The Unspoken Destiny

The Faces of This Chapter:

Yena: Disciple of Lord Niruana | Cheerful, stubborn, thoughtful

Rang Mi: Yena's caretaker and foster aunt | Sharp-tongued but caring, fiercely protective

Zheng Rui: The War God, Former Commander of Royal Army—The guardian of Ruiyi Pavilion | Stern but caring, avoids the past

Miao Miao: Yena's childhood best friend | a flower spirit | Playful, caring, sharp-witted

Lord Niruana: The Water God — acting ruler of the Yuanian realm | Calm, wise, distant, knows more than he says

Yang Zi: Goddess of Essence and Emotion, Friend of Lord Niruana and Wen Rui | Quietly perceptive, understanding, patient

Wen Rui: War God, Commander of Royal Army, Friend of Lord Niruana and Yang Zi | Loyal, pragmatic, duty-driven

Jin Yue – A young man from the Province of Huliya | Confident, resourceful, skilled in medicine and wilderness survival

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Scene: Ruiyi pavilion

Rang Mi paced back and forth inside the chamber, her hands trembling with worry.

Seated calmly, Zheng Rui watched her every movement, his sharp gaze never leaving her. Finally, he sighed, his voice firm but measured.

"Would you please take a moment to rest? Your pacing is making me dizzy."

"How could I rest at a time like this?" Rang Mi snapped, her frustration palpable. "Have you not heard? Yena is going to Tianlok. I cannot allow her to do this... I must speak with Lord Niruana."

She spun toward the doorway, but before she could leave, Zheng Rui caught her arm—gentle, but firm enough to halt her. Seeing the raw emotion in her eyes, he released his grip just as quickly, his tone softening.

"And what would you say to him? That he should stop her? Yena made this decision herself."

"Why? Why would she want to go?" Rang Mi's voice quivered, her emotions raw. 

Zheng Rui exhaled, his expression unreadable. "You know why... There are answers we cannot give her. She wants to seek those answers herself."

Rang Mi wasn't convinced. "But she has already learned enough—"

Zheng Rui cut in, his voice firm. "She has not. We cannot keep the truth from her forever. It is her right to know it."

Rang Mi's heart tightened. "Then I will go with her. I won't let her face this alone."

Before Zheng Rui could respond, a new voice filled the chamber.

"You cannot."

Lord Niruana entered, his expression serene yet absolute.

"She must walk this path alone, Rang Mi," he said, his voice gentle but unwavering. "To protect herself from the dangers ahead, she must awaken the power that lies dormant within her. This is a journey she must undertake."

"And who will protect her until then?" Rang Mi's voice cracked with worry. "You know all, yet you want her to go alone?"

Lord Niruana met her gaze with quiet understanding. "Yena is more capable than you realize. She will not be harmed."

Rang Mi clenched her fists. "I doubt you can guarantee that."

Zheng Rui watched them both, understanding what Rang Mi was truly implying.

"If you do not believe me, then believe in Yena," Niruana continued, his voice resolute. "Come dawn, she will depart. It is not your approval she seeks, but your blessing. Will you deny her even that?"

Without another word, Niruana turned and left the room.

Rang Mi stood, speechless, trying to make sense of his words. Her legs buckled, and she sank onto the bed. Zheng Rui stepped forward, standing by her side in quiet support as she struggled to compose herself.

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Scene: Yunshui Pavilion

The air was heavy with unspoken emotions as Lord Niruana, Yang Zi, Zheng Rui, Wen Rui, Rang Mi, and Miao Miao gathered to bid Yena farewell.

Yena, standing at the center, smiled brightly, though the weight of the moment was evident in her eyes.

"Alright," she said lightly, forcing a cheerful tone. "I shall take my leave now. Try not to miss me too much!"

She turned as if to leave but suddenly paused, throwing a playful pout over her shoulder.

"Actually... you had best not enjoy the peace too much, or I may not return at all!"

Yang Zi, Zheng Rui, and Wen Rui exchanged amused glances, quiet smirks tugging at their lips. Lord Niruana remained composed and unreadable, as always.

Rang Mi, however, wasn't as lighthearted. "Watch what you say, Yena," she scolded, her voice filled with concern. "Take care of yourself. Do not go causing trouble for whatever sect you end up in."

