Jinghua and Bingwen had made it to the intersect of the northern and eastern regions. Right where hybrids and humans split. The two were stranded on a long, dirt road. It was the middle of the day but there was a thick mist around the road. For miles upon miles around them there were trees. The two stayed cautious of their surroundings. But they didn't know that something was lurking, watching them from the forest. "Ning Cheng, I feel like something else is here besides us." Bingwen said. Jinghua's ears twitched. "Someone is here moving within the shadows. Jin Si!" He commanded as Jin Si rose into his hands. Bingwen took out his sword as well. "Jin Si, Light up the darkness." Jinghua commanded his sword, as it flew into the forest and began to glow. People with white robes and veils were seen behind the trees. They quickly disappeared. Jinghua ran straight into the forest. "Ning Cheng, wait!" Bingwen chased after him. But they didn't know they were potentially running into a death trap led by friend nor foe.
Jinghua had stopped running, Bingwen stopped chasing after him. In Front of Jinghua, was a figure with long black hair and a colorful robe. He hid his face with a white veil. He had caught Jin Si with his two fingers. He was much broader and taller then Jinghua. "Who are you!?" Jinghua yelled. The figure spoke in a tongue neither of them understood. Suddenly, more figures surround them. And then in a thick accent, the figure with colorful robes spoke. "Drop the sword."
Bingwen did so and dropped Baiyu, one of the figures took it. The figure spoke in tongues again, ordering the disciples to tie up Jinghua and Bingwen and take them with the figure. And that was exactly what happened. The two were forced to follow the figure through the forest. But the deeper they went, the more lovely it got. There were huts and civilization in the trees above them. And finally a palace. It balanced on rocks above a waterfall leading to a small lake. The water was clear, more pure than any other body of water. The colorful figure pointed his sword towards the lake as a bridge rose from the water leading into the falls. People stood around the lake, watching Bingwen and Jinghua being taken away. But it was strange. All of the people wore masks, hiding their faces. Inside the falls was a stairway leading into the palace. It was all colorful and golden. Once in the palace, the colorful figure was more visible. He took a seat on a colorful throne as Bingwen and Jinghua were thrown to the floor. The disciples bowed to the colorful figure. He was clearly royalty. Bingwen stared at the markings of the figure's sword. It said 'Caihong', meaning rainbow. "Why have you come to my forest? Humans are forbidden." The figure said.
"We were just passing through, we didn't mean to disturb your presence." Bingwen said, stuttering. The figure stood up, one hand on his sword. The two realized he had small horns poking from his head. "Present yourselves." He said. "I am Yusheng Jin of the Yusheng clan. This is..my royal guard, Ning Cheng of the Ning clan." Bingwen said. Jinghua was surprised. Bingwen had never lied like that.
"A hybrid and a human? Traveling together? Strange indeed. I am Caihong Chun, leader of the hidden rainbow clan."
Bingwen thought for a moment. Caihong…hidden rainbow clan… "You're the leader of the lost dragon demon clan? I thought that clan was wiped out ages ago." Bingwen said. "You thought wrong. We went into hiding. This clan had grown over the years since nothing attacks us now. But we will assassinate any and all trespassers. So tell me, Yusheng, why did you enter my forest." Caihong Chun said, drawing his sword. "Like I said, we were just passing through. We knew we were being watched and went after your disciples." Jinghua said. Caihong Chun drew his sword back. "I guess I misunderstood." He said. He spoke in tongues again and his disciples untied us. "You may stay here for as long as you please. Only if you are no enemy to my people. And once you leave, never speak of this place or my clan." He told them.
Jinghua had ventured off into the village while Bingwen stayed in the palace. He stood on the balcony of the palace, looking down at the water. Caihong Chun joined him. "Your still here?" He said. Bingwen continued to stare out. "It's beautiful. I'm almost glad this place is hidden away because if it wasn't, people outside would ruin it. Destroy it."
"Your correct. You have a good heart." A small breeze blew, blowing up Caihong Chun's veil slightly, revealing his face. Bingwen was shocked. "You have the scaled plague…" Bingwen said. The scaled plague was a one hundred year old plague that could be spread to demons. A disease where unnatural scales spread across the face and body. Often leading to infection, internal bleeding from the organs, or even death. But why has it lasted this long?
Caihong Chun sighed. "My whole clan is infected with it. We hide our faces because it infects our beauty. My people and I have suffered with it for more than eighty years." He said. Bingwen watched the people below the palace, all of them wore masks, even the children. "But there is nothing that a mere human like yourself could possibly do. So why do you pity us?" He asked Bingwen. Bingwen turned to Caihong Chun as another gust of wind broke out, revealing more of the scales in his face. "I don't know. I pity a lot of things and people. All problems I can't fix. But you were right, I guess I do have a good heart."
"Yusheng Jin!" Jinghua yelled from below, "We should leave now." Caihong Chun handed bingwen his sword back. "Please know that if you ever need help, call out my name and I will hear you from wherever. Take care, Yusheng Jin." They bowed to each other And Bingwen left with Jinghua to continue their journey wherever they were going.