Chapter 3
The Awakening: Summon From the Primordial Carp.
Twelve years later~
Mortal realm ~
Year of the Weird~
Primordial carp nation: YinYang City.
.
Twelve years swiftly passed, filled with significant events. Following her adoption, Lu Xie Tong displayed exceptional talent for cultivation, bringing hope to the entire dynasty. However, this period of prosperity was short-lived. Six years after her adoption, during the Wood Year, Lu Xie Tong inexplicably fell gravely ill. Despite the Yin empress and Yang emperor sparing no expense to seek the aid of spirit alchemists from across the mortal realm, her condition remained dire. On the brink of death, the Nine Sacred Light sect, the mortal realm's overlord, intervened and saved her life, but on the condition that she would be betrothed to the young lord of their clan.
While this development should have been a cause for celebration for Lu Xie Tong's parents, a lingering sense of unease clouded their joy. The unexpected involvement of the Nine Sacred Light sect in saving the young miss of the YinYang dynasty sent shockwaves throughout the world, as it was almost impossible to believe that the dynasty could command so much face from the Nine Sacred Light Sect.
Following her recovery, Lu Xie Tong found herself unable to cultivate, relegating her to a mortal existence for the past six years. It appeared that her regained health came at the cost of her exceptional talent.
However, this was not the only significant event to unfold in YinYang City. The Yan clan, emboldened overnight, dared to challenge the YinYang dynasty's authority as city lord, citing their grand ancestral matriarch's condition as justification. This sudden act of mutiny hinted at a powerful backer supporting the Yan clan, eager to assert their newfound influence.
The impending showdown between the younger generations of the Yan clan and the YinYang dynasty on the first day of the Year of Flaming Fire stirred the Primordial Carp nation with anticipation.
Moreover, a recent assassination attempt on the youngest miss of the YinYang dynasty while she slept, orchestrated by the notorious Blood Malva Cult, a feared organization known throughout the mortal realm and beyond for their lethal efficiency in carrying out assassinations, added to the city's turmoil. Although Lu Xie Tong narrowly escaped their clutches, the mysterious circumstances of her rescue remained shrouded in uncertainty. Shortly after the failed attempt on her life, the Blood Malva Cult was eradicated, sending shockwaves through the city.
The recent tumultuous events in YinYang City, compounded by the ominous aura of the Nameless Year, created an atmosphere of unrest and apprehension.
YinYang dynasty's palace~
.
In a grand courtyard heavily guarded, a young lady with hair split between black and white sat on a swing, exuding an air of youthful elegance. Lu Xie Tong, the youngest miss of the YinYang dynasty at the age of thirteen, observed her older siblings, Yin Kai and Yang Mei, engaged in a sparring match. Born as a rare twins with a perfect yin-yang spirit body, unique to twins of the YinYang dynasty's whose Taichi bloodline was very dense.
"Sigh." Lu Xie Tong's wistful sigh punctuated the siblings' swordplay, now a relic of their shared cultivation sessions.
Noticing Lu Xie Tong's contemplative expression, Yin Kai and Yang Mei paused their sparring and approached her. "How are you feeling now? The spirit alchemists mentioned an improvement in your condition," Yang Mei inquired with an encouraging smile.
"Yes, the reports are promising. It won't be long before we can resume our sparring sessions like old times," Yin Kai added optimistically.
"I have sensed a change as well. Since the onset of the mysterious pressure at the beginning of the year, I feel a subtle transformation in my constitution," Lu Xie Tong remarked, her eyes reflecting a newfound hope.
"It seems your days of observation are drawing to a close. Our dear little sister shall not be looked down on by others," Yin Kai declared dramatically, bumping his fist in solidarity.
"Are you referring to me or her?" Yang Mei teased, pointing first at herself, then at Lu Xie Tong.
Yin Kai, with a playful glint in his eyes, directed his attention to Yang Mei. "Of course, I speak of the one and only Lu Xitong."
"Hey, I'm your little sister too," Yang Mei protested, crossing her arms and puffing her cheeks in feigned indignation. "Oh, you are no ordinary little sister. You resemble more of a little bully," Yin Kai teased, sticking out his tongue mischievously. "Besides, you are merely my junior by five seconds, hardly a significant margin," he continued.
"Indeed, you are absolutely correct." Yang Mei's mischievous smile hinted at an impending prank. "Allow me to demonstrate the art of bulling to you esteemed elder brother."
"Yah!, what mischief are you brewing now?" Yin Kai's tone betrayed a hint of trepidation. "Just a minor correction for a wayward brother of mine," Yang Mei replied with a wide grin, advancing toward him with a wooden sword in hand.
"Mercy, dear sister. It was all in good fun..."
*Whoosh*
Yin Kai darted away mid-sentence.
"Huh?" (⁰0⁰) Lu Xitong marveled at Yin Kai's sudden escape.
"Return here, or face your end, you're only going to make it hurt more by running," Yang Mei warned, brandishing the wooden sword menacingly and giving chase. Lu Xie Tong followed suit, inwardly musing, "She's no mere bully but a mafia."
After a brief pursuit, Yang Mei finally caught up to Yin Kai, who sought refuge behind a guard, making faces and taunting her. Meanwhile, Lu Xie Tong observed the scene with a mixture of amusement and astonishment.
"Be done with this commotion!" a frail voice interjected. Instantly, the guards straightened their backs and bowed respectfully towards the elderly figure.
It was the grand aunt who had accompanied the Yang emperor on the day of Lu Xie Tong's adoption, her presence exuding wisdom and authority. Yang Kai, Yang Mei, and Lu Xie Tong greeted her with genuine warmth, recognizing her as a cherished family member who dotted on them since they've been little. As Yang Mei sought solace in her grand aunt's comforting presence and recounted her brother's teasing, the elderly woman's expression turned somber
"Am afraid I have no time for this at the moment," turning towards Lu Xie Tong.
"The Primordial Carps have reawakened and demand your immediate presence."
Lu Xie Tong fell silent, her mind racing with thoughts and questions.