Scene 1: A Meeting Under Fateful Skies
The morning mist lingered across the winding path outside the town of Liyan, wrapping the forest's edge in a silvery veil. The festival had ended just the night before, but for some, the true journey was just beginning.
Devran adjusted the strap of his travel bag, the weight of purpose far heavier than the satchel over his shoulder. The festival had given him glimpses—flashes—of something he couldn't explain. A surge in his chest when that old monk brushed past him. A tingling sensation when he touched the ancient artifact on display. Something inside him was stirring.
He tightened the leather strap around his wrist and exhaled, trying to push away the lingering tension. He had to find a master—someone who could help him unlock the strange energy awakening within him.
"Going somewhere, little warrior?"
Devran's shoulders stiffened.
He turned, already knowing who it was. Sure enough, Tianlan stood a few paces behind him, his arms folded and that maddening smirk playing on his lips. The sunlight caught the strands of his silver-white hair, and his golden eyes gleamed with a quiet amusement that made Devran's blood boil.
"You again?" Devran asked with an annoyed sigh. "Are you following me?"
Tianlan tilted his head slightly, mock-offending. "Don't flatter yourself. I simply have my own reasons for leaving Liyan. If our paths happen to align, that's the will of fate."
"Fate needs to do better," Devran muttered, turning back toward the road.
Tianlan fell into step beside him. "Besides, you don't exactly look like you know where you're going."
"I know enough."
"Ah, so you've decided to take the road that leads straight into the territory of the Shadow Wolves?" Tianlan asked, gesturing toward the trees.
Devran froze mid-step.
Tianlan chuckled. "Thought so."
Devran narrowed his eyes. "If you're so knowledgeable, why don't you walk in the other direction?"
"And miss the chance to witness your demise firsthand? Perish the thought."
Before Devran could come up with a suitable retort, a soft voice interrupted their bickering.
"You two seem to get along well."
Saanvi's presence was like a gentle breeze cutting through tension. She approached, dressed in travel robes of pale jade and ivory, her long dark braid swinging behind her. There was a playful glint in her eyes.
Devran turned, face already flaring. "We are not!"
Tianlan shrugged. "I don't recall denying it."
Saanvi laughed. "Good. Then I won't feel guilty about joining you."
Tianlan raised a curious brow. "You? You're traveling?"
She met his gaze squarely. "Why not?"
"You seem… delicate."
"Delicate?" Saanvi repeated, crossing her arms. "I'll have you know, I've trained in celestial energy purification since I was eight."
Devran blinked. "You have?"
Saanvi smiled, a little too sweetly. "Why do you think I'm always so calm around your chaos?"
Tianlan smirked. "We'll see if that calm survives the road."
(Scene: "Before We Go…")
Just as the group prepared to leave Liyan village, Tianlan suddenly raised his hand.
"Wait!" he cried dramatically, spinning with his robe fluttering. "We can't leave yet."
Devran groaned. "What is it this time?"
"I need to visit home. Must grab some things. Like… permission."
"Permission?" Saanvi raised an eyebrow. "From your ghost ancestors or—?"
"My father," Tianlan sighed. "If I vanish without a word, he'll send an army after me. And trust me, he has one...
.....
(The Home of General Xian)
The grand manor of General Xian was more like a palace than a house. Elegant white pavilions, koi ponds, and servants bustling with trays of golden sweets gave it a dreamy charm. Saanvi's eyes widened as she stepped through the carved archway.
"This isn't a house," she whispered to Devran. "This is a miniature kingdom."
Devran nodded. "Remind me again why a general needs ten fountains?"
Just then, Lady Xian welcomed them with a warm smile, clasping Saanvi's hands. "You must be Tianlan's friends! Thank the heavens he finally brought someone home."
"Mother!" Tianlan's cheeks turned red.
As they all settled in the garden for tea, Saanvi couldn't hold back her curiosity. "Lady Xian… I heard Lord Xian was once a merchant? But now he's a general? It's rare to see both."
