The wind blew gently across the beach, caressing Xu's skin and brushing over the waves as they died on the golden shore. Sunlight struck the sea, scattering golden reflections, while enchanted fish danced beneath the surface, their shimmering scales gleaming like precious gems. Asian fishing boats, weathered by time yet firmly anchored in tradition, glided silently across the calm water, braving the waves without a sound.
Xu, her eyes wide with wonder, let herself be carried by the beauty of the place. She played with the small waves, splashing water with her hands, fascinated by the marine creatures that had gathered there.
Tao Yu Xin stood near the water, his gaze fixed on the horizon, as if searching for a secret hidden within the infinite waves. He seemed distant, lost in silent contemplation.
— Master... what are we doing in this world? Xu finally asked, breaking the silence with a note of curiosity in her voice.
— We meditate, Tao Yu Xin replied in a quiet, almost detached tone. We meditate, and we admire what we will later destroy.
— Why? What's the point of admiring something we're going to destroy? Xu replied, her innocent tone revealing her lack of understanding.
Tao Yu Xin slowly turned his head toward her, an enigmatic smile brushing his lips.
— Because, little one, destruction can only be perfect when one understands the beauty of what is to vanish.
He let the words float in the air, like a truth waiting to reveal itself.
Hours passed in peaceful silence, filled only by the sound of waves and Tao Yu Xin's contemplation. Then, the calm was suddenly shattered by heavy footsteps pounding on the sand.
A troop of soldiers appeared, clad in violet silk tunics adorned with golden ornaments that gleamed under the sun. They marched with overt arrogance, their gleaming sabers striking the ground with every step. One of them, a large man holding a whip, strode toward Xu with a sneer.
— What are you doing here, slaves?! You're far from the Yeipin province! Answer now! barked one of the warriors, his voice dripping with contempt.
He lashed his whip at Xu, but Tao Yu Xin, with an almost imperceptible movement, intercepted the strike. Pain tore across his back, yet he didn't flinch. Blood flowed slowly, but Tao remained perfectly calm.
— Your Majesty... please forgive us, Tao Yu Xin said as he knelt, head bowed. I only wished to offer a seashell to my sister… We had no intention of offending you... I beg you, spare our lives.
A cruel chuckle escaped the lips of the largest guard.
— What pathetic misery... he said, eyeing Tao with disdain. You're a slave, and your life holds no value. But don't worry—since you dare to beg, I'll forgive this offense. However, know this: you and your family will work a thousand times harder for the Yeipin Clan.
The elder warrior gave a curt wave.
— Return to your quarters. Let your lives be those of laborers under our command.
Tao Yu Xin remained stoic, but in his eyes, a cold, icy spark began to glow. A subtly cruel smile formed on his lips.
— Very well, he murmured, barely audible. I will meditate on all of this.