Jiuxiao Continent, Northern Domain, Qinglan City.
Winter had arrived. Swirling goose-feather snow had fallen for three days, dyeing the entire city a deathly silent silver-white. Translucent icicles hung from the eaves, and the streets were sparsely populated, the white puffs of breath from the few pedestrians scattered by the biting cold wind in the blink of an eye.
In the north of the city, the abandoned Ciyou Orphanage teetered on the verge of collapse amidst the wind and snow. The dilapidated main door clattered noisily, shaken by the cold wind, icy snowflakes occasionally blowing through the cracks.
Inside, in a pile of straw in the corner, a sixteen-year-old boy named A-Mo huddled. His thin clothes were utterly incapable of warding off the bone-chilling cold. His face was pale and bluish, his lips purple from the cold, yet he tightly wrapped a slightly thicker old padded jacket around a shivering little boy beside him.
"Shitou, hold on a little longer, dawn will come soon," A-Mo's voice trembled slightly from the cold. He reached out and felt the boy's forehead; it was still burning hot to the touch. The high fever had lasted for two days now, and the efficacy of the herbal medicine seemed minimal.
Gazing at the endless flying snow outside the window, a trace of bewilderment flashed across A-Mo's delicate yet malnourished face. He didn't know where he came from or who his parents were. Ever since he could remember, he had grown up in this orphanage. After the old matron passed away from illness three years ago, the orphanage disbanded. The older children, like wild grass, struggled to survive in the crevices of this harsh world.
"Mo-ge... I'm cold..." Shitou murmured deliriously, shrinking closer into A-Mo's embrace.
A-Mo held him tighter, trying to warm him with his own body heat. Hunger and cold were like two venomous snakes, gnawing at his will. He felt inside his clothes; hidden there were his last three copper coins, earned a few days ago by moving goods at the dock warehouse. He had originally planned to buy some food and medicine...
Just then, the shabby door was pushed open gently, and a slender figure rushed in, bringing a gust of wind and snow with her.
"A-Mo!"
The girl's voice was clear, laced with urgency. She unwrapped her worn-out scarf, revealing a face flushed red from the cold, yet unable to conceal its delicate beauty. It was Su Xiao. Clutching something tightly to her chest, she hurried to A-Mo's side.
"Xiaoxiao? What are you doing here? In such heavy snow..." A-Mo quickly stood up, looking at her with concern.
"My mother made some ginger soup. I sneaked some out, and there are two steamed buns too." Su Xiao pulled out a small earthenware jar and two coarse grain buns wrapped in oiled paper, still carrying a hint of body warmth. She handed the jar to A-Mo first. "Quick, give some to Shitou to warm him up."
The ginger soup in the jar wasn't very hot anymore, but in this icebox-like environment, it was a rare warmth. A-Mo carefully propped Shitou up and fed him the soup little by little. After drinking the warm soup, Shitou seemed to feel a bit better and fell into a deep sleep.
Su Xiao shoved one of the buns into A-Mo's hand. "Eat quickly. You haven't eaten all day either."
A-Mo looked at the coarse yet precious bun in his hand, his throat moving. But he broke it in half, handing the larger portion back to Su Xiao. "You eat too."
"I've already eaten," Su Xiao refused, but A-Mo insisted, pushing the larger piece into her hand. The two of them ate their cold supper in silence, accompanied by the snowflakes drifting in.
"A-Mo," Su Xiao looked out the window at the hazy moon obscured by the wind and snow, a glimmer of hope in her eyes, "I heard that the 'Flowing Cloud Sect' is coming to our city in three months to select disciples... With your talent, you definitely have a chance."
The Flowing Cloud Sect was the dominant sect within a thousand miles of the Northern Domain. For the youths of Qinglan City, entering the Flowing Cloud Sect was like a carp leaping through the dragon's gate—a single step to heaven.
Hearing this, a faint light also flickered in A-Mo's eyes, but it quickly dimmed. He smiled bitterly. "The selection requires a registration fee, and... initially, joining the sect also requires expenses. We..." He glanced at the sleeping Shitou and their destitute surroundings, leaving the rest unsaid.
