In the grand expanse of Xiao Clan Manor, the Clan Lord is meticulously assessing the territory he aspires to claim for the clan. His keen eyes scan the landscape, weighing the potential moves he could make, the possible gains and losses that could arise, and how each decision would ultimately benefit the clan as a whole. The path to expansion is fraught with challenges, as it necessitates encroaching upon the territories of rival clans, a strategy that could easily ignite conflict and lead to unforeseen consequences.
The Xiao Clan boasts a territory that is comparable in size to a small star, a significant domain that places them among the elite four leaders of this region. The other clans—namely the Lu Clan, the Yan Clan, and the Jian Clan—each command areas that are either equal to or slightly smaller than that of the Xiao Clan. Each of these clans has developed their own unique martial techniques, which are a source of pride and strength for their members.
The Xiao Clan is known for their distinctive path, the little path of Samsara, while the Lu Clan follows the Road of Light. The Yan Clan has mastered the Petrification path of Rock, and the Jian Clan wields the Mortal Sword of Heaven. Among these four clans, the Xiao Clan stands out as the strongest, a position they have earned through the sheer number of experts they have produced over the years. This remarkable lineage allows them to pass on their extensive knowledge to their newborns, even while they are still in the womb. As a result, those born into the Xiao Clan are often referred to as "little sages" as they enter the world without tears, embodying a sense of innate wisdom and strength.
By the time they reach the age of five, the young members of the Xiao Clan are typically sent out to explore and train, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and skill development. However, the scions and sons of the clan elders are afforded a different path; they are permitted to bypass this initial phase of exploration, as their innate endowment has already surpassed the necessary threshold. For these privileged individuals, the only requirement is to await their bloodline awakening and to discover the nature of their Martial Spirit. Once this pivotal moment occurs, they are free to venture to other stars or accompany the Elders on expeditions to explore the vast world beyond their starfield.
At this juncture, Elder Bai and the young Xiao Yun return home after their latest adventures. Elder Bai turns to Xiao Yun, his expression serious yet encouraging. Young master, I will be heading to see the Clan Lord. You should also prepare for your bloodline awakening ceremony, he advises. Xiao Yun's face lights up with a smile, brimming with excitement. Don't worry, Elder Bai! I've been eagerly waiting to prove to my father just how strong I am, and I promise I won't let him down.
When the Clan Lord learns of the events that transpired earlier that day, he is taken aback by the implications. Elder Bai, what are your thoughts on this matter? Our Xiao Yun has always been fortunate in his encounters. Do you believe that the old man would lend us his support if Xiao Yun were to gain his favour? he inquires, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
Elder Bai takes a moment to reflect, his expression thoughtful. Clan Lord, I cannot say for certain what the old man's intentions are, but it is clear that he shares a unique karma with the young lord. If the day ever comes when our young lord finds himself in peril, I have a strong belief that the old man will make his presence known, he replies, his voice steady and reassuring.
The Clan Lord studies Elder Bai for a moment before nodding in understanding. He then gestures for Elder Bai to take his leave, his mind racing with possibilities. After a brief silence, he lets out a deep sigh, rubbing his temples in an attempt to ease the tension that has built up within him. His gaze drifts towards a wall that separates him from Xiao Yun's courtyard, and he mutters quietly to himself, Our clans future rests on your shoulders, my son.
In that moment, the weight of responsibility settles heavily upon him, as he contemplates the challenges that lie ahead for both the clan and his beloved son. The path to greatness is never straightforward, and the Clan Lord knows that the decisions made today will echo through the generations to come. As he reflects on the potential for conflict with rival clans and the importance of nurturing the next generation, he is filled with a sense of determination to guide his clan towards a prosperous future, one that is firmly rooted in strength, wisdom, and unity.
To the East of the Xiao Clan manor, nestled within the serene landscape, Xiao Yun was diligently practising the martial techniques that had been passed down through generations of his clan. He had already begun to develop some of his own unique insights, building upon the foundational knowledge that was inherent to him. This knowledge, much like that of the other descendants of the main branch, was deeply rooted in the clans traditions. The skills and applications of these techniques were hereditary, which meant that every individual born from the main branch possessed a natural advantage, making them inherently stronger than their peers of the same age.
