《REBIRTH ZERO》


 CHAPTER 1: THE BOY WHO RIDES THE FLAME

    Location: Shanghai, China ¨C 1:46 AM


    The city of Shanghai never stopped moving. The streets pulsed with life¡ªa delivery scooter maneuvered between cars with elegance, neon signs flickered, and voices blended into a never-ending hum.


    Xi¨¤o knew these streets well. Not by choice.


    At nineteen, he was a delivery driver, navigating through the chaos of the city for scraps of money. No family, no future worth worrying about. As long as he kept moving, he didn¡¯t have to think about anything.


    But tonight, something felt off.


    ---


    This was his last delivery of the day.


    Xi¨¤o pulled up to the address. A narrow alley¡ªtoo dark, too quiet. Even the neon glow from the main street barely reached this far.


    He glanced at the delivery box strapped to his scooter. A normal order, just like the hundred before it. But why did this one feel different¡ªlike something was watching him?


    Shaking off the unease, he grabbed the package and stepped forward.


    The streetlights started to flicker.


    A chill crawled up his spine. The alley seemed to stretch unnaturally, as if space itself had shifted. He turned his head sharply. Nothing.


    Then suddenly, a voice behind him¡ª


    "You shouldn¡¯t be here."


    Xi¨¤o spun, fists up.


    A man stood there, clad in a black overcoat. Sharp eyes, slicked-back hair, and a presence that felt completely out of place. Not a cop. Not a thug.


    Xi¨¤o narrowed his eyes. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    The man didn¡¯t answer. His gaze shifted past Xi¨¤o, toward the darkness behind him.


    Xi¨¤o followed his eyes¡ªand his stomach dropped.


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    Something was there.


    At first, it was just a distortion, like heat rising off pavement. Then, it stepped forward.


    A towering figure, shifting like liquid shadow. Its body had no form, no clear edges¡ªjust a mass of twisting darkness. And its face¡ª


    There was no face. Only a void.


    Xi¨¤o¡¯s breath hitched. The air felt heavy, pressing down on his chest.


    Then, it moved.


    Faster than anything that size should.


    Xi¨¤o barely had time to react. His body screamed at him to run¡ªbut his legs wouldn¡¯t move.


    The shadow lunged.


    Suddenly, he saw a flash of silver on the edge of his sight.


    The man in the coat moved, his hand flicking through the air. A curved blade sliced through the darkness. The creature screeched, recoiling as glowing marks burned into its body.


    The creature, at full speed, attacked the man.


    The man didn¡¯t hesitate. He stepped back, twisting his sword. With precise and practiced movements, he evaded the attack, plunging his blade into the creature¡¯s abdomen. The creature tried to grab the man, but he stepped back, making distance between him and the creature before it could grab him.


    But before he could steady himself, the creature pulled the sword out of its abdomen and threw it at him with incredible speed. He caught it masterfully, but before he could react, the creature had already escaped.


    The man looked back at Xi¨¤o, who was still frozen.


    The man in black asked him, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Suddenly, Xi¨¤o stumbled back, his mind reeling. What the hell was he fighting?


    Silence filled the alley.


    Xi¨¤o forced himself to breathe. His fists clenched. His body felt cold despite the fire burning in his chest.


    "What the hell was that?" he finally asked.


    The man wiped his blade clean. "A Malice," he said simply.


    Xi¨¤o stared. "What?"


    The man finally met his gaze. "You¡¯re in danger, Xi¨¤o."


    That set off every alarm in Xi¨¤o¡¯s head. "How do you know my name?"


    The man hesitated for a moment.


    "Because we¡¯ve been watching you."


    Xi¨¤o¡¯s hands clenched. "That¡¯s not creepy at all."


    The man sighed. "Listen. You don¡¯t understand what¡¯s happening, but you will in time."


    Something about the way he said it made Xi¨¤o frown.


    The man¡¯s gaze was unreadable. "Who you really are."


    The man pulled a small emblem from his coat¡ªa metallic insignia etched with symbols Xi¨¤o didn¡¯t recognize.


    "This is the mark of White Lotus," he said. "A group that has protected humanity for centuries."


    Xi¨¤o took a step back. "I don¡¯t do secret societies, man."


    A slight smirk. "That¡¯s not your choice anymore."


    Xi¨¤o scowled. "You can¡¯t just tell me some monster attacked me and expect me to follow a guy with a sword."


