Prologue: The Final Game

The sharp crackle of tension filled the air as Gu Kaidè stood, his hands bound by the ropes that had been tied so tightly, his skin burned from the rough fibers. Before him, Bo Chen’s laughter echoed in the dim light of the abandoned warehouse. The tension was thick, each moment dragging like an eternity.

“You’re still standing, Mr. Gu? How quaint,” Bo Chen taunted, his smirk twisted with an unsettling mockery. “I almost admire you for keeping that cocky face, even as your life slips away.”

Gu Kaidè's eyes narrowed, but his gaze remained unwavering, even though his mind screamed in frustration. Shit! How could I have been so naive? To think I could trust him—this fool who calls himself a 'friend.' But even as the anger swirled in his gut, he knew this was just the beginning of his reckoning.

“Let me get this straight,” Gu Kaidè spoke, his voice calm and collected, “we had an agreement. I followed through on everything you asked, and now you’re just going to toss me aside like an old rag?”

Bo Chen’s grin faltered for a second, then returned. “You're a smart man, Kaidè, but you never were good at seeing things for what they truly are. We had a deal, yes. But deals are made to be broken—especially when they no longer serve me.” He clicked his tongue, the light catching the glint of the gun in his hand.

Gu Kaidè clenched his teeth. His heart pounded in his chest, but he didn't show it. He couldn't afford to. His mind raced with a million thoughts, all centered on one question: How long do I have?

"I know what you're thinking," Bo Chen continued, his voice almost sing-song. "You're wondering if I’ll spare you. What if you beg? What if you cry for mercy? But here’s the thing, Kaidè. I’m not in the mood for your desperation today. You've lost, and I’m done playing games."

Gu Kaidè tilted his head slightly, his voice dripping with disdain. "Do you really think I’ll beg for my life? You and I both know what kind of man I am. Let’s get this over with."

The words hung in the air between them like an unspoken challenge. But as the moment stretched on, a flicker of something in Bo Chen’s eyes betrayed him.

"Still acting like a hero," Bo Chen mocked, his lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "What about your son, Kaidè? Your adopted daughter, An Hua, don’t you think of them? How long do you think they'll survive without you?"

The mention of his family hit like a blade to the chest. Gu Kaidè’s grip tightened on the rope, his fingers stiff with the urge to break free. But he wouldn’t give Chen the satisfaction.

“You know nothing about them,” Gu muttered, his voice low but laced with venom. "You have no right to drag my family into this."

Bo Chen laughed, a cold, merciless sound. "Oh, I think I do. Have you forgotten, Kaidè? That’s why we’re here. You were never meant to live through this, not with the secrets you carry."

"Enough!" Gu Kaidè shouted, a surge of fury in his chest. His thoughts flashed to his son, the boy who had no idea of the dark world his father was entangled in. He thought of An Hua, the daughter he'd taken in as his own. They must be safe, he told himself. I can't let him destroy them.

Bo Chen noticed the shift in Gu’s expression, and his grin grew wider. "Ah, I see it now. You’re still trying to play the hero, Kaidè. Well, the curtain is about to fall on your little act."

Bo Chen gave a short, sharp signal to one of his men, who stepped forward, gun raised. But just as the man was about to pull the trigger, a massive bang shook the entire warehouse, reverberating through the rafters. A strange scent filled the air—something like smoke, but thicker, more acrid.

Bo Chen spun around, his eyes wild. “What the hell was that?” he growled, his hand instinctively reaching for his gun.

Before anyone could react, chaos erupted. A blaze suddenly roared to life in the far corner of the warehouse, licking the air with hungry flames. The fire spread faster than anyone could comprehend, racing across the rotting wood and flammable debris that littered the ground.

Bo Chen cursed loudly. “Gu Kaidè! Is this your doing?” His voice was a mix of fury and disbelief, but before he could act, Gu Kaidè moved.

In one swift motion, he snapped his arms apart, the ropes fraying under the pressure, and he kicked the gun out of Bo Chen’s hand. The shock on Bo’s face was palpable, but Gu Kaidè didn’t wait for him to react. He delivered a powerful strike to Bo’s chest, sending him sprawling backward into the flames.

The room devolved into pandemonium. Screams echoed as Bo Chen’s men scrambled to escape the fire, some tripping over crates and barrels, others coughing in the smoke-filled air. Gu Kaidè, injured but alive, staggered toward the nearest exit, his blood still seeping from the graze on his arm.

But just as he thought he might make it out, a sharp pain seared through his skull. Bo Chen had regained his footing, a heavy piece of wood raised high, and he struck Gu across the head with a sickening crack.

