Book 1 - Chapter 1 - The Birth
Rainbow Island, Southwest of the Sun Empire, on the outskirts of the Multicolor Leaf Forest.
The Multicolor Leaf Forest was aptly named, for it was no ordinary grove. Instead of bearing the traditional green, every tree had leaves that were a riot of colors, making it seem like the seasons changed with every step. The vibrant foliage created a symphony of hues, becoming a breathtaking spectacle where the heart could bask in nature's splendor.
However, despite its picturesque beauty, the forest remained largely unexplored due to its hidden dangers—ferocious creatures and spirit beasts lurking within. Occasionally, the tranquility was pierced by a distant, eerie howl or an unsettling rustle larger than that caused by the wind, hinting at unseen threats. Still, a few daring individuals braved its perils, seeking its resources or using its paths as shortcuts.
A quilt of gray clouds dominated the sky on this autumn day, with sporadic sunlight piercing through, casting shimmering patches on the forest floor. Playful gusts carried vibrant leaves in whimsical spirals, painting fleeting mosaics in the air. The aroma of damp soil and the scent of decaying foliage created a unique olfactory tapestry.
Against this vivid backdrop, a convoy of four wagons carrying about a dozen people made its way. The wagons, filled with their precious cargo, trundled forward, creaking and groaning with every jolt along the uneven path. Sturdy horses, their coats a medley of chestnut and ebony, pulled the wagons with relentless determination. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the jingle of harnesses created a melodic accompaniment to the merchants' conversation.
The convoy was headed toward Leaf City, the nearest city in the surroundings, hence its name. Because the other human settlements in the area comprised only small villages, Leaf City served as a pivotal trade hub. Its bustling activities attracted many people who hoped to find what they needed in the city. It was also the final destination of the convoy's long journey.
Two male merchants were busy in a cheerful conversation at the forefront of one wagon, their voices blending with the sounds of nature. They exchanged anecdotes and laughter, their words punctuated by the occasional gust of air that tousled their hair and tugged at their garments.
"Quite the haul this time, eh, Jian? Sell these in the city, and we'll be golden for months!" the man holding the reins of the horses pulling the wagon commented.
His voice rang out loud and clear, cutting through the rustle of the leaves. Every word was filled with an infectious enthusiasm, making even the most tired traveler in the convoy perk up a bit.
Sunlight peeked through the gaps in the forest and clouds, casting a warm glow upon his face. The play of light highlighted the golden strands of his hair and gave a luminescent sheen to his rosy cheeks. His purple vest, adorned with intricate golden patterns, reflected his prosperity and optimism.
The companion, his dark eyes mirroring the depths of the forest, listened attentively, his expression a mixture of weariness and relief. The burden of responsibility seemed to weigh upon his shoulders, visible in the lines etched upon his face and the shadows that clung to his eyes.
Qin Jian's thoughts drifted to his pregnant wife inside the carriage, her safety always at the forefront of his mind. "Yes, we can't complain. We were on schedule, and Leaf City shouldn't be much further," he replied, a soft note of gratitude evident in his voice, relieved they were nearing a place of safety.
"Right, Farah... At the thought of all that money, I forgot for a moment that your wife is pregnant. I understand you have to work to support the family, but wouldn't it have been better if you all had stayed in some city, Jian?! Or at least her." The first merchant, acting as the wagon's driver, asked.
Qin Jian met his colleague's gaze, a blend of resignation and determination evident. It was clear he had grappled with this question often. He heaved a sigh before answering. His words carried away on a gentle breeze.
"I've often wondered if it was wise to bring her. But where could I leave her, Shang? We are itinerant merchants, constantly on the move to conduct our business. Besides, we have no close relatives, and I cannot bear the thought of leaving her alone where we have no familiar faces. So, I choose to keep her with me, knowing she is safe."
