Chapter 1: Commence

"Why are you refusing the AIA offer letter? Weren't you waiting… just for this your whole life?"

Kaia's professor scolded her, his voice rough with age and irritation, as she stuffed books into her bag. She paused briefly, glancing at him with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

"Whole life? For god's sake, sir, I'm just 25. I have my whole life ahead of me. I can always reapply after I get back."

The professor, now old and wheezing, waved his hand dismissively but couldn't suppress his frustration.

"Must be good to be young. That's why you're wasting time," he muttered. "Who are you going with, again?"

Kaia hesitated before handing him his inhaler.

"Instead of wasting your energy, take your meds on time," she said, dodging the question.

"And…?" the professor pressed.

"We're going for a seminar near the Yellow River," she finally admitted.

His eyes narrowed. "Yellow River, you say? You can't hide the fact that you're trying to find something, Kaia."

Kaia exhaled sharply....

"I've finally deciphered what those papers mean. I can't let my curiosity delay any longer, professor."

He sighed but shifted the topic.

"Alright, but you have to come back before my wife's birthday. You know she'll miss you the most."

Even as he spoke, he knew there was no stopping her.

Kunlun Mountains Expedition

Kaia's team set up camp on the outskirts of the majestic Kunlun Mountains, their tents dotted across a flat plateau surrounded by rugged terrain. The mountains loomed in the distance, their snow-capped peaks glinting under the afternoon sun. The nearby Yellow River snaked lazily, its waters shimmering like molten gold. Sparse vegetation clung to the rocky ground, the air crisp and biting.

Kaia, holding an old map, sneaked out alone.

The trek was arduous. She crossed the Yellow River on a precarious rope bridge, her boots slipping on the damp wooden planks. The path wound through narrow ridges and dense underbrush, the silence punctuated by the occasional rustle of unseen wildlife. The deeper she ventured, the more the environment changed. The trees grew sparse, replaced by jagged rock formations that looked like ancient guardians of the land.

Suddenly, a low roar echoed through the gorge, sending a shiver down her spine. Startled, Kaia stumbled backward, her foot catching in a web of vines. She fell, landing hard and sliding into a hidden crevice. The air was damp, and full of scent of earth and flowers.

She found herself in a cavern, its walls covered in vines adorned with vibrant red flowers. The atmosphere was otherworldly. Carvings etched into the stone walls depicted scenes of ancient rituals and battles. Lighting a branch with her lighter, she went inside more further 

At the cavern's center was a collapsed tomb, embedded into the wall. It was sealed , intricate black designs swirling within. Kaia's heart raced as she matched the sigil on the ground in front of tomb to the one drawn in the ancient scroll she carried.she picked up a rock and struck the stone. It barely chipped. Frustrated, she hit it harder, her hands trembling.

On her final strike, the rock slipped, cutting her hand. Blood trickled down her palm, dripping onto the stone. Kaia hissed in pain, examining the deep cut that ran from her index finger to the back of her hand.

The cave trembled. The sigil began to glow, pulsating in a circular motion. The air grew heavy, and a low hum filled the space. The stone lit up, its black patterns turning fiery red. Lightning crackled from the collapsed tomb...as move forward to touch the tomb.

 her heart pounding, a voice called her name from outside the cave. She froze.

"Who's there?" she called, but the voice did not respond. she emerged from the cave and went out but no one was there. The sun was already up, she went back to camp..

Kaia returned to camp, her clothes dusted with dirt and her mind heavy with questions. She changed quickly and stepped out to join the team gathered around a campfire.

"Kaia, did you just wake up?" called Karen, a tall, well-dressed senior with soft features. He gave her a warm smile, his neat appearance a sharp contrast to the rugged environment.

"Yeah, senior," she replied, avoiding his gaze.

"Where were you after the seminar?" he asked, curiosity evident.

"I… went to meet a friend," she lied, her voice barely steady.

"Oh, really? That's good then," Karen said, though his tone suggested something else.

Before she could asked, someone interrupted, "Guys, we're setting off early tomorrow. Let's call it a night."

That night, Kaia slipped out of her tent, the cool air biting against her skin. Her hand throbbed, the wound inexplicably shaped like a curling leaf. She winced but pressed on.

Inside the cavern, the air felt alive. The sigil on the ground still glowed faintly. Kaia approached the tomb, her trembling hand brushing against its surface. The atmosphere shifted. A heavy presence filled the room.

A hand gripped her shoulder. Kaia screamed, spinning around.

"You are here," a deep, threatening voice growled.

Her breath hitched as her eyes met his. ...His eyes glows more than the raging sun, what is this color even red or orange just look like fire , demeanor blaing more than the warmth of mid june His raven-black long..hair falling back in tousled waves. A necklace of intricate beads and chains adorned that beautiful snake like dragon tattoo swirled around a deep cut on his neck to shoulder . 

Draped over his broad shoulders was a flowing shawl, painted in swirling patterns of crimson red and shades of sunset, The shawl was loosely tied, revealing his lean, sculpted chest, marked by scars with waist surrounded by feng shui chain.

 dressing like this why this man was barefoot,? his ankles has fine gold anklets that jingled faintly as he moved, each step forward yet ....

"Who… who are you?" Kaia stammered.

The man spoke, his voice low and commanding, but the language was foreign—a strange mix of Chinese and an ancient dialect. She could understand him, though she didn't know how.

"Enough," he growled, his hand shooting out to grip her neck. Kaia struggled, gasping for air. His grip tightened, but then he froze. Clouds thunder clapped lightning ominously. His tattoo glowed, and wound under mark feels like stabbing he winced in pain, releasing her.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice shaking with anger and confusion.

Kaia collapsed to the ground, coughing, as the cave seemed to hold its breath around them.