Before Lady Xian could reply, a loud voice boomed from the entrance.
"Not just any merchant!" General Xian strode in with a dramatic twirl of his cloak. "I was the Spice Emperor of the East!"
Saanvi blinked. "Spice... emperor?"
He puffed his chest. "Pepper. Cloves. Cinnamon. I ruled the markets. But one fateful day, bandits attacked my caravan. I had no sword, no shield—just my spice sacks. I fought them off with nothing but a pepper grinder and righteous fury."
Devran leaned toward Saanvi. "Is he being serious?"
"Wait for it," Tianlan whispered, sighing.
"The Emperor heard of my valor," General Xian went on. "He said, 'A man who can make enemies sneeze to death deserves command!' And thus, I became General Xian."
Lady Xian chuckled. "Truth is, he got bored of counting gold and wanted adventure."
"He wanted to wear shiny armor," Tianlan muttered.
"And I looked amazing in it," General Xian declared.
Lady Xian added fondly, "So I pulled some strings. Got him into the army. He trained hard. Fought harder. Somehow became a hero."
"And won the heart of this lovely woman!" he added, kissing her hand.
Saanvi laughed. "Now that's a love story."
---
(Scene: The "Marriage Talk" Chaos at Tianlan's Estate)
The morning sun poured into the opulent courtyard of the Liang estate. The air smelled of fresh lotus blooms and spiced tea, but peace? That was nowhere to be found.
Tianlan was midway through packing a bag when his father burst into the courtyard dramatically, waving a silk handkerchief like he was part of an opera.
"Son! My dear son!" Master Liang declared, clutching his chest as if he were on the verge of fainting. "Are you really going to leave your poor father in his old age? I haven't even seen your wedding yet! When will you bring me a daughter-in-law?"
Tianlan, already used to this chaos, didn't even look up. "What if I bring you a son-in-law instead?"
That stopped Master Liang mid-wail. His handkerchief froze in the air. "A… son-in-law?"
"Yes." Tianlan casually folded his robe and smirked. "Less drama, more flair."
For a long moment, silence. Then, Master Liang sniffled dramatically and nodded.
"Hm… tragic," he muttered. "Poor, poor boy. I feel so sorry for your future partner. Spoiled little demon like you? You can't take care of anyone! Honestly, I think someone needs to take care of you!"
He then dramatically turned toward Devran, who had just entered the courtyard with Saanvi. His eyes narrowed like a hawk spotting prey. He slowly looked Devran up and down.
"Well, now," Master Liang said, stroking his chin. "Good build. Strong arms. Fierce eyes. Decent cheekbones."
Devran blinked. "Huh?"
Master Liang grinned. "You. Do you mind becoming my son-in-law?"
The courtyard exploded into silence.
Devran opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again. "I—Wait—What?!"
Saanvi burst out laughing, barely able to stay upright.
Tianlan stepped between them, chuckling. "Father, stop scaring my travel companion. He's already got anger issues."
Devran shot Tianlan a glare. "I do not!"
"Oh? You looked ready to throw your sword at my father just now."
"I was just confused!"
Tianlan leaned in with a smirk. "Confused if you should say yes?"
Devran flushed crimson. "T-That's not what I—!"
Master Liang waved his fan like a gossiping auntie. "Don't be shy, boy! You're already part of the family! I've had wedding robes stored for years!"
Madam Liang appeared just in time with a tray of sweets. "Don't tease the poor child, husband. But also—" she turned sweetly to Devran—"we don't care who Tianlan loves. Daughter-in-law, son-in-law, it's all the same to us. As long as they love our brat and can handle his moods, they're welcome."
"You hear that?" Master Liang said proudly. "We're very open-minded! As long as you survive him, you're golden."
Tianlan crossed his arms. "You two are enjoying this too much."
Madam Liang laughed and patted his cheek. "Because it's rare to see you flustered, my darling."
"I'm not flustered," Tianlan muttered.
Devran was still recovering, staring at the family like they were from another world.