Shang noticed his friend's somber mood and attempted to lift his spirits, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. "All right, all right... Luckily, your wife possesses spirit power and has had no complications so far. I can't imagine what we would have done if she had given birth outdoors. I'm still young; I'd rather postpone dealing with little rascals for a while longer.
But we have known each other for a long time. If you ever need a helping hand, you only have to ask. I will do my best while I am in the city. You can forget any babysitting favors, though, hahaha." Shang chuckled, his laughter blending with the surrounding ambiance.
"Thanks, Shang. You are a true friend," Qin Jian said, smiling at the words of his colleague and friend.
Meanwhile, inside the gently swaying carriage, Farah found solace among the softly creaking crates. The wagon's movement rocked her gently, a cradle for her thoughts as much as for her body. Light sifted through the canvas cover in spotted patterns, dancing across her brown skin and illuminating the cascading brown hair that framed her contemplative face. Her gentle, almond-shaped, and warm-honey-colored eyes shimmered with the reflection of the kaleidoscopic world outside, blending her inner warmth with the forest's vibrant life.
"Can you believe our luck? From the hardships of my past, being sold by my family as a slave to someone I could not trust, to now. It's like a dream." Farah murmured softly, her voice like a soothing lullaby.
As she cradled her swollen belly with her fingertips, the precious life within responded with a gentle kick, a ripple of movement mirroring the rustling leaves outside as if they wanted to acknowledge their mother's words.
The forest's chorus—a symphony of distant bird calls, the rustle of multicolored leaves, and the occasional distant howl—wove through her thoughts, lending a wild melody to her dreams for the future. The earthy scent of damp soil and decaying foliage seeped through the carriage's cracks, grounding her in the moment and reminding her of the cycles of life and renewal surrounding her. Even the air she breathed, filled with the essence of the forest, seemed to whisper promises of hope and new beginnings.
Drawing a deep breath, she continued, "Despite my unfortunate circumstances, fate gave me another chance. I met your father, the best man I could have ever hoped to meet. And now we are expecting you. Soon, we will reach the city where you can join us, my little one. We'll be with your father, and together, we will buy a home. Your father and I will do our best to support you all your life."
Despite her delicate state, she accompanied her husband, determined to remain by his side during this critical juncture. Her unwavering devotion was a testament to their shared hope for a brighter future in which they could provide a secure and nurturing environment for their unborn child.
But as the wheels of their carts pressed forward, unbeknownst to them, the fickle threads of destiny were already weaving a tale — one where joy and sorrow danced in unpredictable harmony, forever altering their lives and setting in motion a series of events that would change not only their destiny but also the fate of the entire world.
* * *
As the sun slipped below the horizon, casting a golden-orange glow over the landscape, twenty figures in obsidian cloaks blended with the dimming light. The distant hum of chatter and the clinking of merchandise drew their attention to the caravan. Their sharp, hungry eyes fixated on the merchants, making them resemble wolves stalking their next meal.
"Boss, this looks promising. With night drawing near, we could catch them off-guard. They won't even see us coming." one of the cloaked men whispered to his leader beside him, anticipation and greed evident in his voice.
The chief, taking a moment to feel the cool evening breeze and the earth's scent before returning to the merchants, responded, "I agree. Luck hasn't been on our side lately, but this convoy could be our chance to turn the tide. Assume your positions and await my signal. Remember, no fucking games. Dispatch them swiftly, wasting no time," the chief commanded, his voice resonating with authority as he closely observed the merchants.
As the hour passed and darkness enveloped the land, the bandit leader gave a discreet hand signal to his lieutenant. This silent command was swiftly passed through the ranks, each bandit preparing for the onslaught, dispersing strategically. Moments later, the twang of twenty bows shattered the night's silence as they released their deadly volley.
The sudden noise sent bone-chilling terror through the merchants. Their faces drained of color as realization dawned. They were surrounded and under attack, but they were late. They were trapped in a hailstorm of arrows with no time to seek shelter.
