Burden of the Curse

A young boy, around nine-years-old, dressed in a black-regal purple dicolor outfit, has a dark purplish mark on his left arm that stretches to his chest. He stands confidently by the deep lake at the Xu residence, wearing an innocent smile.

"Xu Rong ge-ge..!" he called out to his older brother, Xu Rong, who was three years older than him. 

"Come here..!!" Xu Hanyu giggled as he reached out to touch the water in front of him and signaled Xu Rong to come closer at the same time.

Xu Rong formed a small grin on his face.

"Hanyu di-di.." he said softly, walking over to him. "What are you doing, Hanyu di-di..?" he asked gently, smiling and patting his head.

"Xu Rong ge-ge! There's a fish look..!" Xu Hanyu beamed back at him.

"Oh? Do you really like them that much..?" Xu Rong smiled, then his face turned sinister, "then you can stay with them forever!!" He suddenly kicked Xu Hanyu hard, causing him to fall into the lake.

"Aah–!"

As Xu Hanyu struggled to swim, Xu Rong's smile turned psychopathic, but then shifted to fear and anxiety as he slowly backed away, watching his brother drown.

"Cough-cough! Xu Rong ge-ge! Help..!"

"Oh my! Young Master Xu Hanyu has fallen into the lake!" Clan members who witnessed the scene shouted, alerting everyone in the clan.

Meanwhile, Xu Rong felt a mix of guilt and indifference, covering his ears as he continued to retreat slowly.

"Call Lord Xu and the three Elders!"

…

"Xu Rong, look what have you done to your brother..! What if something happens to him?!" Lord Xu's voice echoed in the hall as the three elders watched Xu Rong being scolded.

"I haven't done anything wrong! He deserves to die!" Xu Rong shot back, surprising Lord Xu.

"You—! Kneel!" Lord Xu commanded, and Xu Rong, feeling nervous, complied.

Elder Xu Ting intervened, "Lord Xu, please calm down. I'll handle this." He turned to Xu Rong, who knelt with clenched fists. "You know the consequences of your actions. You shouldn't have endangered your brother's life. Our clan does not harm others, and you should know right from wrong."

Xu Rong remained angry and frustrated. Lord Xu sighed, "I understand your feelings towards Han'er, but this behavior cannot be tolerated."

A clan member suddenly spoke up, saying, "Lord Xu, you have a letter from Lharong Empire!"

Everyone turned to look in the direction of the voice.

"Come in..!"

The clan members entered the hall and handed the letter to Lord Xu. "You can go now."

"Yes."

Lord Xu opened the letter and began to read. Meanwhile, Elder Xu Ting, curious, asked, "Lord Xu, who is the letter from?"

"It's from Chen Shun. He wants to take Xu Rong to Lharong for a few years." Xu Rong was taken aback by the news in the letter.

"Oh, your wife's father?"

"Yes."

"I understand."

Lord Xu took a deep breath and glanced at Xu Rong.

"I think it's best for you to go to the Lharong Empire with your grandfather until you turn nineteen, Rong'er" 

Xu Rong's eyes widened in surprise. "Father..."

Feeling resigned, Xu Rong accepted his fate and was sent away by the clan's men to the Lharong Empire.

…

Two years later, eleven-year-old Xu Hanyu remains affected by the incident. Though he has matured, he is reserved and only trusts his sister, fearing others may hurt him like his brother Xu Rong did. 

He is currently participating in a Wuqi Demonstration, where children's gathering abilities are evaluated under the supervision of an Elder from the Xu Clan.

Elder Xu Bai, who was in charge of their training, walked slowly in front of the focused children as he began to speak.

"The world is immense, brimming with endless marvels. Harness your energy, tapping into limitless forces. Like a powerful river, your strength will surge and propel you to unimaginable heights…" His voice resonated throughout the space.

They stood focused, knees slightly bent for balance, with their arms in front of their chests and palms facing inward, concentrating on gathering their wuqi energy. 

