The dreams of a Toad

The duo stayed up for a bit, and once more, Mr Ming embellished on his tales of grandeur and brilliance. Unlike the other times he spoke, he had Tafari's unending attention.

There was no more room for his usual rolling of the eyes as he listened.

He was enthralled by every single detail and action he did. Not daring to miss one word of old man Ming's delivery.

Taf had always respected Old Man Ming, but now it had reached another level. When has Taf ever thought he would see someone kill four as if taking out the trash?

At the age of ten, it can be said that Mr Ming became his idol.

After a couple of hours of unending tales by Old man Ming, Taf final set off to his room in the attic.

It was quite an intriguing day. He then made his way up the steps to the bedroom.

Presently Taf sat on the bed before taking out his bag that had accompanied him on his journey throughout the day.

In his bag, Taf found what he sought. There he saw a thick journal which he had been given by senior Grace.

  If old man Ming is this excellent and he is but a mere mortal, how wondrous would it be to be a cultivator?

Excitement kept boiling over in him when the thought had crossed his mind.

After a while, Taf calmed himself down before finally opening the thick journal. Inside he saw some printing which then delved into its contents. Written inside were :

{A life in servitude of a cultivator by Duo Fang}

Entry dated 🌟January 9th, XXXX🌟

Today marks a grand day in my life. I am one of the fortunate few to have been selected in the service of a prestigious cultivator.

With my acceptance, she has promised to pay us all in gold coins for every year of service that we bestow.

The joy I feel can be described as overwhelming.

Perhaps that in itself is a description that is sub-par. So I guess no words could describe the unbridled pride that has filled my bones.

Maybe these mortal eyes have not seen enough of the world to say this, but she is unworldly.

A beauty whose mere presence fills my heart with joy. On the most stormy days, I see the ray of sunbeams beaming down on my face.

Perhaps my Master can control the elements. Every time she walks, it is as though she is one with nature.

I foolishly sneak glances at her from time to time. Yet I do not dare to let my eyes linger for too long.

On this day, we finally leave the mortal city for a place I do not know.

It is pathetic, isn't it? Laughable if you think about it. But ever since I have seen this beauty, I would follow her as far as the eyes could see.

I know there is no chance for us, but a heart can wander, right?.

🌟April 2nd, XXXX🌟

Months have gone by, and we have finally arrived at our destination. It is a small manor within a sect known as the Mist of life.

The sect can be said to be hundreds of miles long. With thousands upon thousands of manor as small as Master's can be seen.

Suddenly all of us mortal were shocked by a sight that impacted our core. There stood a man proudly looking down on us minor ants in the sky.

This was the moment we finally heard our Master's name.

" Junior Mei, how beautiful you are today. I must ask, though, why you chose mortal servants instead of some new recruits.

  I know of some new promising recruits. Is that not putting yourself through unnecessary labour. How about discarding yourself of these pitiful burdens." He continued as he scanned all twenty of us.

Rage swept over my entire being after hearing those words. Like a raging beast, I wished nothing more than to tear up his flesh.

As the thought crossed my mind, I felt a pain in my gut, and my eyes were struggling to remain conscious.

As I hit the floor, my eyes looked up only to see the culprit in my injuries looking down on me.

" A mere dog dares to have killing intent towards me." He stated as scorn was displayed all over his face.

" Elder brother Carlos please hold your anger. I prefer mortals because they add more of a personal touch to the way of doing things without relying on worldly qi. Please accept my apologies" Master Mei bowed.

" Ok, Junior, sister, I'll let it rest if so. Although it seems your pups need a bit more home training.

Bug! be sure to contain your thoughts, or they might just lead to your death," He stated as he looked at me in disdain.

At that moment, I felt lower than I had ever felt before. My gut was filled with pain, but it did not compare to the blow that my pride suffered.

How could I walk around as a man after all that had happened? Is this the way we mortals are seen? Is this really what I left my city for?

I questioned myself on that day as my lowest point was reached.

🌟May 12th, XXXX🌟

A couple of months after my Master entered the sect's annual tournament. I remembered how excited she seemed.

Master told us that if she had happened to do well, we would move into an even more prominent manner than the one which presently housed us.

All of us servants were excited about the possible move, but I was more excited for my Master than anything.

Isn't it that pitiful for a toad to lust after a swan? I do not care, however, as my heart has not given up on the thought.

I watched as Master practised each day diligently. As she trained, Carlos came by in the guise of giving pointers. I loathe him with every fibre of my being. Yet I can only hide.

I see Master smiles, none ending every time he appears as she teasingly plays in her hair.

Sigh!

How many times can one man heart be broken, I wonder?

I have been counting and adding today; it is 276 times.

It seems a string on my heart has been plucked and torn for every addition.

After the tournament master comes back disappointed. It is with bad news; apparently, she was unsuccessful in her bid for the top one hundred. She acts powerfully while holding back the tears.

In my mind, I'm consoling her. She is in my arms and mending her broken spirit with my fingers.

Then planting a kiss on her forehead to reassure her that she is the best in my eyes.

It is only a dream as I see Carlos showing up and holding her tight. I want to be happy for her, but I just can't seem to let thoughts of us go.

I know it is pitiful, but even a toad can have dreams, right...?

Unedited Version.

To be continued