Into The Unknown

The air grew heavy with an ominous presence. Outside, Baiyun Village was no longer the peaceful settlement Li Wei had known all his life. Shadows moved between the wooden houses, and torchlight flickered against the misty night. The voice that had spoken was not alone—other figures joined, their footsteps crunching against the damp soil.

Elder Wen grabbed Li Wei's wrist. "We must leave."

Li Wei barely had time to react before the elder pulled him toward the back of the hut. The old priest moved with surprising speed, pushing aside a worn tapestry to reveal a hidden passage beneath the floor.

"Go," he ordered. "Follow this tunnel. It leads beyond the village."

Li Wei hesitated. "But what about you?"

Elder Wen's eyes softened. "I have lived many years. You, however, have only begun your path. Protect the mark, Li Wei. Never let them take it."

A loud crash shook the hut—someone had broken down the door.

"Search everything!" a rough voice barked.

Elder Wen didn't wait. He shoved Li Wei into the tunnel and pulled the trapdoor shut just as armed men stormed in.

Heart pounding, Li Wei crawled through the narrow passage. The damp earth pressed against his palms, and the scent of moss filled his lungs. He moved as fast as he could, the voices above growing distant.

Then, suddenly—light.

He emerged into the open air, finding himself near the edge of the forest. He had made it out. But even as relief flooded him, he knew—this was just the beginning.

Somewhere behind him, Baiyun Village was no longer his home. And ahead, the unknown world awaited.

.....

Li Wei stood at the forest's edge, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The night stretched before him, vast and endless. Baiyun Village, the only home he had ever known, was now behind him—perhaps lost forever.

The weight of Elder Wen's words still lingered. Protect the mark. Never let them take it.

He clenched his glowing hand into a fist. The golden patterns still shimmered along his skin, pulsing with an unfamiliar energy. Was this power truly his? Or was he merely a vessel for something far greater?

A rustling sound in the bushes made him freeze.

Instinct took over. He crouched low, eyes scanning the darkness. Was it an animal? Or one of the men searching for him?

Then—something leaped.

Li Wei barely rolled aside as a dark figure lunged from the shadows, a blade flashing under the moonlight. His attacker landed smoothly, their movements fluid as water.

A masked warrior.

Li Wei's heart pounded. He had no weapon, no training—but he couldn't afford to hesitate. The warrior moved again, striking with precision. Li Wei twisted, barely dodging the attack, but his foot slipped against the damp leaves. He stumbled—exposed.

The blade came for his throat.

Then—

A burst of golden light erupted from his hand, shielding him just in time. The warrior was flung back, landing on their feet like a shadow reborn.

Li Wei stared at his hand in shock. That was me?

The warrior tilted their head, studying him. Then, without a word, they vanished into the trees.

The attack had failed. But it was a warning.

Li Wei wasn't just being hunted. He was being tested.

And whoever was after the Celestial Seal was just getting started

Li Wei's pulse thundered in his ears. His attacker had vanished, but the warning lingered. He was not safe. Not here, not anywhere.

Keep moving.

The dense forest stretched before him, its towering trees whispering in the wind. Somewhere beyond these woods lay the unknown—a world he had never seen, a future uncertain. He had no choice but to face it.

As he pressed forward, the cold night air bit at his skin. The golden marks on his hand had faded, but he could still feel their presence, like embers beneath his flesh.

Who else knew about this power? Who else was searching for the seal?

A distant howl pierced the silence. Wolves? No. Something else. Something unnatural.

Li Wei quickened his pace. The ground was uneven, roots and fallen branches threatening to trip him. But he didn't stop.

Then, suddenly—light.

Beyond the trees, a small clearing revealed itself. A campfire flickered in the darkness, surrounded by a group of travelers.

Exiles.

They were dressed in patchwork armor, their weapons worn but deadly. Their faces were hardened, survivors of a world that had abandoned them.

A man with a scar running down his cheek looked up as Li Wei approached. His sharp eyes studied the boy, reading him like an open scroll.

"You're running," the man said.

Li Wei hesitated. "Yes."

A woman with a bow leaned against a nearby rock. "From what?"

Li Wei thought of Baiyun Village, of Elder Wen, of the masked warrior who had nearly ended his life. He thought of the golden seal on his palm.

"Everything."

The scarred man smirked. "Then you're one of us."

Li Wei had no choice but to trust them. But as he sat by the fire, warming his frozen hands, he couldn't shake the feeling—this was just the beginning of something far greater.

The exiles were not kind, nor were they cruel. They were survivors, hardened by fate.

The scarred man, who introduced himself as Jinhai, sat across from Li Wei, sharpening a dagger. His eyes never left the boy. "You have the look of someone who's seen death."

Li Wei swallowed. "I escaped from it."

Jinhai smirked. "For now."

The fire crackled, casting long shadows across the camp. The other travelers watched Li Wei with quiet curiosity. A few whispered among themselves. One man, missing an eye, chuckled darkly.

"The boy carries something cursed."

Li Wei tensed.

Jinhai exhaled through his nose. "Not cursed. Marked."

He reached forward and grabbed Li Wei's wrist. Before the boy could pull away, Jinhai turned his hand over.

Even in the dim light, the golden veins beneath Li Wei's skin pulsed faintly.

The camp fell silent.

A woman with silver hair leaned forward. "That's celestial magic."

Li Wei's breath hitched. "You know about it?"

Jinhai let go of his hand. "Enough to know it brings trouble." His expression darkened. "Who's after you?"

Li Wei hesitated. Could he trust them?

Before he could decide, a sharp whistle split the air.

Jinhai was on his feet in an instant. The other exiles grabbed their weapons.

"Riders," someone hissed.

Li Wei turned. In the distance, torchlight flickered through the trees. The sound of hooves grew louder.

They had found him.

Jinhai cursed. "Move!"

The exiles scattered into the shadows, disappearing like ghosts. Li Wei bolted after them, his heart hammering.

But the riders were fast. And this time, there would be no escape.