In the back of the expansive courtyard, there existed a training space that was ample enough to accommodate a small clan. This was where Xiao Yun honed his skills, employing various fist techniques that bore a resemblance to tai chi. His movements were fluid and harmonious, appearing as if he were in perfect synchrony with nature itself. As he executed his techniques, the air around him seemed to respond, swirling and shifting in tandem with his graceful motions. On the ground, where he practiced his intricate footwork in conjunction with his fist techniques, a large Yin Yang diagram had formed. The grass had been swept away, leaving behind a clear patch of dirt that illustrated the depth of his training.
After an intense session of cultivating his techniques, Xiao Yun took a moment to sit down and gaze up into the vast expanse of the sky. His eyes were drawn to the moon, which hung brightly above him, casting a silvery glow over the courtyard. He allowed himself to smile, his thoughts simple yet profound: he aspired to work hard and become strong, just like his father. This desire for strength and resilience was not merely a fleeting thought; it was a deep-seated ambition that fuelled his every action.
That night, as Xiao Yun drifted into a peaceful slumber, the pendant he had purchased earlier in the day began to emit a soft, ethereal glow around his neck. The vibrant colours within the pendant started to fade away, one by one, until only a golden liquid remained. Not long after, this golden liquid began to seep into Xiao Yun's skin, flowing through his veins and permeating his body. As it coursed through him, many of his meridians opened up, and his body was enveloped in a jade-like luminescence. This glow was so radiant that it allowed anyone outside to see the intricate details of his muscles, veins, and the blood that flowed through his body.
Throughout the night, the golden liquid continued to diffuse into Xiao Yun's blood and organs, restructuring his physical form and altering the characteristics of his blood without compromising his original Xiao family lineage. As his blood and body underwent this transformative change, both his hair and eyes shifted in colour, reflecting the profound metamorphosis he was experiencing. His physique, once robust, now radiated a delicate luster; his muscles had shrunk, giving him a more feminine appearance. Remarkably, his height, weight, and overall body structure had reached a state of perfection, and due to these changes, he now appeared to be over ten years old, despite still being only seven.
The following morning, before the first rays of sunlight had even begun to illuminate the manor, the maids arrived early to prepare water, clothes, and a meal for their young master. However, as they entered the room, one of the maids let out a piercing scream, her shock reverberating through the air and startling the other maids. The commotion jolted Xiao Yun from his sleep, and he sat up with the speed of a bolt of lightning, his heart racing. The guards stationed outside rushed to the source of the disturbance, only to find themselves standing still, utterly dumbfounded by the sight before them.
Xiao Yun, still disoriented from sleep, stared at the gathering crowd of maids and guards, who were all gazing at him as if he were a newly discovered species of animal. Confusion washed over him, and annoyance quickly followed when he realised that no one was speaking. What? What are you all looking at? Why are you all staring at me? What's wrong with you all? he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of bewilderment and irritation. The sudden shift in his appearance had clearly left everyone in a state of shock, but he was eager to understand the reason behind their astonished expressions.
As the maids exchanged glances, their eyes wide with disbelief, they struggled to find their voices. The transformation that had taken place overnight was nothing short of extraordinary, and it was clear that Xiao Yun was no longer the same boy they had known. The air was thick with anticipation as they tried to process the changes that had unfolded before them, and Xiao Yun, still grappling with the reality of his new form, awaited their response with bated breath.
Elder Bai hurriedly dashed into the room, his heart racing, only to come to an abrupt halt, standing there in a state of utter bewilderment. The scene before him was nothing short of astonishing, leaving him momentarily speechless. He quickly composed himself and made his way to the front of the gathered maids and guards, stopping right beside Xiao Yun's bed. "Young master, you"... he began, but his words trailed off as he took in the sight of the young man before him. Xiao Yun, with deep black wrinkles etched across his forehead, looked equally perplexed. I, what old man, why is everyone looking at me like this? he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of confusion and indignation.
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Elder Bai, sensing the urgency of the situation, swiftly instructed one of the maids to fetch the Clan Lord, while he gestured for everyone else to leave the room. Once they were alone, he turned back to Xiao Yun, concern etched on his face. "Young master, how do you feel?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Xiao Yun, still baffled, began to look around the room, checking his hands and then standing up to inspect himself more closely. His eyes widened in surprise as he exclaimed, Elder Bai, I've grown taller! This is fantastic! But... I think I've gotten a little weaker. My muscles seem to have vanished, and I look a bit thin. Is this why everyone was staring at me so strangely? Elder Bai, caught off guard by the young mans nonchalant attitude, found himself at a loss for words, unsure whether to laugh or express his concern.
