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

Chapter 1

The journey to the Lan Clan of Gusu's mountain compound of Cloud Recesses is only three days. It is not long, but it is the first time I have traveled alone for more than a day since my clan rescued me. I am not scared, I know. I am wary: I am a wanderer traveling unfamiliar lands, and I should not be caught unawares.

The Xiao Clan received an invitation from the Lan Clan several months ago, inviting any young disciple of the clan to their lecture. They had but one: me, Xiao Li. I protested—I was young. Far younger than any of the young masters of the other clans, and far less experienced. I also was not related to Clan Leader Xiao. It would be bad form to associate with people of such high social stature. And then there is the other matter...but my clan refuses me. If they have to drag me to Cloud Recesses themselves, they will. So I agree. I will study there, learn what I can. Then I will have the choice to choose my destiny, wherever I see it. The motto of the Xiao Clan, after all, is all things change and we change with them. We are indeed a clan of wanderers.

A group gathers around the entrance as I arrive. Three people: two men, one woman, all bearing swords and wearing robes bearing the mark of the Jiang Clan's lotus, stand impatiently at the gate. Another person—male, tall, graceful, and clad in all white with a headband circling his forehead, stands in their way. I pause my steps, respectfully moving to the side. I have no need to impede the path of the two masters and lady from the Jiang Clan and the other man, presumably the Second Master of the Lan Clan, Lan Zhan.

One of them steps forward, saying something to the man standing at the gate. I hear something along the lines of "no invitation, no entry". The Jiang Clan disciple protests, but he is turned away. Lan Zhan notices me and inclines his head forward, inviting me to present myself.

"Young Master Lan," I say, bringing my arms to a circle near my chest and bowing deeply. "I am Xiao Shelan, of the Wandering Clan of Xiao. I alone came to represent my clan at Cloud Recesses." I reach into my pocket, withdrawing my invitation. Lan Zhan takes it from me, stepping aside to let me pass.

One of the Lan Clan disciples approaches me, bows as well, and motions for me to follow him. As I climb further up the hill, I hear snippets of the same Jiang Clan disciple complaining about how someone from a smaller clan was admitted, yet the party from the Jiang Clan, a main clan, was turned away. I chuckle softly. I have my invitation. They do not.

Cloud Recesses is a beautiful, elegant compound. It reflects its proprietors' values as though it were a mirror: elegance, but not ostentation; honor, but not obstinacy; reservation, but not indifference. Its pagodas slope effortlessly up to a point, and its courtyards house tastefully arranged flowering shrubs. White curtains in the windows flutter in the gentle breeze. As the graceful rooves rise over my head, I am filled with a sense of wonder. I have never been around so much...untapped spiritual potential. It rises in me, a soft chill down my spine, a slight ruffle of my hair. I shiver.

The Lan Clan sees to it that I, along the other students, are situated. I am not equipped with a suite, for I am the sole disciple of my clan present, but I am provided with a private room, much to my relief. As I wait until we are called for our opening lecture, I meditate on what I must learn here, who I wish to become, and how to keep my secret from the overwhelming dominance of men present in this compound.

A soft knock sounds on my door, breaking my reverie. "Young master Xiao," someone calls. "The students gather in the pavilion."

"Thank you," I reply, rising. My swords rest on the nightstand. I take a sidelong look at them, deciding if I should equip only one of them, but I cast the thought away. As desirable as it is for me to be reserved, I also wish to learn more of my craft. In order for the Lan Clan to instruct me, I must be using my chosen spiritual tool—in my case, my chosen spiritual tools. I strap both to my back. If I must become a rumor, so be it.