinary demons, though not without injury. She fought with unyielding resolve and eventually overpowered her attackers, making her escape into the forest with the baby.
As she reached the banks of a river, she placed the baby in a makeshift basket, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, my child. This is the only way to ensure your safety. I believe you will grow strong and return to avenge what they have done," she whispered, her voice quivering. A tear fell from her cheek onto the baby's face, who gazed back with innocent eyes. She let the baby drift away on the water.But as she turned to flee, a masked man emerged from the shadows, ruthlessly stabbing her. She collapsed into a pool of crimson, a final tear sliding down her cheeks before her eyes closed and embracing darkness, marking her sacrifice. The masked man attempted to reach for the baby, but it was too late. Frustration welled up within him, and he carried the lifeless body of the woman with him."Our work is done! Inform the Highness that the baby is lost, and take this woman with us". The baby was gone, floating down the river, and a sinister grin crept across his face thinking that the baby would eventually die."Even in death, she may prove useful," he declared, trapping the woman's lingering spirit in a vial.
Twenty-three years later, in the bustling city of Yunxiao in the Longhua state, a young man stood on the balcony of an inn, gazing at the snow-capped mountains in the distance. He wore pristine white attire, with golden adornments, his dark hair elegantly tied in a ponytail. His eyes, a striking shade of jade green, were sharp and observant yet filled with mischief. "Xue Zi Qian, you rascal! Where have you been hiding? The Sect Leader has been searching for you all morning!" a voice called out. It was none other than his snobbish aunt, Li Yingying, donned in red clothes ,who was only two years older than him but had a knack for acting like she was far superior.Xue Zi Qian let out an exasperated sigh and took a sip of his tea. "Ah, it's you again, disturbing my peaceful moment. Why can't the Sect Leader let me be on my own? I have no interest in attending the lingtian academy. Why does he keep sending you to spy on me?"His snobbish aunt playfully hit him on the head with her fan, and their banter ensued."Xue Zi Qian, the Sect Leader's patience with you is wearing thin. Your nonchalant attitude is troubling," his snobbish aunt scolded, her voice sharp. Xue Zi Qian rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Oh, come on, Aunt Li Yingying. I don't see why I should be forced into the Lingtian academy which is a Demon-Hunting Academy. I have other plans for my life."
As they bickered, the Sect Leader appeared, his presence commanding respect from all in the vicinity. People bowed in deference, their expressions a mix of fear and respect. The Sect Leader's eyes locked onto Xue Zi Qian, conveying his displeasure and concern.The Sect Leader's gaze fixated on Xue Zi Qian, and his voice resonated with disappointment. "Xue Zi Qian, your actions reflect not only on yourself but on the entire Xue clan. Our legacy is at stake. You must take your training seriously, for the sake of our family and our sacred duty.You are the Xue family's hope, the bloodline destined to protect us from the darkness. You cannot shirk your responsibilities."Xue Zi Qian locked gazes with his father, the imposing Sect Leader Xue, and cleared his throat. He knew he had to address his concerns.
"Father, I understand the importance of our family's legacy and our duty to protect against the darkness. But I can't help but feel that my destiny lies beyond the confines of the academy. I want to make my own path, to understand who I am, and what I can achieve."This angered Elder Xue, and his brows furrowed in frustration. Without hesitation, he ordered his loyal guards to bring Zi Qian back to their family estate.
As the guards from the Xue Pavilion led Xue Zi Qian away, his aunt Li Yingying followed closely, her fingers idly twirling her long, silken black hair. "You see, brat!" she chided, her voice tinged with impatience and anger. "I told you not to disobey your father." Her words hung in the air making Zi Qian more and more frustrated.Xue Zi Qian glanced at her, his face a mix of defiance and annoyance. "Well, I guess you don't know yet," she muttered under her breath,but we will be leaving the bustling streets of Yunxiao soon to head to the Lingtian academy." Zi Qian sighed in defeat as he heart that and pouted. Soon he was left in the echoes of his own thoughts by the fact that he has to leave home and the prospect of an unknown adventure at Lingtian filled him with trepidation.
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