The journey had begun under the shadows of the vast mountain range, where the air was thick with an ancient magic that whispered secrets only the most attuned could hear. The Vampire King, cloaked in his regal garments, had summoned Jihu away from the others, exchanging hushed words that left the air crackling with tension. Curious stares followed them, but Jihu's expression held a seriousness that quelled any inquiry. Raven, sceptical yet obedient, stayed silent, though the wheels of doubt churned in his mind.
The group—Ri, Ash, Shu, Fang, Raven, and Jihu—set forth with the soldiers of the Fox clan flanking them, their presence a necessary fortress against the lurking dangers of the jungle. As they traversed the winding paths, enveloped by the dense underbrush, Raven's irritation mounted; he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being drawn into something far more profound than mere adventure.
After some time, they arrived at a precarious hanging bridge. Its ropes swayed ominously above the gaping chasm below. Jihu raised a hand, commanding the group to halt. "We have something to do," he stated, resolve etched on his face.
"Can't you see we're already behind schedule? Now's not the time to dawdle! We have a long way to go!" Raven snapped, his patience wearing thin.
"I'm not tired, but we can't cross over as living people," Jihu replied, frustration creeping into his tone.
"What do you mean?" Shu piped up, bewilderment flashing in her eyes.
"Do we have to die to go to Master Tao now?"
Raven's annoyance boiled over. "Are you insane?"
Jihu's voice rose, drowning out the cacophony of questions. "That's exactly what I've been telling you! Before we left, the Vampire King warned me: to access Master Tao, we must extract our souls from our bodies. I brought the guards to protect our physical forms from any threats while we're gone."
Fang, always pragmatic, nodded solemnly. "Okay, let's get on with it. Jihu, cast the mantra."
With a determined calm, Jihu recited the ancient incantations. One by one, the group felt their bodies growing heavy as their spirits floated free. For a moment, a chill of fear seized their hearts as they looked down at their lifeless forms. They appeared like translucent echoes of themselves, weightless and untethered.
In this ethereal state, Shu broke the silence, looking at Ri with wide eyes. "Doesn't it feel weird? We're like ghosts!"
"Yeah," Ri responded with a playful smile. "It's oddly thrilling. We should have lunch together in this form sometime!"
"Are you guys crazy?" Fang interjected, bewilderment painting his features. "We're supposed to be serious about this! We're on a mission!"
"What's wrong with Fang? He's acting like he's never been a ghost before," Ash teased, laughter bubbling from his lips.
The others joined the light-hearted banter, Jihu and Raven unable to suppress their chuckles. In the face of uncertainty, they found comfort in their camaraderie, sharing light moments amidst the weight of their mission.
As their souls journeyed deeper through the dense thicket of shadows, a colossal palace loomed on the horizon. Its grand structures sagged under the weight of time, vines weaving through the cracked stones, and its once-bright colours muddied by age. It appeared abandoned, a relic of a civilization long gone, yet there was a lingering aura of potency, as though Master Tao's essence resonated through the crumbling walls.
"Is this… the place?" Shu's voice dropped to a whisper, a mixture of reverence and trepidation collaring her tone.
"Yes," Jihu confirmed, his spirit flickering with an otherworldly glow. "This is Master Tao's domain. Remember, we must remain vigilant. He may not respond to our presence as we expect."
The spectral group glided towards the entrance, their bodies—guarded by the vigilant Fox clan soldiers—left behind like forgotten memories. Together, they transcended the threshold of the palace, stepping into a world that merged the ethereal with the tangible, where the fate of their quest awaited amid the echoes of the past.
In this timeless place haunted by an air of expectancy, they shared a silent vow, knowing that the next moments would determine the course of their destinies as they approached Master Tao and the mysteries concealed within his ancient walls. Enveloped by the ties of friendship and purpose, they embraced the unknown, spirits ready to confront whatever lay ahead.
In a world where spirits traversed the ethereal expanse, guided by their fates, two souls materialized in Mr. Tao's domain—a realm woven with magic and mystery. Jihu, the future king of the fox clan, stood tall alongside Raven, the son of the Vampire King. They were greeted by the two unknown souls who guarded the entrance to this sacred place.
