Opening theme song "Far Away" by Nickelback
In a grand room, Jaden Fang sprawled on top of a king-size bed, his right hand cradling his head. The silver mask glistened under the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the window, casting a silvery sheen on the dark wood floor.
The scent of old leather and wood polish wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of the berries he lazily plopped into his mouth. He savored the sweet taste, his tongue dancing across the juicy flesh.
His expression remained unreadable beneath the mask, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Seriously, Jaden Fang, I still can't believe you," Dylan cracked, his voice laced with amusement, as he sipped wine from the shot glass.
The liquid glowed like rubies in the dim light, and the bitter taste stung his tongue.
His clenched jaw betrayed his expression, a hint of frustration simmering beneath the surface.
A lazy smirk tugged at Jaden's lips, and he replied, curving his lips into a lazy smile, "I will take that as a half-compliment."
"More like it's a miracle you didn't scare her off," Dylan scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm, his eyes flashing with annoyance.
Something flickered in Jaden's eyes, a fleeting glimmer of interest, but it disappeared quickly, leaving his expression inscrutable once more.
His lips sucked on the berry inside his mouth, the sweetness exploding on his taste buds, as his gaze lingered on his brother silently.
Dylan grabbed the shot glass and downed the content, the bitter taste rushing through his lungs, leaving a warm tingling sensation.
His lips twitched frivolously as he felt the liquor's effects begin to take hold.
"More like it," Jaden countered, his voice low and meaningful, his eyes locked onto his brother's.
Dylan raised a brow at that, his curiosity piqued.
"Meaning?" He questioned, his voice tinged with skepticism.
Jaden got up from his lying position and leaned forward, his leg crossed, his silver locks falling on his forehead like a cascade of moonlight.
Jaden squinted his eyes at his twin brother, his gaze piercing.
"She's not the only Taoism Bloodline from a different race; there are others.
Why do I perceive that your hatred towards her is personal?" He asked, his voice strangely calm, his eyes boring into his brother's soul.
Dylan scoffed hard at the accusation, his face reddening with anger, and threw his line of sight away from his brother, refusing to admit to his claims.
"Why would I?
You're forgetting that the ancestors choosing their bloodline from different races is already a slap to our face!" Dylan blurted, his heart pounding up in anger, his voice rising.
Jaden leaned back in his lying position, munching on his berry with an unknowing expression, his eyes gleaming with interest.
"You know…" He drawled,
"She may seem weak, but when I gripped her neck, I felt the mana throbbing inside of her." He revealed, his eyes darkening, flashing with the recollections of memory in the green woods with Kimora.
The scent of damp earth and leaves wafted through his mind, transporting him back to that moment.
Dylan's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with surprise, his face pale in the dim light.
"H…how's that possible?" He managed to find his words, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jaden glanced at him, raising a wine cup to his lips, the liquid glowing like rubies in the dim light.
"Anything is possible, Dylan Fang," He admitted, his voice calm, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light.
Dylan turned to face the glowing moon, silently, his breathing replaced the silence, a sense of unease settling over him.
"The demon Lord may have gotten news of the appearance of the Taoism Bloodline.
Brother, it's hard to admit, but we need to go through with the situation, even if pretending to protect our world." Jaden explained with a hard expression, his voice firm and resolute.
"I guess…" Dylan retorted, and the room returned to silence, the only sound the soft hum of the night outside.
Dylan sipped his drink silently, his back facing the room as he overlooked the calm night, lost in thought.
Jaden continued to dip berries in his mouth and flush them down with wine, while unknowing thoughts went through his mind, his eyes gleaming with a mysterious light.
...
The next morning, it dawned bright and clear, casting a warm glow over the room.
Kimora stood before the wall-length mirror, neatly dressed in her uniform - a sky-blue knee-length gown with matching white boots that sparkled in the morning light.
Her raven hair was sleekly styled into a flower bun, and her eyes shone with determination.
She unconsciously rubbed her neck again, feeling the tender skin where Wuba-Fa had magically healed her injuries from the previous night.
The gentle touch sent a shiver down her spine, but she felt lighter, freer.
Feeling refreshed and with her mind made up, she glanced at her two spirit fairy guardians, Wuba-Fa and the other, and nodded her head.
"Let's head to the training ground," She said, her voice firm and resolute.
Wuba-Fa blinked, quivered, and they left the room together, their footsteps echoing down the hallway.