"Arrows!? Ambush!"
"Fuck, bandits!"
Their hands instinctively reached for their weapons. Drawing upon their inner energy, they summoned a shimmering protective aura around themselves, ready to face the rain of arrows. Yet, not everyone was quick enough, and a couple of men succumbed to their wounds, their blood seeping into the thirsty ground.
With the arrow barrage subsiding, the bandits charged forward, swords raised and gleaming in the faint moonlight. Chaos erupted all around as the two groups clashed. Blows were exchanged in rapid succession. The air reverberated with the haunting melody of clashing swords, a deafening testament to the fight for survival.
While the merchants might have seemed easy prey, their years on perilous routes had molded them into formidable fighters. But no matter how bravely they fought back, numbers and skill were against them. Slowly, their defenses wavered and broke, their bodies joining their fallen comrades on the blood-soaked ground.
In the midst of it all, Qin Jian faced off against three adversaries. His blade moved with grace and precision as he deftly parried their attacks. His resolution to protect his family gave him the strength to endure the assault.
Behind him, Farah shielded their child, her hands protectively cradling her pregnant belly. The soft gusts of wind carried the pungent scent of blood and earth, making her tremble with fear. But her heart held a fierce determination to safeguard the promise of their future.
"Farah," Qin Jian's voice cracked, every word weighed down by the dread of a final goodbye. Memories of shared sunsets, laughter, and whispered secrets resurfaced, drawing a sharp contrast to the hellish scene around them. He locked eyes with her, desperately trying to convey a lifetime of love in one fleeting moment. "When I give you the signal, I will create an opening. I want you to take the horse and flee. For the sake of our child."
"How can you ask this of me, Jian? To leave you behind?" Her voice quivered, the raw emotion evident.
"Listen to me! There's no time. It's our only chance. For our child," he insisted, voice breaking, a lone tear cutting through the dust and grime on his face. "Promise me, Farah."
The sheer gravity of their situation bore down on Farah, and every tear blurred not only her vision but also the remnants of hope in her heart.
While seizing a fleeting opportunity, Qin Jian's body acted on sheer instinct. He lunged forward with a sudden burst of energy, using his blade's flat side to push one enemy into another, creating a brief opening in their defense. With a swift strike of his sword, he severed the ropes binding the horse to the wagon.
"Go, Farah! NOW!" His shout, desperate yet commanding, pierced through the chaos. He then positioned himself before the horse to ward off any bandits attempting to impede their escape.
The weight of their shared life — dreams, promises, memories — pressed on Farah's soul. Pushing aside her agony, she clambered onto the horse, willing it away from the horror she left behind. A fleeting glance back revealed the gut-wrenching sight of her beloved being pierced from all sides by the remaining bandits, who had nearly killed the rest of the merchants.
"Jian!" she screamed, her voice echoing with raw pain and despair. But her brief escape was cut short. A spear, silhouetted against the moonlight, found its mark, lodging into her shoulder and throwing her violently from her mount.
While rolling on the ground due to the impact, pulsating agony consumed her. However, even in that dire situation, Farah's instinct to protect kicked in. She enveloped her abdomen in a protective aura while ignoring the rest of her body, creating a shimmering shield for her unborn child.
As her strength dwindled, her vision blurred, and she focused on an approaching figure. The man's crooked smile and scarred face seemed a nightmarish mirage, a grotesque herald of the doom creeping upon her.
The bandit leader, eyes gleaming with malevolence, smirked down at Farah. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he sneered, each word dripping with disdain as he brutally kicked her wounded shoulder, forcibly turning her over to face him.
"In another time, your beauty might've fetched a good sum," he taunted, pausing to size her up. "But with that belly, you're not worth much now, are you? Besides, I cannot waste time making sure you do not die." His words were like ice, emotionless and cutting. "Though you can't serve as a slave, your companions' valuables will serve me well."
