THE MOUNTAIN TOP was covered in thick, fluffy snow, and the cold air nipped at their cheeks. The towering pine trees surround them, with their branches bending under the weight of the snow. Zi Yin noticed that the only sound was the wind whistling through the trees and the soft crunch of snow underfoot. Zi Yin looked up at the towering mountains with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He was only eight years old and still had so much to learn, but he was determined to impress his Shifu, Zi Xinyue. His Shifu was also known as the Heavenly Sword Grandmaster. The Heavenly Sword Grandmaster is known for their lightning-fast strikes and deadly accuracy with a sword.
Fu Tai and Zi Ling, moved with grace and precision as Zi Yin watched in awe. Their robes swirled around them as they punched, kicked, and twirled, each move executed flawlessly. Fu Tai looked somewhat nervous, his qi not flowing as easily as Zi Ling's but she was Shifu's daughter, of course, Zi Yin would expect nothing but the best from her.
"More control," Shifu coached from the sidelines, watching Zi Ling take control easily subduing Fu Tai. The training ended with Fu Tai flat on his back, staring up a Zi Ling as her purple robes billowed in the sunlight. Fu Tai's alpha scent was sour that he lost, but Zi Ling grinned triumphantly.
Shifu was a paragon of refined elegance, with a delicate yet striking appearance that set him apart from others. His features were chiseled and symmetrical, his skin as smooth and flawless as white jade. Zi Xinyue wore flowing robes of blue and silver, his long hair tied up in an intricate knot, and his eyes shone like bright stars in the night sky, drawing all who met him under his spell.
Zi Yin bounced on his feet, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I can't wait to learn more martial arts moves today, Shifu!"
Zi Xinyue smiled at his eager student. "We will focus on refining the moves you already know, Zi Yin. Remember, mastery of the basics is key to advancing to more advanced techniques."
Zi Yin was Zi Wang's son, the sect leader of the Heavenly Orchard sect, and the Emperor's bodyguard. General Zi Wang's sect has been guarding the Emperor for centuries, the General role passed down from generation to generation.
Zi Yin would be the first omega, in the history of the Zi clan to receive the honor when Gong Xiaolong, the first son of concubine Gong Feiyan, took the throne.
If he ever took the throne.
Gong Yutong was dragging his feet in choosing a successor. It was a close race between Gong Xiaolong and Gong Yijun, the first son of the late empress, who should've been the rightful air except he stuttered horribly. There were rumors that concubine Gong Feiyan hated him to death and sought ways to get rid of him completely.
Fu Tai stood quietly beside them, his eyes trained on the ground. Zi Xinyue turned to him, his lips drawing into a frown. "And you, Fu Tai, you still have much to improve upon. You must protect Zi Yin, to give your life for him if necessary. How can I trust you if you cannot even keep up with him?"
Zi Ling stepped forward, her hand on Fu Tai's shoulder. "Shifu, you are too hard on him. He has improved greatly since he started training with us."
Zi Xinyue turned to her with a stern look. "It is not enough. He must be the best if he is to serve his master properly."
Zi Ling didn't dare say anymore and Zi Yin knew he'd just be punished if he spoke up for Fu Tai again. For some reason, their Shifu hated the Snake Poison sect, even going as far as to brandish Fu Tai as a poisonous snake. The Fu clan had served the Zi clan for centuries, and even though Fu Tai was from the Snake Poison sect, he rarely went there and didn't talk about anyone there besides his mèimei, whom Zi Yin had never met. Although Zi Yin grew up with his father being a general, he was passive-aggressive by nature and hated when his Shifu and Fu Tai fought.
Why can't everyone just be kind and understanding like my grandmother?
She never puts me in situations like this.
"Alright, again. This time listen to my instructions, Zi Yin you may join too."
Zi Ling and Fu Tai got into formation again and began fighting, their moves were skillful with precision and grace. Zi Yin was quick and nimble, his punches and kicks landing with force. Zi Ling's movements were smooth and fluid, twirling and flipping gracefully. But Fu Tai struggled to keep up, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated. Zi Yin noticed his friend's frustration and slowed down, encouraging him. "Come on, Fu Tai, you can do it! Just focus on your breathing and follow the movements."