Su Xiao grasped his icy hand, her gaze firm. "There will be a way! I believe in you, A-Mo. You can definitely become a very, very powerful cultivator!"
Her palms held a trace of warmth, seeming to dispel the winter night's chill. Looking into her bright eyes, a sliver of courage rekindled in A-Mo's heart. Yes, he couldn't fall. For Shitou, for Xiaoxiao, and for that faint but unextinguished hope.
...
Early the next morning, the wind and snow had eased slightly. A-Mo heated the last bit of ginger soup for Shitou and instructed Su Xiao, "I'm going out to try and find a way. Watch over Shitou."
He tightened his thin clothes and trudged through the snow, which reached his ankles, heading towards the most imposing residence in the city—the Lin Manor.
Young Master Lin Fan of the Lin Manor was recognized as a genius in Qinglan City. At just seventeen, he had already stepped into the Qi Opening Realm and was said to have been pre-selected as a disciple of the Flowing Cloud Sect. Because A-Mo had decent bone structure, Lin Fan had once taken a liking to him, and he had worked as a sparring partner for a time. Although he often got beaten, Lin Fan was generous and A-Mo could always earn some reward money, which was an important source of livelihood for them.
The guards at the entrance of the Lin Manor recognized A-Mo. After announcing him, they led him to the training ground.
On the training ground, Lin Fan, dressed in a white brocade robe and standing tall and straight, was practicing a palm technique. The palm winds whistled, swirling the snow on the ground, drawing cheers from the several guards surrounding him. Seeing A-Mo, he stopped his movements, a gentle smile appearing on his handsome face.
"A-Mo? What brings you here on such a cold day?"
A-Mo bowed respectfully, speaking somewhat awkwardly. "Young Master Lin, I... I'd like to request an advance on my pay. Shitou is very sick and needs medicine..."
Hearing this, a look of concern appeared on Lin Fan's face. "Shitou is sick? Is it serious?" He stepped forward and patted A-Mo's shoulder. "Between you and me, why be so formal?" As he spoke, he took out a money pouch from his robes and, without even looking, shoved it into A-Mo's hand. "Take this for now. If it's not enough, come find me again."
A-Mo weighed the heavy pouch in his hand; the amount far exceeded his expectations, and his heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Young Master Lin! This... this is too much. I will definitely work to repay you in the future!"
Lin Fan waved his hand dismissively, smiling. "A little money is nothing. I consider you a brother. How could I stand by idly if my brother is in trouble?" He then changed the subject, asking as if casually, "By the way, A-Mo, I noticed that black jade pendant you've worn since childhood. Its style is ancient and quite unique. I've recently developed some interest in antiques. Could you lend it to me for a look?"
A-Mo's heart tightened violently. That jade pendant was the only token of his origins. The old matron had repeatedly warned him on her deathbed that this item concerned his very life; it must never leave his body, nor be shown to others. Subconsciously, he covered his chest, where the touchably cool black jade hung close to his skin.
"Young Master Lin, this... this is the only memento my mother left. I beg your pardon, but I cannot..." A-Mo refused in a low voice, his heart filled with guilt for seeming ungrateful for the other's kindness.
A trace of gloom flashed deep in Lin Fan's eyes, but the smile on his face remained as warm as ever. "It's fine. I was being presumptuous. A son's filial piety deserves respect. Go quickly and buy medicine for Shitou. Don't delay."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, A-Mo thanked him repeatedly before clutching the money pouch tightly and quickly leaving the Lin Manor.
Watching A-Mo's retreating figure, the smile on Lin Fan's face gradually cooled, turning icy. Behind him, a woman in white with delicate features and a cold, aloof demeanor appeared quietly. It was Qin Yao, an inner disciple of the Flowing Cloud Sect.
"It seems he is unwilling to hand over the pendant," Qin Yao's voice was indifferent, as if discussing some trivial matter unrelated to herself.
