1 Red Moon (1/2)

Clouds gathered in the sky and from the skies came red rain which cascaded across the land. Each heavy drop dyed the land in a dreadful solemness, the darkness of the clouds deepening with the formation of puddles.

Looking closer the clouds covered all of the lands with the exception of one area. At the center of the land was a range with mountains littered all around closely clustered to one another. In the areas with gaps were strange valleys and other natural formations.

Flying at the edge of this mountain range was an immortal man dressed in immaculate white robes. Embroidered on the black was a swirling black line. He laid back while stroking his white goatee and staring down at the mountain.

”Blood rain...” The immortal seemingly chuckled as he looked down upon the mountain.

The clouds fully gathered started to rumble, and then thunder roared from the heavens. A terrifying 9 colored light emanated from the heavens as it spread across the realm.

The immortal man looked towards the bottom of the mountain and was greeted by a pair of cold eyes. Sitting in meditation was an emaciated dead man. His eyes were deep pools of mystery and obscurity that saw through the flying immortal.

”Hehe.” The dead man chuckled as he looked towards the heavens. His disturbing laughter echoed like death throes as the 9 colored light descended into an array of lightning bolts onto the dead man.

The 9 colored light streamed along the corpse, the intense energies disintegrated the grass and foliage around him. Yet the corpse remained intact as the light shot into his glabella.

As the stream of light settled on the corpse; the clouds faded away and all that remained hanging in the sky was an ominous bloody moon.

”A red moon.” The immortal proclaimed with a sinister tone.

***********

On a strange mountainous area, a handsome young man was walking along a mountain path. He had long flowing black hair and deep black eyes that shined like an abyss. He was wearing black robes and was holding a bamboo umbrella with a bit of pink.

Each of his steps was precise and controlled, extremely light and fast. He ran across the mountain path like a panther.

After a few more minutes of running, he stopped in front of a village. He sealed his umbrella before walking closer to the village. He saw a few children running across the village, it was like a small bustling city. The houses were crude but well designed at the edge as one approached the center the quality increased.

Near the center was a pagoda with a dragon coiling around it. A strange aura was gathering around it and two masked men stood guard.

The young man's eyes flashed with a curious glint as he entered the village. Various villagers walked about and looked at the young man with fleeting glances.

”You there! You must be new!” A voice shouted towards the young man as he was walking. His gaze landed on an old man sitting in front of a small inn. It had a rustic feel to it and was built of wood and stone.

”Why I am. Is this your home?” The young man said with a smile spread across his face. An amicable air seemed to surround him.

”Indeed, this is my home and my inn. You must be a wanderer if you need a place to stay we have great prices.” The old man smiled as he motioned his hand for a handshake.

”I'll take you up on that offer.” the young man said as he shook the old man's hand. Then he reached into his robe and handed him a gold piece. The old man motioned for the young man to follow him.

”So where'd you come from?” The old man asked as they walked across the inn dodging the tables and chairs.

”I come from the Eastern lands, but I just wander aimlessly. What about you?” The young man asked

”Me? Homegrown although I had a phase like you. I wandered around the mountains with my home being the open sky. The sights, the sounds, the smells, they were all amazing.” The old man as his eyes shined with reminiscence.

”But I am not young anymore and it's too dangerous these days. With all those wandering beasts and fallen, what can a mortal do to survive?” The old man sighed.

”It is indeed hard. I've had a few close encounters. How is this village doing?” The young man asked with a solemn tone.

”Great ever since Lord Gulan appeared. We haven't had a beast attack in years.” The old man said.

”I haven't properly introduced myself, I am Nie Lan. Most people call me Old Lan.” Old Lan said

”Mhm, I am called Ye Yuyan….no nicknames or titles.” Ye Yuyan said kindly back.