Divinity

Bia Xiao Hurt

As Bia Xiao stepped out of his modest hut, the vibrant sounds of childhood laughter filled the air, mingling with the warm breeze that rustled through the trees. The Bia tribe, a martial arts community thriving with the energy of youth, had numerous children. The training fields were alive with activity, where young ones practiced their martial skills, their movements a blend of playful exuberance and focused intensity.

The Bia tribe, with a proud history stretching back 400 years, had once been led by a formidable leader who broke away from the main branch due to internal strife. The exact reasons for this departure were shrouded in mystery, whispered about only in hushed tones among the elders. The tribe had since embraced the Flame Arts, a discipline that drew upon the elemental energy coursing through the land. This energy permeated the forest, extending for hundreds of meters, yet no clan expert had ever been able to pinpoint its source.

Accepting the enigma as part of their heritage, the tribe devoted themselves to mastering these arts.

Bia Xiao, now fourteen years old, had never participated in the tribe's martial training. Since the tragic loss of his parents and the subsequent ostracization he faced from the clan, the doors to learning had been firmly closed to him. The tribe had turned their backs on him completely, leaving him to navigate the unforgiving wilderness alone.

"Heaven or earth, man or immortal. No one will break me," he murmured, his resolve echoing within him as he surveyed the lively scene around him. Suddenly, he spotted a middle-aged man striding confidently from one of the central buildings. Dressed in flowing black robes, the man radiated an air of authority. His presence commanded respect, and the young men flanking him wore expressions of disdain and arrogance.

"Bia Long, the time for you to shine has finally come. The main branch will select a few promising youths from our tribe. Father has been waiting for this for a long time now. Don’t let your grandfather down. You and your cousins must perform well in the end-of-year competition," the man, Bia Suyu, declared, his stern gaze fixated on a slim young man with sword-like brows and piercing eyes—Bia Long.

"Father, don't worry. Bia Long will not let you down," the young man replied, thumping his chest with pride. Bia Suyu nodded in approval before making his way toward a distant training field. Bia Long's attention turned to Bia Xiao, and a look of contempt twisted his features.

"Look, everyone, it’s that trash Bia Xiao again," he sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.

The laughter of his companions rang out, sharp and mocking, cutting through the atmosphere like a blade. Bia Xiao overheard their taunts, and the disdain of the tribe was a familiar weight he carried.

"Trash will always be trash," one of the youths scoffed.

"Leave him be. There's no point in wasting time here. Without family martial arts, he’d remain a mere mortal," Bia Suyu said dismissively, waving his hand as if Bia Xiao were nothing more than a bothersome insect. Bia Xiao stood silently, his eyes darkening with a mixture of anger and resolve as they walked away. Once the group disappeared from sight, he turned and headed towards the forest, intent on hunting for food. After walking for about half an hour, he paused briefly at the grave site of his parents, their wooden headstones worn by the elements. He knelt before them, the weight of grief heavy on his heart.

"I'll come and see you later," he promised, his voice barely a whisper in the stillness of the forest.

With a deep sigh, he pressed onward, delving deeper into the foliage where wild animals like pigs and deer were typically plentiful. However, an unusual silence enveloped him. No rustling, no distant calls of wildlife greeted him. Confusion prickled at his senses as he moved cautiously through the underbrush, his instincts honed by years of survival guiding him.

Suddenly, the silence shattered. Whoosh!

Bia Xiao's instincts screamed at him as a projectile hurtled toward him. Reacting to pure adrenaline, he veered to the side, but the blade grazed his shoulder, slicing through flesh and leaving a painful sting in its wake. Blood spattered onto the forest floor, glistening in the dappling sunlight.

"Ah!" he cried out in agony, the pain igniting his fight-or-flight response. He rolled into a nearby bush, heart racing, barely registering the identity of his attacker. Ignoring the searing pain, he bolted deeper into the forest, desperate to escape.

From the shadows, a young man with fierce, red eyes watched the scene unfold, a glimmer of surprise in his gaze. Gue Man, hailing from a family outside the three great tribes, hadn’t anticipated Bia Xiao’s agility.

"It looks like this kid has some skills. This makes the game more interesting," he remarked, casting a glance toward the west, where a young girl with a wicked smile awaited him. Gue Henxe, also from the Gue family, unsheathed her blade, her expression cold and determined as she moved to join the hunt.

Bia Xiao fled further into the forest, clutching his bleeding shoulder. Pain coursed through him, but survival instinct urged him to push harder. He sensed that this attack was orchestrated by those far more dangerous than mere tribal rivals. His heart pounded, each beat a reminder of the danger he faced as he fought to evade his pursuers.