Chapter 3
“You’re not good enough,” Lei Bo said, his voice cold and hard. “You need to try harder.”
Zhan Wen felt a surge of frustration, but he knew that Lei Bo was right. He had to keep pushing himself, to control his qi and become the sect leader he was destined to be. How could he become great like his father if he kept getting tripped up by these simple techniques?
The snow continued to fall as they trained, covering the courtyard in a thick blanket of white. The disciples moved with a grace and power that was awe-inspiring, their strikes with qi cutting through the air like knives.
Zhan Wen felt a sense of pride in being part of the Burning Fire sect, and in learning from the best of the best. And despite Lei Bo’s harsh training, he knew that he was getting better every day.
The sun finally began to set over the mountains, and Zhan Wen collapsed to the ground, his muscles burning with exhaustion. Lei Bo stood over him, his fur coat swirling in the wind. “You have potential,” he said, his voice softening. “But you must learn to control your devil’s aura. It could be your undoing.”
Zhan Wen nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude for Lei Bo’s tough love.
“Lei-ge how did you come here? Where is your sect?”
Hurt flittered over Lei Bo’s features and Zhan Wen felt like he said something wrong. A few of the disciples that overheard them snickered, their alpha scent souring.
“When one is well-fed and warm, they start thinking of mischief during their free time.” One of the disciples chuckled shaking his head.
“Dismissed. All of you,” Lei Bo snarled, his hands balled into fists. He left shortly afterward, his black robe flowing in the wind. Zhan Wen wasn’t sure what he said wrong, but a few of the disciples came up to him.
“Don’t take it to heart Zhan-gongzi,” one of the disciples said. “Wanbei is always prickly regarding his past. Push it from your thoughts.”
“Yeah, yeah don’t worry Zhan-gongzi.”
“Wanbei is always like that.”
Zhan Wen nodded along, but he felt strange and uncomfortable in his heart. He thought about how beautiful Lei Bo was, with his lithe body and striking features, but how sad he always seemed to be. A large part of him wondered about the Omega’s past and what that would mean going forward. Zhan Wen walked back inside with his fellow disciples and when he looked over his shoulder, he saw Lei Bo standing on a balcony nearby, their gazes met, and Lei Bo nodded gently. Zhan Wen’s heart lifted, and he vowed no matter what to see Lei Bo smile more.
…..
A few weeks later, Zhan Wen followed Zhan Wei, as they made their way through the forest. The crisp winter air chilled him to the bone, but he knew he couldn’t let it show. He was determined to learn how to control his devil’s blood, even if it meant braving the cold.
“Here,” Zhan Wei said, stopping at a clearing in the forest. “This is where we’ll meditate.”
Zhan Wen looked around the clearing, taking in the barren trees and the snow-covered ground. It was a stark contrast to the warmth and comfort of his home. They had agreed to train late at night when everyone was asleep, that way it would lessen their chances of exposure.
Zhan Wei was the sect leader, on top of that, the Burning Fire sect held several delegates from other sects year-round, not to mention the disciples who came here to train. It would cause a whirlwind of trouble if the other sects were to get wind that there was a devil in the midst and have been for a few years.
Zhan Wen sighed as he sat cross-legged on the frozen ground, staring up at the bright winter moon. At times, he could feel the devil’s blood boiling inside him, threatening to burst out of him. It felt like a curse that he had been born with and one that he had struggled to control his entire life.
“Now, close your eyes,” Zhan Wei instructed. “Focus on your breathing. Let everything else fall away.”
Zhan Wen did as he was told, taking deep breaths, and trying to clear his mind. But he couldn’t help but feel frustrated. Why was this so difficult? Why couldn’t he just control his devil’s blood? The midnight winter moon shone down on them, casting an eerie glow over the forest. It was both beautiful and haunting, reminding Zhan Wen of the darkness within him.
“Good,” Zhan Wei said, interrupting his thoughts. “Now, visualize your qi circulating through your body. Feel it flow through your veins, calming your devil’s blood.”
Zhan Wen tried to do as his father instructed, but he could feel his frustration building. It was like trying to catch the wind in his hands. He couldn’t control it. The calming qi felt like sand slipping between his fingers and suddenly Xing Junwei’s face flashed before his eyes mocking him. Zhan Wen’s lips curled, rage sparked within his chest and suddenly, he felt a surge of energy within him, and he gasped as his devil’s blood flared to life. He could feel the darkness taking over, and he panicked.
“Father!” he cried out, but Zhan Wei was already by his side, guiding him through the meditation.
“Focus, Shengzi,” Zhan Wei said firmly. “You can control this. Breathe.”