"Nurture your mind and body with dedication and attention. Allow the wuqi energy to ignite within you, like a blazing fire. Through this, uncover your genuine strengths and weaknesses…"

Xu Hanyu is deeply focused, sweat forming on his forehead and trickling down his face. He is trying hard to concentrate and summon even a small spark of his wuqi energy. Yet, despite his efforts, he finds no success. 

'No matter how hard I try, nothing happens. Am I really just not meant for this?'

Frustration and discouragement wash over him, making him feel as if the energy is just out of reach. 

"Accept your true potential and let it radiate brilliantly."

Elder Xu Bai turned to Xu Hanyu, his eyes showing disappointment as he noticed the young boy's difficulty in controlling wuqi. Xu Hanyu's own face also reflected that same disappointment mixed with frustration.

Later, one of the kids shouted with pride, "I did it! Look, I did it!" All attention turns toward them.

Xu Hanyu couldn't help but feel envious as he watched the other children crowding around the kid and managed to gather wuqi energy. 

"Xu Liao, passed with Xin Shi level 6!" Elder Xu Bai announced.

"Woah! I got mine too!" 

"Xu Jie, passed with Xin Shi level 6!"

The girl beside Xu Hanyu, slightly taller than him, said, "Elder Xu Bai, I got mine too." Her calm presence was comforting, but the joy in her eyes revealed her vibrant personality.

"Xu Lian, passed with Xin Shi level 8!"

"I finally achieved mine!" another member shouted.

".... passed with Xin Shi level 6!"

On the training ground, everyone was mastering on gathering their wuqi, voices cheerful with success. However, Xu Hanyu felt a heavy weight on his chest at their joyful calls, burdened by his own difficulties.

No matter how hard he tried, he never showed even a hint of his wuqi. With that, Xu Hanyu surrendered. He bit his lip and looked down at his hands, feeling defeated.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts. When he turned around, it was a girl that was two years older than him, wearing purple attire of the Xu Clan's clothing with a brown hair down, none other than his sister Xu Lian, standing beside him quietly, her hand resting gently to him. 

"Hanyu'er," she whispered with concern on her face. "Are you alright?"

The young man forced a smile, trying to hide his inner turmoil. "I'm fine, Jie," he said, hoping his voice was convincing enough. 

"Just feeling a little tired, that's all." But deep down, he could feel his sister's gaze on him, knowing that she wasn't completely fooled by his facade. 

"Okay then... why don't you go rest for a bit?" 

Xu Hanyu began to speak,"I–" but was interrupted by a voice. 

"Aiaa. Xu Hanyu, still no progress at all?" They looked over and saw Xu Liao, who appeared to be the same age as Xu Hanyu, accompanied by another boy named Xu Jie, who was glaring at Xu Hanyu with arrogance. 

"What do you want?" Xu Hanyu asked, trying to stay calm.

"Nothing much, just checking on the trash kid's progress..! Haha!" Xu Liao laughed loudly, with Xu Jie joining in. 

"Ah, also I heard that the curse on your left arm can't be treated..? Haha!" he added. 

Frustration bubbled up in Xu Hanyu, and he tightened his fists. At that moment, Xu Lian stepped in front of him, shielding him. "Don't you dare speak to Xu Hanyu like that..! If you want to fight, take me on instead..!" 

"Jie, you don't need to–" Xu Hanyu started, but Xu Lian interrupted him. 

"No, Hanyu'er! Don't let them push you around like that!" She glanced at Xu Hanyu and added, turning her gaze back to Xu Liao, who looked frightened. "So, what's it going to be? Do you want to fight me now?" 

"Tsk! Whatever! Just you wait..!" Xu Liao said, rolling his eyes with a smirk. "Xu Jie, let's go..!" Xu Liao knows he cannot win against Xu Lian, so he chose to back out. Then they began to walk away, but Xu Jie shot Xu Hanyu with a menacing look as they moved.

"Ha! You're scared, aren't you?" Xu Lian whispered defiantly as he watched Xu Liao and Xu Jie walk away.

When they're gone, Xu Lian turns back to the young master behind her as she tries to check on him.

The young master took a deep breath to calm himself. "Jie, thank you, but you really don't need to do that," he said, relaxing his fists and moving a bit closer to Xu Lian. 

