Honor of the Imperium Battle

"Father where are we..? Why do we have to come here so late at night?" Xu Lian inquired curiously as she wanders her eyes around the area.

"We will be entering a burial ground," Lord Xu replied, while walking continuously. 

"A burial ground..? I didn't know there's a secluded burial ground such as this place," she added.

Xu Hanyu was also curious as he was looking at the surroundings. It was also a place that he had never been into, this is the first time his father took him here. 

The three siblings were brought by Lord Xu and the three Elders in a strange place near the Xu Clan's residence, a secluded area that is only known to the closest people of Lord Xu. The area was filled with tall grass, and vines twisted around the ruined walls, creating an eerie atmosphere. They brought along some incense that had not yet been lit, along with a few foods that felt out in such a haunting setting. 

As they walked in the area, they stopped into a massive stone door that was completely covered in vines. The vines had grown all over the door, creating a thick green curtain that hid what lay beyond. As they approached the stone door, Lord Xu channeled his wuqi and used it to remove the tangled vines, which revealed something strange. Xu Hanyu noticed the strange pattern engraved into its surface. The pattern was unique and unfamiliar to him, resembling an ancient design.

Lord Xu placed his hands on the stone door and released his wuqi, letting it flow from his fingertips. The colorful aura started to spread across the unique pattern of the door, creating a vibrant and mesmerizing sight. Then the stone door slowly opened making the three siblings take a precautionary step back as he felt the shake of the ground. At the same time, small clouds of dust fall from the stone door.

"Woah..! This is so cool, how did you do that father..? That was really awesome! I never knew you could do that." Xu Lian asked again felt fascinated to what she is witnessing. 

"Hahaha, Lord Xu, your daughter seems very energetic tonight." Elder Xu Bai commented, chuckling at Xu Lian's reaction.

Xu Rong, standing slightly apart from his siblings, couldn't help but smirk at her reactions. He crossed his arms, while standing tall with radiating confidence, 

"Of course, Father can do that. It's not like any of us could ever match his skills," he said arrogantly and pride in his voice. But Lian shot Xu Rong a disapproving glance, croosing her arms in response to his arrogance.

"Tsk!" she exclaimed as she rolled her eyes.

Lord Xu turned his back to them, calmly saying, "Alright, alright, that's enough.." and shook off his head side to side and grinned a little. 

"Follow me inside," Lord Xu said, stepping through the threshold and beckoning the siblings to follow. 

After the door fully opened, followed his father as they entered the space. As he looked around, the surrounding was almost empty except for the small altar that was set slightly higher than the ground. Beneath the small altar, there was a dagger that has a unique design, stuck in a stone.

Suddenly, Xu Rong rushed in towards the dagger as he saw it, saying, "Woah, this is such a beautiful dagger. It really suits me, father. Can I have this dagger?" 

Elder Xu Bai replied, "That dagger is sacred and cannot be just used wherever you like."

"Yes, Elder Xu Bai is correct, Rong'er" Lord Xu added. 

Hearing this, Xu Hanyu and Xu Lian behaved themselves, clearly also fascinated by the dagger. 

"Ah that's lame, if I can't use it then, I guess I'll just leave.." Xu Rong stated as retreated slowly walk toward the door again. 

"Xu Rong where are you going? You know you're very rude right. " Xu Lian tried to stop him. 

"I'm going back to my room and sleep," he replied.

"You..!" she pointed in frustration due to his bad manners. 

"Hays.." Lord Xu let out a big sigh showing his resignation. On the other hand, the three elders also shook their head side to side and sigh. 

"Lian'er, let him be." Lord Xu stated, Xu Lian quickly turn her glance to his father and looked again to Xu Rong. 

"Blehh..!" Xu Rong stuck out his tongue, teasing Xu Lian. Just as what her father said, she couldn't help it but chose to stay quiet. Then Xu Rong left the area, and ran quickly. 

