The Mark of the Fire Flower
As Xiao lay unconscious on the battlefield, Leeming rushed to his side, shaking him gently. "Xiao! Can you hear me?" he called out desperately, but Xiao didn't respond. His body was limp, and the glow of his wings had dimmed.
Others arrived quickly, carrying Xiao to the healer's chambers. After hours of anxious waiting, Xiao slowly began to regain consciousness. His eyes fluttered open, and he saw Madam Ying leaning over him, her face lined with worry.
"What happened to you, Xiao? And what is this mark on your back?" she asked.
Before Xiao could answer, a radiant light filled the room, and the Immortal Goddess appeared. Her presence silenced everyone as they bowed in awe.
"This is no ordinary mark," the Goddess said, her voice echoing with divine authority. "It is the Mark of the Fire Flower, a symbol of immense power. It absorbs negative energy and purifies the darkness around it. This mark is both a blessing and a burden."
The room fell silent as everyone processed her words. Xiaobo, Xiao's father, finally spoke. "How did my son acquire this power? Why does he bear this mark?"
The Goddess smiled faintly. "When your son was born, the stars themselves wept, and a fragment of celestial energy descended upon the earth. That energy was absorbed by your child, making him unique. On that day, he did not cry at birth but later wailed with a warmth that foretold his destiny. He is chosen."
Madam Ying's eyes widened as she recalled the words of an old sage who had visited on the day of Xiao's birth. "He said a child would be born who would bring peace to the world, dispelling darkness and turning it into light. My son truly is like the sun," she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion.
Before anyone could respond, Lan Ling, the head of the Shi Ling Clan, entered the room. His presence was commanding, his eyes cold and calculating.
"We should not fight anymore," Lan Ling declared. "I have a proposal. Your son Hua eloped with my daughter Bao and married her without my consent. In exchange for peace, I demand you hand over your youngest son, Xiao Shin, to my custody."
The room erupted in anger and disbelief. Madam Ying's voice was sharp and defiant. "How dare you demand my son? What do you want from him?"
Lan Ling's face darkened. "Your son, Xiao, has absorbed the powers of my clan. My people are weakened because of him, and he is dangerous to us. Either hand him over, or we will destroy your entire clan."
Xiao, who had overheard everything, sat up and laughed mockingly. "Do you think you can imprison me? I'm known for causing trouble. Ask my mother—she'll tell you I'm an expert at making life difficult for others. A day with me might just end yours!"
Lan Ling's eyes burned with anger. "You dare mock me?"
Madam Ying stepped forward. "If it's a fight you want, you'll have it. But we will not hand over our child to a tyrant!"
Lan Ling smirked. "Then prepare for war. Whatever happens now is on you." He turned to leave when Xiao's voice stopped him.
"Wait," Xiao said, his tone calm but firm. "I'll accept your condition. But you must promise never to threaten or harm my clan again."
The room fell into stunned silence. Madam Ying, Leeming, and the others tried to stop him. "You've lost your mind!" they protested.
Xiao raised a hand to quiet them. "You are in no position to fight right now. Our people are wounded, and the tribe is in shambles. Use this time to rebuild and heal. When the time comes, you can attack the Shi Ling Clan and rescue me. Perhaps even the Jiang Clan will join the fight," he said, glancing at Leeming with a faint smile.
Tears streamed down Hua's face as heavy iron chains were placed around Xiao's wrists and ankles. Shackles adorned his neck, and the Shi Ling warriors dragged him away. Cries of anguish filled the room, but Xiao remained calm, even smiling faintly to reassure his family.
Leeming clenched his fists in silent fury, vowing to act.
When Xiao arrived at the Shi Ling Clan, what he saw sickened him. The common people were treated like slaves, beaten, and humiliated by the clan chief's family. It was a stark contrast to his own tribe, where harmony and respect prevailed.
Anger bubbled within Xiao, but he hid it well. He was paraded through the streets and thrown into a dark, damp basement, chained and left alone. As the heavy door slammed shut, Xiao leaned back against the cold stone wall.
"This is just the beginning," he muttered to himself, a faint, determined smile playing on his lips.