Zhan Wen tried to follow his father’s instructions, but the darkness within him was overwhelming. It was like trying to fight a raging storm with only a candle. But Zhan Wei was patient, and he knew it would take time for Zhan Wen to get used to the feeling of his powers. “Keep breathing, Wuhan,” he said. “Picture yourself as a calm lake, with the energy flowing through you like a gentle breeze.”
“Father!” he cried out. “It hurts! Make it stop!”
Zhan Wei’s voice was steady, but there was a hint of concern in it. “Breathe, Shengzi. Focus on your breathing. You can do this.”
Zhan Wen tried to take a deep breath, but the pain was too intense. He felt like he was going to pass out. “I can’t! It hurts, father!” he gasped, his eyes filling with tears.
“I know, son. But you must stay focused. You are strong enough to endure this.”
Zhan Wen gritted his teeth and tried to follow his father’s instructions, but the pain was too intense. It felt like his blood was boiling inside him, threatening to burst out and consume everything in its path. The cold ground beneath him was uncomfortable, and the wind howled through the trees, making it hard to hear anything else. But as he continued to breathe, he felt a strange calmness come over him, like he was floating in a warm bath instead of sitting in the freezing wilderness. Zhan Wen nearly collapsed, his little body bowing forward as sweat beaded on his forehead.
“Why is this happening to me?” he moaned, feeling a sense of frustration and hopelessness wash over him like a tidal wave.
Zhan Wei’s voice was calm and reassuring. “You were born with a gift. But with that gift comes great responsibility. You must learn to control your powers, or they will control you.”
“A gift?” Zhan Wen asked staring up at him. “Then why does it hurt so much? Why am I trying to hide it? You said devils come from the devil realm, isn’t that evil?”
Zhan Wei’s lips dragged into a familiar smile. “No, you’ll soon understand nothing in this world is truly evil. Just like nothing in this world is truly good.”
Zhan Wen chewed on his bottom lip still not understanding. He spent his whole life with people telling him he was bad, that he was a little demon for his nature and now his father was telling him that it wasn’t wrong. If that’s the case, why were they hiding? Why not let the four sects know they were devils?
“Father, I don’t understand why being a devil is wrong. Why can’t I just embrace my true nature?” Zhan Wen asked, looking up at his father with confusion in his eyes.
“It’s not that being a devil is inherently wrong. It’s the imbalance of four energies that can cause harm,” Zhan Wei explained patiently.
“Yin and yang energies? What do you mean?” Zhan Wen asked, intrigued.
“In our world, everything is made up of opposing but complementary forces, like light and dark, hot and cold, and yin and yang,” Zhan Wei elaborated. “When these energies are balanced, there is harmony and growth. But when they become imbalanced, there is chaos and destruction.”
“So, if I embrace my devil side too much, I’ll upset the balance of yin and yang energies?” Zhan Wen questioned.
“Exactly,” Zhan Wei confirmed. “The way of yin and yang is both constructive and destructive, and all things are created and destroyed through this process. By embracing your devil side too much, you risk becoming too destructive and causing harm to yourself and others.”
“So, by mediating and cultivating I can balance these two energies out? And no harm to others?”
“Yes,” Zhan Wei replied. “You’re still young so your devil’s blood will be volatile for now, but once we stabilize your core then things will balance themselves out. The devil’s realm is much different from the mortal realm, you are allowed to let your devil’s qi run rampant, but here it would be far more destructive. You are also half-mortal. So, you must understand how important balance is for you. It must be essential to you at all costs.”
Zhan Wen nodded thoughtfully, finally understanding his father’s words. “I understand now, father. Thank you for explaining it to me,” he said gratefully.
Zhan Wei chuckled, shaking his head. “Of course, but we should head back now. It’s late and I’m sure you’re tired.”
Zhan Wei took his hand and together they walked back inside the sect. Since he was old enough to have his room they parted ways in the hallway, but Zhan Wen didn’t feel the least bit sleepy. He was just about to go to his room when he heard the familiar sound of a pipa being played. Zhan Wen followed the sound excitedly knowing exactly who it came from.
Lei Bo was sitting on a windowsill, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, the notes danced and skipped like a delicate allegretto, while the plucking of the strings was as tender as a lover’s caress. His hair almost seemed to dance as he looked up at the moon.
Why does Lei Bo’s hair always look like it’s been swept by the wind, even when there’s no wind around?
Is it some kind of sword-fighting secret I don’t know about?
…..
Lei Bo’s face was so still and serene that he looked like he was carved from jade. His long black robes hang elegantly on his slender frame, and the black fur coat draped over his shoulders gleams like a still lake reflecting the moonlight. Zhan Wen’s heart moved, his body trembled and without thinking, Zhan Wen ran up to him and buried his little head in Lei Bo’s lap. Lei Bo was stunned for several moments, frozen with the instrument in his hand, his eyes were wide before they softened and he chuckled, running a hand through Zhan Wen’s hair.