    The man¡¯s expression darkened. "Xi¨¤o. You felt it, didn¡¯t you? That thing¡ªyou saw it. A normal person wouldn¡¯t."


    Xi¨¤o hesitated. He had seen it.


    And something deep inside him knew that wasn¡¯t normal.


    The man slid the emblem back into his coat. "You¡¯re at a crossroads. You can walk away, pretend this never happened. But that thing? It won¡¯t stop coming for you."


    Xi¨¤o wanted to argue. Wanted to say it wasn¡¯t his problem. But he knew¡ªdeep down¡ªthat he couldn¡¯t ignore it.


    The man turned. "When you¡¯re ready for answers, come here. You will find me."


    Then, without another word, he disappeared into the city.


    Xi¨¤o stood there, his mind spinning.


    He looked down at his hands. They were still shaking.


    Something was changing.


    And whether he liked it or not¡ªhe was part of it now.


    To Be Continued¡­

 CHAPTER 2: THE DECISION

    The man vanished into the bustling city, but Xi¨¤o had a job to finish. He grabbed the delivery box and made his way to the destination. Stopping at the door, he rang the bell.


    Footsteps echoed from inside, approaching the entrance.


    "Who is it?"


    "Your delivery, sir."


    The door swung open, revealing a man with an irritated expression.


    "How long was I supposed to wait for this?" he snapped.


    Xi¨¤o remained unfazed. Late deliveries weren¡¯t new to him¡ªnor were angry customers. He had long since learned to handle situations like this.


    "I apologize for the delay, sir. If you verify the delivery, you''ll receive a discount coupon for your next order as compensation for the delivery."


    The man''s irritation eased slightly. He accepted the package, tapped on his phone to confirm the delivery, and soon after, a notification popped up for the discount. Without another word, he slammed the door shut.


    Xi¨¤o let out a tired sigh and walked toward his scooter. His body felt heavy with exhaustion. Three things filled his mind¡ªshower, food, sleep.


    As he started the scooter, the city was finally beginning to settle down. The streets felt quieter, the neon signs flickering against the night. Before his thoughts could drift back to the alleyway incident, he arrived at his apartment.


    His room was on the sixth floor, so he began the slow climb up the stairs. Step by step. Each one is heavier than the last. By the time he reached his door, all he wanted was to collapse.


    The moment he stepped inside, he headed straight for the shower. Warm water cascaded down his shoulders, washing away the fatigue of the day. His eyes drifted shut.


    "Ahh... this is good."


    For a fleeting moment, his mind wandered back to the alleyway. Has it really happened? It felt almost like a dream.


    Groooowl!


    His stomach made its presence known. With a sigh, he quickly rinsed off. Food first. Everything else could wait.


    Xi¨¤o changed into his pajamas and stepped into the kitchen. Opening the cupboard above the induction cooker, he found it stocked with instant ramen. He grabbed one, then placed an iron kettle filled with water on the induction cooker. As he waited, he picked up a ramen cup from the counter, peeled back the lid, and revealed the tightly packed noodles inside. A small pouch of powdered seasoning and dried vegetables rested on top.


    He tore it open and sprinkled the contents over the noodles.


    Groooowl!


    His stomach protested impatiently. He glanced at the induction cooker¡ªit would take a few more minutes.


    Soon, the water began to bubble and hiss, steam curling into the air. The moment it reached a rolling boil, he turned off the heat and carefully poured the steaming water into the ramen cup, filling it just to the line. The sharp, savory scent of seasoning hit him, making his hunger even worse.


    He placed the lid back down and set his chopsticks over the top to hold it in place. Three minutes. That¡¯s all he had to wait.


    Time had never moved so slowly.


    Finally, he peeled back the lid, releasing the rich aroma of broth and spices. He picked up his chopsticks, lifted a steaming bundle of noodles, and blew gently before taking the first bite.


    "Ahh, this hits the spot."


    Once he finished, he tossed the waste into the trash. Exhaustion weighed on him. The next thing he remembered was lying on his bed. Before he knew it, sleep had taken him.


    ---


    When he opened his eyes, he was back in the alley where he had met that thing. But now, the alley stretched endlessly into the darkness.


    A voice echoed behind him.


    Slowly, Xi¨¤o turned.


    The monster was there¡ªa twisting shadow with a void for a face. It reached toward him, its movements slow and deliberate.


