CHAPTER 1: THE BIRTH OF THE CHILD
That night, in a small hut deep within the forest, the cry of a newborn broke the stillness of the night. Inside the hut, a young woman had just given birth to a baby girl.
"She Mei* (junior martial sister), hold on! You must stay alive—for your daughter's sake!"
Beside her stood a man in his thirties, dressed in a white robe. His long hair was tied high, and on his chest was an emblem of a mountain surrounded by clouds. The man had a handsome face, and his eyes radiated calmness and warmth—anyone who looked at him would feel at peace.
The woman called She Mei was losing consciousness. She struggled to stay awake, but due to excessive blood loss, her eyes slowly closed.
"She Mei! Stay with me! She Siong* (senior martial brother) will take you back to Kun Lun Sect!"
The man grasped her hand and gently patted her cheek, channeling his inner energy into her body.
Slowly, the woman opened her eyes. She turned to the man and gave a weak smile.
"D...don't waste your strength, She Siong. I know my condition... I don't have much time left."
"Don't say such things! I will save you, She Mei!"
But no matter how much he tried, the color drained further from her face.
"She Siong... please take my daughter back to Kun Lun Sect. Tell our master I'm sorry... Please, take care of her for me. When she grows up, give her this box... Thank you for helping me, She Siong... I'll repay your kindness... in the next life…"
With those final words, the woman exhaled her last breath.
"SHE MEI…!!!"
The man's cry echoed through the hut as grief tore through his heart like a blade.
His name was Li Xu Xian, the chief disciple of the Kun Lun Sect. The woman who had just died was He Chi Mei, his fellow disciple.
He Chi Mei had once been the beloved student of their master—famous for her knowledge of poisons and medicine, and highly skilled in martial arts. She was admired not only for her talent but also for her gentle heart. Because of that, Li Xu Xian had deeply loved her.
He had once planned to ask their master to betroth them, but before he could, He Chi Mei ran away—with her lover.
That lover was a member of the Demon Clan. They had met when He Chi Mei saved him from near death. It was love at first sight, and soon after, she chose to flee with him.
Because of this, He Chi Mei was branded a traitor and expelled from Kun Lun Sect. From that moment, her name was erased from the sect's records.
A year later, she returned—heavily pregnant—and begged the gate disciples to let her in. Moved by pity, one of them reported to their master. Yet, upon hearing her name, the master's heart remained cold. He ordered them to drive her away.
Tears streaming down her face, He Chi Mei left the mountain—her steps heavy with sorrow.
When Li Xu Xian heard what had happened, he rushed after her at lightning speed. Within half an hour, he found her—already on the verge of giving birth. In a panic, he carried her and ran through the forest, seeking help.
He soon came across an old couple living deep in the woods. Seeing his desperation, they offered to help. With their assistance, He Chi Mei gave birth inside their humble hut. But her labor was long and difficult; her body, weakened by exhaustion and grief, could not endure. After delivering her daughter, she passed away.
Now, Li Xu Xian could only weep beside her lifeless body, his heart breaking with helplessness.
"Waa... Waa... Waa...!"
The newborn's cries filled the air, as if mourning her mother's death. The tiny baby waved her arms and legs with all her strength.
Hearing her, Li Xu Xian came to his senses. He approached and gently cradled the infant, gazing at her with deep sorrow.
"My lord," said the old woman softly, "the baby must be hungry. Let me feed her some cow's milk."
Li Xu Xian nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Madam. Please take care of her for a while. I will return after I've laid her mother to rest."
He carried He Chi Mei's body away and buried her with great care. Though his heart was heavy, he knew he could not dwell in grief forever. Once the burial was done, he returned to the hut to take the baby back.
Before leaving, he gave the couple several silver taels and thanked them sincerely. Then, holding the baby close, Li Xu Xian departed for Kun Lun Sect.
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Back at Kun Lun Sect, an elderly man with a white beard paced anxiously, glancing toward the entrance.
"She Fu*, Senior Brother Li has returned!"
A disciple rushed in to report.
Upon hearing this, the old man sighed in relief and immediately ordered the disciple to summon Li Xu Xian.
The old man's name was Li Tao Lu, the head of the Kun Lun Sect—and Li Xu Xian's uncle and master. Though he had expelled He Chi Mei with his own hands, a trace of regret had lingered in his heart. So, when Li Xu Xian asked to go after her, he did not stop him.
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Glossary:
She Mei: Junior martial sister
She Siong: Senior martial brother
She Fu: Master or teacher
Kun Lun Pai: Kun Lun Sect
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