"Finally," a young man said, stepping out of a large old castle. He stepped into the open and the first ray of light brushed against his pale skin. His eyes narrowed slightly, adjusting to the brightness he hadn't seen in years. Dust and dew sparkled in the air like tiny fragments of glass, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt the warmth of the sun touch him.
The world outside was quiet — too quiet. Mist clung to the ground, curling around his boots like they are hesitant to let him go.
He tilted his head upward, closing his eyes. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "So this is how it feels," he murmured, his voice carrying a strange mix of bitterness and relief.
For many years, he had only known darkness. The endless walls of stones, the cold whispers that haunted him, the loneliness that followed it, and the promise that one day he would be free. And now, standing under the blue sky, freedom felt almost unreal.
While standing there, a massive black serpent curled its way towards him.
He glanced at the serpent before turning his gaze to another direction.
"Beautiful isn't it?" He said to the serpent, though he did not expect any response. "Those old geezers... guess they are preparing a nice gift to welcome me. I'd like to see what they would present before me this time."
-----
At the same time in a different place, inside a hall, stood five people —men and women alike. They were dressed in different colors of robes, indicating that they were from different factions.
"Today, he has awakened," the first man spoke. Elder Kim from the rose-heart faction— He was putting on a red robe, he had white hair, and was a bit fat. "Are we carrying out our plan?" He asked, gazing at the others.
"Of course," a woman replied, her voice sharp and pleasantly awful to the ears. Elder Lilian from the silver-falcon faction — putting on a silver robe. "It is today or never," she said with glaring eyes.
"If so, we will wait until Elder Tian comes," a man said. Elder Shi from the Black-dragon Faction, talk and imposing — putting on a black robe.
Just then, a man walked into the hall— Tall, well built and putting on a golden robe. Elder Tian from the harmony Faction. He is not only among the six elders of the council but the leader. His family has been the leader of the council ever since the sealing of Allen Vale 300 years ago.
"Greetings, Elder Tian," the other five elders lowered their heads in respect as the imposing man walked past them to the head table.
"Please feel free," the man said in a gentle tone. The others nodded and then sat down on their seats.
After they had all settled down, they began.
"Elder Tian, your family has been in charge of sealing Allen Vale. Now that the 300 years is over, what should we do next?" Elder Kim said.
"Yes," Elder Lilian said. "We can not let him come out of or you know what that means."
Everyone gulped at the thought of the consequences.
Allen Vale was born with a rare blood in his veins. Not just him, his family is the strongest family in the entire world, carrying with them rare blood that has the power of healing. Not just that. There is this flower called the 'blood-flame flower' it is the source of life for all living beings both the demons and cultivators. It is called blood-flame flower because it can only be nourished with blood and the Vale family is the only family that can nourish the flower with their special blood. Without their blood nourishing the blood-flame flower, the lives of all the living beings are in danger.
"I have come up with a decision," Elder Tian said, his voice booming and pulling the other elders out of their thoughts. "Each Faction will select candidates that will go up to the mountain and serve him."
"What!" The elders yelled.
Loud gasps and mumbles echoed in the hall at what Elder Tian had said.
"Now way I'm sending any of my people there," Elder Jay who had been silent since said. He wore a purple robe — from the Black-stone Faction.
"Same here," another Elder said. Elder Rose from the Medicine-pavilion, putting on a light-blue robe.
"It's like sending them to die and you know it!" Elder Shi said.
"Yes..." Elder Tian admitted. There was no need to lie about that since it was the truth. "But it's the only thing we can do. Or is there any one of you willing to go serve him yourselves?" He asked, gazing at each of them in the faces. "Do not forget that he has a blood fued with our ancestors. Going there ourselves is asking to be killed and I'm sure that none of us here is ready to die."
The other elders glanced at themselves. Truly, none of them were ready to die yet, not in the hands of someone they once subjected to slavery and all kinds of punishment.
"We will do as you've said," Elder Kim said, others nodding in agreement.
"Good," Elder Tian said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Meanwhile, at the same time. Inside a dimly lit chamber, a young man with black hair was kneeling before a man whose face was covered with a mask. On the young man's head, an odd-looking ribbon was used to pack his hair.
"The elders have decided to send hundred candidates that will serve Allen Vale. And they will be ready by noon tomorrow," the masked man said. "We must do something."
"Master, send me," the young man said, his face on the floor.
"Send you?" The masked man asked, adjusting his sitting position. "Why should I send you?"
"I know your concerns and I am willing to help you," the young man replied.
The masked man chuckled, his chest rising and falling. After laughing, he became serious.
"Lucien, do you think you can deceive me?" He asked.
The young man gasped. "No, master! I dare not!"
The masked man sighed. "Well, it is not like I'm against your decision but Allen Vale is not someone you can play. You must be careful out there, do not get yourself killed!"
Lucien could not finally relax. "Thank you, Master. I will not fail you!"
"It's okay. Go and prepare."
"Yes, Master!"
Lucien rose to his feet and left the chamber. After he was gone, the masked man began to chuckle.
"Sir," a figure bowed as it materialized at the corner.
"Keep an eye on him," the masked man said to the figure.
"I will," the figure responded and then vanished.
Outside the chamber, Lucien was walking back to his chamber when someone rushed towards him.
"Big brother!" The young boy called him.
"Yuxi, what are you doing here?" Lucien asked him.
"I'm done with classes, thought I should come and see you," Yuxi replied, smiling.
"Oh, I see," Lucien mumbled.
"Big brother, are you really going to go and serve the Grandmaster?" Yuxi asked.
"Yes. I am," Lucien replied. "Soon, I will avenge the death of our family as well as the entire Hart Clan."