While all of them watching the two arguing, Xu Hanyu was too busy observing the dagger in front of him as he felt mesmerized by its unique and breathtaking beauty. He could feel a strange and intense sense of pull to the object as if the dagger is calling him. Then move slowly towards to take a closer look.

After a few moments of observing the dagger, "I've never seen such a beautiful dagger before." he whispered quietly. 

Lord Xu then turned to Elder Xu Ting and instructed, "Elder Xu Ting, please begin the lightning the incense." Elder Xu Ting nodded and quickly lit the incense, the sweet smoke slowly filling the air. The food was also placed near the altar, and Lord Xu stood at the front leading the others as they as they bowed three times at the altar. 

After the third bow, Elder Xu Jia spoke to Lord Xu, "She was such a wonderful person, wans't she? Always there to lend a hand."

"Yes, her mother was truly a kind soul who always gives help to us in our time of need. It is truly a pity she was taken from us too soon."

Lord Xu gazed at the altar with a wistful look.

Meanwhile, Xu Lian slowly walked towards Xu Hanyu with a trembling voice, asking him to check her back. 

"Hanyu'er would you mind checking my back for me, I felt like something is crawling..." she asked hesitantly. 

Xu Hanyu looked at her curiously, wondering what was wrong. Then he noticed something crawling on her back and realized it was a spider. 

"What is it..?"

"It's a spider, Jie.."

Xu Lian's eyes widened with horror as she heard the word "spider". She started panicking and jumping around, unable to contain her fear.

Hanyu tried to calm her down, "Wait... Don't panic Jie..." but Xu Lian was too scared to listen. She continued screaming and yelling, completely losing composure. he couldn't help but feel a little amused by Xu Lian's over-the-top reaction to the tiny creature. However, he knew he had to comfort her. 

"It's just a small spider," Xu Hanyu said, trying to make light of the situation. "It won't hurt you." But it was no use. Xu Lian was in a full-blown panic, and her shrill cries echoed the area.

Lord Xu and the three elders, who had previously been engaged in their own conversation, took notice of the commotion caused by Xu Lian's fear of the spider. They couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.

"Aigoo, look at how scared she is over a little spider." 

Lord Xu, with a small gentle smile on his face, and thought to himself, 

I'll keep him safe for you..

***

Four years later...

"Hanyu'er..!" Xu Lian shouted, calling out Hanyu as she entered Xu Hanyu's training area.

The young man who was in the middle of his training, sweat dripping down into his face and wiped it with his hands. He heard the voice of Xu Lian calling him and looked in her direction.

"Jie..! Why are you here..?" Xu Hanyu asked as he was not expecting the visit of Xu Lian at this hour.

"Come with me to the market..! Let's go out!"

"Ehh, right now? but I'm in the middle of my training Jie..."

Xu Lian quickly searched through her clothes and pulled out a long white cloth, then handed it to Xu Hanyu.

"Here, take it."

"What is this..?" Xu Hanyu was confused, and furrowed his brow.

"Wrap it around your arms," Xu Lian said as he stroked the young man's hair.

"Oh okay.." he replied in a low voice.

Just as his sister had instructed, Xu Hanyu swiftly bound his arms with the long white cloth she had given him. The fabric felt cool against his skin as he wrapped it tighter.

Moments later, securing it with a knot that felt both reassuring and binding. With each layer, the cursed birthmark was covered completely, hidden from the world and, perhaps, from his own insecurities.

"With that white cloth, no one will bully you outside..!" she said with a smile.

Without hesitation, Xu Lian grabbed Xu Hanyu's hand firmly and led him through the bustling market. The air was filled with the pungent smell of fresh fish, and the sounds of haggling and bartering filled the air.

Xu Hanyu felt at ease about his cursed birthmark being visible since it was concealed by a cloth Xu Lian had given him. This allowed him to venture outside without anxiety or the fear of being talked about by others.

