Bao Xi

The elders and other members of Xi-Xi Village one of the three great villages ranked 2nd gathered with stiff necks and boiling blood. It had been long since the village found itself fighting for dominance. In past years, there were thrilling battles, but peace had reigned recently — until now. The higher-ups in the Capital had reignited the flames of conflict. After receiving the letter, the elders wasted no time organizing training sessions. Every day, young men challenged the themselves , and the results were predictable: the they would prove their strength time and again.

Today was special, as the villagers eagerly awaited a fight between the Young Masters. Their excitement was soon replaced with awe, for Bao, nicknamed the "crazy fighter," displayed an overwhelming dominance over his peers. His strength was unparalleled, and he dispatched challengers with ease. The only fight that seemed remotely balanced was against Li Xia, a skilled and determined warrior. For a brief moment, it appeared as though Li Xia might match Bao's prowess. However, it became clear that Bao was merely humoring the crowd, showcasing his superiority. Growing bored, he ended the fight decisively, leaving everyone stunned as he walked away without a backward glance.

The elders exchanged shocked glances, their eyes filled with unspoken questions. They turned toward one elder who, despite the tension, maintained an exaggerated air of calm. It was Xue, their village lord, who even now looked more like a mischievous youth in his gray robe disguise than the leader everyone relied on.

"What? Don't look at me like that; I don't know either! Stop staring!" retorted a gray-haired young man wearing a plain gray robe. His sarcastic tone drew exasperated sighs and stifled laughter from the other elders. Everyone knew who he was.

"Xue, stop being mischievous and be serious for once," scolded an elder with curly gray hair, visibly annoyed.

"Okay, okay, no need to spoil the mood," Xue replied, feigning surrender. Despite his playful demeanor, he was none other than the Lord of Xi-Xi Village. Known for his humor and approachability, though Xue's wrath was feared even more than his jokes.

Standing up with exaggerated gestures, Xue addressed the crowd. "Go home and rest. We've already won. Bao will lead us to victory."

The other elders' stern expressions seemed to say, "Is that all?" Xue scratched his head awkwardly. Turning back to the villagers, he added, "If we're victorious, I'll toast to everyone. Now, disperse!"

The villagers left, amused by their Lord's antics. They had grown to love his peculiar leadership style.

When the crowd was gone, Xue turned serious. "We have a 60% chance. Be assured. It's time to prove our dominance. Xi-Xi Village has always been questioned; let's silence our doubters." His sharp gaze carried an intimidating determination.

Meanwhile...

Three figures loitered near Xi-Xi Village's premises. They had sneaked in to watch the fights, curiosity overriding caution. Having witnessed everything, they whispered among themselves.

"The show's over. Let's go," Bai, the leader, urged his brothers. However, they were too mesmerized to move. Frustrated, Bai tugged at their ears, a decision he immediately regretted.

Moments later, Bai was being carried by his brothers, their faces filled with guilt.

"It's not our fault! You shouldn't sneak up on people," Aiyun muttered, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Bai, you should have just called us. We're sorry," Chang said apologetically, rubbing comforting circles on Bai's back.

Bai grinned, enjoying their attention. "You two can carry me forever."

"You…you're unbearable!" Aiyun exclaimed, throwing Bai unceremoniously onto the ground, landing him awkwardly atop Chang. The three froze, their tangled positions drawing laughter.

"Get up, you fool!" Bai snapped, scrambling to his feet. Looking at his surroundings, he saw the flourishing trees that were nearly extinct elsewhere, the desolate earth beneath their feet, and the fresh yet unruly air that seemed to sweep over everything, even the houses. These homes, thatched with grass, stood out with an exquisite charm. Xi-Xi Village had an air of timelessness, as though it had been plucked from an era long forgotten—a relic of a battlefield etched into the land's history. The worn cobblestone paths, weathered huts, and scars on the trees spoke of stories untold, whispers of conflict lingering in the air. Yet, despite the solemn backdrop, their playful banter filled the space with an unexpected warmth as they prepared to leave, their voices a stark contrast to the village's somber ambiance. 

As they departed, Bai remarked, "We learned a lot today. The warriors on the Dragon Bone List are incredible. Rumor has it, the top-ranked can even spar with village lords."

"Is Bao the strongest?" Chang asked eagerly.

"No, Bao is ranked third," Bai replied, his voice carrying a note of caution. "His power is formidable, no doubt. But the true monster here is the one ranked first—the masked figure. No one knows his identity." A flicker of uncertainty crept into his tone, as though even speaking of the figure invited danger

The leader muttered a curse under his breath, Why can't I remember his name... Frustration settled in. At a time like this, they still expect me to have all the answers. Chang and Aiyun exchanged a look, their skepticism barely concealed. They waited, as if hoping Bai would offer something more, something deeper.

Aiyun finally broke the silence, his voice tinged with doubt. "Are you sure about this, Bai?"

Bai forced a grin, his attempt at confidence a little too obvious. "Absolutely."

"So where are we headed?" Chang asked, his tone casual but searching.

"Blood Culture Village. We're going there," Bai announced, his voice suddenly filled with enthusiasm.

"Bai, I thought we were going to—"

"Plans changed," Bai interrupted, his grin widening. "Just found out there's a training session in Blood Village." He paused, his gaze shifting between them. "Doesn't that sound better than heading into that chaos?"

"Well then, let's go!" Aiyun said with a strangely happy expression, one no one could quite decipher. And just like that, the trio set off, their figures fading into the distance as they became mere blurs on the horizon.

.... 

"You brat! Get down here!"

Startled, Alex fell from atree with a thud. "F-Father…" he stammered, rubbing his sore back. Despite his plight, the onlookers suppressed their laughter. Even children mocked him, intensifying his embarrassment.

As Alex plotted an escape, his eyes met Lord Feng's piercing gaze, rooting him in place. Resigned, he joined his siblings on the stage, casting a worried glance at Ancy, who stood frozen and expressionless.

Later that night, Ancy broke the silence. "The moon is beautiful."

"Mn," Alex replied, his gaze fixed on the luminous orb.

The wind carried a calming stillness, enveloping them in a moment of quiet reflection. Noticing a strange object in Alex's hand, Ancy asked, "What is that?"

I don't know," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of mystery. He had seen an instrument of the exact same shape before in his visions—only it had been more delicate, more refined than the one he had crafted himself. Meeting her gaze, his eyes conveyed unspoken thoughts, a silent exchange of meaning, before he turned and left without another word.

Ancy watched him go, a faint smile gracing her lips. "He's different tonight…like someone from another world," she murmured before retreating into the night.

Xi-Xi Village stood bathed in moonlight, its timeless beauty a silent witness to the events that had unfolded.