Ever since little Li reached the stage of understanding matters he had seen disdain from various Li family members. He had witnessed the humiliation his mother had faced over time. Everytime the Li family was at the brink of danger his father was used as a pawn to deal with any hardships. Even after all the injustices done upon the three of them they always tried to win the heart of members from Li household. Even though his grandparents never showed him the same favors as his cousins young Li always tried his best to meet the expectations of them. He even went against his parent's wish and remained within the Li household to earn respect for his parents. Even though his body jolted with pain months after months he endured it to earn the recognition of his grandfather yet this is how they are rewarded? His parents are dead and now they ask him for a meal? Is it supposed to be a funny joke? Is he still supposed to live for the sake of Li family? Is it the principle of great Li family?
Grief, sorrow, anger, helplessness and regret drowned little Li. His mind was crumbling apart so badly that he couldn't even notice a mercury glow around his heart. The glow can be seen with naked eye yet young Li failed to notice that. The absolute turmoil of misery he felt was beyond what words could express. He had lost all his warmth, the world seemed unbelievably cold. Little Li's emotions ran amok until they reached absolute edge. When it seemed like little Li was done for, a sudden calmness washed over him. Silence, his mind went as silent as void. Little Li stood up and opened a drawer from his wardrobe. There laid a short dagger finely crafted with advanced silver ingots. He reached out to the dagger before hiding it within his clothes. Although Li Shihou was young and naive he knew what he wanted to do. Being young doesn't mean anyone can bully him however they wanted, Being a child from love marriage doesn't mean all the injustice he had faced so far was justified. Sharing the same blood doesn't mean the debt of his parents would be forgiven. In utter chaos little Li found his answer and calmness. He sought justice, if he can't get it he'll die trying it. His life has no meaning left behind anyways. At least in the last moment of his life he'll live his moments true to his heart. After mentally preparing himself he took a piece of clean cloth before wrapping it around his wounded hand.
Creak. The door of Li Shihou's room opened. As he faced his grandmother he didn't utter any other words. He kept glaring at her with his deep hazelnut eyes. In his eyes there burned a fire of vengeance. Unknown to what was going on little Li's mind his grandmother grabbed one of his arm and hurriedly took him towards Li Patriarch's room. She looked down on little Li so much so that she didn't even looked at this poor boy's face who just lost his parents neither did she noticed the cloth wrapped around his hand. As they entered the room of Li Qian, his wife took her leave. Only Li Shihou and Li Qian remained present in the room. Li Qian looked at Li Shihou with indifference as if nothing had happened. He proceeded to say that it's better for little Li to focus on his cultivation only. Little Li will be transferred to one of the local army units when he reaches the age of adulthood, during that time he shouldn't embarrass the Li family name too much. As Li Qian was busy with his haughty speech Li Shihou reached the dagger hidden within his clothes. He couldn't wait to serve justice instead of his parents. Although a mere mortal like him can't kill Li Qian in one shot, with his guard down and an advance weapon he could fatally injure Li Qian at least.
Knock, knock
Li Qian's wife entered the room and came beside him. Seeing his grandmother enter Li Shihou felt flabbergasted. How is he supposed to attack Li Qian now? Did he messed up? Did he wait for too long for Li Qian to drop his guard? As Li Shihou was still finding the chance to create an opening, a voice transmission immediately rang out in the room.
"We come from Yan family. On order of our matriarch we are here to take Li Shihou to his maternal grandmother. If anyone disagrees Yan family is willing to duel Li family under Governors' watch"
When major families like Li Family or Yan family who ruled over states had conflicts they would generally settle it under their governing city's authority. However such occurrences were rare as this duel meant these families have life and death enmity among each other. During these kind of duels both families would suffer a huge loss and currently Li family can't afford that much loss over Li Shihou.
Such transmission was not specific to Li Qian or Li Shihou, it was projected to everyone present at Li manor. This domineering behaviour gave birth mixed emotions from the crowd. Li Wei was staring down at the people who transmitted this message from his balcony. With a light laugh Li Wei moved from the balcony to his bed and fell asleep. Back to Li Qian's room, Li Shihou was as confused as one can be. He had never expected that people from his maternal family would show up. What's more he doesn't even recognises the transmitted voice. Surely the one who spoke isn't one of his maternal uncle. Who are these people? Or is it a plot to silently kill him? Breaking the silence Li Qian looked at his wife for a response when she had a back and forth conversation with Li Qian mentally. After agreeing she held one of Li Shihou's hand again to drag him at the door of Li manor. This time though she noticed the cloth wrapped around little Li's hand however she didn't had time to talk over it. But she was definitely surprised to see such scene.
At the door of Li manor stood Three men. One of them had a big scar running down from his eye to cheekbones, while other one had a strangely pale body and the last one looked like an old man who can kick the bucket anytime. All of these people were unknown to little Li, he didn't know what to do. Would he believe them and leave? What'll happen with Li Qian then? Who would extract his revenge? Is this how he wants to live? Buried in regret? Before he could think any further little Li was interrupted by the strangely pale man "Young master, the party was formed within half an hour. Our matriarch didn't had enough time to summon an entire group thus us three had to leave hastily. The Yan family state is just two days away from here. If you have any questions you can ask the matriarch directly"
Although humble the man had made himself clear. He didn't wanted to engage with Li Shihou too much. He is here just for the sake of mission and he wants to get done with it as soon as possible. Although these men looked strong little Li didn't have sufficient authority to make them kill Li Qian and he understood it very well. Even though he would want to see nothing more than the demise of Li Qian he knew his limits. Right now little Li had to take a gamble. Without thinking too much he agreed to leave with these men towards Yan family manor. His thirst for justice was unquenched this time but he'll claim it one day. It was an oath done to himself. Before departure he took one last long look at Li family manor. Today he is leaving without collecting the debt but he wouldn't forget to collect it in future. With that his journey towards Yan family manor started.
[ Author note : This is just the beginning. Wait till you see the combination of various mythical histories and their bloody tales. Unlike most authors I'm here to dedicate this entire tale to my readers. Comment all the thoughts you got on your mind and I'll blend them together for you to explore a new world. Cheers to one of the longest journeys ]