A Chance To Live

Ice Frost Village

To the far north of mainland, across the frozen lake of Eternal Spring, there existed a land painted with nothing but the pearl whiteness of snow. The wind blew softly, carrying snowflakes as they swayed gently before finally touching the ground. With each fallen snowflake, the temperature seemed to lower yet again and the snow grew thicker.

Normally, when the sun had risen above the head, the people of Ice Frost Village could be seen making their way in a group to hunt for food. Some would also busy themselves to look for ice and some would push a carriage towards the Crystal Forest to fetch for woods. Food stands and shops would be open and the village would grow lively, despite the small number of people who lived there.

However today, no matter how high the sun had risen, the temperature didn't waver but only got colder. Despite that, it didn't seem to bother the natives even though they couldn't go on with their daily activities. They just stayed inside and warmed themselves while drinking tea with their family or friends. For them, it was just another day living in the north.

Those who lived in Ice Frost Village had grown accustomed to the weather. There was no other season but winter here in the northern side. Most of the people were born and raise in the snow. In fact, the weather played to their advantage because the people here lived longer and rarely got sick. Moreover, those who practiced martial arts had even stronger body.

In contrast to other places, Ice Frost Village was a lot more peaceful. The people loved and cared for one another. They worked together like one big family.

Presently, a man dressed in white robe with another layer of fox fur on top of it was seen standing near the Eternal Spring. His intense gaze was fixed on the crystal clear water that was emitting faint but colorful lights. The steam was rising from the lake showing the warm temperature of the water. The scent of something sweet and alluring brushed the man's nose gently.

It was brief but he could feel his whole body becoming calm and light. He could feel his dantian was being caressed gently like a mother's touch towards her child. As he stood there silently, the scent grew stronger and the spiritual essence around him grew thicker. He closed his eyes as he fell into deep thoughts.

The Eternal Spring was a lake that existed as the border between the vast snow land and the Ice Frost Village. After crossing the spring, there was still quite a distance before one reached the village. This Eternal Spring did not only serve as the checkpoint but also a layer of defense against outsider. It could create a mirage that served as an illusion to trap those who had evil intentions. Only those who meant no harm could break through it.

For the villagers though, the spring was their other source of water and a place to help their cultivation. It was already a normal thing for them but for outsiders, Eternal Spring was in fact a rare and precious spring. Some even thought that it was only a legend because of its location being far from the mainland and other kingdoms.

This Eternal Spring was the most sought spring for martial artists as it could promote their cultivation level in an unbelievable speed and it could strengthen their physic or even change it for the better. It could nullify any poisons and cure rare sickness. It also served as a valuable ingredient for refining pills. With a drop of water from Eternal Spring, any pills would be guaranteed to be of high quality.

The man was still standing in front of the spring. He sighed and opened his eyes with determination.

'She deserved a chance to live. she deserved to be happy. I've promised His Highness.'

With that, he turned around and proceeded to his home.

.....

Inside the ice house.

"Lin'er," he called the lady who was sitting by the fireplace.

Huang Mei Lin looked away from the burning fire and gazed at the man. As if her eyes could see right through him, she smiled bitterly. She knew what he wanted to say. But...

"Don't," she shook her head, "The risk is too big. I can't. I just can't..."

The man, Huang Li Wei, looked at Mei Lin with thoughtful eyes. He furrowed his eyebrows. He understood her worries completely. He knew that once they did 'this', they would change many people's lives. They would change the course of fate. Whether the ending would be bad or good, or the occurrence of the fallen and the birth of many lives, all of it would be their doing.

"I know," he said as he lowered his head.

There was sadness in his voice, a deep sorrow that was mixed with fear and disappointment towards himself.

"And yet, you still want to do it?" She asked.

He looked at her again with determination.

"Yes. She deserves to live and be loved like other people. She deserves a chance to write her own story and be happy. I... I promised His Highness a long time ago and I won't break it now. I love her like my own child, Lin."

A tear rolled down her cheek. Her smile became even more profound. Her heart was aching with deep sorrow as she remembered 'that night'. She remembered the princess who she had treated like her own sister. How the princess smiled at her and wished her a happy life.

Mei Lin finally broke down. She couldn't hold back her tears and they just flowed down her cheeks relentlessly. She cried out while squeezing her clothes around her chest. It hurt... it hurt so badly.

Li Wei walked to her and pulled her into his embrace. His eyes were already red too. But, he held back his tears. He couldn't cry. He just couldn't. Not now, at least.

"It's okay, Lin. I only need you to stay by my side," he said as he caressed her long black hair, "I'll take full responsibility and it will be only mine to bear."

He tightened his embrace as he closed his eyes. "Don't worry."

Although she was sad, Mei Lin was quick to respond. She let go of his arms and stared straight to his eyes. She held his face in both of her palms.

"No! We'll both bear the responsibility. I will not leave you alone," she smiled as she continued, "I love her too. So very much. Even though it was only a brief moment when I held her, she was already like my own child. I could feel it here."

She put his hand where her heart was. It beat loudly and strongly against her chest. With a determined eyes, she continued to look at him.

"She is our goddaughter." She stopped before she finished her sentence, "No! She is our daughter!"

She squeezed his hand before she stood up and walked towards the bed. She bent down and opened the lock on one of the tile. From underneath, she took out a heavy book, a grimoire. Then, she sat back in front of him.

"Let's bring her back to where she's supposed to be."

She smiled in a motherly way. He smiled back at her and pulled her close.

"Yes. I trust you."

She grinned. "Well, first of all, let's search ourselves a contract."

And the magic flowed, as she commanded. The spiritual essence burst forth and locked down inside a pentagram.

'They who wonder the boundless wasteland. Corrupted by the darkness and followed by the deaths. The road of blood shall be paved for they who possess many names. And the price shall be the blood of a human.'