The world tilted, and Gu Kaidè crumpled to the floor, blood dripping from his wounds. Through the haze of pain, he saw Bo Chen raising the gun, preparing to finish what he’d started.

A shot rang out, but it wasn’t Bo Chen’s. The bullet missed Gu entirely, narrowly grazing his arm as the gunfire erupted in the distance.

The sound of an engine roared from outside, and within moments, a sleek black car screeched to a halt outside the warehouse. The doors flew open, and a figure emerged from the smoke.

Gu Kaidè’s heart surged with relief, but also with a pang of guilt. An Hua... he thought, his vision fading.

An Hua was there, as always, her eyes cold with determination. She moved with precision, her fingers brushing over her father’s bloodied form, ensuring he wouldn’t die—not while she was around.

“You’re lucky I came, old man,” An Hua said, her voice sharp but with a hint of affection.

“You always have to make it dramatic, don’t you?” Gu Kaidè managed a weak grin, feeling the weight of the potion she pressed to his lips. He drank it without question, the strange concoction burning as it slid down his throat.

The bleeding stopped almost immediately, and Gu Kaidè felt his strength returning, though his head still throbbed. He stood slowly, leaning on An Hua for support.

“Time to get out of here,” An Hua said, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You’re not dying on my watch. Not yet, anyway."

They made their way out of the burning warehouse, the flames still flickering ominously behind them. But as Gu Kaidè looked back at the inferno, he knew it was no accident. An Hua had made sure the fire would burn bright enough to create confusion, but not enough to destroy everything.

The fire began to die down, a controlled burn orchestrated with frightening precision. It was a warning, and perhaps a reminder.

“Sleep now,” An Hua whispered softly to her father. “You’ll be alright once you wake up.”

Gu Kaidè's eyelids fluttered, the world around him blurring into nothingness. He heard the roar of the engine again, felt the warmth of the embrace that had caught him just before he fell, and then... silence. Complete and utter silence.

But for once, it wasn’t the silence of defeat. It was the silence of a new beginning.

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Hello Readers🙋, welcome to my first story and first time writing. I have used Chinese names because it fits the story that I'm going for and my characters are named after my research so it's not just random names.

You will be able to understand them better as you continue on with the story and this is a work of fiction so my imagination will know no bounds. So do follow me and my characters filled with mystery, magic and some romances💖 (hmm I don't know🤔☺️).

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Chapter 1: Five Years Later

Five years had passed in the blink of an eye, but that didn’t mean the world had stopped turning. People had continued to play their games of survival, scheming and fighting to carve out a place for themselves in this ever-shifting world. Some had managed to make it, while others fell by the wayside. But one thing was certain—no one was untouched by the ripple effects of the past.

And now, as the evening sky stretched across City A, the familiar hum of life surged toward an unlikely gathering—the Ding Ja Auction Hall. Inside, anticipation hung thick in the air like a fog. Rumors had been circulating for weeks about a certain mysterious item that was to be auctioned tonight, one that had piqued the curiosity of the elite. Whispers of a flower that promised immortality had driven the wealthy, the powerful, and the desperate to gather here. Some sought to see the impossible with their own eyes, while others were driven by more personal motives.

Outside the grand building, luxury cars lined the streets, their polished surfaces reflecting the glow of the evening lights. People bustled through the entrance, each dressed in the finest attire, their heels clicking on the marble floors as they entered the auction hall. It was a spectacle—a fusion of business, wealth, and allure. Laughter and conversation echoed through the space, as deals were made and alliances forged.

The atmosphere was electric, each person trying to outshine the other in their opulence, each with their own agenda. But amid the crowd, there were those who had come for more than just the prestige of being seen. They had come for the rumored treasure—the flower said to grant immortality. Whether it was myth or truth, none could say, but tonight, many hoped to find out.

Inside the auction hall, the spotlight shifted from item to item. One by one, treasures were unveiled: pearls that gleamed like stars, ancient vases that held centuries of history, sculptures that carried the weight of forgotten dynasties. The bidding was fierce, the stakes high. But it was the next item that truly caught the attention of the crowd.

"Good evening, esteemed guests," the auctioneer, Tang Ding, greeted with a wide smile. His voice echoed through the hall, carrying with it an air of both authority and charm. "We appreciate your presence tonight. As many of you know, 70% of tonight's earnings will go to the Tang Foundation, which supports scholarships for underprivileged students. Your generosity will change lives, and for that, we thank you."

The room quieted as the first item was presented—a beautiful pearl known as the "Mermaid’s Tear." It shone with an almost supernatural radiance, its pale surface shimmering under the lights. It was an exquisite object, drawing gasps from the audience as its beauty captivated everyone present.

