The Beginning

Elias glanced at these two elderly men.

Something about them set them apart from the normal people they met every day. Was it because...they also had no aura?

He shifted his gaze to the one in black and red, and the man stared back, unwavering.

The one with the long beard smiled. "Hmm...let's wait for the rest of the party to arrive," he hummed.

Whitney and Master Xia came to a stop behind them, confused.

Master Xia's eyes widened. "Are you...?"

The old man smiled. "Let me introduce myself. I am an elder from Mystic Sky Sect, surname Sima," he said. His voice was quite even, too stable to match his age. Then he gestured at the taller man next to him. "This is Teacher Li, he is from Infernal Spirit Sect," he added.

Teacher Li inclined his head forward just slightly, raising his high cheekbones.

"Ah...it is a pleasure to meet such high figures, Elder Sima and Teacher Li," Master Xia said politely. He bowed low.

Wayne elbowed Elias as he also bowed with his hands clasped together in front, indicating for them to do the same.

Master Xia straightened up. "Er, these two masters, to what do we owe this honor of having you stop by this city tonight?" he asked cautiously.

Elder Sima chuckled lightly while Teacher Li jutted his chin towards Elias. "This boy...your name is Elias?"

Wayne, Whitney, and their father turned to look at him hesitantly.

Elias wasn't sure what was with their strange looks, but he dipped his chin in response. "Yes, my name is Elias," he replied.

Teacher Li stepped forward, examining him closely with narrowed eyes. "Hmm...not bad," he murmured. Then all of a sudden, he whirled around, squinting his eyes at Wayne. "...You're not bad as well."

Wayne inched his head back awkwardly as the old man stared him straight in the eyes.

Elder Sima nodded heartily. "Yes, indeed. Wayne Xia, we've been watching you for years," he said.

"Eh?!" Wayne darted his eyes between them, cringing. "That's...that's creepy...," he said out loud.

"Ho-ho! No worries!" Elder Sima chuckled. "Though you've shown great potential and strength in your power, you've never really shown much interest in joining our martial sects. That is fine. But tonight..."

He turned towards Elias. "We're here for this young man."

There was silence, and the atmosphere seemed quite uneasy on their end.

Elias held his breath. "Er, are you here perhaps because of the incident with...Shane Wang?" he asked uncertainly.

The two masters suddenly looked up. Teacher Li cleared his throat.

"Hmm, no actually. But as that brat's master, I must deeply apologize that you had to put up with such his insolence. He is already receiving his punishment back at the sect," he stated.

Elias noticed Wayne take a breath of relief. Ying had said earlier that they would come, but not for the reason they think... Seems she was right.

"There's no need to apologize, it was just a simple matter," Elias said politely, feeling a bit uncomfortable that an old man was apologizing to him. It didn't exactly feel right. "Shane was the one who got injured by me, I feel I should apologize instead."

Teacher Li laughed. "No need. He deserved it. He needs to be taught a lesson sooner or later."

Then, before Elias could ask, Elder Sima spoke up. "Well, the reason we came here tonight is that we hope that this young man could come with us?" he said.

Seeing his confused expression, the old man smiled. "No worries. We mean you no harm, we will explain everything to you once we get back. But if you don't want to come, then we won't force you. It's just that our martial sects are in need of a certain help, and we believe you are the one who can help us," he explained, treading carefully on his words.

He was careful not to share too much with outsiders.

Elias shared a look with his sister, then glanced at Master Xia.

Master Xia nodded his head. "This is entirely up to you," he said. "I will not interfere with your decision."

Wayne clapped Elias on the back. "Maybe a greater fate is waiting for you," he whispered excitedly.

Elias pursed his lips. What the heck was all this about? It's so sudden...

But then again, there was really nothing they could do in this Pheonix City. They were only just living off of Master Xia for free and attending whatever event the five Heads held.

'Go with them,' Drachnai's voice suddenly cut through his thoughts.

Elias was startled. It has been quite a while since Drachnai had said anything. 'Are you sure?' he asked the black dragon.

'Do you not trust me? Besides, even if they didn't come tonight, I have a feeling that you would have joined one of these sects in the future, anyway.'

'Alright then, I'll do as you say.'

"Do you...do you want me to go right now?" Elias asked out loud.

The two masters shared a look.

"Of course, if you can, then it would be extremely convenient!" Teacher Li exclaimed. Then he paused. "Wait, does this mean you agree?"

Elias nodded slowly.

From the side, Master Xia gave a sad nod of approval. Alas, it would be quite sad to see him go, but I don't control his future, he thought.

Wayne pursed his lips. "How long will you be gone, then?" he asked.

The two old men rubbed their chins. "We don't know either. It depends on the situation, but of course, Wayne Xia, if you want to come along, you can. Or you can come to find us after thinking about it for a period of time, you are welcome to join the sects whenever you want," Elder Sima announced. "We like you!"

Wayne took a step back, unsure. "Um..." He glanced at his father and his sister, who looked at him expectantly. "Uh...I think I would stay..." he replied. "Maybe I'll think about it."

Teacher Li and Elder Sima nodded. "Of course."

They turned to Elias. "Are you fit to leave? We can give you time to gather some belongings if you need."

Elias shook his head, determined to go down this unfamiliar path with Drachnai's support. "I don't own much..." he said.

"Hmm..."

"Then it is settled."

The teacher and the elder rose into the air, their feet already inches above the ground. "You can travel by air, can you?" Elder Sima hummed. "I saw you at the trials a few weeks ago."

Elias gave a small smile.

'Flight.'

His feet lifted him off the ground effortlessly. "I can."

"Wait!" a voice interrupted.

It was Eryn.

"Ah...this is the sister, I assume?" Elder Sima said. "I'm sorry for not acknowledging you earlier, I was too caught up in the moment."

Eryn shook her head and ascended to their level in the sky, taking both Teacher Li and Elder Sima by sheer surprise. "If my brother goes, I'm going too. I hope that is not a bother?"

Elder Sima recovered from the shock, first. A huge grin broke across his face. "So it turns out that not only is the brother talented, the sister is just as capable! Very well! You may come along."

The four in the sky looked down at the ones who are still on the ground.

Elias glanced down at Wayne, whose expression neither seemed happy or disappointed. It was more like...resolve. "We'll be back soon," he said.

Wayne waved his arm. "You better!" he called back. "I'll be bored to death if you don't!"

"Eryn! Don't leave me alone with my stupid brother!" Whitney wailed.

Eryn released a breath. "You'll be fine, Whitney. But just as Elias said, we'll come back for sure."

Whitney crossed her arms, pouting. "Fine!"

The twins then turned to Master Xia. "Thank you so much for your kindness as hospitality these past weeks," they said to him.

Master Xia only grinned. "No need! When you come back, I'll prepare a great feast! Whatever you do at the sects, whatever you achieve, make this old man proud!"

Eryn laughed awkwardly. "Alright."

"Shall we get going, then?" Teacher Li proposed.

"Yes."

Elder Sima turned. "Follow us now," he said as he started to fly away.

The twins shared a look. They shrugged and followed.

'Flight.'

Was this a start to a new journey?