Xu Mountain Range
"Big brother! Big brother!" Xu Mei Ling darted into the cave, clutching her brother's sword.
"I've told you not to run in here," Xu Ran scolded, glancing around. "The ground is slippery."
The gentle rustle of leaves and the cool mountain air surrounded them as Xu Ran searched for medicinal herbs near the cave's entrance. His steady steps contrasted with Mei Ling's light-footed pace. Her basket was already brimming with vibrant flowers and roots.
"Are we going deeper into the mountains today, Xu Ran?" Mei Ling asked, peering at the shaded path ahead. The towering trees and faint sound of running water gave the area a serene yet mysterious feel.
"Yes," he said, crouching to examine a rare purple herb. "The elder needs Cloudbell roots, and those only grow near the cliffs. Stay sharp."
Mei Ling frowned. "Do you think Master will finally praise me if I find the biggest root?"
Xu Ran smirked. "If you focus instead of daydreaming, maybe."
Before she could respond, a glimmer through the dense foliage caught her attention. "Look over there, Xu Ran!" She pointed toward a barely visible path winding through the trees.
"Stay close," he instructed, his voice firm. Together, they pushed aside the overgrowth and found themselves at the entrance of a hidden cave, concealed by vines.
"This wasn't on the map," Mei Ling whispered, her voice tinged with excitement.
Xu Ran studied the dark opening, frowning. "It looks abandoned. We shouldn't stay long."
"But what if there are treasures inside?" Mei Ling's eyes sparkled. "Or rare herbs?"
Xu Ran sighed. "Fine. But only a quick look."
They stepped into the cave, their footsteps echoing faintly in the damp, cavernous space. The air smelled of wet earth and something metallic
"Look at that!" Mei Ling gasped, pointing at a golden jar sitting on an ancient altar. Its intricate dragon engravings gleamed faintly under layers of dust.
"This… doesn't belong here," Xu Ran muttered, his unease growing. "Something feels off."
"It could be a relic," Mei Ling said, edging closer. "Master would want to see this."
"Wait…don't touch it!" Xu Ran snapped.
But she already had. The moment her hand touched the jar's surface, the ground rumbled. A gust of wind sweeping the cave, and the jar's lid flew off, releasing a burst of golden light.
"What did you do!?" Xu Ran shouted, shielding her as the light swirled and began to take shape.
A young man suddenly appeared before them, his long black hair cascading down his shoulders. He was dressed in worn out robes, his sharp delicate features exuding an air of authority. His expression however,was marked by resentment and bitterness
"Where… am I?" he asked, his deep voice resonating in the cave.
Xu Ran stepped forward, his hand instinctively moving to his sword. "Who are you?"
The man's piercing gaze settled on him. "I am Zhang Yixuan. And you… have freed me."
Xu Mountain Sect
The trek back to the sect was tense. Mei Ling, ever curious and talkative, peppered Zhang Yixuan with questions while Xu Ran remained wary, keeping a close eye on their mysterious guest.
"What is it like being trapped in a jar?" she asked, her curiosity relentless.
"Quiet," Zhang Yixuan replied curtly. "And maddening."
"Did you sleep?"
"No."
"Did you eat?"
Zhang Yixuan shot her an irritated look. "Do you always talk this much?"
"Pretty much," Xu Ran muttered, rolling his eyes.
By the time they reached the Xu Mountain Sect, whispers had already begun. Disciples practicing in the courtyard paused to gawk at the stranger following Xu Ran and Mei Ling.
"Who's that?" one murmured.
"Did they find someone in the mountains?" another wondered aloud.
Ignoring the stares, Xu Ran led them to the main hall, where their master, Jian Wu, awaited.
Inside the Main Hall
Master Jian Wu sat cross-legged on an elevated platform, his serene demeanor shifting as the trio approached. His gaze lingered on Zhang Yixuan, curiosity flickering in his calm eyes.
"Master," Xu Ran began, bowing deeply, "we found an ancient cave in the mountains… and this man inside."
Zhang Yixuan stepped forward, his commanding presence filling the hall. "I am Zhang Yixuan, son of Emperor Zhang Hangzhou ."
Silence fell over the room. Master Jian Wu's brow arched slightly, though his composure held. "The emperor's illegitimate son?"
Zhang Yixuan's expression hardened. "I see my reputation precedes me."
Mei Ling leaned closer to Xu Ran and whispered, "Isn't that just a legend?"
"Quiet," Xu Ran hissed.
Master Jian Wu rose, his gaze steady. "If you are who you claim, you have been imprisoned for nearly 18 years. How is this possible?"
"The curse preserved me," Zhang Yixuan said, his voice taut with anger. "My body aged, but my spirit remained intact. The imperial court's treachery ensured my exile to that jar."
Xu Ran frowned. "Why would they leave you in the mountains?"
"They feared my spirit's vengeance," Zhang Yixuan replied. "Burying me here was their attempt to erase me from history."
Master Jian Wu regarded him for a long moment before speaking. "Your story is compelling, but words alone cannot earn trust. For now, you will remain under our watch. I will determine your fate after further consideration."
Zhang Yixuan inclined his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "As you wish, Master Jian Wu. But understand this,my freedom was not won to languish in obscurity. I will reclaim what is mine."
Mei Ling muttered, "Confident, isn't he?"
Zhang Yixuan chuckled, overhearing. "Confidence is a virtue, young one."
Later That Night
The stars glimmered above as Mei Ling sat outside on a stone bench, her expression thoughtful. Xu Ran joined her, his face marked with unease.
"Do you think we did the right thing?" Mei Ling asked softly.
Xu Ran sighed. "I don't know. But Master Jian Wu will make the right call."
"He doesn't seem evil," Mei Ling said, almost to herself. "Just… bitter."
"Bitter men can be dangerous," Xu Ran said firmly.
"Maybe," Mei Ling conceded. "But I think he just wants justice."
Zhang Yixuan's voice broke the quiet. "Wise words, little sister. But justice is rarely given. It must be taken."
They turned to see him leaning against a nearby pillar, his arms crossed.
"Eavesdropping?" Xu Ran said, narrowing his eyes.
"Your voices carry," Zhang Yixuan replied with a faint smile.
Mei Ling tilted her head. "If you're innocent, why didn't anyone stand by you?"
Zhang Yixuan's smirk faded. "Because loyalty is fleeting. Even family can betray when power is at stake."
The siblings exchanged a glance, his words sinking in.
"Well," Mei Ling said, trying to ease the tension, "at least you're free now. That's something, right?"
Zhang Yixuan nodded. "Yes. And I plan to make the most of it."
Xu Ran stood, his gaze sharp. "Just remember,freedom doesn't excuse chaos. Our sect won't tolerate it."
Zhang Yixuan chuckled softly. "I wouldn't dream of it."
For now.