Meanwhile, the Clan Lord wasted no time in responding to the urgent message he had received. In a flash, he vanished from his seat, moving with such speed that it felt as though he had become a mirage, a fleeting image in the wind. The maids and guards, left in his wake, felt as though his shadow lingered longer than he did, a testament to his formidable presence. Moments later, the Clan Lord materialised at the east side of the manor, where he found Elder Bai and his son standing in the room, the atmosphere thick with tension. "Elder Bai, this"... he began, but his words faltered as he took in the scene.
Elder Bai wore an awkward expression, clearly struggling to articulate the gravity of the situation. "Clan Lord, I..." he stammered, but before he could finish, Xiao Yun bounded over to his father, excitement radiating from him. "Dad, when I woke up, I was suddenly taller! But my manly image has been ruined; I've become too thin!" he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of joy and dismay.
Xiao Long, his father, looked at him in bewilderment, concern etched on his features. "Son, are you really okay?" "Have you seen yourself in the wash basin?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry. Xiao Yun's eyes widened in surprise at the question, and for a moment, he was taken aback. Had something happened to his face? Without wasting another second, he dashed over to the wash basin to check his reflection.
When he caught sight of himself, he froze, his breath hitching in his throat. "Dad, this"... he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He realised that his face had transformed; it was now slim and appeared as if it had been sculpted from jade. His brows were both soft and sharp, giving him an ethereal quality, and he found it difficult to discern the colour of his hair, as a divine light seemed to envelop every inch of his head. To his astonishment, he noticed a simple character for "heaven" inscribed between his brows. His eyes, too, had changed dramatically; they were now a striking golden hue, but the most startling transformation was that his pupils had morphed into two irises in each eye, giving him an otherworldly appearance.
In that moment, Xiao Yun resembled a child of a deity, a being of extraordinary beauty and grace. The gravity of his transformation weighed heavily on the room, and it was decided that he would remain within the confines of the clan manor for the time being. The guards and maids were instructed to keep this extraordinary change strictly within the clan, ensuring that no word of it would leak to the outside world.
The clan lord departed after providing a fair warning to conduct his research, consult with the clan elders, and devise potential countermeasures. His objectives were twofold: to ensure that information regarding Xiao Yun remained confidential and to prevent a conflict with the other three clans.
Xiao Yun now in the company of his mother, who had taken up residence with him in the east part of the manor where he lived and practiced. It had been some time since the change had occurred, and while she was relieved that her son was safe and seemingly well, a nagging worry gnawed at her heart. She couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty regarding this transformation. Was this change a blessing for her child and their family, or could it potentially lead to unforeseen repercussions? The thought of disaster loomed over her like a dark cloud. She knew that if other clans were to discover that such a remarkable change had taken place in the heir of their clan, they would undoubtedly investigate and do everything in their power to thwart Xiao Yun's growth and potential.
As time passed, the important figures within the family began to gather information about the nature of Xiao Yun's transformation. They were keen to understand the implications of this change, and discussions were held in hushed tones, filled with a mix of awe and trepidation.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yun found himself sitting cross-legged in the courtyard, immersed in a meditative position. As he focused inward, he noticed that the colour of his hair had dimmed slightly, revealing a vibrant red hue beneath the soft glow that surrounded him. While he meditated, attempting to connect with the changes occurring within himself, he suddenly found himself transported to an entirely different realm.
In this new world, he discovered a glowing river of golden liquid flowing beneath him, taking the shape of a bipedal body. The sight was surreal, and although Xiao Yun would not fully comprehend the significance of this space until much later, he felt an undeniable connection to it. The golden river pulsed with energy, and as he stood there, he sensed that this was a pivotal moment in his journey, one that would shape his destiny in ways he could not yet fathom.
As he continued to explore this extraordinary realm, the weight of his transformation began to settle within him. He realised that he was on the brink of something monumental, a journey that would not only redefine his identity but also alter the course of his families legacy. The golden river shimmered with promise, and Xiao Yun felt a surge of determination rising within him. He was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, for he was no longer just a boy he was destined for greatness.
In this vast and enigmatic inner world, Xiao Yun found himself seated cross-legged in the boundless void, a realm devoid of any tangible reference points. After a period of stillness, he finally opened his eyes, feeling a surge of determination. Rising to his feet, he attempted to walk, but at first, it proved to be quite a challenge. The absence of direction or latitude in this peculiar space made movement feel disorienting and alien. However, after some time spent adjusting to the unique nature of this inner void, he gradually began to master the art of movement within it.