One of his underlings approached, breathlessly updating him. "Boss, the merchants gave quite the fight. We lost Fei. But the loot is exceptional! There are treasures that'll make us richer than we've imagined."
A self-satisfied smirk spread across the leader's face. "Fei was more trash than help. It's better to have fewer hands to split the bounty. Now, load the goods onto a single wagon and stack the bodies in the empty ones. Once done, we'll set everything ablaze and escape, leaving nothing behind."
He gestured briskly, his men moving to obey. His cold, calculating eyes then refocused on Farah, looking almost amused by her vulnerability. "For the precious treasures you've provided," he purred, drawing his blade and leaning in menacingly, "I'll grant you a quick end."
Farah's mind raced in the harrowing silence that followed the bandit leader's decision. Images of her life with Qin Jian, from their first meeting to the shared dreams of their future, flashed before her eyes. Tears streamed down her face, not just from the pain of her wound but from the crushing weight of her impending loss. 'Please, Jian. If you can hear me, please protect our child.' But her thoughts were abruptly silenced as the blade's cold touch met her neck, stealing her life.
Suddenly, not far from the busy bandits, a shadow detached itself from the dark cloak of the night. It moved with a ghostly elegance, quickly descending upon a lone bandit, cutting him down without a sound. One by one, the mysterious figure dispatched bandits, their surprised cries muffled by the uncanny speed of their assailant.
Having noticed the commotion, the leader turned and stared into the abyssal darkness. Out of it, a monstrous form appeared under the moon's pale light. An enormous spider with legs sharp as blades and eyes that glowed a venomous purple-red stared back — an aura, thick with menace and intent, wrapped around it.
The moment the monstrous form of the spirit beast emerged, the leader's initial shock turned to visceral terror. A gaping mouth of horror replaced his confident smirk. Paralyzed by a fear he had never known, he dropped his weapon, its clatter silenced by the thick underbrush, as he stumbled backward, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Summoning all his strength, he barely croaked out, "Spirit Beast." Before he could comprehend what was happening before his eyes, the spider lunged, its leg slicing through him as quickly as a hot knife through butter.
After dispatching the bandit leader, the spider turned its attention to the lifeless woman, its vivid purple eyes shifting intently to her belly.
Sensing the fragile pulse of life within her womb, it approached with an unusual gentleness. Its massive legs hovered just above the woman's skin, enveloped in a soft, radiant aura. The spider's tips delicately traced a vertical incision along the woman's stomach, barely breaching the surface. Its actions were uncharacteristic of a beast with such a fearsome appearance.
As the spider's tips delicately traced the incision, the only sound was the faint whisper of its movement against her skin, a silent symphony played in the moonlit tableau. The air seemed to hold its breath, charged with a palpable, expectant energy.
Once its precise incision was complete, the spider carefully parted the skin. It then slid two other legs inside, moving with the utmost delicacy. From within, it gently cradled and extracted a newborn baby, still covered in blood and amniotic fluid and tethered by the umbilical cord to its deceased mother. Nestled securely between the spider's legs, the infant remained untouched by harm.
Shifting its hold, the spider gently patted the baby's back, eliciting a sharp cry that marked the first breath in his life. In the silence that followed the newborn's first cry, the world seemed to pause—a moment of sorrowful beauty marked by the presence of blood and death.
As if responding to the child's distress, the spider increased the protective aura around him, causing the fluids to evaporate and calming his cries. After ensuring the infant's safety, the spider severed the umbilical cord using one of its razor-sharp legs, then tore a piece of Farah's garment to swaddle him.
With the child now secured and the umbilical cord severed, the spider paused. Its eyes moved between the mother and son as if comprehending the depth of the tragedy that had befallen them. Silently, it turned towards the moonlit forest, making its way into the dense thicket.