The Xu Clan resides in the small town of Tai Hua City, which is located near coastline. The town is bustling with activity, as many people sell fish in the market. Occasionally, there are trading business dealings taking place, and occasionally huge ships with wealthy families from other places comes to conduct business or fishermen returning with fresh catches.

"Boss, how much is this?"

"ten thousand silver..!"

Both of them passed by nearby stalls together and could hear people talking around the market. Xu Hanyu's gaze landed on a nearby stall, where a vendor was engaged in a heated argument with a customer.

"What..?! You're kidding! This is a scam..!"

"What do you mean scam?! This is the famous Flying Silverfish! It's only right for me to set it to the high price!" the vendor's expression was defensive as he argued.

Then continued on their way through the crowd, the noise of the argument fading into the background. He followed his sister closely, trying not to get lost in midst of the crowd.

"Sister, where are we going..?" he asked hesitantly, trying to keep up with his sister while wandering his eyes around.

Xu Lian turned back with a grin, and her eyes was shining with excitement. "Just follow me," she replied.

"But I still have to go for my traini–" Xu Lian quickly interrupted

"Shhh..! Just let me take you this time. I will take responsibility if something happens," she insisted.

Xu Hanyu hesitated for a moment, but then nodded and agreed.

"Oh.. okay..." he let out a big sigh.

"I heard there's a huge ship arrived this morning..!"

"A huge ship..?"

After hearing information from his sister about the huge ship, Xu Hanyu became curious. For a long time, no huge ship had been spotted, but a new one had just arrived this time. He was certain that many people would come to see it.

They continued walking and eventually arrived at the harbor. A massive ship was anchored there.

"Woah..! I never expected it to be this huge..! It's my first time seeing this." Xu Lian said with excitement in her voice.

A large crowd of people was gathered around it, talking about the vessel.

"Have you seen the size of that ship? It's quiet huge!"

"They say that ship is owned by Feng Clan from Shuili Harbor. It must be filled with luxurious goods."

"Really..?!"

Xu Hanyu slowly observed the ship in front of them. It was constructed from top-notch materials, appearing sturdy and robust. On the side of the ship, there was an emblem of a scorpion displayed, possibly signifying the business or the ship's ownership.

"Look, look, who are they?"

"I have no idea.."

"That lady over there, she's wearing a cloak."

"She must be pretty.."

As Xu Hanyu stood there, gazing at the mysterious lady on the ship, he overheard whispers from the crowd. She was wearing a black cloak that covered her face so the people couldn't recognize her so easily.

"Jie, do you know why that girl wearing a cloak over there?" Xu Hanyu asked.

"Hmm... Not really. I heard only Crystal Artisan usually wear those.." Xu Lian replied as she looked at the young lady wearing a cloak.

"Crystal Artisans? What is that jie..?" The young curiously asked.

Xu Hanyu watched the young lady descend the ship gracefully using her wuqi, moving through the air as if weightless. He stood there with a curious look, simultaneously thinking about Crystal Artisans that her sister had just mentioned.

"Hmm... As far as I heard Crystal Artisans makes gems that helps enhancing abilities and protection. It's like pills but much better than that... That's all I heard.." Xu Lian said trying to explain to Xu Hanyu clearly.

"Oh, that must be cool.." Xu Hanyu said in fascination and turned his eyes to that lady wearing a black cloak.

She was wearing a black cloak, which made it hard for him to see her face clearly. Later on, two men in green attire followed closely behind her. They were not wearing a cloak like the lady, and they look like guarding that young lady over there.

He didn't realized that was zoning out with his thoughts, he suddenly snapped out as he had accidentally made eye contact with the young lady, causing him to feel nervous as the lady was looking at him straight to his soul. Xu Hanyu felt nervous when he noticed her staring at him so he quickly looked away, avoiding her cold gaze.

"I don't think there's something interesting about them." Xu Lian said with a shrug.