"Why have you come here?" inquired one of the guardians, with a piercing gaze that seemed to discern every intent in their hearts.
Raven stepped forward, his voice steady. "I am Raven, son of the Vampire King. This journey is of utmost importance."
Jihu followed suit, his fierce determination evident. "And I am Jihu, destined to lead the fox clan. We seek counsel from Master Tao."
After a moment of contemplation, the guardians nodded. Their realization of the young men's formidable lineage brought a newfound respect. "You may enter," they said, gesturing for Jihu, Raven, and their companions—Shu, Fang, Ash, and Ri—to proceed.
What awaited them at the end of the path, however, startled them all. Instead of a wise old man, they found a colossal turtle, its shell etched with the memories of centuries. Master Tao, with his gentle, flowing presence, was an awe-inspiring sight, and Shu, Ri, and Ash's eyes widened in wonder. They had never encountered such a majestic magical creature.
Silence enveloped the group as Master Tao shifted his gaze, his voice resonating with a rhythmic cadence that was almost melodic. "Shu, Ri, Ash, do not be afraid. I have watched the trials of humankind closely. While their relationships with magical beings have been marred by misunderstandings, what I see before me suggests hope—a manifestation of unusual healing powers indeed."
At the mention of healing, the young girls exchanged glances, a mixture of pride and disbelief crossing their faces. Master Tao continued, his gaze settling upon Jihu, Raven, and Fang. "You have come seeking wisdom as future kings. A troubling time approaches, is it not?"
Jihu couldn't help but feel intimidated by the massive creature. "Yes, Master Tao. The fabric of our world is unravelling. The Vampire King Max and the Fox King Jing Li are tied to a 200-year-old enmity with the sirens. We didn't know that the attack on Freedonia, two decades ago, was part of this dark legacy."
A heavy silence settled over the group as Jihu's voice faltered, caught in the weight of his confession.
"I know, my child," Master Tao replied with a comforting depth that seemed to resonate through the very ground beneath them. "Do not shrink from the truth of your lineage. Your father, your true father, speaks through the shadows that tiptoe here."
Confused murmurs erupted among the group. Raven interjected, his brow furrowing. "Your Excellency, what do you mean by that? Everyone knows Jihu's father is Mr. Sao."
Master Tao turned his wise eyes towards Jihu, urging him to embrace his identity. "Do not be afraid to acknowledge the legacy that flows through your veins, young prince."
Jihu swallowed hard, his heart racing. "Master Tao, I must confront him. I seek a piece of stone that holds great power."
"Patience, young one," Master Tao replied, his tone soothing yet firm. "There is more to this journey, and you shall learn in time. For now, let us set aside this matter—it seems fate has chosen you for a trial of intellect and spirit."
Before them lay the crux of their quest. "You came to take the stone from me, yes? To prove your valour, you must answer six riddles. Only then shall I deem you fit for your mission."
The challenge sent shivers of excitement and trepidation through the group. They gathered, determination glinting in their eyes. "Master Tao, we are ready," Jihu declared, a newfound resolve igniting within him.
"Very well," Master Tao rumbled, his voice echoing across the vastness. "Listen closely, for the riddles will test not just your intelligence, but your hearts."
As the first riddle unfurled, the air crackled with anticipation, and the young warriors braced themselves for the trials that would ultimately lead them toward their destiny—a destiny intertwined with their past, their families, and their world's fragile fate. In that moment, under the watchful eyes of Master Tao, their journey was only beginning, setting the stage for an epic saga of bravery, wisdom, and redemption.
Hearing Master Tao's riddle, everyone fell silent. A terrible silence spread over Master Tao's domain, an ancient place adorned with twisted trees and stone tablets that whispered of history long past. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the very silence held secrets yet to be spoken.
Suddenly, Master Tao's gaze fixed upon Raven. "So, future Vampire King, I have something to ask you. It seems like you want to tell someone a lot, yet you can't find the words. You wish to change that person, am I wrong?"