Saanvi leaned toward him and whispered, giggling, "So… future husband of the Liang estate?"
Devran muttered, "I regret everything."
Just then, a servant walked by holding a golden-embroidered cloak with phoenix patterns.
"Master Liang, is this for the send-off ceremony?"
"Ah yes!" Master Liang clapped. "Dress our son like a royal groom! Who knows, maybe this journey ends with a wedding!"
Tianlan rolled his eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn't fall out.
"Great," he muttered. "I'm heading out before they start preparing wedding invitations."
Saanvi grinned. "Don't worry, I'll be your flower girl."
"Not helping."
Devran, still shell-shocked, turned to Tianlan and whispered, "Your family's insane."
"Welcome to the club," Tianlan said, patting his shoulder. "You might be stuck with us forever now."
---
(.....Scene: The Grand Send-Off – "Is This a Wedding or a Journey?")
The courtyard of the Liang estate was transformed into something out of a royal wedding procession.
Silk banners fluttered in the breeze, golden lanterns dangled from pomegranate trees, and servants bustled around carrying chests, fine cloaks, boxes of spirit herbs, and food that looked fit for emperors. Two polished carriages gleamed in the morning sun, one lined with embroidered cushions and the other filled with celestial supplies.
Tianlan looked like he wanted to dig a hole and disappear into it.
"What… is all this?" Devran asked, blinking in disbelief.
"I—I don't even know anymore," Tianlan muttered.
Saanvi stepped forward, eyes wide, and slowly whispered to Devran, "Are they sending him on a journey… or a wedding?"
Devran replied under his breath, "Both?"
Saanvi giggled. "Maybe this is dowry."
Devran turned to her with mock horror. "Wait… does that make me the bride?!"
Saanvi gasped theatrically. "Oh no. Then I must be your bridesmaid!"
The two of them burst into quiet laughter, exchanging mischievous glances—just in time for Tianlan to turn back and catch them whispering.
"What are you two plotting?" he asked suspiciously.
They looked at him with synchronized innocence.
"Nothing," they said in unison.
Tianlan narrowed his eyes. "You're lying."
"Only a little," Saanvi winked.
Before Tianlan could respond, Master Liang swept into the scene wearing a crimson brocade robe and a jeweled headpiece more dramatic than a stage actor's costume.
"Everyone ready?" he asked with a gleaming smile. "I've prepared everything—protective talismans, golden coins, healing pills, and three changes of silk undergarments!"
"Why undergarments?" Tianlan asked, scandalized.
"You never know when you'll fall into a river," Master Liang said seriously.
"Do you think I'm going on a honeymoon or a battlefield?"
"Why not both?"
Madam Liang appeared beside them, holding a small charm tied with a red thread.
"This is for you, Tianlan," she said softly, placing it in his palm. "To keep you safe. And remember—no matter where you go, we love you. No matter who you bring home, as long as they make you smile, we'll be happy."
Tianlan's teasing expression softened. "Thank you, Mother."
His father dramatically dabbed his eyes. "My son is leaving the nest! Someone bring tissues—no, bring wine!"
Tianlan stepped toward the carriage, trying to escape the chaos before another embarrassing comment came.
Master Liang sniffed loudly and called after him, "Just don't forget to invite me to the wedding! Whether it's a daughter-in-law or a handsome warrior, I want front-row seats!"
Tianlan waved without turning around. "We're not getting married, Father!"
Behind him, Saanvi whispered to Devran, "Yet."
Devran muttered, "Why does it feel like I'm being kidnapped into an elite family?"
Saanvi shrugged. "At least it's a rich one."
As the carriages rolled out of the estate gates, the Liang parents stood together, waving proudly, their hearts full.
Master Liang whispered, "Do you think he'll be okay?"
Madam Liang smiled softly. "He's stronger than he looks. And he's not alone."
---
(Scene 2: The Enchanted Ravine – Where Beauty Meets Blade)
The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light across the ancient forest trail. Tianlan, Devran, and Saanvi had just crossed a narrow bridge when they heard the clang of metal — rhythmic, precise, and deadly.