Lin Fan bowed. "Senior Sister Qin, that brat is stubborn. But rest assured, Senior Sister, since he has needs, he cannot escape. Tonight, I will make him willingly offer up the jade pendant."
Qin Yao nodded slightly, her gaze turning towards the direction where A-Mo had disappeared, looking at him as if he were an ant. "Master sensed that the pendant seems extraordinary. Although the specifics are unclear, it's better to err on the side of caution. If this matter succeeds, you will be credited."
...
That night, the wind and snow grew fiercer.
A-Mo used the money Lin Fan gave him to buy medicine and some rice and provisions. Together with Su Xiao, he cared for Shitou until he took the medicine. Watching Shitou's breathing gradually steady as he fell into a deep sleep, both of them breathed a sigh of relief. They gathered around the small brazier, savoring the rare moment of peace.
"When Shitou gets better, and spring comes, maybe there really will be a chance to try for the Flowing Cloud Sect's selection..." A-Mo poked at the charcoal in the brazier, hope rekindling in his eyes.
Su Xiao looked at him, smiling gently. "Mm, you definitely can."
Just then, with a loud **BANG**, the already precarious door of the broken-down temple was kicked open! A fierce wind, carrying snowflakes, rushed in, instantly extinguishing most of the weak brazier flames.
The figures of Lin Fan and Qin Yao appeared at the doorway, like messengers from the netherworld.
"Lin Fan? Qin... Immortal Qin?" A-Mo sprang to his feet, shielding Su Xiao behind him, a strong sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
The warmth Lin Fan had shown during the day was gone from his face, replaced only by icy greed. "A-Mo, hand over the pendant. Senior Sister Qin has taken a liking to it; that's your good fortune."
A-Mo's heart shook violently. He clutched his chest tightly. "This is my mother's relic! I cannot give it to you!"
Qin Yao frowned impatiently, not bothering with words. Her figure moved like a ghost, closing in swiftly, her delicate jade-like hand reaching directly for A-Mo's chest. Her fingertips contained the powerful true energy of the Qi Opening Realm, carrying a sharp, piercing sound through the air.
Although A-Mo was only at the Body Tempering Realm, years of struggling at the bottom had honed his quick reflexes. He rolled away awkwardly, narrowly avoiding this grab.
"Hmm?" Qin Yao let out a soft sound of surprise, seemingly somewhat startled that this ant could dodge her.
Seeing this, Lin Fan snorted coldly. "Stubborn fool!" He no longer concealed his aura. The pressure of the Qi Opening Realm erupted explosively, far stronger than it had been on the training ground during the day! He formed his fingers like a sword, a sharp sword energy thrusting directly at A-Mo's shoulder blade, intending to cripple his mobility.
A-Mo resisted with all his might, but the gap between his realm and Lin Fan's was too vast. After a few exchanges, Lin Fan landed a heavy palm strike on his chest.
"Pfft---" A-Mo spat out a mouthful of blood, sent flying backward. He crashed against the icy wall, and the half of the 'An' character jade pendant Su Xiao had given him also flew out of his hand.
"A-Mo!" Su Xiao screamed, trying to rush over, but Lin Fan casually waved his hand, a burst of energy pushing her stumbling back until she fell to the ground.
Lin Fan stepped step by step towards the severely injured A-Mo lying on the ground, his eyes cold and cruel. He bent down, roughly tearing the black jade pendant from A-Mo's embrace.
The pendant felt warm and cool to the touch, vaguely able to sense a trace of strange energy波动 contained within it. Lin Fan's eyes flashed with ecstasy. He held the pendant with both hands and respectfully presented it to Qin Yao. "Senior Sister, please see."
Qin Yao took the pendant, carefully sensing it for a moment. A trace of astonishment passed through her beautiful eyes. "As expected... It contains a trace of weak innate essence. Although its specific use is unknown, it is indeed no ordinary object." She put the pendant away, her gaze sweeping over the dying A-Mo as if looking at a piece of trash. "For a broken piece of jade, to throw away your life isn't worth it."
