BTTH : Wandering Soul

As the first light of dawn filtered through the thin curtains, a young boy sat cross-legged on his bed, deep in meditation. The faint shimmer of energy rippled around him, casting fleeting shadows across the dimly lit room. Just as he was about to converge all energy gathered, it vanished. The young man tried his hardest to stop it from disappearing, but all his effort were in vain. But instead of getting impatient or angry he took a deep breath and exhaled, like he was expecting this situation all along.

there was a reason he was so calm in the situation where anyone would panic. And that was he knew this was bound to happen. from the moment he came to this world he always felt out of place. And as time passed this kept getting more obvious. He started getting visions, like someone's memory. At first they were too vague. But soon he started realizing that it were his memories, and what was more astonishing was that the memories were from future. 

He didn't feel much closeness to the memories. And somehow he didn't feel any hatred or resentment towards anybody who had done wrong to him. It just felt like it was due to his carelessness that a lot of bad things happened. maybe he ought to feel something, but currently he was not sure who he was. Was he true owner of this body, or just an wanderer who accidently took his place. But one thing was sure. And that was, he wouldn't repeat the same mistakes again. 

At first, the visions were like fleeting dreams—half-formed and nonsensical. But then, one by one, they began to manifest in reality. A dropped cup that shattered just as he'd seen. A whispered conversation between elders he shouldn't have overheard. And finally, the most damning of all: the magical monument revealing his lost talent, just as the visions had foretold. 

And so he vowed to carve a new path for himself, where he wouldn't see his loved ones getting hurt.

He opened his eyes, shining with determination, and stubbornness.

It had been almost 6 months since he couldn't converge dou qi. He still remembered shocked faces of everyone, especially his father, when facing Magical Testing Monument, revealing those hurtful words. Everyone who used to look at him with admiration or envy had expression of ridicule. Everyone except few people. 

He was 11 years old. And according to his visions it'd be less than 3 years before he could gain his talent again. After much thought he had decided that cultivating by this method alone isn't going to work. So he took a decision.

Xiao Yan stood before the heavy wooden door of his father's room. The sun was still climbing the horizon, bathing the courtyard in a pale golden hue. He raised his hand to knock but hesitated. Would his father understand? Would he agree?

The door creaked open before he could act. Xiao Zhan stood there, his eyes tired but sharp as they met Xiao Yan's determined gaze. For a moment, neither spoke.

"Father," Xiao Yan finally said, his voice steady, "I've made a decision."

Xiao Zhan's brow furrowed slightly, but he stepped aside, motioning for Xiao Yan to enter. The room was sparsely decorated, yet it held an air of authority. Xiao Yan didn't sit; instead, he turned to face his father directly.

"I'm leaving the clan," he began. His words hung heavy in the air. "I know it's dangerous out there, but I've met someone—a teacher—who can help me. I need to take this chance."

Xiao Zhan's expression darkened. "Yan Er, you're just a child," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "The world beyond these walls is cruel. Do you think I would allow you to face it alone?"

"I'm not a child anymore," Xiao Yan replied, his voice rising slightly. "I've lost my talent. The testing monument made that clear to everyone. Staying here, under their pitying or mocking stares, won't help me. I need to grow stronger, and I can't do it here."

His father's eyes softened, though his jaw remained set. "You think running away will solve everything? Do you know what it's like out there? The betrayals, the battles, the—"

"I know!" Xiao Yan interrupted, surprising even himself. He took a deep breath to steady his voice. "I know, Father. I've seen it. I've... felt it. That's why I can't stay. I won't let history repeat itself. I won't let the people I love suffer because I was too weak."

Xiao Zhan studied his son carefully, searching his face for any trace of doubt. What he saw instead was a fire he hadn't seen before—a stubborn determination that mirrored his own in his youth.

Finally, he sighed and walked to the window, staring out at the morning sun. "Yan Er," he said after a long pause, his voice quieter now, "I've always been proud of your strength. Not your talent, but your will. But strength isn't just about leaving—it's about enduring. Are you sure this is the path you must take?"

Xiao Yan stepped forward, his hands clenched tightly. "I am."

Xiao Zhan turned to face him again, his expression a mixture of pride, sorrow, and resignation. "Then promise me one thing," he said, placing a firm hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder. "Whatever happens, stay true to yourself. And remember—this clan, your family, will always be here for you."

Xiao Yan nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "I promise."

Xiao Zhan's hand lingered for a moment before he let it fall. "You've made up your mind," he said, his voice gruff. "Go, then. But take care of yourself, Yan Er. And send word whenever you can."

Xiao Yan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father."

As he turned to leave, Xiao Zhan's voice stopped him. "Yan Er," he said, softer this time. "You're my son and I'll always love you. Don't forget that."

Xiao Yan didn't look back, but his steps were firmer as he left the room. His father's words would echo in his heart for a long time to come.

"father I'm sorry for being selfish." he said in his mind. 

Xiao yan knew very well that even if he assured him, his father would still sent people to follow him. After all he was only an 11 year old. So decided to take help from Xun er. So after walking for a while he reach her room and Knocked twice. Soon door opened. A beautiful girl around xiao yan's age was standing with a smile on her face, a smile that she never showed anyone, anyone except him.