Curious, they quickened their pace, stepping through the canopy of trees toward the edge of a small ravine.
That's when they saw him.
Vihaan.
Standing in the middle of a stone clearing surrounded by a dozen masked bandits — but the real storm wasn't the attackers.
It was him.
Vihaan moved like a whisper of wind through silk — deadly, elegant, unbothered. His long black hair was tied back with a silver cord, a few loose strands brushing his sculpted jawline. His robe, ash-gray with subtle silver embroidery, clung to his lean frame, every motion fluid like poetry.
His eyes were glacial — arctic blue, piercing and unreadable. His lips were a shade too red, too perfect. He looked like a celestial painting, but moved like a phantom. Not even the dust dared cling to him.
A group of passing merchant girls on the opposite ridge saw him and squealed, clinging to each other.
"Oh heavens! Who is that?!"
"He's… he's not even real…"
Some boys from a local sect even stopped to gawk — stunned, breathless.
"He looks like a jade statue carved by a divine hand…" one of them mumbled, nearly dropping his sword.
Vihaan didn't spare anyone a glance.
The bandits lunged in — but Vihaan raised one hand, gripping a sleek, midnight-forged dual-bladed staff etched with ancient runes.
In one swift twist — he spun.
Whirl.
A flash of steel, too fast for the eye.
Clang! Thud!
One attacker's sword shattered on impact, another was knocked unconscious before he even reached Vihaan.
Vihaan ducked, his foot sliding through gravel with perfect balance. He used the lower end of his staff to trip two bandits, then spun upward, using the momentum to slam the other end of the staff into the jaw of a third — launching him into a tree.
Crack!
"By the heavens…" Tianlan whispered, eyes wide. "He's not fighting. He's dancing."
Devran stared silently, something unreadable in his gaze.
Even Saanvi, with all her teasing, was frozen. "…He's so graceful it's unfair. Even his enemies look lucky just to be near him."
Vihaan turned sharply, slicing through the final attacker's sword without a flicker of emotion. The blade hissed through the air like it had its own will — and when he paused, standing tall, every single enemy lay groaning on the ground.
Not a scratch on him. Not a drop of blood. Not even a wrinkle on his robe.
He adjusted his sleeve with casual elegance, then calmly turned away from the fallen thugs as if they were fallen leaves.
Several girls came running toward him, giggling, breathless. "Hero! Are you hurt? Can we help you?!"
Vihaan didn't even blink.
He walked past them as if they didn't exist.
Cold. Colder than frost in a snowstorm.
Tianlan blinked. "…Did he just ignore all of them?"
Devran frowned. "That's... impressive."
As Vihaan approached their group, the wind shifted — and for the first time, his eyes met Devran's.
A beat passed. Sharp blue met fierce gold.
Something in the air changed.
Then Vihaan said coolly, "You're not from around here."
Devran arched a brow. "Neither are you."
Tianlan leaned toward Saanvi and whispered, "Oh no. That's the sound of two strong personalities about to fight or become allies."
Saanvi whispered back, "Or both."
Vihaan gave a short nod. "If you're traveling west, the next route's crawling with bounty hunters. I suggest you take the cliff pass."
"You know the way?" Tianlan asked.
Vihaan finally looked at all three of them properly, studying them.
"I do. And I have no interest in dying alone." His voice was still glacial, but his meaning was clear. "If you'll have me, I'll travel with you."
Devran stared at him for a long moment. Then smirked. "Only if you teach me that spin move."
Vihaan blinked, then gave the tiniest twitch of a smile. Barely there. But it was real.
"Deal."
---
(Scene 3: The Imperial Prince's Order)
Far away in the Imperial Capital, the golden spires of the palace gleamed like spears piercing the clouds. Within the ornate throne hall, silence reigned.