    He couldn¡¯t move. His mind screamed at him to run, but his legs wouldn¡¯t obey.


    The thing was inches from his face now. Its hands stretched forward¡ª


    Beep beep beep beep!


    Xi¨¤o jolted awake, his breath ragged. His eyes darted around, scanning his surroundings.


    Just a dream.


    Letting out a heavy sigh, he turned to the clock. It was already time to wake up.


    His body begged for more sleep, but he had no choice¡ªhe had a class to attend.


    Dragging himself up, he went through the motions¡ªwashing his face, tossing his laundry into the bucket, and grabbing leftovers from the fridge. He couldn¡¯t even remember when he had put them there.


    With a sigh, he threw them into the microwave and, in the meantime, made himself a cup of coffee.Beep. Beep. Beep.


    The microwave signaled that the food was ready.


    Xi¨¤o took it out and bit into it¡ªthen paused.


    Something was off. The taste was stale, almost fungi-like. He frowned but didn¡¯t really mind.


    His Next door lived an Old Lady who he calls her P¨® . Normally, she would bring him food, but she had been hospitalized for a few days now.


    He glanced at the clock¡ªhe still had time. Maybe he should visit her. He had promised to water her plants, after all.


    Finishing his meal, he grabbed the watering can. There wasn¡¯t much water left, but there were only a few plants to take care of. After tending to them, he returned to his room.


    Time was running out.


    If he left now, he could visit Old Lady Po and still make it to class on time. Every minute counted.


    He quickly threw on a shirt and pants, then rushed out the door. Halfway down the hall, he suddenly remembered¡ªhe hadn¡¯t locked it.


    Damn it.


    Muttering under his breath, he turned back, locked it properly, and hurried to his scooter.


    The streets were already alive with their usual morning chaos. People rushed to work, students hurried to class, traffic buzzed like an unending symphony. Xi¨¤o weaved through it like he always did.


    At a red light, he came to a slow stop, his mind drifting back to last night¡¯s dream.


    He tried to shake it off, but it disturbed him more than he wanted to admit. That thing... The way it reached for him. It unsettled him. No¡ªit scared him.


    A blaring horn snapped him out of it.


    "The hell are you doing, kid? Move already!" someone shouted.


    Xi¨¤o gripped the handlebars and rode forward, merging into the city''s relentless flow.


    ---


    At the hospital, he knew exactly where to go¡ªhe had visited before. Wasting no time, he reached the hospital ward where Old Lady Po was admitted and knocked on the door.


    "It''s me, Xi¨¤o."


    Old Lady Po was happy to hear Xi¨¤o''s voice. "Come in, dear."


    He stepped inside. She was sitting upright, looking as warm as ever despite her frail state.


    "How are you?" he asked, taking a seat near her bed.


    She smiled. "I''m doing fine, my boy. Did you water the plants?"


    "I''ve been watering the plants every day," he informed her.


    She studied his face for a moment. "Something''s bothering you."


    Xi¨¤o blinked. He hadn''t expected her to notice.


    "It¡¯s just... things," he muttered.


    She sighed knowingly. "You''re stronger than you think, child. Whatever it is, you''ll get through it."


    Her words settled in his mind.


    Then, she squinted at the clock. "Don¡¯t you have school?"


    Xi¨¤o chuckled. "Xi¨¤o (chuckling): "Right... school." He didn¡¯t bother correcting her¡ªexplaining his course to her would take forever.


    He stood up. "I¡¯ll come again."


    She gave him a gentle smile as he left.


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    On his way to the scooter, he thought about what she had said.


    Maybe... he should see that man again.


    If what the man said was true, he was a danger to those around him.


    Maybe he¡¯d take the day off.


    But first¡ªclass.


    A glance at his watch¡ªShit. I¡¯m late!


    He sped off as fast as he could without breaking any rules.


    ---


    By the time he reached campus, class had already started.


    ""Xi¨¤o ran to his class, but he was late. As he reached the entrance, the inspector immediately noticed his presence.


    Seeing xi¨¤o the man''s expression darkened the moment he saw him.


    Xi¨¤o had already been warned¡ªone more late arrival, and he¡¯d be suspended. This was his fifth consecutive time being late.


    "You¡¯re late again, Xi¨¤o," the instructor said, his voice sharp.


    "I¡¯m sorry," Xi¨¤o answered quickly. "I had to visit a neighbor in the hospital."