Adorned on the spider's back, illuminated by the moon's ethereal glow, were two eggs encased in iridescent silver silk. One egg was pitch black with intricate golden patterns, while the other boasted a dark purple hue intertwined with silver threads, mirroring the spider that carried them.
That day, unbeknownst to anyone, an event of unimaginable consequence unfolded. It marked the beginning of changes that would ripple throughout the world, altering its course forever.
* * *
I arrived at a small lake nestled at the forest's eastern edge. The moonlight painted a luminous sheen on the water's surface, casting a mesmerizing silver glow. A tranquil aura enveloped the surroundings, occasionally interrupted by the gentle sounds of nocturnal creatures nearby.
Drawn towards the water source, I approached and dipped myself into its depths, causing ripples to dance across the calm surface. The water's cool caress against my skin contrasted with the warmth of the night air. The shallow area near the shore ensured my safety, preventing any chance of sinking, not that it mattered to me anyway.
Carefully, I unwrapped the cloth that enveloped the child, still painted with the vestiges of birth. The scent of new life mixed with the sharp, metallic undertone of blood. I gently dampened the cloth, wary of the lake's chilly embrace, and began to clean the child. Each stroke of the cloth was met with a cry, a protest at the cold touch, echoing through the stillness.
I persevered until I finished cleaning him. Then, I gently dried him with strands of silk, wrapping him snugly to ward off the night's chill. As I wove the silk around him, a myriad of emotions enveloped me, much like the web I crafted.
Was it protectiveness? Curiosity? Or perhaps an attempt to achieve the dream he once had - to bridge the divide between our races? The child's innocent cries stirred something primal within me, a vow to shield him from the shadows that lurked beyond this forest.
After I put him in a silk cocoon, the human child was finally soothed. Then, I embarked on the journey back to my den within the forest's heart.
Upon reaching my destination, I gathered fallen leaves, creating a small circle where I could place the child. I carefully unfastened the silk bindings that secured my two eggs to my back, tenderly placing them beside the human child on the ground.
Strangely, seeing them all together didn't feel strange. It was, instead, the most natural occurrence in the world to me, evoking a sense of unity and connection; it felt like an ancient song, echoing tales of unity and bonds that transcended species.
Engulfed in a fog of emotions, I began to contemplate the fateful events that had brought us together.
"Why did I save him? He is human, after all. I had no prior connection to his mother. Yet, the thought of him perishing in darkness within his mother's womb, ignorant of the world outside, filled me with terror. But now, what am I to do? Humans will soon discover the aftermath and commence their investigation. I am still uncertain if this region harbors formidable martial artists, although judging by their strength, I doubt it. Yet, the child deserves to be with his kind."
Lost in my ruminations, I was jolted back to reality by the sudden cry of the child behind me. Startled, I swiftly turned and hurried to his side, anxiously inspecting his tiny body, searching for any signs of distress. To my relief, he appeared unharmed, and I surmised that hunger must have prompted his tears.
Gently cradling him with my legs, I brought him closer to me; at this point, a milky substance akin to nourishing milk emanated from my abdomen. With the power of my spirit, I guided the fluid toward the child's mouth, offering nourishment in each precious droplet. Gradually, his hunger subsided, and he drifted back into slumber.
"Thankfully, he has found peace. Otherwise, I would have been at a loss. Now, it is time for us both to rest. Later, I shall return to the site of the bandit attack. Perhaps someone has noticed the massacre, and I can entrust this baby to their care."
And so, with the human child and my two eggs by my side, I surrendered to sleep within the intricate embrace of my silk-spun web. As morning dawned, I cautiously returned to the carnage scene, patiently awaiting other humans' arrival.
* * *
Around noon, a sizable group came into view. Clad in various types of iron armor and weapons, they appeared more like mercenaries than regular soldiers, their equipment reflecting their diverse backgrounds.
Their attention was swiftly drawn to the gruesome scene before them. Accustomed to the horrors of war, the sight of the massacre did not intimidate them, but the unsettling condition of certain corpses gave them pause.