It was the most beautiful sound Zhan Wen had ever heard.
Why do I feel like I’m walking on clouds whenever Lei Bo smiles at me?
Is it normal for a sword-fighting master to make my knees weak?
Wuuu! Things are even more confusing now!
“What brings you here, little one?” Lei Bo asked, his voice as soothing as a gentle breeze.
“I don’t know,” Zhan Wen admitted, feeling a strange connection to the omega that he couldn’t quite explain. “I just saw you sitting here, and I felt like I had to be near you.”
Lei Bo’s smile grew even warmer, and he wrapped an arm around Zhan Wen’s shoulders. “Oh? How come?”
Zhan Wen blushed, feeling a sudden rush of embarrassment. “I can’t sleep,” he admitted. “I keep having these strange dreams, and I don’t know what they mean.”
Lei Bo nodded sympathetically. “I know how that feels.”
Zhan Wen’s heart swelled with tender affection for the older omega, and he suddenly felt a strong desire to be closer to him. “Can I… can I sleep in your room tonight?” he asked hesitantly.
Lei Bo’s brows climbed his forehead, but then he smiled and ruffled Zhan Wen’s hair. “Of course.”
Zhan Wen felt a surge of excitement and anticipation as he followed Lei Bo to his room. The older Omega’s presence was so comforting and reassuring that he felt like he could face anything with him by his side. Lei Bo’s room was simple but elegant, with a low bed draped in soft silks and a few personal treasures arranged neatly on a wooden table.
“I’ll bath quickly,” Lei Bo said, and before Zhan Wen could respond he disappeared behind a pingfeng. Water splashed in the distance as the servants withdrew, leaving Zhan Wen alone and once again curiosity got the better of him.
Zhan Wen peeked through the small cracks of the pingfeng, clutching the bamboo frame panels. His heart beat like a drum in his chest as the water splashed over the edge of the wood tube as Lei Bo stood.
Zhan Wen’s heart stopped.
Lei Bo his long legs on full display, his alabaster skin soaking wet and his long hair dripping down his naked back. Zhan Wen’s face blazed, but he couldn’t drag his eyes away from the omega’s naked form. Lei Bo’s body was lithe, his pubic bones alluring and sharp, while his plump bottom looked slightly rosy from the hot water. The cinnabar near his eyes trembled, as he gathered his long locs and wrung them in the tub. Lei Bo was an intersex omega, his appendage was small and flaccid, while his other part was wet, and dewy surrounded by a patch of dark hair.
Zhan Wen had never seen a omega naked before and his heart beat wildly in his chest. He swallowed around the knot in his throat and watched Lei Bo wrap a robe around his body. Zhan Wen’s face burned as he quickly raced back to the bed and got into the covers. Lei Bo’s hair was still wet, but his omega scent was fresh and alluring, causing Zhan Wen’s stomach to clench strangely.
The air was infused with the warm, comforting scent of sandalwood, mingled with the delicate aroma of jasmine and lotus blossoms. The room exuded a sense of peace and tranquility, and Zhan Wen felt safe and at home nestled in the soft blankets beside Lei Bo. He put the instrument in a small cupboard near the bed, took off his outer robes, and settled into bed.
Zhan Wen inched close, wrapping his arms around the omega, and snuggling deeply in his chest. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude for the older Omega’s kindness and generosity. He knew that this night would be one he would remember for years to come, a shining moment of tenderness and connection in a world that could often be harsh and unforgiving.
…..
Two years passed since the night Zhan Wen had slept in Lei Bo’s room. He was now eleven years old, taller, and stronger than before, but still filled with the same sense of wonder and awe for the older omega. He had grown used to seeing Lei Bo around the sect, always calm and composed, his serene presence a source of comfort and inspiration. Within that time, Zhan Wen had reached the Core Formation, level five and he was close to a breakthrough in the Nascent Soul stage. Lei Bo had been a great help in his success and his training. To this day, Zhan Wen found it puzzling that Lei Bo could teach cultivation, but could never surpass the Qi Condensation stage.
Today Zhan Wen had been summoned to the throne room by his father, saying that he had some good news for him. But as Zhan Wen entered the throne room to pay his respects to his father, he saw Lei Bo leaving. He was dressed in his traveling clothes, a pack slung over his shoulder, and he looked at Zhan Wen with a distant, almost cold expression, before he walked out without a word.
Zhan Wen felt a pang of confusion and hurt. Had he done something wrong? Why was Lei Bo leaving without saying a word to him?
“Lei-ge?”
Lei Bo ignored him and continued his long strides out the door. Zhan Wen’s brows pulled, and he stared after him with a strange foreboding sense clouding around him. Zhan Wen saluted his father and waited to hear what he had to say.
