The Ansha
XiaoYan and Mi-An were in a quiet room, the soft light filtering through the windows. They sat on a bed, a brief calmness hanging in the air. Mi-An handed him a cup of tea, the delicate aroma rising like a fleeting memory. XiaoYan took it, his fingers brushing hers briefly, and carefully placed it on the table.
"What happened?" Mi-An asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"I'm sorry… I failed you," XiaoYan replied, his tone heavy with regret.
Mi-An shook her head gently. "It's all in the past. Tell me, what did you remember?"
"A lot of good memories," he said, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and sorrow.
"The memories… cherish them well," Mi-An murmured. She stood, her figure casting a long shadow in the room. "I'll be back," she said softly before stepping out, closing the door behind her. Once alone, she sank to the ground, tears streaming down her face, releasing the pain she had been holding inside.
Inside the room, XiaoYan's own heart ached. He reached for an artifact that resembled a compass. As he touched it, a soft glow emanated from its center, forming the image of the Ansha.
"XiaoYan," the figure spoke, voice filled with both gravity and sorrow, "when you're seeing this, it means I am no more. I was destined to die at my own son's hand. Do not grieve too much for me. Remember the good memories, and forget the bad. Fight the evil, and protect the weak — that is what the Ansha stands for.
Do you know why I pushed you off the cliff a thousand years ago? It was to save you. The evil god and Nem believe they are the ones responsible for our misfortune. They are not. It is your uncle — the InShi. Beware of him.
Your power exceeds what you can imagine. No one can stand against you. Use it wisely. Do not succumb to evil, lest it consume you. When your alchemy reaches its peak, InShi must be defeated. He is as powerful as you could ever face, and if the demons side with him… I fear the consequences.
Your lover, Mi-An… take good care of her. When the time comes, I will give you my last gift. Forgive me for leaving you in this cruel world."
The light of the Ansha dimmed slowly. XiaoYan sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Father! Father!!" he cried, his voice echoing with anguish and determination.
In the divine realm, thunder rumbled across the endless skies. Gods assembled, bowing before a radiant light pouring down from above.
"It is the Ansha!!" HaoNan exclaimed, his voice trembling with awe.
The gods were elated to witness the return of the Ansha.
"HaoNan, it must have been difficult for you," the Ansha said, his presence serene yet commanding.
"Master… you left us behind. We missed you," HaoNan replied, her voice thick with emotion.
"The InShi has awakened," the Ansha warned, and a ripple of unease spread among the assembly.
"Master, please guide us," they pleaded in unison, voices united in hope and fear.
"Help XiaoYan defeat the InShi," the Ansha instructed.
HaoNan shook her head. "A thousand years ago, we could not stop him. How can we now?"
"A lot is yet to happen," the Ansha said calmly. "I have one last mission. When the time comes, you will understand." With that, the light faded, leaving the gods in awe and silent anticipation.
Elsewhere on Earth, chaos reigned. Amidst the smoke and ruins of a battlefield, the evil god descended from the skies, his aura absorbing the fear and despair around him. His hair darkened, a malevolent smile curling across his face.
"XiaoYan!! We will meet again very soon," he hissed, his voice carrying the promise of revenge.
In a shadowed cave, Nem cradled Di'or's lifeless body. "Di'or! Wake up! I'm not going anywhere! Di'or!!" he sobbed, holding her tightly as if sheer force could pull her back to life.
At the sect, disciples trained diligently, unaware of the impending threat. Saints oversaw the drills, guiding them with a practiced hand. Suddenly, the sky darkened, and the evil god descended upon them, his presence alone turning the serene courtyard into a place of terror.
The calm of the moment shattered, signaling the storm that was about to engulf all worlds.