Promise and Betrayal: A Mo Dao Zu Shi (the Untamed) Story

Prologue

I stand at the edge of the ring, all eyes on me. Those eyes contain joy, happiness, sorrow, grief; some hold back tears, others wish to hug me and never let go. I smile, but it is laced with deep emotion. The crowd parts for our clan leader, Xiao Long. I can tell he is also struck deeply with sorrowful joy today, though it shows only through a sheen on his eyes.

He plants both hands on my shoulders. "Xiao Li," he says, using my given name, "You are ready. Go. Find your destiny." A single tear rolls down his cheek as I pull him into a hug. He took me in, gave me a home when I had nowhere else to go. As far as I am concerned, he is my father, and he treats me like his son. Even though he is a keeper of my secret.

I look into his eyes, silent tears falling from my own now. I have traveled with this clan of wanderers since I was a child. They taught me the ways of spiritual energy and trained me with a sword. I will not forget them. "Clan Leader Xiao," I whisper into his shoulder. "Thank you. For everything."

He draws away, ruffling my hair. "Go," he whispers. "We have nothing more to teach you."

I break from the ring I have called home my entire life. Walking a few paces, I bring my arms to a circle in front of me and bow deeply to my clan—the gesture of respect among cultivators. Projecting my voice so all can hear, I say, "It has been an honor, Clan Xiao. You raised me as one of your own. You gave me a home when I had none. Your mark will be carried on my soul forever, and I shall bear it proudly." I straighten. "Farewell. You will all live in my memory for eternity." With one last incline of my head, I face the horizon, my eyes on the mountains rising in the distance.

One step after another, my dual swords sheathed on my back, my secret safely tucked away, I begin the journey to my destiny.