"Let the bidding begin," Tang Ding announced, his voice carrying the excitement in the room. The auction went smoothly as the pearl was sold for £1.5 million, a price that left the audience in awe. It was only the beginning of what would prove to be an unforgettable night.

Among the guests, two figures stood out: Wu Shendong and Liu Yanqiang. They were seated near the back, their eyes sharp as they observed the events unfolding. The two had been friends for years, but tonight, their thoughts were on the same singular goal—the mysterious flower.

"Do you think it's real?" Shendong asked, his voice low, his tone tinged with a mixture of excitement and skepticism. "I mean, the rumors... a flower that grants immortality? Sounds like a fairytale."

Yanqiang, always the more pragmatic of the two, leaned back in his seat, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "I don't know. But there's something about this that feels different. My grandfather... he’s been involved in something similar before. He told me once about a person, a mysterious figure who appeared out of nowhere. It was that person who helped save my parents, and they mentioned the same flower."

Shendong’s eyes widened. "Your grandfather was involved in this too? Then this flower—could it be—"

"I’m not sure," Yanqiang interrupted. "But I know this—whatever it is, it’s worth pursuing. Just stay calm tonight. Don’t make your interest too obvious. We’ll find out more when the time is right."

The auction continued with high-end antiques, rare artworks, and valuable heirlooms being sold to the highest bidder. But as the night wore on, the most anticipated item had yet to make its appearance. It was the one thing everyone in the room was waiting for, though none dared to voice it aloud.

Finally, the moment arrived.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Tang Ding’s voice rang through the room, "our next item is something very special. It has been shrouded in mystery, and tonight, we are honored to present it to you. A vial of a rare and potent substance, known only to a select few. It is rumored to restore vitality and enhance strength. Starting bid: £30,000."

Shendong’s heart raced as his eyes locked on the small vial resting delicately in the display case. The liquid inside shimmered with a soft, eerie glow, and an almost magnetic pull drew him toward it.

"Yan, this is it," Shendong whispered urgently. "This is the one my mother needs."

Yanqiang raised an eyebrow but nodded slightly, giving his friend a signal to hold back. "Don’t act too eagerly, Shendong. Wait for the right moment."

The bidding war began, with several high-profile attendees placing their offers. But it wasn’t long before Shendong’s patience wore thin. His hand shot up, and with a steady voice, he called out, "£4 million."

The room fell silent, and the auctioneer’s eyes widened in surprise. "£4 million, going once… twice… thrice—sold to Young Master Wu!"

Shendong’s pulse raced, but he maintained a calm exterior. His hand remained still, his face stoic, even as excitement surged through him. This was what he had come for. The vial, the key to saving his mother, was now his.

Later, the auction concluded, and Tang Ding led Shendong and Yanqiang to a private room. They were to meet the person behind the vial—someone who had been shrouded in mystery. The door creaked open, and inside stood a woman, alone, with her back to them. She was dressed simply but elegantly, her presence almost ethereal.

"Good evening, Young Masters," she said, her voice warm and welcoming yet somehow distant. She turned to face them, revealing her delicate features, and smiled. "I’m the one responsible for this vial."

Yanqiang and Shendong exchanged a look, both startled by the enigmatic woman before them. Her demeanor was strangely familiar yet distant, as if she were both here and not here at the same time.

"I wanted to thank you for your generosity," she continued, her eyes locking with Shendong’s. "And to personally hand this over to you."

As she extended the vial, her sleeve shifted slightly, revealing a mark on her wrist—a flower-like symbol that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it caught both men’s attention immediately.

Before either of them could say a word, her phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen, and with a polite smile, she excused herself. "I must take this call. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon."

She left as swiftly as she had come, disappearing into the hallway without leaving a trace. Shendong was left holding the vial, his mind racing with questions.

"What just happened?" he muttered, his fingers tracing the smooth surface of the vial. "Who was she?"

Yanqiang’s gaze was focused elsewhere, his thoughts racing. "I don’t know, but I saw it too—the flower mark on her wrist. My grandfather mentioned it before... that same symbol. It’s the same person he encountered all those years ago."

Shendong stared at the vial in his hand, his heart pounding. "Do you think she’s the one behind this? The one who made the potion?"

Yanqiang didn’t answer immediately, but his face betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. "I think we’ve just scratched the surface. And I don’t know about you, but something about her—about all of this—feels surreal."

As they left the room, both men were filled with a sense of unease. There was something more to this than just a simple auction, and neither of them knew exactly what it was. But one thing was certain—the flower, the vial, the mysterious woman—they were all part of a much larger, plot.

