Chapter 1

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"mom, why do I have to learn martial arts?" Asks 7 year old Xie Lian

"Well, it's because we want you to be able to protect yourself, being the young master of the XIE household comes with many threats and kidnappings. I don't want to feel helpless if anything were to happen, and besides, I'm not only teaching you, I'm also teaching your shadow in case anything were to happen. It's important that you both learn martial arts," says Xie Lian's mother.

Xie Lian pouts and retorts, "Mommy, you're being rude! His name is San Lang."

She sighs good-naturedly, she concedes, "Sorry, sorry, San Lang."

Although shadows remain unseen, one can discern the presence of an independent-minded shadow by observing its shape and height, which may differ from that of its owner. Some shadows appear taller, while others possess a more slender figure, presenting an intriguing diversity.

Of course, not everyone is fortunate enough to manifest an autonomous shadow. The occurrence of free-willed shadows is a matter of chance, with a ratio of approximately four individuals possessing such shadows for every ten individuals whose shadows remain devoid of independent thought. As you can discern, it is not a common phenomenon.

The average age at which an individual develops a free-willed shadow is ten years. However, Xie Lian is an exceptional case, having manifested his shadow at the tender age of four, and he named it, San Lang.

Given that shadows lack the ability to speak, they communicate with their owners solely through gestures. However, once they emancipate from their owners, they shed their ethereal forms, adopting human bodies and the ability to converse like any other person.

Distinguishing a graduated shadow from a non-graduated one is a challenge, unless they explicitly reveal their true nature. Otherwise, it is akin to searching for a needle in the vast sea.

In recent years, the PSA (Paranormal Shadow Association) has taken steps to support shadows desiring tertiary education, offering free educational opportunities. The choice to pursue further education lies in the hands of the shadows themselves.

"Oh yeah, San lang is so strong, no one can mess with him!, " exclaims Xie Lian, brimming with admiration.

"Alright, go get ready for school you two, and Xie Lian remember, wear the shadow concealment guard, and don't let anyone know you have a shadow"

"Yes mom!" Xie Lian responds

"Aunty Xuanji, Aunty Xuanji, Mommy told us to get ready for school!" Xie Lian exclaims eagerly.

Xuanji gazes affectionately at Xie Lian, a loving smile adorning her face. "Alright, and San Lang, make certain you learn diligently, my dear."

San lang nods in agreement to Xuanji.

Xie Lian prepares, eats and makes his way to put on the shadow concealment guard

The guard, resembling an inconspicuous bracelet, effectively conceals San Lang's presence, rendering Xie Lian indistinguishable from those unfortunate children without shadows.

As Xie Lian gazes at the bracelet, a smile graces his countenance. He deftly conceals it beneath the fabric of his long-sleeved shirt, directing a bright smile towards Xuanji. "I'm off!!! Let's go San lang."
With determination, he sets off towards the family driver, who awaits to transport them to school.

"Uncle Jun Wu!!! Uncle Jun Wu, San lang and I are ready for school!!!" Xie Lian exclaims, his voice carrying as he runs towards Jun Wu.

Jun Wu, wearing a professional and caring expression, opens the door for Xie Lian. "Take care not to rush, young masters. This way, please."

They make their way to Tonglu academy....



















A/N: yeah! Finally, I'm so excited for this one, I have so many ideas, they're flowing.......I wanted to write a few more draft chapters before uploading and publish when Uni closes in 3 days from now, but to heck with it!!!, for now....we're still about to close so updates after 4 days, but when we do, updates will be faster, because I won't be attending classes and that nonsense..... So for now, add this to your reading list... Vote and comment, what do you think of this for a start? 👉👈

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