3. Betrayed

PART I 

The clock had just struck 12 and Yuanming found himself seated on a vibrant red picnic blanket in the heart of the Cauliflower Forest where the flat grassy expanse was surrounded by towering trees with their thick canopies resembling cauliflower heads. They were edible trees, a peculiar sight yet they flourished here and their taste as plain as the forest was extraordinary. Yuanming's mother adored the cauliflower soup made from these unique trees and the ones from this particular forest were deemed the most exquisite due to the potent qi that permeated the air.

"They look like oversized dandelions with a bit of fur on top." Yuanming remarked casting a whimsical glance at the cauliflower-like trees.

Suddenly his stomach rebelled with a thunderous growl, and he winced regretting his decision to skip breakfast in the whirlwind of excitement. Trusting in Junnan's reliability he hoped the promised assistance would arrive promptly just as it had in countless past predicaments. Although they weren't particularly close Junnan had consistently been the most reliable ally navigating trouble and complications effortlessly.

*Whoosh*

A brisk chilly wind swept through the cauliflower forest agitating the trees into a violent dance, branches cracking and leaves whirling like ephemeral snowflakes.

Yuanming's eyes followed the swirling foliage and in the distance a figure soared on a massive silver sword above the treetops. As the person approached Yuanming identified him – a man in a white hooded robe, chestnut hair, and eyes as deep as obsidian.

A perplexed expression crossed his face.

"Junhao, what the hell is he doing here?"

In the next moment a multitude of people materialized blotting out the sky and arrayed in a spectrum of colored robes each adorned with sect logos, they formed an imposing tableau against the sky.

Yuanming's heart raced, its rhythm wild and erratic and his stomach knotted, and an uncomfortable pang struck his chest and suddenly panic set in. Where the hell was Junnan?

"Is it the man who reported it?"

Standing he clutched the nearby magic staff with his fingers trembling.

Junhao hovered above scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes.

"Liang Yuanming of the No Name sect. You have committed the greatest taboo in the world by stealing the magic staff."

"I... What?" Yuanming's heart threatened to escape his chest his breath catching as he struggled to swallow a lump in his throat.

"Young Master Junhao, let me punish him for the first taboo." A soft melodic voice interjected.

A stunning woman perched on a red-orange eagle-like bird wreathed in dancing flames approached gracefully. The fiery bird emitted no heat though sparks occasionally flickered across its body.

The woman adorned an ankle-length orange silk dress with the unmistakable logo of a large red feather at her chest, the emblem of the Wonder Bird sect cultivators of phoenix abilities. Her long gracefully waved hair danced in the wind and a red feather adorned with golden dust shimmered above her right ear catching the sunlight in a captivating display.

Yuanming showing deference bowed humbly to her intentionally avoiding eye contact and focusing only on her feet.

"Lady Wei Meiying greetings. It has been a long time."

Meiying furrowed her brows delivering a biting remark.

"You are both blind and deaf. It's not surprising that you are also a thief. Your past with the Heavenly Academy should have taught you a lesson."

She shook her head adding with a hint of disdain, "I feel sorry for your parents, especially your mother to have someone like you. You were born with everything, yet you choose to waste it and live like a beggar. Many others in the world suffer. People like you should not exist."

An invisible grip tightened around Yuanming's heart as if an ethereal knife stabbed him repeatedly tingling and cutting through him making him shiver.

Memories of the academy flooded back, Meiying's constant harassment, her relentless pursuit. She had become a nuisance and he had done everything to avoid her. When he was expelled their connection abruptly severed and she had spread lies painting him as the one who clung to her.

Squinting his eyes, he retorted with a cold voice, "You haven't changed at all. Still ugly inside and out."

He coughed lightly daring to meet her gaze as adrenaline surged through him.

Meiying gritted her teeth clenching her left fist before extending her right hand to tap the eagle's mane.

*Ping. Ping. Ping*

Invisible hands plucked feathers from the bird forming a wide circle in front of Meiying, a grand feather wreath. She inserted her hand into the center and the feathers swiftly flew towards her wrist coalescing into a wide red bracelet resembling a red stone. With a touch of her left hand some of the stone melted and flowed toward her other wrist creating an identical bracelet. In a quick and elegant motion, she leaped from the bird stretching her arms as if expecting Yuanming to catch her.

He knew better. Reacting swiftly, he turned and sprinted, but it was futile.

Intense heat engulfed him, the air thickening making each breath a struggle and clothes clung to his skin as sweat cascaded down his face and the oppressive heat intensified.

The Wonder Bird Sect held a unique status claiming direct lineage from a phoenix with only those of true blood able to harness its abilities to the fullest.

Wei Meiying, the youngest but strongest of the clan was said to be the daughter of Wei Fenghuang, possessing powers fueled by her emotions. Known as the "Inferno Witch" *cough* "Inferno Bitch" her abilities while formidable had a weakness - avoiding eye contact could evade her fiery onslaught.