Fu Tai nodded, taking a deep breath, and trying to steady himself. But his movements were still slow and awkward. Zi Xinyue huffed, his face twisting in anger. "Enough. Enough. You'll ruin their flow if you continue to move so sloppily Fu Tai. Again!"
Zi Yin couldn't help but feel guilty for being the cause of his friend's troubles. He knew he had a duty as a young master to be strong and skilled, but he didn't want it to come at the cost of his friend's happiness. Finally, the training session came to an end, and Zi Yin approached Fu Tai. "I'm sorry, Fu Tai. I didn't mean to make things harder for you."
Fu Tai shook his head. "It's not your fault. I just need to work harder. I'm slow like Shifu says and I'm weak. How can I possibly protect you if I'm like this?"
Zi Ling placed a hand on his shoulder. "You are already doing your best, Fu Tai. Don't let Shifu's words get to you."
Despite her words, Zi Yin could see the hurt in Fu Tai's eyes. He vowed to himself to do better, to train harder and become stronger so that he could protect his friend as well as his duty as a young master.
●
A FEW DAYS LATER, Zi Yin walked down the halls of the Heavenly Orchard sect with his head down, trying to avoid the group of disciples that always bullied him. As an omega, it was rare for him to be allowed to train in martial arts, let alone progress past the Qi Condensation stage. The halls of the Heavenly Orchard sect were magnificent with complex carvings of tartars and phoenixes on the walls.
"Hey, look who it is," one of the disciples sneered as they spotted Zi Yin. "The little omega who thinks he can train."
Zi Yin's heart sank as he braced himself for what was about to happen. The disciples approached him, circling him like a pack of wolves. I can't believe this is happening to me. It's almost as if the universe has a vendetta against my peaceful nature. Zi Yin panicked not sure what to do next.
"What's the matter, Zi Yin? Can't handle a little fight?" another disciple taunted.
Zi Yin felt the fear in the pit of his stomach grow as he tried to back away. He wanted nothing more than to prove them wrong, to show that omega was just as capable as alphas and betas.
But before the disciples could lay a hand on him, a voice cut through the air.
"What's going on here?"
The disciples turned to see Fu Tai, Zi Yin's servant, standing tall and strong behind them. Fu Tai was a servant, but he was well-respected among the sect for his martial arts skills and loyalty.
"Nothing, Fu Tai," one of the disciples muttered, backing away.
Fu Tai stepped forward, shielding Zi Yin from the others.
"You know better than to pick on someone weaker than you," Fu Tai said sternly. "Especially someone from the sect master's family."
The disciples muttered their apologies before scurrying away. Zi Yin breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Fu Tai's protection. The floors are made of polished marble, reflecting the warm light of the chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The air is perfumed with the scent of incense, giving a sense of tranquility amidst the grandeur.
"Thank you," Zi Yin said, his voice trembling slightly.
Fu Tai turned to him with a small smile. "You don't have to thank me, Zi Yin. I must protect you."
Zi Yin nodded, feeling a surge of determination wash over him. He wanted to grow stronger, to show everyone that omegas were just as capable as any other rank. He would make his father proud.
"Hey! Do you want to get some tasty osmanthus cakes? I've been craving them all day long."
"No way." Fu Tai shook his head. "You eat too many sweets. Your teeth will rot."
"Please, you said you'd protect me. You have to come."
"Fine," Fu Tai said. "Only because I'm hungry too."
They raced out of the sect, eager to get to the marketplace. Zi Yin and Fu Tai meandered through the area, the air thick with the mingling scents of spices, incense, and freshly cooked food. A cacophony of sounds assaulted their ears, from the shouting of vendors to the clanging of pots and pans. It was like a maze of stalls and shops, each one more colorful and inviting than the last. Baskets of exotic fruits and vegetables were stacked high, their bright colors a feast for the eyes.
Glittering trinkets and handmade crafts adorned the shelves, their intricate designs were captivating. The vendors were persistent in their attempts to lure Zi Yin and Fu Tai in, promising the finest wares and the best deals.
"Fu Tai, do you smell that? It's like my taste buds are begging for it!" Zi Yin exclaimed, leading the way to the cake vendor. They approached the vendor and noticed a group of little kids giggling and pointing at something behind them. Zi Yin was minding his own business, looking at the delicious cakes when suddenly, a goat sprang out of nowhere and started devouring the sweet cakes.
"…!" Zi Yin.
"…!?" Fu Tai.