Chapter 001 - The Beginning
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'Learn from the first, compromise the second, then make the third one a success!'
These were the words of the first ancestor of the White Alyssum City.
Soon, the generations that followed made an attempt to live it out to the point where 3 became the city's concordant number.
Although it sounds weird and rather strange, such a thing really exists in this city. Even the normal people who lived here were all influenced by it and thus, adapted to it without them realizing it.
And at this time, in the Vermillion Family's main hall, a banquet was being held for the current Patriarch's first-born son.
The Vermillion Family was once the most illustrious and revered martial artists' family in White Alyssum City. They were the eldest, if not, one of the oldest martial artists' family in White Alyssum City and made numerous contributions.
For almost half a millennium, the Vermillion Family continued to retain their position as one of the Three Great Families.
However, even those who soared at the top for a long time will inevitably get tired and have no other choice but to fall.
These words greatly suited the current situation of the Vermillion Family.
For years, under the Patriarch's and the various elders' leading, they kept on producing disciples who had absolutely no chance of succeeding the Patriarch.
Although there were few that are acceptable, they still fall far from the standards of the Vermillion Family's Patriarchal seat.
The reason for this was well known throughout the city. And it was a reason that the Vermillion Family felt very gloomy of.
Back in the days when the Vermillion Family basked in glory, even lower disciples would be treated with a great amount of respect.
However, now, that they have hit rock bottom, most of those people left.
Only a few stood by the side of the Vermillion Family. And all of these people have gathered in the banquet. Almost all of these people received favors from the Vermillion Family.
The Jade Family, for example, is one of such. The Jade and Vermillion Family's founder were close brothers at the time. The Vermillion Family's founder, Big Flame, once helped Blue Jade, who is the Jade Family's founder. According to the story of the elders, Big Flame rescued Blue Jade at a crucial time.
Since then, they became sworn brothers that helped each other in times of need.
All the following patriarchs of their respective families seemed to have followed their footsteps as they have also been close with each other.
And at this moment, the current Patriarch of the Jade Family arrived. His patent dark green robes and domineering aura attracted the gazes of all the people present. Some of the people even slightly bowed to him to show him their respect.
But, that is only natural since they are also one of the three major families in White Alyssum City besides the declining Vermillion Family, and the Bluan Family.
Roose Jade is the current patriarch of the Jade Family, he is greatly known for his powerful defensive move, 'High Shine', it is allegedly said that when this move is used, his body will gain a temporary 'enlightening state' which will render whatever the enemy does, useless.
"Congratulations, Patriarch Jiu Vermillion." His gaze wandered off for a bit, then it stopped at a youth who was merrily eating his fill, he suspired deep and added, "Seeing him like this, I can definitely tell that your son will soar to new heights in the future!".
Roose Jade retracted his eyes, cupping his fist to the current patriarch of the Vermillion Family, Jiu Vermillion.
"You're being too overconfident with my son, Patriarch Roose Jade," Jiu Vermillion guffawed. "Although I could say that I have put every last bit of my hope to that son of mine, I'm afraid that my lacking talent would be inherited by him..."
Jiu Vermillion heavily sighed. It has been a bit more than two hundred years since the start of the Vermillion Family's decline.
If they fail to produce an acceptable genius that could change the bleak path that the current Vermillion Family is heading, then...
"Patriarch... no— Brother Jiu, stop worrying about these stupid things." There was a moment of silence between them, "You old fool, I never thought you would change like this..."
Jiu Vermillion remained silent. Being the patriarch, no words will ever pacify the burden of a declining family.
"Oh, right. Brother Jiu, I have an important matter to talk with you about.
"As you already know, I have a daughter... she's about a year older than your son.."
It was then that Jiu Vermillion listened somewhat attentively.
"What do you say, uhh... we arrange a marriage for them?"
Roose Jade said in a tempting manner, his face was full of smiles and he made a thumbs up sign with his right hand. Although he knew of the gradual decline of the Vermillion Family. He still trusted that his brother-in-arms, Jiu Vermillion, wasn't someone who could raise a talentless child like the previous generation's patriarch.
He and Jiu Vermillion also have an unbreakable bond like Big Flame and Blue Jade back in their days. They suffered the same misfortunes and experienced the same blessings. Thus, Roose Jade thought that it was only right for their children to be wed.
Obviously, Jiu Vermillion knew how much of a risk it would take to reach this kind of decision. Every parent wishes to have their child marry someone deserving. So he did not even think twice before accepting his proposal. He silently planted this favor deep in his heart.
"Roose, I truly am grateful for meeting a friend like you," Jiu Vermillion said with deep sincerity and patted Roose Jade's shoulders. "I promise that I won't disappoint you."
Subsequently, Roose Jade turned his head around to his back. There, a little girl with an apprehensive look written all over her face as her hands clasped tightly on Roose Jade's clothes as she looked curiously at Jiu Vermillion.
Jiu Vermillion also called over his son, Arthur Vermillion, the celebrant of today's banquet.
Arthur was leisurely eating his food when suddenly his father called him over. His face suddenly wrinkled, showing displeasure. However, he still obliged and walked to Jiu Vermillion's side.
Every time Arthur took a step, a person or two would greet him with a face full of smiles.
Arthur Vermillion and Rose Jade stood by their father's side facing each other. Staring at the other's eyes, thinking that if they stare long enough, they would instantly figure out the other party's secrets.
Rose was indifferent about this so she slowly drifted her eyes away from Arthur. Arthur, however, stared at Rose for a couple more seconds before also slowly withdrawing his gaze back.
This action was noticed by the two middle-aged men beside them, they instantly revealed a pleasant smile and laughed heartily.
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The banquet lasted for a couple more hours until people started to go, sent their goodbyes to Arthur and Jiu Vermillion, and left the main hall.
When Roose Jade and Rose Jade finally sent their farewell did Jiu Vermillion accompany Arthur to his room. Just before Arthur opened the door, a large hand suddenly patted his shoulders. Jiu Vermillion was about to say something but no words came out of his mouth. After that, he shook his head, said some good night words to Arthur, and left.
This action greatly confused the three-year-old Arthur. Why would you touch someone's shoulders only to shake your head?
After going in, Arthur changed his clothes to more comfortable and convenient clothing. Then, he dove right onto his bed like a child who experienced a very long day and slept like a log...
A couple of hours later after Arthur went into a deep sleep. A mysterious ball of light appeared out of nowhere above Arthur's head. This light is sometimes bright and sometimes dim. Indeed, it was flickering.
"Y... You will suffice... I just n... need a decade...", the mysterious light said weakly.
After the mysterious light said these words. It went directly inside the body of Arthur. As soon as the ball of light touched Arthur's body, it caused unbearable pain to be felt by the three-year-old Arthur.
He struggled as the mysterious light went deeper into his body.
The pain worsened and his complexion became completely twisted. However, as soon as the mysterious ball of light reached the part where his heart was located, it came to a sudden stop and there weren't any more movements that occurred.
Moments later, the pain disappeared like there was nothing that happened, and Arthur continued his rest.
The morning after this event caused many doubts to appear in Arthur's mind. After he woke up, his body mysteriously felt very numb and tired. Later on, he asked his father for some low-grade healing medicines.
As the pain subsided, Arthur only thought that the numbness he felt was probably the after-effects of yesterday's banquet and concluded to pay no heed to it anymore.
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