A resounding boom echoed through the forest as a burning wave propelled Yuanming forward colliding with a tree and shielding the stolen magic staff against his stomach he closed his eyes determined to withstand Meiying's attack.

"Liang Yuanming, we haven't seen each other in many years. Look at me!" Meiying's voice sliced through the air commanding and threatening.

Yuanming felt her approaching, the crackling flames growing nearer and despite the tingling sensation on his cheeks, he steadfastly refused to open his eyes.

"I've missed you. If you look at me, you'll get a kiss." Meiying cooed with a deceptive softness.

Unmoved Yuanming shook his head and retorted, "Your kiss would be as poisonous as your actions."

*Whoosh*

Something warm brushed his right side, the scent of burnt hair wafting through the air.

He smirked. "See what I mean?"

"You..." Meiying began but was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Brother Yuanming."

The voice was unmistakable and Yuanming cautiously opened his eyes directing his gaze to Meiying's feet.

Behind her Junnan stood, a concerned expression etched on his face.

"Brother Jun. What's going on?" Yuanming inquired perplexity written across his face.

Junnan shook his head with a mixture of warning and concern in his eyes.

"I warned you that there was a curse on it and did everything to stop you, but you still chose to steal it."

Approaching slowly, he bent down offering a faint smile, his eyes revealing an ominous depth.

"I'm hurt that you never listened to me. I saw you as my only true brother."

His voice carried a mournful tone as he shook his head then turned away and walked off.

Suddenly Meiying leaned down and Yuanming quickly shut his eyes again.

"You stubborn dog. Just wait. One day you'll obey." she taunted standing and turning away.

*Whoosh*

The intense heat dissipated instantly, and the air returned to a mild temperature.

Yuanming opened his eyes finding Meiying now standing behind Junhao with Jun wearing a sly smile behind them.

He couldn't believe the unfolding reality, his sarcastic laughter replaced by a bitter acknowledgment that the world had conspired against him from the beginning.

"How much have they promised you? Lifetime luxury? Dream on. You are the leader of the No Name sect. The name speaks for itself." he exclaimed with a biting laugh that reverberated through the cauliflower forest.

The academy, his parents, and now this, he pondered what twists the world had in store for him. A true curse seemed to follow him relentlessly.

Jun maintained a light smile.

"No one has promised anything to anyone. I was concerned about your health, Brother Yuanming, but you didn't listen to any of us. The only thing we could do was seek help for you."

He turned to Meiying, his voice gentle.

"Lady Wei Meiying is it possible for you to forgive him and spare him? He has always kept to himself, but he has a good heart."

PART II        >>>BREAK TIME<<< 

Meiying shook her head and Junhao spoke on her behalf.

"Taboo number 1: Theft of the magic staff."

His voice cut through the air causing crows to scatter from the trees, their loud caws punctuating the gravity of the situation.

*Whoosh*

A white sword materialized beside Junhao who held it confidently in his right hand as he sprinted towards Yuanming with swift precision. Before Yuanming could react the sword plunged deep into his left chest inflicting searing pain. His breath slowed, thick blood stained his light-colored clothes and the magic staff slipped from his grasp. Clutching his chest, he felt the thumping of his heart echo in his ears and a tingling sensation intensified and his surroundings blurred.

*Crack*

Junhao twisted the sword with a quick motion breaking bones and Yuanming's eyelids grew heavy and his breathing became a warm struggle, his body succumbing to a heavy sensation. Fumbling he found the magic staff again desperate for its strength. However, it remained unresponsive. He sighed, bit his lip and coughed up blood.

Junnan's words were muffled resembling gibberish in his ears.

The sword withdrew with a sickening sound and Junhao shook it in the air, blood flicking off onto the grass.

"So, it's the thief who stole the magic staff. An insignificant member of the No Name sect. Why am I not surprised?" A man remarked coldly.

Suddenly Zhang Tianyi, leader of the Heavenly sect approached.

Junhao bowed to him before returning to the group.

*Vroom*

A surge of burning energy emanated from Zhang Tianyi, his hair and cloak fluttering as visible heat waves rippled through the air. In a swift motion he seized Yuanming's throat lifting him into the air with an ominous glint in his eyes.

"How did you do it? Who are you working with?" he demanded his angry tone laced with an undertone of nervousness.

"Q." Yuanming replied with a hoarse weakened voice.

He intended to elaborate mentioning "a man named Q" but his drained body yearned for rest as his energy was depleted.

Closing his left eye Zhang Tianyi declared coldly, "Let's check your memories."

With a tap of his left index finger on Yuanming's forehead the latter closed his eyes reopening them moments later.

"Oddly there is no one by the name of Q."

