11. The Prophecies

They were sitting in the hall. Su Jia Hao looks at Xiao Chen and says seriously, "Little Chen, I want to tell you something. It is very important so listen carefully." He took a deep breath and said, "Today when I took you out of the fishing net. I saw a tattoo on your chest. In that tattoo, there is a dragon and a phoenix. Am I right?

Xiao Chen at first was dumbfounded about this question then he anxiously replied," Yes. Is there something wrong with it?"

Su Jia Hao calmly said, "No, no. There is nothing wrong with it. But maybe the thing I want to tell you is related to that tattoo. "

After listening to this Xiao Chen was shocked because even his parents did not know anything about this tattoo. He comes out of his thoughts and looks at Su Jia Hao.

Then Su Jia Hao started to narrate.

According to him more than a decade ago Su Jia Hao and Wu Rong went into a Dao meeting. The Dao meeting, a gathering of powerful cultivators where they discussed their comprehension of cultivation and the different Dao laws, was in Azure Orchid City. Many powerful cultivators attended the Dao meeting from the entire Blue Profound Sea region. One of the cultivators present at the meeting was the renowned diviner, Mu Fan, known for his extraordinary ability to predict the future.

During that Dao meeting, Mu Fan revealed two ancient scrolls that had been passed down to him by his master. He explained that he was not allowed to read them unless he received certain signs. If those signs did not appear, he was meant to pass the scrolls on to his most promising disciple, who would have to wait for the right time to share and decipher their contents with the world. According to Mu Fan, the change in spirit energy was one of the signs his master told him. That is why he was going to reveal the prophecies.

In the first scroll, diviner Mu Fan had recited a prophecy that had left the cultivators in awe and intrigue:

"Moon and shadow fight,

The sword of destruction rises.

Chaos descends,

Awakens a primordial god."

The words had resonated with an air of foreboding, speaking of cataclysmic events and the emergence of an ancient being of immense power.

In the second scroll, the diviner had uttered an enigmatic prophecy:

"When fortune breaks

The dragon phoenix seal,

Light twinkles,

Darkness trembles,

The wielder of Dawn

Reigns forever?"

These words left the audience puzzled, wondering about the significance of the dragon phoenix seal and the enigmatic wielder of Dawn.

After discussing for three days and three nights, the first prophecy, "Moon and shadow fight, Sword of destruction rise. Chaos descends, Awakens a primordial god," is believed to signify a great cosmic battle between opposing forces. Some cultivators interpret the "moon and shadow" as celestial bodies representing different factions, with the "sword of destruction" representing a powerful force that emerges to bring chaos and upheaval to the world. The "awakening of a primordial god" is seen as the rise of an ancient and mighty being from the past, either as a harbinger of destruction or a force of balance.

As for the second prophecy, "When fortune breaks, The dragon phoenix seal, Light twinkles, Darkness trembles, The wielder of Dawn Reigns forever?" some believe it refers to the upheaval of a long-standing power or the breaking of a powerful barrier, represented by the "dragon phoenix seal." The "light twinkling" signifies the rise of a new leader or faction, while the "darkness trembling" indicates the weakening of an established power. The "wielder of Dawn" is seen as the one who harnesses this shift in fortune and rises to everlasting prominence.

The prophecies had become topics of fervent discussions among the cultivators present, but their true meanings remained shrouded in mystery.

...….

As Su Jia Hao finished narrating the prophecies, the atmosphere in the room became heavy with anticipation and uncertainty. Xiao Chen's mind was racing with questions and thoughts about the significance of the tattoo on his chest and how it might be connected to the ancient scrolls' prophecies.

Su Xinyi looked at Xiao Chen with a mix of concern and curiosity, "Big brother Chen, do you think the tattoo on your chest has anything to do with those prophecies? It's quite a coincidence, isn't it?"

Xiao Chen nodded thoughtfully, "It does seem like more than just a coincidence. But I can't fully comprehend its meaning or how it's connected to those prophecies."

Su Jia Hao chimed in, "Indeed, it's puzzling. These prophecies are ancient, and the events they foretell are far beyond our understanding. However, I want you to remember not to reveal your tattoo in front of anyone. Because at that time many people want to find clues about the prophecies. If anyone knows about the prophecies and sees your tattoo then they will connect both things together. And they can harm you, little Chen, to find out about the tattoo."

Xiao Chen nodded solemnly, taking Su Jia Hao's words to heart. "I understand, Grandpa Su. I won't let anyone know about the tattoo, and I'll be cautious in the city."