"Commander," reported one of the mercenaries with a deep, gravelly voice, "we've examined the bodies. It was an attack orchestrated by bandits on a group of merchants, as evidenced by the sword and arrow wounds on the merchant victims. However, it seems the bandits fell victim to some unknown force; they were brutally cleaved in half by a single blow. Additionally, there's a woman's body with her stomach half-opened and an umbilical cord protruding."
Upon hearing the report, the commander furrowed his brow and dismounted, approaching the woman's lifeless form near the bandit leader. The scent of iron and decay filled the air, almost palpable.
"These wounds... could they be the work of a spirit beast? But why would a spirit beast kill the bandits and leave the corpses behind? Furthermore, this is undoubtedly a result of a cesarean section. A spirit beast couldn't possess the intelligence to perform such an act unless... is it a high-level spirit beast or higher? A Divine Beast!" The mercenary leader shuddered at the terrifying possibility, memories of ancient tales from his childhood resurfacing, particularly those of the catastrophic war against the infamous divine beasts.
"No, no... it can't be. Divine Beasts have been extinct for millennia. It must be the work of a human, a highly skilled one at that. Otherwise, they wouldn't have spared the child. But why did they leave the bodies like this, especially the woman's?"
Unable to find a logical explanation, the mercenary chief rose to his feet and issued orders to his men. "Secure some horses and tie them to the wagons. Gather the bandits' corpses in one wagon and the bodies of the merchants and the woman in another. We will take them all along with the cargo of goods."
Upon receiving their leader's instructions, the mercenaries set to work without complaint, efficiently carrying out their assigned tasks, a testament to their experience.
Meanwhile, concealed within the forest, a dark figure with eight watchful eyes observed their actions from a distance.
"A group of mercenaries... Judging by their conduct, they don't seem like bad people. If I were to leave the child with them, they would take him to the nearby city. Yet, I find myself unable to part with him." The spider contemplated, her gaze fixed upon the mercenaries' activities.
Motionless, she remained entrenched in her thoughts even as the mercenaries completed their duties and gradually vanished from sight. Reluctant to act, she wrestled with her indecision. Finally, as the mercenaries disappeared on the horizon, she turned and retraced her steps back to the forest, where her den awaited.
"What have I done? Why did I hesitate to leave the child with those mercenaries? Why is it so difficult to let him go?" With each step toward her den, the spider repeated these questions like a persistent mantra echoing within her mind.
Her logical reasoning urged her to entrust the human child to his kind while an inexplicable intuition whispered not to release the child. The latter’s innocent gaze, filled with trust, pierced her heart; it was an unspoken plea for protection. Hours seemed to stretch into eternity as her resolve wavered, torn between the world she knew and the unknown future destiny envisioned for him. Finally, emerging from her introspection, she made a firm proclamation.
"Enough! I have made up my mind. It is futile to dwell on it any longer. I will keep the child with me and raise him as my own son. I don't know why, but my instincts tell me not to let him go. However, I must help him grow stronger to raise him in this environment. I hope that he will not resent me for this selfish choice in the future. In return, I will shower him with all my love, just as his mother would have."
With her resolve solidified, the spider secreted a milk-like substance from her abdomen. Simultaneously, she delicately pricked one of her legs, allowing a tiny droplet of blood to mingle with the milky liquid. As the colors melded, the blend turned a rich, ruby hue, glowing with a potent energy. She gently presented it to the child, who, sensing its importance, drank eagerly.
"This will fortify you and shape your future. It will bring challenges along the way, but I will raise you to be strong enough to overcome them. While I'm alive, I will shield you from any harm. For now, you will grow up healthy, happy, and loved. When the time comes, I will unveil more about the world and myself."
With this momentous choice, the child's destiny veered onto the winding path of cultivation. Whether this path was a blessing or a curse remained to be seen. Only time could reveal the answer.