"We're wasting time. The taboo for stealing a sacred artifact like the magic staff is death." a deep male voice echoed through the forest.

A middle-aged man in a black robe emerged a red dot logo on the left side of his chest identifying him as Liang Huiming, the leader of the Blood Moon sect and a member of a demonic sect. With a gesture he revealed a black necklace with a small oval black stone.

Though Yuanming might have raised his eyebrows in curiosity, his energy was completely drained.

Liang Huiming squeezed the stone.

"Purgatory Abyss."

*Vroom*

Small black dots erupted from the stone coalescing into a massive black smoky portal, and it resembled a complete black hole impenetrable to light and Yuanming smiled weakly at the sight.

"Once I get out of there, I will haunt everyone present today."

"Really? I'd like to live and see that." Zhang Tianyi retorted with a cold voice.

"Old man, if you live to that time, I promise to scare you for life." Yuanming replied weakly with a cold undertone in his voice.

Laughter erupted from the group and Junhao added, "If you come back alive, I'll publicly lick your feet and cook for you for the rest of your life."

The words sparked a chain reaction of laughs and mockery.

"What a loser. Poor Liang family."

"How can he live with so much shame?"

"I would have committed suicide if it were me."

"No Name sect has been so kind to take him in despite his miserable background and now he does this to them. I feel sorry for them."

"To make sure you don't come back we've taken precautions." Zhang Tianyi declared abruptly capturing Yuanming's attention.

The word "precautions" hung in the air triggering a memory in Yuanming's mind. He had read about the Purgatory Abyss, a mystical realm spoken of in ancient texts found in his father's study. The lore suggested that after enduring ten million years within a portal would open allowing one to return. However, it remained unproven an obscure concept in the realm of the unknown.

"Just kill me." he whispered surrendering to the seemingly insurmountable fate.

The prospect of ten million years, especially in his weakened state felt like an eternity.

Zhang Tianyi released his grip and Yuanming collapsed onto the unforgiving grass and confusion clouded his senses as Zhang Tianyi produced a pearl necklace and placed it around Yuanming's neck.

"I hereby bind you to the Eternity Chains of the Heavens for eternity."

Zhang Tianyi's hands folded, and the necklace vibrated violently.

*Ping. Ping. Ping*

A sudden sensation gripped Yuanming's wrist, stomach and ankles and the beads of the necklace dug into his skin causing unbearable pain. He screamed and writhed as his body floated towards the Purgatory Abyss he realized that escape was impossible.

"I haunt all of you. You will never be able to sleep in peace again after today. Remember my words!" he shouted hoarsely.

"Then we ensure you'll never walk again." declared Zhang Tianyi with a cold voice.

His right fist clenched turning golden like a glove and he spread his fingers and grabbed hold of Yuanming's right arm.

*Crack*

"Argh!" Yuanming screamed in pain, feeling his hand being pulled away.

*Crack*

"Argh!" he screamed again.

The left wrist broke, and it was torn off with a swift motion.

*Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack*

His arms and legs took the next turn, and blood gushed out of him, forming a thick pool on the grass and strong smell of blood permeated the hot air, causing some to cover their noses while others grimaced.

As Yuanming looked around trying to etch their faces into memory Liang Huiming's command echoed through the forest.

"Seal and lock him away for all eternity!"

A hard blow to the head sent everything into darkness. Yuanming's body floated into the portal which closed and disappeared.

Zhang Tianyi carefully wrapped the magic staff in white silk placing it inside a long white wooden box. He glanced at Liang Huiming questioning the necessity of binding Yuanming with the Heavenly Chains.

Liang Huiming shook his head chuckling.

"Nah, just to show that we are the ones in control."

Bursting into loud laughter he strolled away leaving the scene of despair behind.

Zhang Tianyi assessed the aftermath feeling the void where his weapon had been.

"I lost my weapon, but he still has his."

Grimacing he clenched his fists and approached Junhao.

Wei Meiying elegantly bowed to him, but he disregarded her, fixing his attention on Jun who wore a stern expression with beads of sweat trickling down his forehead.

Bowing humbly, he greeted, "Lord Zhang Tianyi we meet again."

"Hmpf. I lost something important to a petty thief so I hope you can be useful in my sect." Zhang Tianyi retorted coldly striding away with Junhao following.

Junnan cast a glance at Wei Meiying offering her a charming smile and a respectful bow.

Wei Meiying responded with a sour expression as though she had tasted a particularly tart lemon.

Junnan shifted his gaze to the spot where the Purgatory Abyss had been shaking his head, a broad smile spreading across his lips.

"Wei Meiying is mine. You fool Yuanming. How can anyone be so stupid?"

Turning on his heel he called after Wei Meiying, "Lady Wei Meiying don't walk so fast."

He quickened his pace to catch up with her leaving the echoes of their presence behind in the desolate cauliflower forest.