It was a gloomy afternoon. A gentle breeze swept through the yard. Two children played in the front garden, waving wooden swords in excitement. They were the last descendants of the Light Clan, born with elemental powers passed down through blood. This meant that their parents had either survived the injuries from the Dark-Light War or had found a way to resist the corruption of darkness, allowing them to bear children with elemental gifts. As a result, they were seen as the clan's final hope, earning the honored title of "Ninjas."
"Take this!" Liang Wei shouted joyfully, brandishing his wooden sword at Jed with a playful grin.
"Liang Wei, it's okay to play, but be careful not to hurt Jed, okay?" Ling Xiao stood nearby, watching them closely, a trace of unease in his eyes.
"Okay, I got it." Liang Wei slowly lowered his sword, still smiling mischievously.
BANG!
The wooden gate of the yard was suddenly flung open with a loud crash.
"Ahh!" Both boys jumped back in shock.
"There you are. Finally found you." Three unfamiliar men strode into the courtyard, walking steadily and slowly approaching the children.
"W-Who are you?! Don't come any closer!" Liang Wei held up his wooden sword defensively, fear rising in his chest.
"Don't scare the kids. You're looking for me. Stay away from them!" Ling Xiao stepped forward protectively, his eyes full of caution.
"Now, now, Uncle isn't a bad guy," one of the men said with a fake smile as he reached out to pat Liang Wei's head.
"Liang Wei, Jed, come here now!" Ling Xiao's tone became sharp, his frown deepening.
The two children obeyed immediately, running to Ling Xiao's side and holding his hands tightly.
"You two go to Dragon King Temple and find your master. I need to talk to these men. I'll join you soon," Ling Xiao knelt down and gently kissed each child's forehead.
"Daddy will be okay, right?" Liang Wei looked at him, voice trembling.
"Of course," Ling Xiao said gently. "That uncle said he's Daddy's friend, remember? It'll be fine." He set down his sword and hugged them both tightly.
Jed remained expressionless, staring at Ling Xiao with complicated emotions in his eyes. He had lost his parents during the Dark-Light War and had been adopted by Ling Xiao. The harsh realities of life had forced him to mature early. He knew what was about to happen, and he knew that tears wouldn't change a thing. He just wanted to remember Ling Xiao's face—to never forget it. As he felt the warmth of Ling Xiao's hands, he knew... it was his turn to protect Liang Wei now.
"Go," Ling Xiao stood up and led them to the gate. Jed took Liang Wei's hand and left without looking back.
"I know why you're here," Ling Xiao said, watching the children disappear into the distance. "But I've already told you—I'm not joining you."
"I knew you'd say that," one man sneered. "So I guess we'll just have to do this the hard way!"
He lunged toward Ling Xiao, attempting to capture him.
But Ling Xiao didn't panic. He slowly closed his eyes as his body began to change. His skin darkened, cracks formed across it, and lava-like blood seeped through. When he opened his eyes again, his black pupils radiated an intimidating aura.
Not far away, Liang Wei glanced back—and froze.
"DAD!!" he screamed.
The man standing there… was in the exact form of a Dark Clan warrior—the very thing the Light Clan feared and hated most.
Liang Wei couldn't believe his eyes. The father who had done so much for the Light Clan… was now its worst nightmare. He felt sick. He had once believed he knew Ling Xiao better than anyone—now, he seemed like a stranger. The distance between them grew vast and cold. Liang Wei's heart shattered.
"No… It can't be… You're not my dad… No... You're not him! Give me my father back!!"
Liang Wei jolted awake, gasping for breath, drenched in cold sweat. He looked around and realized he was in his room at the Dragon King Temple. Breathing a sigh of relief, he sat up and wiped the tears from his eyes.
The nightmare had haunted him for ten years. It had become a shadow buried deep in his heart.
He glanced at the clock—1:43 a.m. Thirsty, he stepped out to get a drink. As he opened the door, he saw his white-haired master sitting cross-legged before a massive Buddha statue, meditating. Three burning sticks of incense gave off a faint, calming scent.
"Master…" Liang Wei called softly.
"Another nightmare?" the old man opened his eyes and asked calmly.
"Yeah… Master, can you finally tell me what really happened back then? What happened to my father...?"
Liang Wei sat down beside him, voice trailing off.
Ever since that day, Ling Xiao had vanished. Liang Wei wasn't sure if he was still alive. For ten years, he had searched for the truth behind the Dark-Light War. But his master never spoke of it. Longing to know the truth, all he had found was more fear.
"I told you. The past is the past. Let it go," the master said flatly.
"Why are you always like this? Always avoiding the question," Liang Wei protested, voice rising.
"Enough! Your father saved my life. But I truly don't know what happened to him. I'm telling you this for your own good—stop digging. You're only going to get hurt."
"How could that be?! Didn't you fight beside my father in the war?"
"Don't mention the Dark-Light War again in my presence! Cough, cough!"
"Master..."
"I'm fine," the old man said, wiping his mouth. "The dark energy in me is spreading faster. If not for your father, I would've died two centuries ago, like the others."
"Liang Wei!"
A familiar voice came from behind.
"What is it?" Liang Wei turned and saw Jed, dressed in a green ninja suit with the symbol for "Green" on his back.
"We've got a new mission."