Chapter 1: The Mark of Destiny
The village of Nianhua was a quiet, unassuming place where life revolved around farming, festivals, and gossip. Liyue, however, seemed to exist on the fringes of this ordinary life. She wasn't strong, she wasn't popular, and she certainly wasn't well-liked.
Standing by the riverbank, she poked at the water with a stick, watching ripples distort her reflection. Her dark hair fell into her face, but she didn't bother to brush it away. Beneath her sash, an invisible mark burned faintly against her skin, a constant reminder of something she couldn't understand and didn't want to explain.
"Liyue, daydreaming again?"
Kai Feng's voice jolted her from her thoughts. She turned, scowling. He was trudging toward her, arms full of herbs and a lopsided grin on his face.
"I'm not daydreaming," she said, tossing the stick into the river. "I'm thinking."
"Same thing," Kai Feng teased. "What is it this time? Planning to run away and join a band of thieves? Or maybe you're secretly training to be a warrior. Except, oh wait, you can't even lift a bucket without toppling over."
Liyue shot him a glare. "Not everyone wants to be a show-off like you."
"Show-off? I'm a humble gatherer of herbs," Kai Feng said, striking an exaggerated pose. "And yet, somehow, I'm still the most interesting person in your life."
She snorted. "Interesting isn't the word I'd use."
"You wound me." He held out a sprig of mint. "Here, a peace offering. The elder's looking for you, by the way. Big announcement in the square."
Liyue took the mint without a word, her curiosity piqued despite herself. The elder rarely called for public gatherings, and when he did, it usually meant trouble.
---
The square was crowded with villagers, all craning their necks to see Elder Zhen, who stood at the center with a stranger. The woman beside him radiated an otherworldly presence. Her golden hair shimmered, and her staff seemed to hum faintly, as if alive.
"Villagers of Nianhua," Elder Zhen began, his voice steady. "We are honored by the presence of Sage Yulan, a celestial envoy. She brings news of a great trial that concerns us all."
Liyue kept to the back of the crowd, arms crossed. Her mark pulsed faintly beneath her sash, but she ignored it. She wasn't about to draw attention to herself.
Sage Yulan stepped forward. Her gaze was sharp and all-seeing. "The Red Pearl is a relic of immense power," she said. "It holds the balance between realms. Only those chosen by fate can unlock its potential. The trials will reveal these individuals."
"Sounds like trouble," Kai Feng muttered beside Liyue. "Bet you're going to be chosen."
"Why would I?" Liyue whispered back. "I'm the weakest person in the village. Nobody would choose me for anything."
"Ah, but you're smart," Kai Feng said, nudging her. "Maybe they need someone who can outthink their opponents. Or someone to trip over a rock and distract the enemy."
Liyue rolled her eyes. "Hilarious."
Yulan's voice cut through the chatter. "Those who feel the call, step forward. The trials await."
A few brave villagers moved hesitantly toward the front. Liyue stayed rooted to the spot. Her mark burned hotter now, almost painfully. She pressed a hand to her sash, willing it to stop.
"Go on," Kai Feng whispered, his voice unusually soft. "You never know."
"I'd rather not," Liyue replied. "I'm not interested in being the village spectacle."
But as she turned to leave, the mark on her waist flared to life, glowing faintly through her sash. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Liyue froze, dread pooling in her stomach.
"Well, that's subtle," Kai Feng quipped, trying to mask his surprise. "Looks like you're not as ordinary as you thought."
Yulan's gaze locked onto her. "You," she said, her tone unreadable. "The trials have chosen you."
Liyue's cheeks burned. "There must be a mistake," she said quickly. "I'm not—"
"The Red Pearl doesn't make mistakes," Yulan interrupted. "The mark you bear is proof of your destiny."
The crowd murmured uneasily. Liyue felt their eyes on her, judging, questioning. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stand tall. If she was going to be dragged into this, she wouldn't do it cowering.
---
As the sun set, Liyue stood at the edge of the village, staring into the unknown. Kai Feng lingered beside her, uncharacteristically quiet.
"You're scared," he said finally.
"Of course I'm scared," she snapped. "Wouldn't you be?"
Kai Feng shrugged. "Maybe. But if anyone can figure this out, it's you. Just... don't trip on your way to greatness, okay?"
She laughed despite herself. "I'll try."
With that, she took her first step toward the trials, her heart heavy but her mind sharp. The Re
d Pearl's mystery awaited, and she intended to uncover it—weakness and all.