Early Morning
"Kai! Wake up, you need to get ready," his father's voice echoed, gently shaking him from sleep.
Kai stirred beneath his blanket. As soon as the words registered, his eyes flew open, wide and full of spark. Today's the day… the Immortal is coming!
He rushed to get ready, washing his face with the chilly morning water and slipping into his cleanest clothes. His parents walked him to the village center, which was already bustling with villagers. The air was thick with anticipation.
Many women's gazes followed Kai as he passed through the crowd. Their eyes shimmered with a mixture of admiration and infatuation. His flawless skin, that silky hair, and especially those bright, innocent blue eyes made him stand out like a star among clouds.
Kai pulled closer to his father, whispering, "Why are they all staring at me?"
His mother chuckled softly, "You'll understand when you grow older."
---
Villagers were warming up in their own way—young men stretched their legs, flexed their arms, and showed off their muscles, trying to seem impressive. A few elders huddled and whispered predictions, while children clung to their mothers, some excited, others frightened.
Suddenly, a sharp screech tore through the sky.
SKREEEEEE!
"Look! It's an eagle!"
"No... that's too big for an eagle..."
"Wait... is someone riding it?!"
Everyone looked up, shielding their eyes from the sunlight. A giant eagle was descending rapidly, wings wide and majestic, kicking up a storm of dust as it landed gracefully.
As the dust cleared, an old man stepped off its back. He had long white hair flowing behind him and a beard that reached his chest. His back was straight, his eyes calm but filled with power. Despite his age, he moved with the grace and pressure of a storm waiting to erupt.
The villagers instantly bowed in respect, some trembling with awe.
"Wake up, everyone," the Immortal said, his voice deep and commanding, yet surprisingly warm.
Kai peeked through the crowd, whispering to himself, So... this is what an Immortal looks like?
---
The Immortal continued, "Today, I will choose a few of your children to join our sect as disciples. Your village chief will call names. Each child will come forward and stretch out their hand. That is all."
The village chief stepped forward, holding a scroll with names.
"Maina Garner," he called.
A young woman in her early twenties nervously stepped ahead, biting her lower lip. Her hands trembled as she reached out to the elder.
"Hurry," the Immortal muttered, slightly impatient. "I don't have all day."
He touched her wrist with two fingers and closed his eyes. Moments passed.
"No," he said flatly. "You have no spiritual energy."
A wave of disappointment rippled through the crowd. The girl stepped back, her eyes filled with quiet shame. Her parents consoled her.
One by one, names were called. Each time, a hopeful child stepped forward and was gently—or sometimes coldly—rejected.
Then...
"Kai."
The sound pierced his thoughts like thunder.
Kai's heart dropped. His feet wouldn't move. What if I get rejected like the others? In front of everyone?
"KAI!" the village chief barked louder.
His parents gave him a gentle push. His mother's voice, though trembling, whispered, "Just try. We're with you."
Head down, Kai walked slowly toward the Immortal. His hands were slightly sweaty. He stretched them out with hesitation.
The elder looked at him and paused, almost amused by the nervous boy. He placed his fingers on Kai's hand.
At first—nothing.
But then—something shifted.
The elder's brow furrowed.
What… is this?
He closed his eyes, sent his consciousness deeper. Inside Kai's dantian, he saw a swirling core of energy—sealed by glowing golden chains. Curious, the elder reached out mentally and touched one of the chains.
Suddenly—CRACK!
A shockwave jolted through his body. He yanked his hand back, gasping slightly, his face stiff with surprise.
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
The elder quickly composed himself, standing tall once more. He cleared his throat.
"You are selected, boy."
Kai's eyes widened like moons. "R-Really?!"
The elder cracked a rare smile and ruffled Kai's hair. "You have great potential. Tomorrow, those selected will come with me to our sect."
Kai jumped into his parents' arms. "I'm selected! I'm really selected! I'll become an Immortal and build you a huge house!"
His parents burst into tears, holding him tight, their hearts brimming with pride and joy.
The elder's expression softened, watching the emotional reunion. How rare it is to see such love…
"Next name," the chief continued. "Xi Wuhan."
Eventually, the process ended. The elder stood tall and addressed the crowd.
"Only three among you are worthy to begin this path. Prepare them well. Tomorrow, we depart."
With that, he leapt back onto his eagle and soared into the skies, disappearing into the horizon.
The village chief stepped forward, voice strong, "Everyone! We may have only three selected, but that's more than we've ever had. Tonight, we celebrate!"
Cheers erupted. The village prepared a grand celebration.
---
Evening
The lamps lit the village in warm orange glow. Laughter, clinking cups, and music filled the air. Villagers danced, feasted, and sang.
Kai's family prepared their special dishes—spiced chicken and pork. The aroma filled the air.
"Mom! This is amazing!" Kai said, mouth full.
His father laughed, filling his bowl again. "Eat while you can. You won't get your mother's food everywhere you go."
They sat together, bathed in soft lamplight, smiles etched on their faces.
---
That Night
Kai slept soundly on the rooftop bed, the stars watching over him. He had no worries, no fears. His heart was at peace.
But down in the village center, many couldn't sleep. Parents, elders, and youths gathered by the great tree, holding torches, whispering about the future. Some spoke of marriage prospects; others simply waited for dawn.
Suddenly—the sound of hooves.
Thud. Thud. THUD.
Fear gripped the villagers. From the distant trail, bandits were coming—swords drawn, faces twisted in malice.
Kai's father rushed inside and shook him awake.
"Come, Kai! We need to move."
Villagers scrambled. The village, built on a peak with no exit route, had no escape.
Kai's mother collapsed to her knees, sobbing. "Why today? If only they came tomorrow, he would've been gone... safe..."
She hugged Kai close, her body trembling.
But then—the bandits slowed.
"Wait... they're looking behind them... not at us."
Suddenly, a blade flew through the air, slicing the lead rider clean off his horse. Blood sprayed as his head hit the ground.
Gasps. Screams.
A sword hovered above them, gleaming under moonlight—floating.
Kai's eyes widened. "Mom! Look! The sword! It's flying!"
High above the clouds, a silhouette emerged—a man, cloaked in starlight.
A bandit screamed, "Show yourself if you dare!"
In response, the floating sword flew again—shink! Another head fell.
The villagers stood in stunned silence as, one by one, the bandits were slain from above. Their blood soaked the earth.
Kai's mother covered his eyes, whispering, "Don't look."
But the sword didn't stop. It moved with precise fury, cleansing the village of its invaders.
Then, the Immortal descended.
"Do not fear," he declared. "They were running from me, not coming for you."
He hovered above them like a god, his presence vast and unshakable.
Kai peeked from the window. His eyes were wide with wonder.
> "That old man… he beat so many people alone? I want to become like him."
---
Morning
As the sun began to rise, peace returned. Some villagers slept, others wept with relief. Children rested beside torches. Hope flickered like a flame in the hearts of all.
Kai? He slept through it all, drooling slightly on his pillow.