Yena tilted her head, offering Rang Mi a warm smile. "Mimi, I will! Do not be sad, alright?"

Miao Miao, standing beside her, grinned. "Do not worry, Aunt Rang Mi. I'll take care of her."

Rang Mi glanced at Lord Niruana, her expression softening with some relief.

Yena grinned mischievously. "Who's going to take care of who, huh?"

The tension lifted just slightly as a small laugh passed through the group.

But then, Lord Niruana cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Remember, you two. No god has entered Tianlok since the Second Great Settlement. You will not only be joining a sect, but also entering the tournament. You must keep your identity hidden at all costs. Do not use your divine powers recklessly."

He paused, his gaze sharp. "For this reason, I will seal a portion of your powers. They will return to you in moments of true desperation—and fully restore once you enter the tournament."

Yang Zi added, "The age system in Tianlok is complex. Yena, you may use your real age—21. But Miao Miao…" she smirked slightly, "you should say you're 19."

Yena raised an eyebrow. "Nineteen? But she's 3,700 years old!"

She turned to Miao Miao, who only grinned mischievously.

"Her entity is still in its budding phase," Yang Zi said with a knowing smile. "Let it be." she continued "Age is of little significance in Tianlok; one's cultivation level determines their wisdom and strength... Also, you can join any sect in any province."

Rang Mi's voice faltered as she began to speak, concern heavy in her words. "However, you should avoid the province of—"

She stopped as Zheng Rui shot her a subtle look—one that told her to hold her tongue.

Lord Niruana smoothly intervened. "You know which provinces to avoid," he said, his gaze steady. "But my advice is to focus on the sect itself, not the province. Choose wisely. A good sect will teach you to master both your magic and your mind. That is what truly matters."

Wen Rui, ever the warrior, stepped forward. "Yena, remember the training I gave you. In the world of commoners, agility is everything. Physical strength will carry you further than power alone."

Zheng Rui, gave a small nod. "Enough words, I assume. Let them go—they will find their own way"

Yena and Miao Miao exchanged a final glance, filled with silent understanding.

And with that, they turned to leave.

As the two disappeared into the mist beyond the pavilion, the gods stood in solemn stillness.

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Scene: Province of Huliya

Yena and Miao Miao arrived in a dense yet breathtakingly beautiful forest. Miao Miao, perched on Yena's back, let out a small giggle before realizing Yena's sigh beneath her.

Yena: "Miao Miao, would you kindly get off my back?"

Startled, Miao Miao hurriedly got up, extending her hand to help Yena stand.

Miao Miao: "Ah! My apologies, Yena! It has been so long since I traveled here... I must have miscalculated my spell."

Yena (dusting herself off): "It's fine. But… do you have any idea where we are?"

Miao Miao studied their surroundings carefully, her brows furrowing.

Miao Miao: "Hmm… we are in…" (she hesitated, then shrugged, turning to Yena with an innocent smile) "I have no idea."

Yena let out a light chuckle, placing a reassuring hand on Miao Miao's shoulder.

Yena: "That's alright. We'll find our way out together."

Miao Miao brightened at her words, a soft smile forming.

Miao Miao: "You've changed here… or rather, you remind me of how you were four years ago."

Yena, glancing at her curiously while scanning the bushes, tilted her head slightly.

Yena: "And how was I back then?"

Miao Miao's eyes softened as memories surfaced.

Miao Miao: "You were… freer. You smiled, not as a mask but because you meant it. You knew what you wanted—stubborn yet unwavering. And you were fearless. But after our journey four years ago, you became quieter… always searching, always lost in thought."

Yena paused for a moment before a slow smile formed on her lips.

Yena: "Then think of this as my return to who I truly am. I had to hide my strength, pretend to be weak, so they would not force me to awaken my powers before I was ready. But now, I have decided. No more searching through books—I will find the truth with my own hands."

A quiet understanding passed between them as they sat together for a moment.

Miao Miao beamed. "Then, welcome back, Yena."

Yena nodded in confirmation before they embraced briefly.

As they pulled apart, Miao Miao glanced around, her voice turning hesitant. "But… where exactly are we? This forest is stunning, yet it carries a certain… unease."

Yena: "Don't be afraid, Miao Miao. Judging by the surroundings, I believe we are in the Province of Huliya."