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Chapter 2: The Night of Secrets

The streets of the city felt unusually alive that evening, the kind of night where the air buzzed with excitement and mystery. The delicate drizzle of rain against the pavement added an almost ethereal charm, while a cold wind blew, prompting pedestrians to tug their collars higher against the chill. Despite the weather, the streets were filled with people, most of them heading home from the day’s activities, their hurried footsteps echoing in the growing darkness.

Among them, one figure stood apart—a woman in a white dress, an umbrella in her hand. Her attire, seemingly inappropriate for the chilly weather, seemed to be of little concern to her. Her steps were calm, measured, and the soft glow of streetlights cast her shadow long across the street. She appeared to be in a quiet conversation on her phone, her voice soft but carrying a hint of calmness that betrayed the urgency of the night.

"Dad, are you keeping track of me again?" she said, her voice tinged with the slightest hint of amusement. "You always seem to call at the right time!"

On the other side of the line, the voice of her father responded, light-hearted yet concerned. "Ha! No, no, I’ve learned my lesson from last time. It's not that I’m watching over you, but A Shi is coming home tomorrow. You’re not planning to miss out on seeing us, are you?"

An Hua’s lips curled into a smile as she paused beneath the dim light of a street lamp. "I’ll be home tomorrow evening, Dad. Don’t worry, this time I’m coming home for good. But... I might need to pick up a gift for Ah Shi."

She could feel a pang in her chest at the mention of her family. For years now, she had distanced herself, but her father’s voice always managed to tug at something deep inside her. It was hard not to, especially after everything that had happened.

Yes, An Hua had stayed away from home. She had gone to the Fei Forest Valley to recuperate as she had exhausted herself by using her power.

She had gone to this forest as it was the place where Gu Kaidè and his wife Li Shuying had met her for the first time.

They had gone to Fei Forest for trekking and had come across her when she had just woken up, after her Master/Mother had sent her away from that horrible place by risking her life. The last thing she saw of her mother before coming to this place was her being pierced by the icicles that were being shot by those so-called righteous ones who felt they were entitled to their lives.

Her family's lives were just a pawn in the hands of those higher ups. It had gotten worse after her father's death, who had sacrificed himself while saving the life of an Elder's Second son from a cursed beast. Her father's sacrifice was a joke as they felt he was entitled to do so as he was a Cleric.

They wanted their lives as her mother had declined the Elders' request of teaching their people on how to rear the Flowers that were used to produce nectar for the Immortality potion. If her mother tried teaching the people, her life energy would drain rapidly which was risky for her. It was forbidden in her ancestral rule to teach this art to others that did not belong from their bloodline. This rule was made when someone had used this method to create a poison and had almost destroyed their honor and their source of livelihood.

The elders didn't believe a word that her mother had said and had called her selfish and haughty. Even her father had not been taught by her mother and could only utilise the nectar from the flowers to further enhance the vitality of his medicine and healing abilities. But other people just wanted to believe in what they wanted to, and not the truth. There were many reasons why they were hunted down but the most driving factor was their greed and selfishness.

When she had first been sucked into this place, she thought it was a different world but soon she found that, her realm and this place were from the same world. It was just that, only those powerful elites had knowledge about such existence.

In the eight years that she had been living here she had not sense any familiar feeling of people from her realm. She had gone to the auction to return a favor on the request of the Old Man who had helped her the last five years.

"An Hua! hello! are you there? Hey, dear what happened? Why aren't you saying anything? What's going on??" came a voice from the other side of the phone.

"Sorry, dad. I was just thinking of something. Of course, I'll come back tomorrow evening. Don't worry this time I'm coming home for real. I need to buy a gift for Ah Shi. So dad, see you tomorrow" said An Hua, as she was shaken up from her past by the call of her father.

They said their goodbyes and hung up the phone. As she listened to her father’s farewell and hung up the phone, An Hua felt a sudden sense of displacement. She had been walking absentmindedly while talking, and when she looked around, she realized she had taken a wrong turn. What should have been a familiar street had led her into a dark, narrow alleyway. For a moment, she stood there, the quiet of the alley surrounding her, and then sighed in annoyance. She had to turn back.

But before she could do so, a sudden groan broke through the stillness of the night. It came from further down the alley, followed by a heavy thud, the unmistakable sound of someone slamming against a wall. An Hua’s instincts kicked in at once—there was something familiar about the feeling, something that pricked at her senses. Her curiosity piqued, she began to walk toward the sound, her steps light but purposeful.

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See you in the next chapter 🥰😇