The dawn illuminated the sky with an almost ethereal paleness, as if the day itself were hesitant to rise, fearing the shadows that still lingered over the village of Fengyuan. The sun, timid and distant, poured its first rays over the smoldering ruins, where life and hope had once thrived. Now, all that remained was the heavy silence of ash floating in the air, like memories of a past consumed by relentless flames.
Wei Long remained still, his eyes fixed on the devastation. His mind was scattered, full of fragments that didn't fit together, like pieces of a lost puzzle. The medallion in his hands still pulsed softly, almost as if it had a life of its own, waiting for something—a connection, an answer, something he couldn't fully comprehend. He tightened his grip, feeling a warm energy flowing through his fingers. It was as if the artifact was calling him to a destiny he was not yet ready to embrace.
He was different now, stronger, more aware of an inner power that had remained hidden until now. Something had awakened within him, an essence still taking shape, but as powerful as an underground river that would, with time, break through any barrier in its way. The sword he had wielded, that simple and unfinished blade, now felt like a natural extension of his body, as though it had been forged especially for him. The presence of the metal, once cold and disconnected, now fused perfectly with his skin, as if they were one.
For a brief moment, he lost himself in his thoughts. Revenge, protecting his village, all seemed distant now, as if the burden of the past had been set aside. The old man's words echoed in his mind, louder than ever: "The fate of the continent rests upon your shoulders." The Ascendant Dragon. A title that felt so distant, but in some way, was intrinsically tied to his very essence. It was as if he had been born to carry that burden, as if it were the next chapter in a story that was still being written.
He took a step forward, his feet moving among the stones and debris of the village that had once thrived. Destruction was everywhere, but there was something else there, something he couldn't understand. He felt as if a new cycle was beginning, and his presence there was no accident. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew that his path passed through that place.
The sounds of the village, though softened by the distance and the rustling wind, were still clear enough to be heard. He heard footsteps behind him, quick but cautious, as if someone was approaching with intent. Without hesitation, he turned around, his hand still gripping the sword's hilt. His eyes, now sharp and alert, searched for any sign of threat.
But what he found was not an enemy. It was a young woman, with red eyes and a face filled with concern. Her dark hair was tied in a messy bun, but the dirt and fatigue couldn't hide the strength that emanated from her. She was not there by chance. Wei Long sensed it immediately.
"Wei Long, are you alright?" the young woman asked, her voice hoarse and full of genuine concern. She seemed to have something to say, something important, but she was clearly hesitant. He watched her for a moment, feeling a strange connection. As if he had seen her at some other time, or as if she were part of something larger, something he still didn't fully understand.
He furrowed his brow, a little puzzled. He didn't recognize her. She didn't belong to the village, or at least didn't seem familiar. But her gaze... her gaze seemed to reflect a deep knowledge, something he couldn't ignore.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice firm, but with a hint of curiosity. His eyes never left her. He studied her, trying to understand the reason for her presence at that moment.
The young woman took a deep breath, as if preparing herself for an important moment. She looked around, as if making sure no one else was nearby. Her eyes returned to Wei Long, now filled with a wisdom that seemed to transcend her age.
"My name is Li Mei," she replied, her voice calmer now. "And you must be the Ascendant Dragon."
Wei Long felt a shiver run down his spine upon hearing those words. He didn't know what else the young woman knew about him, but something in her words told him that she was speaking the truth. The Ascendant Dragon. It was a title he still couldn't fully understand, but it was becoming more and more intertwined with his identity. How did she know? Who was she, really?
Li Mei took a step forward, gazing at the devastated field and the ruins around them. Her eyes were fixed on Wei Long, but he could tell she was distant, lost in some deep thought. She seemed to carry a weight much greater than the current circumstances would suggest.
"I was sent to find you" she said, her voice more assertive. "The Ascendant Dragon can no longer live in the shadows. The entire continent is in danger, and what is to come will require more than just a simple sword."
Wei Long watched her, absorbing her words. He felt that this was bigger than any battle or revenge. Something much more sinister was approaching, and he, Wei Long, was at the center of it all.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked, trying to understand. He felt a swirl of mixed emotions, confusion, fear, and a growing sense that fate had already marked him for something greater. But what exactly did that mean?
Li Mei looked at him with an expression of someone who knows a very ancient secret. Her eyes shone with a wisdom that seemed to transcend her. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"The continent is on the brink of a great war," she said, finally. "Ancient forces are awakening, and the Ascendant Dragons are the key to everything. But... you are not ready yet, Wei Long. There is no time to teach you everything now, but you must understand one thing: the forces awaiting you are not just visible enemies. There is something else, something you must discover for yourself."
Wei Long felt a chill run through his spine. A war. Ancient forces. Everything he had known up until now seemed insignificant in light of what she was describing. He was no longer just fighting for his village or for revenge. He was being dragged into something much larger, something he could barely comprehend.
"So, what should I do?" he asked, now with a quiet determination. The doubt still consumed him, but there was something inside him urging him to move forward. There was no time to hesitate.
Li Mei smiled, a sad smile, but at the same time filled with a deep understanding. She seemed to finally accept that he was ready for whatever came next.
"First, you must accept who you really are," she said, her voice soft but filled with authority. "Only then will you begin to understand what is necessary to save the continent."
Wei Long looked at her, his gaze fixed and determined. Her words echoed in his mind, and he felt a sudden revelation, as if he were on the verge of understanding something vital. The Ascendant Dragon. He could no longer deny the weight of that title, but at the same time, he didn't yet know how to carry it. But the doubt was fading. He needed to follow the path ahead of him, no matter how uncertain it might be.
"I understand," he said, finally. His voice was stronger now, as if he were making the decision to move forward, no matter what fate had in store for him. "What do I need to do?"
Li Mei nodded, satisfied with his response.
"The first thing you must do is prepare yourself. What is to come will not be easy, and you will need all the strength you can gather. But remember, you are not alone. There are others who will help you, but the final decision will always be yours."
Wei Long looked at her with a sense of relief. He was not alone. Not anymore. There was a greater force at play, and he was now a part of it. He, the Ascendant Dragon, was about to embark on a journey that would change not only his destiny but the destiny of the entire continent.
And the war that was approaching? It was just the beginning.
With one last look at the ruins of the village, Wei Long felt a weight lift. He was ready for whatever was necessary. The future lay ahead, and he was prepared to face it.