There was a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes, even though he still felt some frustration. 

"It doesn't matter, Hanyu'er. I just don't want you to be treated that way."

Xu Hanyu gave a smile and said, "then thank you, jie.. And I might go outside to get some fresh air." 

"Okay, I hope you feel better, little brother." 

"Yes, I'll see you later." 

Xu Lian nodded and watched Xu Hanyu slowly walk away, but then called out to him to stop again. 

"Wait, Hanyu'er." Xu Lian approached her.

"Yes, Jie?"

"Take this with you."

Xu Lian rushed over to Xu Hanyu then took his hand, and placed a small piece of candy in it.

"Jie, what's this?"

"It's candy. Take it. It might make you feel better."

The young man hesitated for a moment, glancing at the candy in his hand. He smiled slightly and replied, "Thank you again, Jie."

After that, he left the area. 

The young man quietly headed toward the mountain near Tai Hua City, seeking solitude and a chance to think without being seen.

…

Xu Hanyu reached the mountain at last. He sat on the ground, curled up, staring at the small city of Tai Hua City. 

Staying in that position, he flipped his hands over and looked at the candy he was holding. Then he clenched it into a fist.

Xu Hanyu, overwhelmed with frustration, struck his left arm with his other hand in a moment of desperation, visibly expressing his feelings.

'If it weren't for this cursed birthmark, I wouldn't have to suffer like this! I could have been better just like the other kids!'

"Everything's too unfair." He whispered under his breath.

He paused for a moment to clear his mind, sensing that all his troubles had vanished.

…

"Move quickly! We can't lose the young lady!"

Two men clad in green attire, both in their mid-20s, shot through the air with the swiftness of an arrow, their movements resembling lightning. 

Meanwhile, the young girl they were pursuing appeared severely injured, her body covered in bruises. She was moving quickly and gracefully, despite clutching her injured shoulder.

"Someone help me! Please!" she cried out. 

Desperate to escape, she attempted to increase her speed, but her body could no longer keep up. 

Eventually, when her strength gave out, she plummeted from the sky, resulting in a massive explosion upon impact.

…

He suddenly heard a loud and strange explosion that came from the wilderness behind him causing him to look back.

"That was loud..."

He rose up and moved toward the source of the noise.

As he stepped into the area, the sound of leaves crunched underfoot. The surroundings were thick with trees.

Then he spotted a young girl, about his age, lying face down on the ground. Her body and face were covered in bruises, and Xu Hanyu felt a wave of concern for her.

He hurried over and called out, "Hey! Are you okay!? Hey!" He gently tapped her shoulder, hoping to wake her.

"Please, wake up!"

Suddenly, her hands twitched. With that, the young master felt relieved.

The girl slowly reached out her fingers toward him. "H-help me..." she whispered, trying to touch his face.

"Don't worry, I won't let you die. Just hold on!" He felt panic as he looked around for what to do next.

Then he noticed a candy in his hand. He unwrapped it and offered it to her. "Here, take this. Try to stay awake until the candy is gone," he said, placing it gently in her mouth.

After that, he carefully lifted her, trying not to cause her any pain. She clutched the back of her neck as he held her close.

"Don't worry, I'll take you to my clan for proper care." She nodded slightly and closed her eyes.

Xu Hanyu hurried home, wishing that the girl would still be able to hang on by the time they got there.

'Please, hold on!'

…

"Father! Elders! Please help! I found someone, and she's badly hurt!" Xu Hanyu's frantic voice drew everyone's attention nearby. 

Elder Xu Jia, hearing the noise outside, quickly went to Xu Hanyu and saw him holding a girl.

"What happened? And who is she?" 

"I don't know her. I just found her injured in the wilderness. Please, don't let her die!" 

Elder Xu Jia hesitated, and soon the other two elders joined them outside to see the girl in Xu Hanyu's arms.

"What's going on?" Elder Xu Ting asked softly.

"It seems this girl has been in a fight at such a young age," Elder Jia observed.

