Yi Chang Arrives

The Yi Family Palace bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight, its grandeur silhouetted against the night sky. Guards patrolled the thick, stone perimeter walls enclosing the primary residence within the palace complex. Its entrance, a pair of large, intricately carved wooden doors, stood as a testament to the patriarch's formidable presence.

As Yi Tian neared, his solitary figure under the lunar luminescence drew the attention of the watchful guards. A figure in iron armor, gripping a formidable spear, broke ranks to intercept him.

"Young Master," he greeted respectfully, dipping his head in a polite bow. At his signal, the guards flanking the entrance doors stepped back, swinging the formidable barriers open with synchronized precision.

Yi Tian acknowledged the armored guard with a nod and advanced into the courtyard. A stone path, bordered by meticulously landscaped gardens on either side, beckoned him towards the sprawling central edifice. Side paths meandered towards other structures, each shrouded by the beauty of nature.

The tranquil melody of chirping crickets filled the nights air, accompanying him on his moonlit stroll. Hanging lanterns, casting their soft illumination, spotted the path ahead.

Reaching the foot of the stairs leading to the main building, Yi Tian gazed up at its magnificence. The flying eave roofs of the structure, backlit by the moon, evoked a sense of awe and respect. The silk-draped windows emitted a warm, inviting glow, signifying active presence within.

As he rapped lightly against the imposing wooden doors, a servant promptly swung it open. "Young Master," he greeted, clasping his hands in deference, then stepped aside to grant him entry.

Acknowledging the servant with a nod, Yi Tian stepped into the cavernous room, adorned with tasteful furniture and decorations, marking it as a reception area. Hallways on either side hinted at the expanse of the building.

"I need to see my father," Yi Tian instructed the servant.

"Young Master, the patriarch has not yet returned," the servant replied apologetically.

After a moment's consideration, Yi Tian decided to wait. Night had barely unfolded its wings, and there was a fair chance his father would return soon. He selected a comfortable chair by a table and eased into its plush embrace, the servant shadowing him respectfully.

"Bring me some tea," Yi Tian requested, a subtle reminder of his status and the convenience it commanded.

"Yes, Young Master," the servant dutifully responded, then disappeared into one of the hallways.

Yi Tian delved into the world enclosed within the well-worn pages of the ancient tome that Elder Feng had bequeathed him. With each turn of the page, an enlightening discourse on the enigmatic concept of Blood Qi unfurled before him.

The book characterized Blood Qi as a vital force inherent within all living beings, its origins steeped in conjecture and shrouded in a veil of mystery. Over centuries, scholars had developed myriad theories around its inception - some proposing that it was the living entity itself that generated Blood Qi, while others postulated an external source. Despite these diverse beliefs, the prevailing consensus leaned towards the latter. Yet, the truth remained elusive, lost in the fog of antiquity.

The keepers and manipulators of this potent life force were known as Martial Artists, extraordinary individuals who harnessed and channeled Blood Qi through their bodies, performing feats of unimaginable strength and achieving longevity that defied natural laws. The discovery of Blood Qi was rooted so far back in the annals of history that the precise circumstances of its origin had blurred into obscurity. Vestiges of ancient texts and scrolls spoke in hushed tones of divine beings, descending from the heavens to gift mortal beings with knowledge of this potent force. These tales, steeped in fantastical elements, were often dismissed as folkloric myths, their veracity eclipsed by the sheer audacity of their narrative.

As he delved deeper into the text, Yi Tian found himself immersed in the applications of Blood Qi - an essential facet that held the key to his own techniques. According to the tome, the implementation of Blood Qi evolved with progression through the Martial Realm - the name bestowed upon the path to attaining unfathomable power.

This realm was neatly bifurcated into six distinct stages: Warrior, Vital, Dantian Master, Qi Knight, Meridian Overlord, and culminating in the pinnacle of mastery, the Blood Qi Sovereign. Beside the descriptions of these stages, vivid illustrations brought the text to life - one such depiction showed a formidable man wielding a sword atop a mountain, surveying a vast army below with a commanding gaze.

Engrossed in the detailed illustrations of the ancient tome, Yi Tian barely registered the soft patter of approaching footsteps echoing through the grand hall. Looking up, he was met with the sight of a middle-aged woman, a vision of elegance, swathed in a regal ensemble of fine purple silk. Her entrance was marked by a warm, inviting smile.

"Ah, Tian'er," her voice was like a gentle brook, lapping against the stony silence of the hall, "What brings my dear son here today?" From the affectionate undertones and maternal warmth, it didn't take long for Yi Tian to surmise that this woman was indeed his mother.

With a gentle tug at the corner of his lips, Yi Tian tucked his book away into the folds of his robe and rose from his chair, "Mother, I sought to have a word with father, but it appears he's yet to return."

"Really? A visit to your father?" A look of mild surprise played across her features, quickly followed by curiosity. "You've hardly ever sought your father's company. I'm intrigued, what has compelled you today?"

Her words, full of concern and interest, hung in the air as she gently stroked his hair, a motherly affection etched in her gaze. Yi Tian held her gaze, the silent question reflected in his eyes: should he confide in her? After a brief moment of contemplation, he decided it would be wise to discuss this matter with his father first. He needed to carefully navigate this situation, and so, he concocted a plausible yet innocuous explanation.

With a nonchalant movement, he gently guided her hand away from his hair. Resuming his seat, he broke the silence, "I wished to discuss my impending deployment to the battlefield with father."

His mother scrutinized him with a penetrating gaze, a tinge of worry clouding her eyes. She let out a weary sigh, "Your father and I have had our fair share of discussions over this matter. I'm just as concerned about your sudden enlistment, especially considering your tender age."

A troubled expression painted her features as she took a seat beside Yi Tian. Leaning in, she offered a comforting reassurance, "Fear not, my child. I will once again discuss this with your father tonight. Perhaps he might reconsider his decision."

The soft rustling of the servants' movements reverberated within the expansive hall as they began to arrange an enticing array of fragrant teas and a selection of delicacies on the table. Swift and unobtrusive, their task was accomplished in no time, leaving the hall as silently as they had entered. All except the young servant who had ushered Yi Tian inside; he lingered, seemingly hesitant.

However, a curt wave from Yi Tian's mother was all it took to prompt his exit. As the eunuch bowed in compliance and retreated from the grand hall, a hush seemed to settle over the room.

Turning her attention back to her son, Yi Tian's mother leaned in, her anticipation evident in her voice, "My maid informed me about your performance at the festival tonight."

Setting his tea down, Yi Tian replied, "Yes, I was in the-"

But before he could finish, a creaking sound echoed through the hall. The grand entrance doors began to slowly swing open, the familiar figure stepping through instantly recognizable. Yi Chang, the patriarch of their clan, his commanding presence filling the room, had arrived.