The Mark Of Destiny

The journey back to Baiyun Village felt longer than before. The mist was thicker, curling around the trees like silent watchers. Li Wei and Mei Ling moved quickly, their senses heightened, every rustling leaf sending a jolt of unease through them.

Li Wei kept glancing at the sigil on his hand. Though the glow had faded, he could still feel its presence—like a second heartbeat thrumming beneath his skin.

"We can't tell anyone about this," Mei Ling whispered as they neared the village outskirts.

Li Wei frowned. "Why?"

She shot him a look. "Are you serious? Elder Wen already looked like he'd seen a ghost just from you saying 'Celestial Seal' last night. If he finds out you've got some ancient god-mark on your hand, he'll probably lock you in the shrine forever."

Li Wei sighed. She wasn't wrong. The village elders had always been wary of anything beyond the ordinary. They feared the old myths, the forgotten legends.

But this wasn't just a story anymore.

As they stepped past the first few houses, the scent of burning incense filled the air. Something felt… off.

The streets were unusually quiet. Too quiet.

Then, they saw them—strangers in dark robes, their faces hidden beneath woven bamboo hats. They moved between the villagers, speaking in hushed tones, their presence unsettling.

Mei Ling tensed. "Who are they?"

Li Wei's pulse quickened. He didn't know, but one thing was certain—they weren't from Baiyun.

And from the way the elders bowed their heads in uneasy respect, these strangers were important. Powerful.

Then, one of them turned slightly, and Li Wei caught a glimpse of a symbol embroidered onto their sleeves.

His breath stopped.

It was the same sigil now marked on his hand.

The Watchers

Li Wei's blood ran cold.

The sigil on the strangers' robes was identical to the one now etched onto his skin. Who were they? And why were they here?

"Li Wei," Mei Ling whispered, her grip tightening on his sleeve. "We should leave. Now."

But he couldn't move. His eyes were locked onto the tallest figure among them, a man whose presence seemed to command silence. Unlike the others, his hat was tilted slightly upward, revealing a faint scar running down his cheek. His eyes—sharp and golden like a hawk's—scanned the crowd. Searching.

Li Wei knew instinctively that they were looking for something.

Or rather—someone.

His chest tightened. They're looking for me.

As if sensing his thoughts, the man's gaze suddenly flicked toward them.

Li Wei's breath caught. Their eyes met—just for a second. But it was enough. The man's expression remained unreadable, yet his head tilted slightly, as if recognizing something.

Then, without a word, he turned away.

"Move," Mei Ling hissed, pulling him toward the side alley. Li Wei didn't resist. His heart pounded as they slipped behind a stack of crates, hidden from view.

"What do we do?" he whispered.

Mei Ling exhaled sharply. "I don't know. But if those people have the same symbol as you… then this is bigger than just a falling star."

Li Wei swallowed hard. She was right.

This wasn't over.

It was just the beginning.

...

The candlelight flickered in the dim chamber, casting shadows along the ancient walls. Li Wei's breath came in slow, measured beats as Elder Wen unrolled a scroll, its edges worn with time. The parchment glowed faintly under the lantern's light, revealing delicate calligraphy etched in celestial ink.

"This," Elder Wen murmured, tracing his fingers over the symbols, "is the history of the Celestial Seal."

Li Wei's eyes widened. The name resonated in his soul, as if it had been waiting for him all along.

"The Celestial Seal?" he repeated.

Elder Wen nodded. "A forbidden artifact of immense power. It is said that whoever possesses it can alter the balance of the heavens." His voice lowered into a whisper. "And now… it has awakened."

A cold shiver ran down Li Wei's spine. "What does that have to do with me?"

Elder Wen exhaled deeply. "The star that fell… it was not just any star. It was a piece of the seal, calling for its rightful heir." His gaze locked onto Li Wei's, piercing through to his very soul. "And I believe that heir is you."

Thunder rumbled in the distance, as if the heavens themselves had confirmed his words.

Li Wei's fists clenched. "That's impossible."

"The seal chooses," Elder Wen countered. "And you… have already been chosen."

A gust of wind howled through the open window, scattering the candle's flames. In that moment, Li Wei knew—his fate had already begun to shift.

Li Wei's heart pounded. Chosen? He had always dreamt of adventure, of stepping beyond Baiyun Village's quiet existence. But this—this was beyond imagination.

He shook his head. "There must be a mistake."

Elder Wen's expression remained solemn. "Hold out your hand."

Hesitant, Li Wei obeyed. The elder took a small jade knife from his robes and gently pricked Li Wei's fingertip. A single drop of blood welled up—then, before it could fall, it shimmered. The glow was faint at first, then it expanded, forming intricate golden patterns that spiraled across his palm like flowing ink.

Li Wei gasped, his hand trembling. "What is this?"

"The mark of destiny," Elder Wen said grimly. "Proof that the seal's power has recognized you."

Li Wei's head spun. He clenched his fingers into a fist, but the golden light remained, tracing veins of energy along his skin. The mark pulsed, as though alive.

"Does this mean… I'm bound to this seal?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

Elder Wen nodded. "And those who seek the seal's power will come for you."

A chill ran down Li Wei's spine.

As if on cue, a distant roar shook the earth. The candle flames flickered violently, and from outside, a deep, guttural voice echoed through the village.

"Find the boy!"

Li Wei's breath caught. Elder Wen's face darkened.

"They're here."