Miao Miao: "Huliya?" (Her voice held both wonder and uncertainty)

Yena: "Yes. Its forests are not only vast but filled with untamed beauty. And listen…" (she closed her eyes briefly) "There are other beings here."

Miao Miao's expression turned wary. "That only makes it all the more dangerous."

Yena (offering a calm smile): "How can a divine spirit be afraid of a mere forest? I am with you. There is no need for fear." (She rose, offering her hand) "Come, let's find a way out before nightfall."

Miao Miao grasped her hand, and together, they began searching for an exit.

Throughout the journey, Miao Miao chided Yena to be careful, while also using her connection with the flowers to help guide their path. After hours of walking, they stumbled upon an open clearing, bathed in golden light, where small creatures—rabbits, birds, and delicate insects—thrived among the flowers.

As exhaustion took hold, Miao Miao flopped onto the soft grass, tugging on Yena's sleeve.

Miao Miao (she pleaded, her voice laced with childlike charm): "Let's rest, please?"

Yena sighed in defeat. "Alright, alright. I doubt we can leave the forest before nightfall. We will stay here until morning."

She turned to Miao Miao with a firm look. "Stay here. I am going to look for something to eat. Don't wander. If trouble arises, call for me."

Miao Miao grinned mischievously. "Understood! But take your time—just return with plenty of fruit." Then, with a sheepish pout, she added, "Oh! And water… I might wither away without enough to drink."

Yena let out an amused chuckle, shaking her head. "How can I let my little flower wilt? Just wait for me." And with that, she disappeared into the forest.

Half an hour later, when Yena returned with supplies, she was met with an unsettling sight—Miao Miao was nowhere to be seen.

Her heart quickened. Just as she was about to search for her, a commotion from nearby caught her attention. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward the sound.

As she arrived, she was greeted with an unexpected scene—Miao Miao had seized a young man by his ear, tugging mercilessly, while he winced in pain, struggling to free himself.

Yena, bewildered, spoke in a low but audible voice. "Miao Miao…?"

At the sound of her friend's voice, Miao Miao turned, releasing the young man. He immediately exhaled in relief, rubbing his reddened ear.

Yena: "What in the world is happening? And who is this?"

Miao Miao (huffing): "I caught him mistreating that poor rabbit!" (She pointed to an unconscious rabbit lying nearby) "He was harming it!"

The young man finally found his voice, sounding utterly exasperated.

Young Man: "You… sigh…"

Miao Miao: "You what?" (she challenged, narrowing her eyes) "I caught you red-handed! Lying won't help you now."

Young Man: "You didn't even bother to understand the situation. The rabbit was poisoned—I was neutralizing the venom when you attacked me!"

Yena turned to Miao Miao, considering his words.

Yena: "Is this true?"

Miao Miao hesitated, finally glancing at the rabbit with uncertainty.

Yena knelt beside it, inspecting its condition. After a moment, she looked up.

Yena: "He's telling the truth. The rabbit is stable now, only unconscious due to the treatment."

Miao Miao, realizing her mistake, lowered her gaze, her ears tinged with embarrassment.

The young man waved a dismissive hand. "It's fine, so long as you understand now."

Miao Miao (crossing her arms): "You should have explained sooner."

Young Man: "How could I, when you were too busy attacking me?" (He let out a sigh before pulling out a small mirror from his bag, checking his reflection) "At least my face is unharmed."

Yena and Miao Miao blinked at him in disbelief.

Tucking the mirror away, he finally introduced himself.

Young Man: "My name is Jin Yue. I am from the Province of Huliya." (He made a slight bow but straightened quickly) "And you? You don't seem to be from around here."

Miao Miao crossed her arms. "And what's that supposed to mean? Are you saying we don't look good enough?"

Jin Yue (raised his hands in defense): "That's not—!"

Miao Miao: "Whatever. It doesn't matter." (She turned away with a huff.)

Yena intervened. "It's getting dark. Let's move to a safer spot."

As they turned to leave, Jin Yue's voice stopped them.

Jin Yue: "Don't you think it's strange?"

Both girls halted.

Yena: (her voice measured, cautious) "What do you mean?"

He stepped closer, his face mere inches from hers, searching her expression. Their eyes met—steady, unwavering.

Jin Yue: "You tell me."

A breath of silence stretched between them, charged yet uncertain.