A-Mo's eyes were wide with fury, blood continuously streaming from the corner of his mouth. He looked at these two people who had taken his only memento, who treated his life like grass, endless hatred surging in his heart. Using his last bit of strength, he roared and lunged at Lin Fan. "Give it back!"
A flash of killing intent appeared in Lin Fan's eyes. He sidestepped easily, avoiding A-Mo's desperate lunge, a cruel sneer appearing on his face. "Good brother, go in peace. I will 'take care' of Su Xiao for you."
Before the words had fully faded, he gathered ten percent of his power in his palm, true energy coalescing, carrying a bone-piercing chill, and slammed his palm hard onto A-Mo's back, right over his heart!
"No------!" Su Xiao let out a heart-wrenching cry.
The sound of shattering bones was clear and audible. A-Mo felt as if his internal organs had been shattered by this palm strike. His body, like a kite with its string cut, was sent flying directly out of the broken temple, plummeting into the bottomless, cloud-shrouded Soul-Severing Cliff behind it!
Icy cliff wind rushed into his mouth and nose. An intense sense of weightlessness assailed him. In the moment of falling, the last things he saw were Lin Fan's cold, turning back, Qin Yao's indifferent, merciless profile, Su Xiao crawling towards the cliff edge, crying and shouting, her outstretched hand... and, clutched tightly in his own hand, the half of the 'An' character jade pendant.
Extreme hatred and resentment burned his soul like a blazing flame, finally transforming into an endless darkness.
...
At the cliff's edge, the wind and snow continued.
Lin Fan looked down into the bottomless abyss, clapped his hands, and bowed to Qin Yao. "Senior Sister, the trouble has been dealt with."
Qin Yao nodded faintly, stowing the black jade pendant in her robes, not even glancing at the cliff.
Su Xiao sat collapsed at the cliff's edge, staring into the chasm that had swallowed A-Mo. Her tears had dried up, her eyes hollow and dead. Snowflakes settled on her long eyelashes, freezing into frost.
Lin Fan walked over, attempting to help her up. His voice had returned to its usual gentleness, but it carried a nauseating hypocrisy. "Xiaoxiao, A-Mo unfortunately slipped and fell off the cliff. My heart aches with grief too. From now on, I will protect you."
Su Xiao violently shook off his hand. She lifted her head; those eyes that were once gentle as water were now filled with bone-deep hatred, staring fixedly at Lin Fan. Word by word, she said, "You... will die a wretched death!"
The gentleness on Lin Fan's face instantly stiffened. A flash of anger passed through his eyes but was quickly concealed. Looking at Su Xiao's face, made especially pale by despair and hatred, he sneered inwardly. No matter what, this woman, and the secret of the jade pendant, would ultimately belong to him.
...
Below the Soul-Severing Cliff was endless darkness and deathly silence.
A-Mo's body lay stranded by the edge of an icy, piercing cold pool, his blood dyeing a small patch of water red. His breath was faint, his vitality like a candle in the wind, ready to extinguish at any moment.
Just as his soul was about to sink completely into oblivion, the spot on his chest where the black jade pendant had originally been worn, and the half of the 'An' character jade pendant still clutched tightly in his hand, suddenly simultaneously emitted an extremely faint, almost imperceptible, interweaving light of black and white.
The light formed a subtle and profound aura field, thread by thread seeping into his shattered meridians and internal organs, forcibly sustaining the last vestiges of his life force. Although the black pendant had been taken, years of wearing it had long imprinted a trace of its aura, connected to his bloodline. Meanwhile, the white 'An' character pendant emitted a cool, gentle force, protecting his on-the-verge-of-dispersing mind and spirit.
The two forces intertwined within his dying body, as if triggering some forbidden taboo buried deep within fate, pointing towards a sealed destiny.
No one knew that beneath this desperate place, a vengeful spirit had not been annihilated. A storm that would sweep across the Jiuxiao Continent had, at this very moment, planted its initial seed.