Raven's thoughts scattered amidst the master's probing insight. It was unsettlingly accurate, yet he couldn't quite grasp the implications. What question would come next?
The silence felt suffocating, as if the world itself waited for Raven's response. Then, in a tone that was both mysterious and gentle, Master Tao posed his riddle: "I hurt and pain the most when lost, yet I am sorrow when not had at all. I'm sometimes the hardest to express, but the one that is easily ignored. I can be given to many, or just one. What am I?"
Raven focused, his heart racing. Images flooded his mind—lost connections, unburdened hopes, the ache of midnight confessions left unspoken. He took a deep breath, glanced at Supriya, the one whose thoughts danced in and out of reach, and finally said, "Love."
Master Tao smiled, a cryptic expression that suggested there was far more to Raven's answer than met the eye. The onlookers sensed the correctness of his answer, their collective breath releasing in a mixture of relief and awe.
"My child, it's your turn," Master Tao continued, turning his attention to Ri. "Your name is Ri, right? You seem very intelligent. Let's test that intelligence a little."
Nervousness fluttered within her, but Ri steeled herself. "I can do this," she thought. The master's gaze was steady, inviting but unnerving.
"With these words I shall utter," Master Tao said, "l wiggle and I cannot see. Sometimes I am underground and at times on a tree. I really don't want to end up on a hook. I turn into a person when combined with a book."
Ri closed her eyes, allowing her mind to wander through the lessons of her childhood. Her mother's voice echoed—stories of insects, life cycles, transformation. Suddenly it clicked. "A worm!" she exclaimed, the answer bursting forth triumphantly.
Once again, Master Tao smiled, a gesture likened to the rising sun. The response rang true, and a sense of achievement washed over the gathered company.
Then Master Tao abruptly shifted his focus to Jihu. "Ah, please accept my gratitude, future Jing li fox king." The words pierced Jihu, who had expected to be merely an observer.
"Master Tao, you don't have to bow to me," Jihu responded, a mixture of astonishment and humility coloring his tone. "You are at a much higher level than me."
"Future fox King," Master Tao intoned, "I have something to ask you. Can you tell me? I am a creative leader who embraces, encourages, and develops others to take their place. Which position am I in?"
Jihu's mind raced. He recalled the bitter memories of loss and the motivation that burned within him for justice, igniting questions of purpose and leadership. The haunting event from twenty years past—the devastating attack that stole his mother from him—surfaced like a spectre.
He squared his shoulders, feeling a surge of resolve. "Master, I am a leader," he declared, his eyes gleaming fiercely. "My job is justice for my citizens. I will do my utmost to ensure that no one suffers unjustly!"
Master Tao listened intently, nodding appreciatively. The wisdom in Jihu's words resonated, reinforcing the master's belief in the future leaders gathered before him.
The air in the grand hall hummed with a quiet intensity. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the polished floor. But the vibrant colours couldn't mask the underlying tension. "But there are still three people left in the exam," Master Tao mused, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate in the very walls. He glanced around at the remaining candidates: Ash, Fang, and Shu. Anticipation crackled in the air, the tension palpable. "Let's see how they fare against riddles of the heart and mind."
Master Tao's gaze settled on Ash, his eyes twinkling with an ancient wisdom. "So you are Ash, am I right? There is no need to look at me in such fear, child."
Ash, a young woman with eyes that held the storm-swept skies of her homeland, straightened her shoulders, though her unease was still evident. "No, I am not afraid," she said, her voice surprisingly steady. "But I will tell you the truth, if you don't mind, I have never been to such a magical world, and I have never seen magical creatures like you. To be honest, none of us have seen the true forms of Jihu, Fang, and Raven, so it is a bit surprising for me. Don't mind, sir."
Master Tao chuckled, a sound like wind chimes in a summer breeze. "I understand, child. Curiosity is a fine trait. Now," he paused, his gaze sharpening, "I want to ask you something. Tell me, 'What is the bridge between solitude and companionship?'"