Su Jia Hao smiled approvingly, "That's the spirit, my boy. We'll do our best to protect you and guide you in this city, but you must also take care of yourself. Blue Pearl City can be a dangerous place, especially for someone like you with a mysterious tattoo."

Wu Rong added with concern, "Yes, little Chen, you must be careful. We don't know who might be seeking those prophecies, and they won't hesitate to cause trouble for anyone associated with them."

Su Xinyi nodded earnestly, "Don't worry, Big Brother Chen. We'll be by your side, and if anyone tries to harm you, they'll have to answer to me!"

Xiao Chen felt touched by their protective nature and smiled gratefully, "Thank you, everyone. I'm truly grateful for your kindness and concern."

Wu Rong waved her hand, "You don't need to thank us as you will be part of our family. All right, little Chen you can rest for now the empty guest room will be your room from now on. I will call you when dinner is ready.

As Xiao Chen entered the cozy and humble room assigned to him, he felt a sense of gratitude towards Wu Rong for her kindness. The room had a simple wooden bed, a small table with a vase of fresh flowers, and a window overlooking the moonlit courtyard. The warm glow of an oil lamp added a comforting ambiance to the space.

The bed was neatly made, and a soft blanket was folded at the foot of it. The vase of flowers gave the room a touch of beauty and freshness, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over him.

As he sat on the bed, he felt the weariness of the day catch up to him. He laid down on the bed, his head sinking into the soft pillow, and closed his eyes.

With the gentle sound of rain pitter-pattering against the window, Xiao Chen drifted into a peaceful slumber. The room seemed to cocoon him in warmth and safety, and he felt a deep sense of relief to be in such a caring and nurturing environment.

He knew that he was far from his original goal of finding his mother and father, but he also understood that the path to the truth was not straightforward.

But for now, as he drifted into sleep, he allowed himself to bask in the simple comfort of Wu Rong's hospitality and the newfound companionship of Su Xinyi and Su Jia Hao.

.....

Soon the dinner was ready. Su Xinyi came to call Xiao Chen for dinner, but she finds that Xiao Chen was already sleeping.

Su Xinyi stood at the doorway, she couldn't help but be captivated by the sight of Xiao Chen peacefully sleeping. The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow on his face, illuminating his features in a gentle and warm radiance. His chest rose and fell with each calm breath, and she noticed how the worries that had burdened him during the day seemed to have melted away in his slumber.

At that moment, Su Xinyi found herself lost in thoughts, contemplating the enigma that was Xiao Chen. She wondered about the hardships he must have faced, the journey he had undertaken to find his missing parents and the strength he possessed to endure it all. She admired his courage and determination, but there was something more, something that tugged at her heartstrings and made her feel an inexplicable connection to him.

Her gaze traced the contours of his face, from the faint freckles on his cheeks to the slightly parted lips that seemed to hold a hint of vulnerability. The rain had made his hair damp, and a few strands fell gently across his forehead. She felt a sudden urge to reach out and brush them away, to protect him from any harm that might come his way.

As she stood there, a myriad of emotions swirled within her heart. She was still too young to fully understand the complexities of love, but she couldn't deny the strange fluttering sensation that Xiao Chen's presence evoked in her. It was as if fate had brought him into their lives, weaving a new chapter in their story.

With a soft sigh, Su Xinyi finally tore her gaze away from Xiao Chen and gently shook his shoulder to wake him. "Xiao Chen, dinner is ready," she whispered, trying not to startle him.

Xiao Chen stirred, his eyes fluttering open to meet hers. For a moment, they locked eyes, and in that silent exchange, Su Xinyi felt warmth spreading through her cheeks. "Oh, sorry, I must have fallen asleep," he murmured, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.

"It's alright," she replied with a small smile, "Come, let's have dinner."

As they sat down at the table, the warm aroma of the meal filled the air. Wu Rong and Su Jia Hao were already seated, and they exchanged knowing glances as they observed Su Xinyi would glance at Xiao Chen from time to time while Xiao Chen was only focused on enjoying the dinner.

Xiao Chen, appreciating the delicious dinner prepared by Grandma Wu, couldn't help but praise her cooking skills. As he savored each dish, he expressed his admiration with genuine enthusiasm.

"Grandma Wu, this is absolutely amazing! Your cooking is incredible," he exclaimed with a smile. "I haven't had such a delightful meal in a long time. Thank you so much for preparing all of this."

Grandma Wu's face lit up with joy, and she replied with a warm smile, "Oh, you're too kind, Xiao Chen. It's my pleasure to cook for you. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Su Xinyi chimed in, adding her agreement, "Yes, Grandma Wu's cooking is the best. You're lucky to have her cooking for you. After all, she cultivates Culinary Dao."