Xio Tian sat by the narrow village road, gazing blankly at the blue sky. Xio Tian was not his real name; because he came from the Xio family, the name he used now was Xio Tian.
This year, Bai Tian had just turned fifteen. His cultivation had reached the peak of human realm, yet he deliberately suppressed it so as not to cause trouble for the parents who raised him. For the past few years, he had only played around and helped his parents.
His adoptive father's name was Xiofeng, the second son of the Xio family. Born from a concubine, he could not inherit the small family business. So after marriage, he chose to leave home and settle in this village.
However, because Xiofeng was a clever businessman, Bai Tian's family was quite well-off. They never lacked food or clothing, and were respected in the village.
Since he was young, Bai Tian had been known as intelligent. He loved reading and had many ideas. Almost everyone in the village regarded him as a prodigy. Every time he heard people praise Bai Tian, the wrinkles on Xiofeng's face would vanish, replaced by a proud smile.
His mother always watched him with loving care. He grew up surrounded by the love of his adoptive parents. Although they had high hopes, they never forced him. While other children his age were busy working in the fields, Bai Tian sat at home reading books.
The more he read, the greater his desire grew to understand the outside world. He longed for life beyond the village. One day, he closed his book, sighed deeply, and walked home.
In the courtyard, his father sat gazing at the sky, accompanied by some snacks. Seeing Bai Tian enter, he asked, "Tian'er, how are your lessons?"
Bai Tian only gave a faint smile as he passed the door. Xiofeng kissed his son's head, then stood. "Tian'er, you must study diligently. Next year you'll be seventeen. Your future lies in your own hands. Don't let your life end here in this village—like me."
"Dear, you complain about this every day," his mother interrupted, placing dishes on the table. "Tian'er is very smart and wise, he will surely manage!" she said, trying to lighten the mood.
Bai Tian responded briefly, then sat down to eat. His mother smiled warmly and added some pieces of meat to his bowl.
Suddenly, Bai Tian asked, "Father, can I refuse the engagement?" His eyes tried to stay steady, but the hesitation was clear.
Xiofeng glanced at him, his fingers lightly tapping the worn wooden table."That decision isn't just about you, Tian'er," he replied softly but firmly."This engagement is a bond between two families. Though I am a son of a concubine, I am still part of the Xio family. Breaking this bond will change many things—not only your fate, but also the relationship between the two families. Even without blood ties, your mother and I want only the best for you."
Bai Tian took a deep breath. "But… if my heart is not there, what does all this mean?"
Xiofeng bowed his head, holding a cup of tea. Steam rose slowly, as if carrying memories and burdens of the past."Sometimes… what is right for the heart isn't the easiest for the world," he murmured. "Have you met your fiancée? I heard she's beautiful… though born to a servant."
Bai Tian gripped the hem of his robe, his eyes shining. He knew he was not of Xio blood, but his adoptive parents had cared for him with love since childhood.
Silence filled the room, broken only by the wind whispering through a crack in the window. Finally, Bai Tian rose and went to his room to sleep.
But in the middle of the night, strange dreams haunted him. In his dream, he saw someone standing with a sword wide open. From that sword came countless sounds—humans, animals, even plants—all crying in pain and hatred, ancient and deep.
Bai Tian woke up gasping, sweat soaking his forehead.Breathing hard, he stared at the dim ceiling as if the shadow from his dream still lurked in the corner of the room.
In his dream, the mysterious figure stood on cracked earth under a blood-red sky. The sword in their hand radiated a bright light, each flash piercing Bai Tian's heart. The sound of the sword echoed not only in his ears—it stabbed directly into his mind.
"What is this…?" Bai Tian murmured in the dream. But the figure only stared back, eyes like a boundless ocean—full of secrets he could not understand.
"I am waiting for you…" the voice called faintly, as if from the edge of the world.
Bai Tian lingered in the memory, letting his mind calm slowly. When he came back to himself, morning had arrived though the sky was still draped in thin dawn mist.
Today was his first visit to the family of his fiancée—the Mu family.He quickly got out of bed, tidied his clothes, and prepared. His father was already waiting in the front room, dressed in a neat robe and serious expression.
"Are you ready?" his father asked briefly.
Bai Tian nodded, though inside his chest stirred a strange mixture of nervousness, curiosity, and a heavy burden. They boarded the family carriage and departed for the Mu residence.
Along the way, Bai Tian watched dew slowly drip from leaf tips, forming clear sparkling drops under the morning light. The once quiet village road grew busy with merchants, farmers, and children running and laughing. Birds chirped in the distance, but their sounds were faint against Bai Tian's swirling thoughts—the mysterious figure from his dream still shadowing him.
By late afternoon, they arrived at the large gate of the Mu residence. The sweet scent of plum blossoms greeted them as the wind blew, bringing a coolness that contrasted the long journey. The grand wooden fence was decorated with intricate dragon and phoenix carvings.
After a brief farewell to his father, who was guided to the main sitting room, Bai Tian stepped toward his fiancée's home. Before he could knock, a young female servant rushed out, her face pale, bowing deeply.
"Sorry, Young Master Bai Tian… Miss Mu is unwell and cannot receive guests today," she said softly, almost whispering. "But she sends her regards and asks you not to worry. Please come again tomorrow. You must be tired from the journey; allow me to escort you to the sitting room and prepare some warm tea."
Bai Tian glanced toward a closed door at the end of the corridor, his heart heavy. There was something behind the words "unwell" that made him doubt… as if the servant was hiding something.
The servant led Bai Tian through a long corridor with polished wooden floors. On the walls hung classic ink paintings, mostly of mist-covered mountains. But among them, Bai Tian caught sight of one different canvas—a pitch-black background with a faint shadow resembling a human figure, its eyes glowing red. He only glanced briefly before the servant ushered him into the sitting room.
The Mu family's sitting room was warm and fragrant with tea. A round sandalwood table was set with a white ceramic teapot and sweet peanut cakes. The servant poured tea into his cup, but her hand trembled slightly. Bai Tian noticed but pretended not to see.
"Is Miss Mu suddenly ill?" Bai Tian asked, lifting his cup.
The servant hesitated a moment, opened her mouth to answer, then closed it again. "Young Master… it's best if you rest. Miss Mu will explain everything herself… later."
Just as Bai Tian was about to sip his tea, his eyes caught something shining in the corner—a black umbrella still wet, though the weather had been clear all day. At the engagement, there were faint footprints on the wooden floor, as if someone had just entered… and headed toward the corridor where his fiancée's room was.
His heart beat a little faster. Somehow, he felt the figure from his dream and this afternoon's events were connected.
After much thought, Bai Tian finally left to meet his father again, then went to bed.