Elder Jia moved closer to the girl, saying, "I'll check her pulse." He placed his fingers on her wrist. After a moment, he said, "She can still be saved. Take her to an empty room." 

"Understood..!" Xu Hanyu quickly ran inside with her, followed by the three elders. 

… 

Lord Xu hurried to the room where Xu Hanyu and the three elders were. Xu Lian, having heard the news, followed her father. They moved quickly, breathing heavily, anxious about Xu Hanyu's well-being.

When they reached the door, Lord Xu opened it and immediately searched for Xu Hanyu.

"Where's Han'er?!" he exclaimed, scanning the room.

He spotted the two elders standing beside Xu Hanyu, who was looking worriedly at a girl. He felt relieved to see Xu Hanyu safe, fearing something had happened to him.

"Lord Xu, you're here," the two elders greeted.

Meanwhile, Elder Xu Jia was beside the girl on the bed, checking her pulse.

"Hanyu'er! Are you okay?!" Xu Lian rushed directly over to Xu Hanyu and asked, clearly anxious for her brother.

"You're not hurt, right?!" Xu Lian examined him to ensure he was fine.

"Jie, I'm okay. Don't worry," he replied, trying to calm her.

Lord Xu then asked, "Elders, what happened here?"

"Oh, Xu Hanyu brought in a girl with bruises. It seems she was hurt in a fight, but she can still be saved," one elder explained.

"I see," Lord Xu said, moving closer to the girl on the bed.

"Elder Jia, how is she?"

"She's stable. It will take her a week or two to recover," Elder Jia replied.

"Is she seriously injured?" Lord Xu inquired.

"Yes, it appears she was in a fight and then got chased, leading to her collapse from exhaustion," Elder Xu Jia confirmed, then continued, "Plus, this kid is a Zhong Shi with 167pts.." 

"Zhong Shi 167pts!?" Everyone in the room, including Xu Hanyu, was stunned. Even Elder Xu Bai and Elder Xu Ting exchanged disbelieving glances.

"Yes" 

"How can that be possible? This child surely doesn't come from an ordinary family." 

When Elder Xu Jia mentioned the girl's wuqi level, everyone was left speechless, their jaws dropping in astonishment. It's incredibly rare for someone so young to reach such a high level of wuqi.

"She has amazing talent, and she will be exceptional as she matures."

"Yes, it's a pity she does not belong to our clan." Elder Xu Bai added. 

Meanwhile, Elder Xu Jia gently wrapped the girl's wounds, being careful not to cause her any pain. 

"She should be fine for now. We can leave her to rest."

"Alright," Lord Xu said, looking at Xu Hanyu with concern and approaching him. "Han'er, you're not hurt, are you?"

"Father, don't worry. I'm fine," Xu Hanyu assured him.

"Good, that's a relief." He gently stroked his hair. "You should rest now, Han'er. Go with your sister."

"But father, she—"

"It's okay, don't worry. We'll take care of her. You can come back when she wakes up."

"Oh, alright…"

"Lian'er, please take your brother to his room so he can rest."

"Yes, father," Xu Lian replied, then turned to Xu Hanyu and said, "Hanyu'er, let's go." She took his hand and started walking. 

Xu Hanyu followed his sister, but before they exited the room, he looked back at the girl one last time before turning away and leaving.

…

The mysterious lord dressed in dark green glared at the two men named Pan Lan and Lu Ru, his voice icy but with a touch of annoyance. "How could you both let her get away?!" He shouted, slamming the cup he was holding down onto the floor.

His face remained hidden from view. The two men in green looked down, nervous as they faced the yelling man.

"My lord, we were confident we had located her... but—"

"But you still let her slip away!" the man shouted, silencing both of them instantly.

He then turned away, exhaling deeply. After a brief pause, he added, "Go find her, immediately!"

"Yes!" they replied together before quickly exiting the room.

As the two men left, the man in dark green sat in a chair, resting his head on his left arm and briefly closing his eyes, while his right arm tapped a steady beat on the chair.

After a brief pause, he suddenly opened his eyes wide and murmured softly, "Crown in Tai Hua City seems very suspicious…"