Flashback
Yanlog Clan
In a realm where beauty met tranquility, the Yanlog Clan was nestled in serene landscapes, known far and wide for their unique healing arts. It was here that the revered tradition of the Five Elemental Practices first took root. And it was due to the powerful magical rituals of the Mailen Clan that the sacred Golden Scripture of Light was divided into five parts. Even the Holy River was redirected.....split into two courses: one flowing toward the Yanlog territory, and the other carved a new path straight into the lands of the Mailen Clan.
The regions of Fuzi Xion Clan and Linyan Clan were set along the borders between these two factions. Fuzi Xion was annexed into Yanlog territory, while Linyan was claimed by the Mailen side. Along the riverbanks, sacred peach blossom trees and sandalwood trees were planted. As time passed, the land surrounding the rivers flourished into dense, enchanted forests. Each year, during the Season of Peaches, ancient rituals were performed from the blossom's first bloom till the last leaf of autumn. These ceremonies were aided by the spiritual deer, sacred creatures who lent their strength to the rites.
But amidst this sacred harmony, there was Duie.....who, every single day, crept silently toward the Holy River to speak with it in secret. Yet the river spirit harbored a deep annoyance toward him, for Duie never stopped disturbing its stillness. Today, once again, he approached, clutching five peach blossoms in his hand....just as he always did.
From afar, the river noticed his approach and angrily splashed a stream of cold water directly at him. Duie, thoroughly soaked and now annoyed, sat down sulkily by the riverbank. Like always, he had come seeking one thing....to ask the Holy River about Su Nian. After all, water remembers everything. Everything.
Suddenly, from the river's surface, an ethereal form began to emerge. It had no fixed shape.....a loose, shimmering figure, soft and bubbly like a drifting cloud. Strangely adorable. The moment it fully formed, it playfully splashed Duie again and quickly vanished back into the water.
But this time, Duie had had enough.
"At least today, tell me where Su Nian is!" he shouted into the water. "I've been searching for him for so long! If you weren't going to help me find him, then why did you even tell me he's come back in this world?!"
Before he could utter another word, the watery spirit launched a giant fish with incredible force.....smashing it straight into Duie's face.
In the very next moment, Duie collapsed unconscious right there on the riverbank.