Before he realised it, he had traversed a considerable distance, lost in thought and exploration. Just as he was on the verge of giving up, a glimmer of hope appeared in the distance—a stone tablet, standing solitary and proud. It was encircled by a golden lake that seemed to stretch infinitely into the sky. The lake, despite its stagnant appearance, exuded an aura of life that felt untouchable by the constraints of the heavens. Intrigued, Xiao Yun leapt over the small gaps that separated him from the tablet, his heart racing with anticipation.
As he drew nearer, he began to comprehend that the tablet was far more imposing than he had initially perceived. When he finally stood before it, a subtle yet undeniable pressure emanated from its surface, enveloping him in a sense of reverence. The natural lines etched into the tablet appeared to be carved with an artistry that was both ancient and timeless. They were neither sharp nor soft, lacking any discernible edges, as if they had been an intrinsic part of the tablet since its very inception.
Despite his curiosity, Xiao Yun found himself unable to decipher any of the inscriptions on the tablet. He circled it several times, searching for meaning, but to no avail. Frustration began to creep in as he sat in front of the tablet, hoping for some revelation, yet nothing transpired. Feeling somewhat defeated, he rose to his feet and leaned against the cool surface of the tablet, placing both hands upon it while casting his gaze downward somewhat defeated. In that moment, he felt an unusual energy coursing through his arms, a sensation that was both exhilarating and alarming.
Startled, he quickly stepped back and looked up at the tablet, only to discover that a character resembling the symbol for 'heaven' (天), akin to the one imprinted in the wash basin on his forehead, had materialised on its surface. The intricate lines that had adorned the tablet moments before had vanished, leaving behind only two small handprints where Xiao Yun's palms had rested. Intrigued and compelled, Xiao Yun settled back into a cross-legged position and began to meditate on the heavenly symbol.
As time passed, he noticed that the tablet and the golden liquid surrounding it had faded away, leaving him enveloped in a dark, empty space. It felt as though he had been cast adrift in a void, with nothing to anchor him. After what felt like an eternity, the (天) symbol reappeared, floating gracefully within the emptiness, just two feet away from Xiao Yun. The radiant rays of light emanating from the symbol cascaded over his body, bathing him in a warm glow, and before he knew it, he succumbed to an unconscious state, surrendering to the overwhelming energy.
Meanwhile, that night in the eastern part of the Xiao Clan manor, a dim yet captivating light began to glow in the courtyard where Xiao Yun resided. The inhabitants of that starfield could clearly see the soft illumination radiating from the Xiao Clan Manor, a sight that sparked intrigue and speculation among the onlookers.
The unexpected phenomenon caused quite an uproar, and soon enough, wild rumours began to circulate throughout the starfield.
Back in Xiao Yun's courtyard, he was experiencing immense benefits from his encounter with the symbol, yet his parents, who remained by his side, wore expressions of deep concern. They understood the implications of this change if word of Xiao Yun's transformation reached other factions within the starfield, the other three clans would inevitably become aware of the situation.
Should they discover the shift in Xiao Yun's power, they would recognise that the delicate balance that had been maintained for so long was beginning to tip. The thought of being subjected to the rule of others was intolerable to them, and they would not hesitate to unite in their efforts to eliminate him if they felt threatened. Xiao Long, Xiao Yun's father, stood resolutely, his expression firm and unwavering. "Fei'er, do not worry. He will be alright," he reassured his wife, his voice steady and filled with conviction.
"We will confront any challenges that arise when the time comes," he added, his gaze fixed on Lu Fei Xing, radiating an aura of determination and battle readiness. The weight of the situation hung heavily in the air, but Xiao Long's steadfastness provided a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
Lu Fei Xing's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at her husband, her heart heavy with worry. Unable to contain her emotions, she embraced him tightly, seeking solace in his presence as she cried into his shoulder. The bond between them was palpable, a testament to their love and shared resolve in the face of adversity.
That night, as the stars twinkled above, it became evident that the Xiao Clan was on the precipice of significant change. The events set in motion by Xiao Yun's encounter with the heavenly symbol would undoubtedly alter the course of their lives, and the repercussions of this transformation would ripple throughout the starfield. The air was thick with anticipation, and the future remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the Xiao Clan would stand united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