Emperor Zhaoming sat on his throne like a mountain carved from marble—unmoving, unwavering. Around him, ministers whispered with nervous energy. Reports of strange creatures, twisted beasts, and vanishing towns had reached the capital. The Empire's peace trembled like a candle before the wind.
Before him stood Crown Prince Wei Zhan.
Clad in rich crimson robes, Wei Zhan looked every inch the royal heir. But behind his elegant posture, his thoughts churned. For weeks, he had felt… different. His body carried a strange weight, as if something ancient slumbered within his blood. In battle practice, his strikes had become unnaturally precise. During meditation, visions flickered—images of a dark sky, a blazing temple, and a goddess in gold.
"Dark forces are stirring," the Emperor said, voice heavy. "The Astral Abyss shifts. The seals weaken."
Wei Zhan barely concealed his irritation. "So I've heard. Monsters, omens, curses. Convenient tales to send your son away."
The Emperor's gaze sharpened. "You are not ordinary, Wei Zhan."
The prince's smirk faded.
"What do you mean?"
"There is a power inside you. One you inherited long before this throne. The time has come for you to seek its truth."
Wei Zhan stood still, heart pounding louder than any royal drum. This was the first time his father acknowledged what he'd feared—and hoped.
"You will leave at once," the Emperor commanded. "Head north to the abandoned temples of the Star fallen Range. There, you may find answers."
Then, his voice dropped lower. "And more importantly—seek the one they call the Primordial Deity of Divine Bonds."
Wei Zhan blinked. "A myth. A bedtime tale."
The Emperor's eyes darkened. "She is no myth. The Immortal Records mention her—a being feared even by the Celestials. If the seals of the Abyss truly crumble… only she can grant the blessing needed to survive what's coming."
Wei Zhan looked away, conflicted. "And what if she refuses?"
"Convince her," the Emperor said gravely. "Or die trying."
Before the prince could argue, another voice spoke.
"I will accompany His Highness."
A tall figure stepped forward—Xie Lian, the newly appointed royal guard. Clad in black armor with silver trim, his presence was calm yet intimidating. His eyes, cool as ice, didn't flinch under Wei Zhan's scrutinizing gaze.
The Emperor nodded. "Protect him."
Wei Zhan scowled. "A babysitter?"
Xie Lian gave a court bow. "A bodyguard."
The prince rolled his eyes dramatically. "At least buy me dinner first."
Xie Lian raised an eyebrow. "I protect the Empire. Not indulging its spoiled princes."
Wei Zhan grinned. "We'll see who spoils whom."
As they turned to leave, the Emperor's voice rang one last time, low and fierce:
"Find her before the darkness does."
As Wei Zhan turned to leave the throne room, the Emperor's voice echoed again, more solemn this time.
"One more thing."
The prince paused.
"There is someone you must find on your journey."
"A monster?" Wei Zhan muttered under his breath.
"No. A man." The Emperor's voice held weight. "A master whose power rivals even the celestial envoys. They say he lives hidden in the forgotten valleys beyond the Starfallen Range. He alone may hold the knowledge and strength to prepare us for what is coming."
"A man?" Xie Lian repeated quietly.
"Yes," the Emperor confirmed. "Some call him the Whispering Flame. Others, the Mad Sage of Twilight. No one knows his true name. Only that he once stood against the darkness… and survived."
Wei Zhan frowned. "Sounds like a hermit with a flair for drama."
The Emperor gave a tired, almost sad smile. "Perhaps. But even gods whispered his name once."
The prince scoffed, but something in the Emperor's gaze unsettled him.
"Very well," Wei Zhan said. "I'll find your mysterious man."
"And," the Emperor added with a faint gleam in his eyes, "do not underestimate him. He does not serve the Empire, nor any celestial realm. He walks his own path."
Wei Zhan smirked. "Sounds like someone I'd get along with."
Xie Lian, still impassive, gave a nod. "We'll find him."
And so, with the Imperial command ringing in their ears, the crown prince and his silent shadow set forth—toward the dark horizon, and a mysterious man who might hold the fate of the realms in his hands.