Forty-Five Years Later...
Lian Qingxue Clan
A faint morning mist drifted through the air, kissed by golden rays of sunlight that painted the land in a soft, ethereal glow. The vast Lotus Pond shimmered like liquid crystal, embraced by gentle breezes that swayed the blooming lotuses in rhythmic harmony. It was a place so serene and breathtaking that people called it Heaven on Earth.
Yet, not every corner of this paradise was at peace. Inside one of the secluded chambers, an unsettling aura lingered.
Flames roared, devouring the clan grounds. Screams echoed as people burned, homes collapsed, and everything turned to ashes. Amidst that sea of fire stood a lone figure, Gu Zong, motionless, like a puppet engulfed in inferno. And then… both he and the flames vanished together, swallowed by darkness.
With a sharp gasp, Han Wuang Shi’s eyes flew open. Sweat trickled down his forehead as his breath came fast and uneven. Once again, in broad daylight, he had seen that same dream... the same nightmare that haunted him every single day.
Outside his chamber, his disciples stood waiting. Today, they were to embark on another journey with their grandmaster, Han Wuang Shi.
Among them, one disciple named Zao Yun turned to his companions, a trace of worry on his face.
“Grandmaster Xian Yong Ming has never taken this long before. I hope everything’s fine today. He’s been invited to the Hegong Clan again… But if the same thing happens as last time, we won’t stay silent. Even if he orders us not to act, we’ll strike back!”
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Before he could finish, another disciple, Ying Xia, snapped at him and gave him a light smack on the head.
“Shut that mouth of yours! We’re not going anywhere near the Hegong Clan. The grandmaster is going to Mount Taylin today to search for spiritual herbs. So keep your foolish ideas to yourself, or you’ll be turned into ashes before you can blink. Now go... pack your things!”
Their little quarrel made the rest of the disciples burst out laughing as they walked off together, the tension fading in their cheerful banter.
---
Hegong Clan
Meanwhile, a different kind of energy filled the air within the Hegong Clan. Preparations for a grand celebration were underway.
Master Suo Jing stood amidst the vast sacred forest, surrounded by a large gathering. A wide grin stretched across his face. Today, everyone seemed unusually joyful... even those who usually dismissed him.
After all, though few truly respected Master Suo Jing, none could deny that he had achieved something rare: he had ascended to the Path of Immortality, and that alone commanded obligatory respect.
Acting like an overexcited child, Master Suo Jing raised his voice, shouting for all to hear:
“Just a few more days, and the grand ceremony of nature shall begin! Once again, the locusts shall grace these forests with their presence!”
The moment the word locusts left his mouth, laughter erupted all around. The crowd couldn’t hold it in... the forest echoed with mirth.
Suo Jing’s smile froze in embarrassment, his face turning stiff. Behind him, his disciple Wan Chang Wan rubbed his forehead in exasperation. Once again, his master had called the sacred Fireflies of Divinity “locusts.” Last year, he had even referred to them as frogs.
Taking a step forward, Wan Chang Wan bowed politely and said calmly:
“I apologize on behalf of my master. What he meant to say was that, just like every year, the arrival of the Sacred Fireflies will illuminate the kingdom for an entire month. Every clan shall bask in their light. According to ancient belief, these divine beings appear to guide us through the darkness: reminding us that even in the hardest of times, hope must never be abandoned. To welcome their arrival, we must now begin the spiritual cleansing of this forest.”