"Let's go, Hanyu'er. Let's grab something to eat..!" She immediately grabbed Xu Hanyu's arm and turned, without knowing that she saved the young man.

As soon as left that area, the young man felt a wave of relief as his sister just saved him from that intense gaze from that person.

After that, the two of them start to walk away from that area, scanning around if there is food that they can buy.

***

Not long after, Xu Hanyu and Xu Lian left the scene.

As the young lady in the cloak scanned the crowd, she spotted someone off to the side watching her closely. She hadn't intended to look back, but their eyes met for a brief moment, but just ignored him.

That guy has a weird hair...

After exchanging glances, the young lady noticed the guy quickly looked away and left with his companion.

"Young Lady, the clan lord told me that you will be meeting the representative of Huo Clan at Blossom Tea House as soon as you arrive here." his right-handman on the left, Pan Lan, reminded the young lady with a cloak.

"I have to change first, find an inn nearby for us to stay." the young lady replied.

"Alright, my lady," Pan Lan nodded, then continued, "Also my lady, why do you need to change..? I mean the Clan Lord said not to expose your identity, you have to wear a cover."

"That is none your business," the young lady replied.

"But the Clan Lord said you have to go with that cloak, he's worried that someone might hurt you here." Lu Ru countered.

Worry my ass... tsk!

"Don't worry, I have my own ways." the young lady said confidently.

"Yes.." both of the men said hesitantly and bowed.

After that, the young lady signaled them with her hands to start on the task that they were given.

Later on, while the two siblings were walking in the crowded streets, they noticed a vendor calling out "Baozi! Fresh baozi!" and spotted a small selling steamed bun beside the road.

"Ohh... I wanna go there. Come on, let's have some baozi together!" Without waiting for a response, Xu Lian grabbed Xu Hanyu's arm once again and pulled him towards the food stand.

The two slowly approached the food stand, and Xu Lian asked the vendor.

"Boss, how much one baozi?"

Then the vendor replied with a smile,

"Two silver each, miss."

"Alright, We'll take ten of them then..!"

"Ten baozi, really? Are you sure, miss?" the vendor was amazed by Xu Lian's order.

Xu Lian smiled and replied confidently, "yes, ten baozi! Just separate them into two bags."

The vendor's grin widened as he nodded, "Coming right up!"

Xu Hanyu putting his one hands behind his head and looking concerned, asked, "Jie, isn't ten too much for the two of us..?"

With a warm smile, Xu Lian reassured him, "Of course it's not. You need to eat a lot now that I'll be leaving soon."

The young man sighed and couldn't help but chuckle a little. "But Jie, I'm not the little child that you keep poking before anymore," he protested.

"Oh really..? You think you're too grown up for me to poke at you know?" Xu Lian laughed.

Xu Hanyu raised an eyebrow and shot a sly smile her way. "Well, feel free to try, Jie. But I guarantee you won't get the same reaction as when I was younger."

Xu Lian smirked and reached out her hand. "Ahh, we'll see about that." She poked him playfully on the forehead.

"Jie..!" Xu Hanyu complained as he felt a poke on his forehead. But before he could say more, the vendor cheerfully interrupted him,

"Ten baozi coming right up!"

The vendor came back with two bags of baozi and said, "Miss, your ten baozi cost a hundred silver."

Then Xu Lian searched through her clothes for her money and said, "Here's the money." At the same time, Xu Lian gave the other bag of baozi to Xu Hanyu and walked away together

"Thank you, thank you! Please come again next time!" the vendor's voice fading into the distance.

As Xu Lian began to eat her baozi while walking, Xu Hanyu couldn't help thinking about saving some for Xu Hei. He was worried that Xu Hei might still be hungry. Therefore, he only took one baozi for himself and ate it as they walked.

While walking on their way somewhere else, with only twenty steps that they have taken, Xu Lian's baozi ran out quickly.

"Jie... that was quick. Sure, you have a good appetite," Xu Hanyu chuckled.