The grand hall was filled with elaborate carvings, with a golden dragon at the center of the room, coiling around a jade pillar. Zhan Wei walked towards him from his seat on the throne, it was made of dark wood, with golden accents and cushions embroidered with phoenixes.
“You’re here good,” Zhan Wei smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “In ten years, there will be a competition between the four sects,” Zhan Wei said. “The Heavenly Orchard sect is one of the most powerful sects in the country, and they have the backing of the emperor himself. Their progeny is a omega named Yun Xin, but I advised you not to take them lightly. They’re filled with white wolves, strong and swift. Next is the Snake Poison sect, which is filled with snake shifters and poisonous auras, making them formidable opponents. They’ll most likely have Jia Zedong’s main disciple, Shen Shi fight. They are cunning and swift, always be on your guard. The last is the Fearless Gang sect, which is filled with mountain lion shifters, known for their strength and agility. Their main disciple is Dong Hu, who won’t go down without a fight. You’ll need to train hard to beat them.”
Zhan Wen’s heart began to race with excitement at the thought of competing against such strong opponents.
His first competition!
It was every cultivator’s dream to participate in one of them and have his skills on full display for the first time. Zhan Wen could barely contain his eagerness.
“It’s a test of strength and skill, my son. Each sect will compete in a series of challenges that will test their abilities in combat, strategy, and knowledge of the elements,” Zhan Wei answered.
“What do we have to do to win, father? How can I bring glory to our sect?” he asked, determination shining in his eyes.
Zhan Wei placed a hand on his son’s shoulder, his voice filled with pride. “You have ten years to prepare, Shengzi. Train hard and master your abilities. Bring honor to our sect by coming out on top and proving that we are the strongest,” he said.
Great. Amazing! Zhan Wen was ready to begin. “Does Lei Bo know about it? I’ll tell him right away!”
Zhan Wei’s happiness dimmed. “Lei Bo is leaving on a mission,” he explained. “He won’t be back for a while.”
Zhan Wen’s face froze and he thought he’d heard wrong. “W-what? Lei Bo is—”
“Going away. I’m afraid he won’t be able to train you for the time being.”
Zhan Wen felt like he was underwater. Lei Bo? Leaving? It didn’t make sense. His heart squeezed painfully as he tried to comprehend his father’s words. He swallowed around the blockage in his throat. “W-where?”
Zhan Wei regarded him for a moment. “Business. Lei Bo is an essential piece to how the Burning Fire sect is as successful as it is today. But don’t worry I’ve asked a fellow disciple Wei Shen who would be able to—Shengzi?”
Zhan Wen fled the throne room, his heart beating out of his chest. He had to find Lei Bo before he left, he couldn’t bear the thought of losing Lei Bo, not after all the comfort and guidance he had provided over the years. Zhan Wen ran out of the throne room and into the treacherous snow outside. The world was a blur of white and gray as he stumbled through the snowdrifts, his tears freezing on his cheeks. He called out Lei Bo’s name over and over, hoping against hope that the older omega would hear him and turn back. Just then he saw a black figure far away, his robes billowing in the wind.
Lei Bo stood tall in his black fur cape. His back turned against Zhan Wen. The wind howls around him, whipping his cape and hair wildly. Snowflakes swirl, clinging to his dark clothing, as he gazed off into the storm.
“Don’t go!” Zhan Wen cried, running as fast as his feet could carry him. He slipped several times on the icy snow until he crashed onto the ground, scraping his knees. Zhan Wen sat in a twisted heap on the snow, his tears hardening on his cheeks. “You promise!”
Lei Bo was like a statue, and then finally, his head turned slightly and Zhan Wen could barely make out the stunning cinnabar near his trembling lashes.
“Don’t follow.” Then he walked away and soon he was swallowed up by the white fog. Zhan Wen collapsed in the snow, his heart breaking into a million pieces. The world around him was bleak and barren, a frozen wasteland of pain and sorrow. It was as if the very air had turned to ice, suffocating him with its cold embrace. He felt lost and alone, adrift in a sea of uncertainty and despair.
He thought of Lei Bo’s warm, comforting scent, and the memory only made his pain worse. It was like a cruel taunt, a reminder of everything he had lost. Zhan Wen didn’t know how long he lay there in the snow. His body was numb and his heart was heavy. Eventually, gentle arms wrapped around him, pulling him out of the snow. Zhan Wei took him inside and dried his tears using a small piece of cloth.
“It hurts for now, but it won’t for long. You’ll see him again. I promise.”
Zhan Wen felt like a shadow of his former self, lost in a world that had grown cold and dark. Why did it hurt so much? Lei Bo wasn’t his family. Yet, Zhan Wen didn’t want to live without him.
The memory of Lei Bo’s kind smile and gentle touch was a distant dream, a fleeting moment of warmth in a world that was now filled with ice and snow.
