The wind howled over the calm ocean, bringing waves crashing against the rocks, dispelling the loneliness of a troubled heart. Lost, without direction or purpose.
This journey was truly heartbreaking for a young man engulfed by despair, anger, and hatred toward the world, yet powerless to change his fate. A life of misery...
In this continent, the strong are revered, and the weak are oppressed. Conflicts are inevitable, whether between individuals or groups, competing for high status to maintain dignity or rise in rank.
Such irony of reality, contradicting one's desires...
At the shoreline, a young man stumbled and ran aimlessly, paying no mind to his aching feet.
Then, he saw a forest. Without hesitation, he entered. "I'd rather hide in the forest," he thought.
Not far from him, a shadowy figure watched from behind the dense bushes.
"Roaaaar!"
"Was that a wild beast?" the young man wondered. "No, I don't want to die yet. I still have revenge to fulfill," he muttered, limping away in haste.
The sound grew nearer and nearer.
"Damn! Why am I running deeper into the forest... Time's running out," he murmured, still running despite his limp. Exhausted, he lost his balance and fell.
"Ouch, that hurts!" he cried.
The sound grew even closer. His heart raced rapidly. Who wouldn't panic? Then, he saw the shadow of claws swooping down toward him.
"Is this the end of my life?" he wondered. "God, why are You so unfair to me!" he shouted, closing his eyes.
"Eh! Does death not hurt?" he thought. "But why do others scream in pain when they face death?" Lost in his thoughts, he was startled by a voice.
"Hey, kid! Are you dead from fear?"
"Whose voice is that? I don't see anyone. Is it an angel?" he mumbled.
"Smack! You fool, of course, you can't see me. Your eyes are still shut, idiot."
"Ouch, my head! Hey, who are you, Old Man? Why did you hit me?" he shouted.
"You ungrateful brat. I saved you, and you're yelling at me. If I'd known, I would've let that tiger eat you," said the old man.
He then noticed the tiger that had almost killed him was now dead.
He grinned, scratching his head. "Thank you, Old Man. If not for you, I'd be dead," he said sincerely. "Will you take me as your disciple? I'll be loyal, I promise," he continued, bowing low with his forehead touching the ground.
"Hahahaha." The old man laughed heartily. "A foolish brat without a clue, wandering into the forest, courting death," he said, walking away.
"Hey, Old Man, you haven't answered my question," the young man shouted, limping as he chased after him. "Take me as your disciple," he pleaded, clinging to the old man's leg.
"Aaaaaaaah, put me down! Put me down! I'm scared of heights!" the young man screamed.
"Weren't you the one who asked to be 'picked up'?" the old man asked, flying through the air, laughing at the young man's antics.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please forgive me!" he begged, his face pale with fear.
"Alright, if that's what you want."
Boom...!!
The young man was thrown to the ground, tumbling over and over before bursting into laughter.
"You'll pay for this, Old Man! I'll get back at you someday," the young man thought.
"What did you say? You think I can't read your mind, boy?" the old man asked, his eyes glaring as he stroked his long, white beard.
"Mercy! I didn't mean anythi—"
"Enough," the old man cut him off. "Rest now! Find a spot to rest wherever you like in this cave."
"Yes, Master," he replied, suddenly more respectful.
"Hey, wait! What's your name, boy?"
"Zhang Yan, Sir."
"Alright then. Call me Fei Long," the old man answered.
Morning dawned.
He inhaled the fresh air, soothing his wounded heart.
"Is the air refreshing?" asked Fei Long, startling Zhang Yan, who was daydreaming, admiring the beauty of nature.
"Yes, Master. The view is breathtaking and the air is cool, with birds chirping and dense trees beside a crystal-clear river flowing from the valley."
"Hohoho. Come closer. I'll heal your wounds."
"Yes, Master!" he replied, walking closer.
"What gave you the courage to enter this Forbidden Forest, Yan'Er?" Fei Long asked.
"I was being chased by members of my own clan. They hunted me like a criminal, not caring that I couldn't defend myself..."
Zhang Yan continued his story, tears falling as he recalled the massacre that took his family.
Fei Long hugged Zhang Yan's trembling body.
"Calm down, don't be sad. You still have me! Consider me the only family you have left," he said, patting Zhang Yan's back with a gentle smile.
"Thank you, Master," Zhang Yan replied gratefully.
Meanwhile, in another place, inside the Second Elder's chamber...
Craaaack!
The chair's armrest shattered in his grip.
"Why did you let him go? Hah!!" he roared with fury...