"Duh.. I know, I know. Don't remind me. Plus, walking in these boring streets is not enough fun at all..! I think we should go somewhere else." Xu Lian said and let out a big sigh. Xu Hanyu shook his head side by side and smiled, looking at her sister making a pouting face.

Xu Lian was walking with Xu Hanyu when her attention was caught by a small restaurant that appeared to be quite popular, as she noticed many people entering it. She wondered if it was that restaurant new or has it been there since before.

"Excuse me old grandpa, is that restaurant over there new..?" Xu Lian asked the old stranger who was passing them.

"Oh, it opened a week ago. I heard it's owned by a rich family." the old man replied.

"Oh I see, thank you for this information..!" Xu Lian energetically said with a smile on her face.

"Alright..!" then the stranger left, and continued walking in the opposite direction.

"Hanyu'er, come follow me inside!!" Xu Lian said enthusiastically, pulling Xu Hanyu directly in the direction of the restaurant's stairs.

He look up at the stairs they were about to ascend, concerned for his sister's safety.

"Jie..! Be careful on the stairs..!" he gently said reminding her.

Xu Lian laughed heartily at Xu Hanyu's caution, her grip on his hand still firm as she continued to drag him up the stairs.

"Hah, don't worry about me, Hanyu'er! I'm not made of glass," she teased.

"Besides, we've climbed these stairs a thousand times before, I won't fall, you worry too much. Plus, If I ever do fall, my little brother will catch me right?" she added with a teasing smile on her face..

The young man couldn't do anything but shook his head and chuckled in his sister's stubbornness.

As both of them entered the restaurant, they were greeted by a servant with a welcoming smile.

"Welcome to Blossom Tea House!"

At the same time, the area was so busy, filled with the sound of chatter and the delicious aroma of food. The restaurant was spacious and had a cozy yet lively feeling. The walls had simple decorations, and the tables were neatly arranged.

Xu Lian's eyes lit up as she took in everything around her.

"Woah..! This is awesome! I've never thought there would be such a place like this in our small city..!" she said with her voice full of wonder.

Xu Hanyu stayed close behind Xu Lian as he looked through his surroundings. It was his first time in such a busy place, and he felt both curious and a bit overwhelmed. He watched the people at the tables, laughing and enjoying their food. The young man saw another area where people were eating while looking in that storyteller's direction, who seemed to have them captivated with his story.

He also noticed the different foods on the table of other customers. Their carefree way of eating fascinated him, especially compared to the food they eat at home, where it was totally different from what he saw here.

Xu Lian who was captivated by the beautiful surroundings of the restaurant, couldn't hold back her excitement and started exploring, moving further away from Xu Hanyu.

"This place is a real fun..!" she joyfully said while walking admiringly in her surroundings.

Xu Lian didn't realize that she left Xu Hanyu at the spot, because of her fascination with the place, and the young man noticed her getting farther away and tried to call out,

"Jie..!" but his voice didn't reach her.

It was too late to call her back when she's already a mile away.

Stubborn Xu Lian..!

He just decided to let her enjoy the moment for now. Meanwhile, Xu Hanyu also took a leisurely stroll as well, admiring the well-decorated walls and ceiling, which were neither extravagant nor too plain.

He walked around and wandered his eyes around the area, then a male servant came to approach him.

"Welcome sir! Do you need help with anything?" the servant smiled brightly.

"Ah, no thank you. Just looking around.." he replied.

"Alright, just call someone up there if you need assistance..!" the young man looks in the direction where the servant is pointing.

"Sure." he said and the servant left.

Xu Hanyu thought that the restaurant has really good services, since they take care of their customers well. He could see the other servants taking orders around the tables of other customers and some delivering their orders to them.

While walking around the area, his eyes wandered over the decorated walls, leaving him in awe. Captivated by the restaurant's charm, he accidentally bumped into someone while looking around.

It was a girl with a veil.