On their way, they bumped into Luna, Taj, Sowei, Ohm, and Elsa, who were about to head to the dining hall.
The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee wafted through the air, making Kimora's stomach growl with hunger.
Luna and Elsa wore the same sky-blue knee-length gown as Kimora, while the boys wore black tunics that seemed to absorb the morning light.
"Hey Kimora, you're better now?" Taj asked, his eyes scanning her face with concern. Kimora silently nodded her head, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Sorry we couldn't do anything when you got dragged away yesterday," Elsa stated, her voice laced with regret and apology.
Kimora's expression softened, and she replied, "It's not your fault at all." Luna's eyes narrowed, her eyebrows furrowed in a mixture of concern and suspicion. Her arms were folded below her bosom, and her lips were pursed in a tight line.
"That's a relief to see you're okay," Ohm added, his voice warm and genuine.
Kimora's smile widened, and she said, "Thanks, everyone, I appreciate your care."
Luna scoffed hard at her words, her face reddening with annoyance. Kimora blinked her eyes in confusion, sensing the fury coming from her.
Taj cleared his throat, his eyes darting between Luna and Kimora. "Ahem, we're about to head to the dining hall. Let's go together, Kimora." Taj suggested changing the topic.
Kimora fluttered her lashes and cracked a laugh, the sound light and carefree. "Maybe some other time. I have to rush to the training ground this minute." She expressed, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement.
"Um, why?" Elsa asked, raising her brows in curiosity.
"Master Li asked that I meet her at the training ground," She countered, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
They all narrowed their eyes, each with their growing thoughts.
Luna's expression was a mixture of frustration and concern, while Taj and Sowei seemed intrigued.
"Okay, I'll be taking my leave then." Kimora informed and turned to leave.
"We're coming with you!" Taj and Sowei said at the same time, exchanging glances and cracking a laugh.
A warm smile tugged at her lips, and she replied, "Okay, let's go."
...
At the training ground, Master Li stood suspended in mid-air, her brown hair tied up in a high ponytail, her white robe shimmering like silk in the morning sun. The warm light danced across her face, highlighting her sharp features.
Kimora's voice rang out, breaking the silence, "Master Li, I'm here." The sound of her own voice was swallowed by the rushing waterfall nearby.
Master Li's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed at Kimora with an unreadable expression.
Her lips curved into a subtle smile as she directed her gaze behind Kimora.
"You never seem to stop amazing me, Kimora," she said, her voice low and mysterious.
Kimora turned to see Elsa and the others standing behind her, their faces set with determination. They had ditched their breakfast and followed her to the training ground instead.
"Uh, they decided to come along," Kimora explained, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Master Li's smile grew wider, and she nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
With a resolute look, Kimora took a step forward and dropped to her knees, her palms pressed together in a gesture of respect. Master Li's eyebrows furrowed, and her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Master Li, I'm ready. Please teach me!" Kimora's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried a sense of longing and determination.
The others watched in silence, their faces reflecting their surprise.
Master Li's expression softened, and she cleared her throat.
"Are you sure?" Her voice was laced with a hint of warning, and Kimora's heart skipped a beat.
Kimora swallowed hard, her throat constricting.
"Kimora, remember what I told you. Not just you alone; it rings to everyone of you!" Master Li's voice was like a heavy weight, pressing down on them. As her eyes travel on every one of them.
They release a collective breath, their chests heaving.
"You all transmigrated from different races to here.
That's true, but that has changed! Since you all got chosen as the Taoism Bloodlines," Master Li said, her voice dripping with an otherworldly authority.
"Becoming the Taoism Bloodline comes with a weight and draws enemies near you like a moth!" She revealed.
Taj's eyes widened, and he dropped to his knees, his face pale. The others followed suit, their eyes fixed on Master Li with a mix of fear and determination.
"What should we do then?" Luna asked, her voice firm and resolute.
Master Li's eyes locked onto theirs, her gaze piercing.
"First, you have to accept your new identity as Taoism Bloodlines with all your souls," she revealed, a small smile playing on her lips.
The air was thick with tension as they digested Master Li's words.
"What will happen if we do?" Kimora asked, her heart racing with anticipation.
"Your powers as the Taoism Bloodline will awaken," Master Li declared, her words hanging in the air like a promise.
A deep smile curled on her lips.
Kimora and the others exchanged a glance, their faces reflecting their shock and excitement.