A/N: This is where the novel really starts. :D First arc begin!
We traveled deep into the Wilds. The smell of decaying nature stung my delicate nose. Thankfully, we rode on Spirit Horses, that could cleanse the air and run faster than the spring wind. Their hooves were coated in a thin layer of energy, helping them to resist the harsh ground, while also silencing their steps.
I was holding onto the neck of one of the horses, hanging on for dear life. The wind clawed at my face and scratched my skin. The incredible speed of these horses had some disadvantages. However, in contrast to myself, Senior Martial Sister Yun was gracefully riding on her own Spirit Horse. Her long black hair flowed beautifully, even in this unforgiving land.
Elder Li, my uncle, held his horse with both immense skill and restrained roughness. Then, for a moment, he glanced at me, forest green eyes spotting my fear. He smiled at me, reassuring me that everything would be fine.
Suddenly, Elder Li stopped his horse, and Yun and I both quickly followed suit, despite not knowing why.
"Look." Elder Li's coarse voice rung throughout the air. He pointed his tanned finger to the pale form in front of us.
A figure was seen, likely human. A young man perhaps? The man wore tattered, undyed, linen rags. Clearly he was not of high standing. Yet his looks suggested otherwise. His long, pure white hair made me believe the he must be of the prestigious Bai Clan. Was he a exiled or illegitimate heir then? His devilishly handsome--no, beautiful--looks also supported this idea. Long, thick eyelashes, and snow white skin which shone like jade.
"What is it?" I whispered to Elder Li.
"I don't know either" he admitted.
The man opened his eyes. I was shocked at their appearance. While I had previously thought him to be from the Bai Clan, now it was obvious that he was a member of the Sanguine Lineage. Piercing crimson eyes, with vertical irises like a tiger. Sister Yun narrowed her eyes, tensing her muscles.
"Stay alert, the Sanguine Lineage is part of the Demonic Path." Elder Li had recognized the same thing I had. "And, he radiates spirit energy equal to an Expert's." He held me back.
The foreign man stared at us for a moment, before coating his arms with blue spirit energy, turning them into serrated blades. The sight sent chills down my spine. Such skill! He pointed one at us and asked a question.
"Who are you."
Elder Li got down from his horse. He clasped his palms together and bowed, answering the stranger's question. "Li Wang, 8th Elder of the Li Clan." I understand his motion, for while Elder Li was merely First-Rate, the stranger was an Expert. "Following me are Chen Yun, Senior Sister of the Li Clan, and Li Feng, Second Young Master of the Li Clan." Yun nodded at the description. Elder Li's head rose. "And who are you, senior?"
"Who am I? My name is... Lief Ayers," the stranger responded. What a foreign name. Was it his surname or given one?
"Senior Ayers, we are deeply sorry to disturb your cultivation." Elder Li bowed deeper. "Forgive us."
"Ayers?" The man tilted his head, confused. He took down his energy blade. "That's my surname though?" Now I was confused.
"Wh...at." Elder Li was clearly confused as well. "Where are you from, senior?" He continued the conversation, quickly regaining his composure.
Senior Ayers--I mean Lief--responded. "Earth." I, Elder Li, and Sister Yun, exchanged looks with each other for a moment. Was Earth some country across the sea?
"Ah, clearly you're a foreigner." Elder Li understood the situation. He stopped bowing and looked at Lief face to face. Up close, it was clear that Elder Li was noticeable taller than Lief. For Lief was quite average height while Elder Li was very tall, even among our clan. My uncle continued, "Since you're not from here, it would be a good idea for you to change your name, even temporarily."
A light of understanding could be seen in Lief's red eyes. "Of course, what name could you recommend?"
"I believe "Mo Xuan" perfectly fits your appearance and nature." Elder Li smiled warmly. I was panicking though, sweating buckets. Mo Xuan?? Was uncle suggesting that Lief was a demon. However likely it was, he still shouldn't patronize the expert.
"Mo from demon and Xuan from otherworldly. Your red eyes do give off a demonic aura, ha!" Elder Li laughed off the name.
"I... see." Lief clearly wasn't happy, but he wasn't angry either. Or was he restraining his fury, holding a grudge? I shuddered at the thought. Elder Li should know not to anger such a powerful entity.
"Mo Xuan." He said it softly. Maybe he was happy about the new name? "A good name, fitting for me." He flicked his hands, admiring his new hands. Looking closer, those were some long nails. Claw like, even.
"Do you have a horse for me?" He pondered, his piercing gaze directed at Elder Li.
"You can sit with Feng," Elder Li responded, as calm as ever. He motioned to me, and Xuan's eyes looked at me.
"With the kid?" Xuan asked, trying to check. Even if he's an expert how could he call me kid! Xuan patted my head. Actually, maybe he's not so bad after all. Yun let out a rare smile at our interaction. "He's probably not even 10, so I'll be protecting him? Sounds good."
"I'm actually 13! Already an adult!" I protested.
"Still a kid," Xuan chuckled. His hand, still on my head, began to rub my black hair. Sooo comfy. I stared at him, hints of happiness in my sea green eyes. "Do we get going now?" Xuan asks.
"Yeah, we can go now," uncle states.
Xuan hops onto my Spirit Horse, just as elegantly as Yun and Elder Li. This time, unlike other times when I clumsily climb, Xuan lifts me up to the saddle. "Here you go." His hands wrapped around my waist feel... warm. Not stone cold as I would've thought.