chapter 2

An Unexpected Visitor

Lee Ming Jiang took Xiao's hand and led him to Feng Jiang, the leader of the Long Jiang clan. As they entered the hall, Feng looked at Xiao with a questioning expression and asked, "Who is he? What is he doing with you, and where did you find him?"

Lee Ming was about to answer when Xiao, still trembling from the cold, interjected, "What is this place? Why is it so cold?" His voice quivered, and water dripped from his soaked clothes.

Feng studied the boy for a moment, his sharp gaze taking in the golden feathers and the boy's delicate features. He then asked calmly, "Are you from the Shin clan?"

Xiao nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, I'm from there!" he exclaimed, standing upright despite his shivering.

Seeing his state, Lee Ming quietly left and returned with a light blue robe, which he placed in front of Xiao. Xiao glanced at the robe and frowned. "I don't wear such light-colored clothes," he muttered, but his body betrayed him as he began shivering even more. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he started crying softly.

At that moment, Yi Ming Jiang entered the hall, a small smile on his usually stoic face. Observing the scene, he asked, "Who is this?"

Lee Ming hesitated briefly before replying, "It's Xiao. I don't know how he ended up here."

While they spoke, servants brought dry clothes and helped Xiao change. A doctor was called to examine him, and after a thorough check-up, he reported, "He's fine now, but he fainted from the extreme cold."

As Xiao began regaining consciousness, something extraordinary happened. His golden wings, folded tightly against his back, suddenly unfolded. Brilliant feathers surrounded him, forming a glowing cocoon. His wings began to radiate an intense, golden light that illuminated the entire hall.

No one could understand what was happening, except for one elder, who seemed to grasp a faint idea. Before anyone could react, a blinding light appeared outside, illuminating the sky and turning it a vivid red. The entire horizon seemed to tremble under its brilliance.

From the light came a commanding voice, resonating from every direction:

"The path between Heaven, Earth, and Hell is now open. The time we have awaited for centuries has come. There will no longer be pure good or pure evil. Every being will now have the chance to choose their path—whether it is good or evil."

The voice was loud and carried immense authority, echoing across the land. It was heard in every corner of the world. The announcement sent waves of emotion through the people. Some rejoiced, seeing it as an opportunity. Others were struck with fear. Many wept, unsure of what this new reality would bring.

---

The Shi Ling Clan

Far away, in the land of the Shi Ling Clan, the reaction was one of anger and defiance. Known for their mastery of dark magic and their malicious deeds, the Shi Ling clan was filled with those who thrived on evil.

Their leader, Lan Ling, was a cunning and ruthless man. He had two sons:

Mao Ling, the elder, who shared his father's devious ways.

Chao Ling, the younger, was even more cruel and sadistic. He took pleasure in tormenting others, and his reputation for evil was unmatched.

The proclamation from the light enraged them, for it threatened the darkness they held so dear.

---

A Shocking Display

Meanwhile, back in the Long Jiang clan's hall, Xiao began to stir. His golden wings, still faintly glowing, slowly folded back as his consciousness returned. He blinked weakly, his vision dimming, and suddenly, his legs gave out beneath him.

Before Xiao could hit the ground, Lee Ming darted forward and caught him, cradling him in his arms.

The room fell silent. The sight of Lee Ming, who rarely showed concern for others, holding Xiao with such care left everyone in shock. Whispers began to spread through the hall as they stared at the quiet yet uncharacteristic display.

What had caused this mysterious boy to appear? What was the meaning of the divine proclamation? And why did Lee Ming, known for his detached demeanor, seem so protective of Xiao?

The answers remained unclear, but one thing was certain: the arrival of Xiao Shin marked the beginning of a new and uncertain era.