Ash's brow furrowed in thought. Her mind raced back to a time of hardship, when she, Ri, and Shu had first left home and begun their studies. They had only each other, a trio of unwavering support. They were a family, a circle of close friends, the very core of their world. Their greatest strength had always been their friendship, an unbreakable bond that held them together even now. Friendship removes loneliness, Ash realized, and friendship is created through companionship.
She lifted her chin, meeting Master Tao's gaze. Turning slightly, she held out her hands, and Shu and Ri mirrored her, their fingers interlacing. "Friendship," she declared, her voice clear and confident. "Our friendship. That will be the answer."
Master Tao didn't respond immediately. He regarded her, his expression unreadable for a long moment, then turned to Fang. "Now it's your turn, Fairy King," he said, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "Tell me: 'Look sweetly at her, she smiles back. Wink at her, she winks back. When you try to kiss her, she kisses in response. I say I love you, she says the same to you. Who am I?'"
Fang, a being of ethereal beauty with eyes like emeralds, considered the riddle with a thoughtful frown. "My lover," he said finally, his voice low and melodious.
Before Master Tao could react, Ash interjected, "No, the answer will be the mirror."
Master Tao's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Why do you think the answer will be the mirror? Explain to me."
Ash took a breath, organizing her thoughts. "No matter how much we love someone, we cannot always give them what they want. Sometimes we may feel that we are not well because we are also human beings. We may be sad, angry, or different types of emotion. If I want my partner to always say 'I love you,' my lover will also say 'I love you,' but that will never happen. He may not think much of it and may not say it. But only the mirror will tell us because whatever we tell ourselves, the mirror will tell us, we are the closest to ourselves, so the answer will be the mirror."
Master Tao let out a soft sigh, his gaze contemplative. He turned his attention to Shu, his expression growing serious. "This is my last question for you, Shu. If you can't answer this question, then I won't give you stones, keep that in mind." He leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Shu," he said, "Guess this is something that I offer you. It helps our relationship to survive if it remains true and makes our love royal. It begins with the alphabet L and comes at no cost. If it's not between us, our relationship would be nothing."
Shu's mind raced. She thought of her relationship with Raven, how strained it had been at the start, how the absence of trust had cast a shadow over everything. And then another word struck her, loyalty. Without these two foundational elements, no relationship could flourish. With a sigh, she met Master Tao's gaze, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I know how important these two are in a relationship. A relationship is very important. At first, that is trust. And in the future, I will be loyal to everyone. This is the first step in building a relationship with everyone." Her voice cracked slightly as she finished, "The answer will be trust and loyalty, I think I am not wrong."
One by one, the remaining candidates would step forward, weaving their paths through wisdom and insight, each question a stepping stone along their journeys toward leadership. Each answer would echo not just through Master Tao's domain, but through the very fabric of their futures—a tapestry woven from intellect, integrity, and the truths of their own hearts.
But as the silence stretched, a wave of unease began to wash over the group. Master Tao had not once indicated whether their answers were correct or incorrect. He had only listened with that enigmatic little smile of his. The tension, which had subsided, resurfaced, a nervous tremor running through them all.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Master Tao spoke, his voice calm and clear. "You have passed my test, I will give you the stone." A collective sigh of relief filled the hall, the tension breaking like a dam before a flood. They had been tested, not just on their knowledge, but on their understanding of the human heart, and miraculously, they had passed.
The wind whipped around Jihu as he held the fourth, smooth stone fragment. Its surface pulsed with a faint, inner light, mirroring the hope that flickered within him. "You have passed the test," Master Tao's voice was a low rumble, the weight of centuries woven into each word. "This is your worthy reward. Go, our future generation, it's your turn now. The responsibility of saving Freedonia, and the Earth, and the entire world rests with you six: Ri, Ash, Fang, Raven, Shu, and Jihu. I hope you win."
With a final, sombre nod to Master Tao, the six friends turned and began their journey. The path stretched ahead of them, uncertain and fraught with peril. But they were united, a bond forged in shared struggle and a common purpose. As they walked, Master Tao watched them fade into the distance, his heart heavy with a mix of hope and fear. They are our future, he thought, the unspoken words a prayer. They have to face this enemy. This is their fate.