Shen lay sprawled on the forest floor, gasping for breath. The world around him was silent, yet his heartbeat thundered in his chest like a war drum. Each inhale scraped against bruised ribs, and the scent of crushed leaves and damp soil filled his lungs.
Swing Er knelt beside him, still panting heavily. Her eyes, wide with concern, never left his face. Dirt streaked her cheeks, and her trembling hands hovered near his shoulder, unsure whether to comfort or simply stay close.
Slowly, Shen turned his gaze toward the old man who had saved them. The elder stood calmly, robes swaying gently in the breeze. There was a depth in his eyes—a quiet gravity that stirred something unfamiliar within Shen. It wasn't just strength. It was presence. A stillness that made the forest itself seem to pause.
"Thank you… Elder," Shen said softly, rising to his feet with effort. Swing Er stood beside him, echoing the sentiment with a respectful nod.
The old man inclined his head slightly.
"But… who are you?" Shen asked, his voice steady but wary. "And why did you save us?"
The old man smiled faintly, raising his hands in a calm gesture as he looked at them both.
"Hm… you're quite brave, boy," he said in a voice that was both gentle and firm. "My name is Wu Dong. But you may call me Elder Wu—that will do."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "I've been following you both for a while. Watching from a distance. I had no intention of interfering… until I saw the beast preparing to strike. There was no other choice. I had to step in."
Shen's eyes narrowed. "You were following us?"
He instinctively stepped in front of Swing Er, shielding her with his arm, his body tense with uncertainty.
"Ho ho… calm yourself," Elder Wu said, raising a hand. "I didn't follow you with ill intent. I was drawn by something else—something unusual. I wanted to understand the strange energy radiating from your body."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Shen's forehead.
Shen froze.
"You can see it?" he asked, reaching up to touch the faintly glowing mark. He had always believed it was invisible to others. He turned to Swing Er. "Can you see anything on my forehead?"
Swing Er leaned closer, squinting. "No. I don't see anything."
Elder Wu smiled again, this time with a hint of mystery.
"Don't be alarmed, child. I can see it because I share a connection with that mark. It's not just a symbol—it's a thread. I've followed its pull for a long time. And now, it has chosen you."
Shen's breath caught in his throat.
"I'll explain more in time," Elder Wu said. "But know this: that mark is not a curse. It is a relic—an ancient gift. A fragment of something far older than the sects and kingdoms you know."
Shen stood silently for a moment. His eyes drifted to the trees, then back to the elder.
"That… relic," he said slowly. "Can I accept it?"
"Yes. Absolutely," Elder Wu replied, stepping forward. He raised two fingers and gently pointed toward Shen's forehead.
The moment his fingers neared the mark, a surge of golden light burst forth. Shen's forehead glowed with a radiant yellow hue, casting flickering shadows across the forest floor. The trees rustled, and the wind shifted as if responding to the energy.
Swing Er gasped, stepping back instinctively. "Shen… your mark…"
Shen's eyes widened. He felt warmth spreading through his body, not painful, but powerful. It was as if something had awakened inside him—something that had been waiting.
Elder Wu's expression grew serious. "Your qi has awakened. But this is no ordinary cultivation energy. It is ancient, potent, and deeply bound to your being. Shen, this is happening because of the relic within you—the Mystery Dragon Void Jade."
Shen blinked, the light fading slowly from his forehead. "I… I felt it. Like the forest was breathing with me."
"Indeed," Elder Wu said. "But such power must be understood before it can be controlled."
"Can I… control it?" Shen asked, his voice low and uncertain.
Elder Wu nodded slowly. "You can. But it will not be easy. This jade is not just a source of energy—it is a vow. To accept it is to accept the burden it carries. You must be willing to walk a path that few survive."
He paused, then added, "Do not fear, young one. I am connected to this jade. I can guide you. But you must accept me as your master."
Shen's mind swirled with emotion. Memories of his lost parents, the vow he had made to protect those he loved, and the pain of helplessness—all surged within him.
Swing Er stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "You can do this, Shen. I believe in you."
He looked into her eyes, then turned back to Elder Wu. "I am Ling Shen. I accept this path, Master."
He knelt, bowing deeply.
"I want to become strong. I want to protect those beside me."
Elder Wu chuckled softly. "Ha… ha… ha… So you accept me as your master?"
Shen nodded.
"But Master," he added, "can my friend Swing Er also become your disciple?"
Elder Wu smiled. "Then both of your training begins tomorrow. At dawn, come to the edge of this forest. There, you will find the Shin Gin Mountain. I will be waiting."
"Understood, Master," Shen and Swing Er said in unison, bowing once more.
As the sun dipped low and shadows stretched across the forest floor, the two youths walked away—hearts heavy with uncertainty, but burning with newfound purpose.