    The instructor remained unimpressed It''s a good thing you always have an excuse. But this time, I can¡¯t help you. You were warned¡ªyou¡¯re suspended."


    Xi¨¤o sighed. Right. He had completely forgotten about that. Yesterday had been a mess.


    "So¡­ how many days?" he asked, already bracing for the answer.


    His instructor¡¯s expression was firm. "One week. I suggest you use the time wisely. Now move along¡ªI have a class to teach."


    Xi¨¤o left, frustration creeping in.


    What the hell am I supposed to do for a whole week?


    Then, a thought struck him.


    The man from the alley.


    Should I go see him?


    Grooowl!.


    His stomach interrupted his thoughts.


    Food first. Thinking later.


    There was a food stall near the metro station that sold Xiaolongbao.


    Decision made, he started his scooter. It wasn¡¯t far.The lunch rush hadn¡¯t started yet. As Xi¨¤o pulled up, the air was thick with the aroma of broth and freshly steamed dumplings. Behind the cart, a middle-aged vendor lifted the lid off a bamboo steamer, releasing a cloud of fragrant steam.


    "One basket should be enough," Xi¨¤o said.


    The vendor nodded and moved swiftly to prepare the order. "Do you want vinegar?"


    Xi¨¤o hesitated for a second before replying, "Yes, thank you."


    A moment later, the vendor handed him a small tray with the dumplings and a dish of dark vinegar. The Xiaolongbao were perfectly round, their thin dough stretched tight over the steaming broth inside. He picked one up carefully with his chopsticks, biting just enough to let the broth cool before slurping it up.


    It burned his tongue slightly, but the taste was worth it.


    As he ate, his thoughts drifted back to what the man in the alley had said.


    "You''re in danger, Xi¨¤o."


    Maybe he was right.


    Xi¨¤o finished his meal, paid the vendor, and walked to his scooter. He had made up his mind¡ªhe was going to meet the man. He delivered in that area often and knew the streets like the back of his hand.


    He started the engine and rode off.


    ---


    Minutes later, he arrived at the alley and squeezed the brakes, bringing the scooter to a stop. He stepped off and looked around.


    Nothing.


    "Alright, I''m here," he muttered. "You said to come for answers."


    Silence.


    Xi¨¤o took a deep breath and called out, "You! The sword guy! Show yourself!"


    Still nothing.


    His patience snapped. "I know what I saw! That thing wasn¡¯t normal! And you¡ªyou knew what it was! So stop hiding and give me some answers!"


    For a moment, nothing.


    Then¡ªfootsteps.


    Xi¨¤o turned sharply.


    The man from before stepped into the alley, his long black coat shifting slightly in the wind. His expression was unreadable.


    "Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d come back so soon," he said.


    Xi¨¤o didn¡¯t have a response.


    The man gave a small nod. "No problem. My name is Chengxi Huang. I''m an officer of White Lotus."


    Xi¨¤o crossed his arms. "And what exactly is White Lotus?"


    Huang studied him for a moment. "We can talk somewhere more comfortable."


    ---


    A short while later, they were seated inside a small caf¨¦.


    Before Xi¨¤o could speak, a waitress approached. "Can I take your order?"


    Huang glanced at him. "Would you like something?"


    Xi¨¤o shook his head.


    Huang turned back to the waitress with a polite smile. "A hot black coffee, no sugar."


    "Alright," she said with a smile. "It''ll be ready in just a few minutes."


    Without waiting for a response, she walked away, disappearing behind the counter. The faint hum of the espresso machine filled the air, the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the caf¨¦.


    Huang turned back to Xi¨¤o, his expression unreadable. "So, you want to know about White Lotus?"


    Xi¨¤o leaned forward. "Obviously."


    Huang¡¯s face remained neutral. "White Lotus is an organization that has existed for centuries. We track, contain, or¡ªif necessary¡ªdispose of anomalies. Like the thing you saw yesterday."


    Xi¨¤o exhaled. "And what exactly was that thing?"


    Huang was about to answer when the waitress returned, setting a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. "Your black coffee, no sugar."


    "Thank you," Huang said, watching her until she walked away.


    He took a sip of his coffee before continuing. "We call them Malice. Even we don¡¯t fully understand them. We''re still discovering what they are."


    Before Xi¨¤o could press further, Huang¡¯s phone rang.


    He answered immediately, listening in silence. After a long pause, he let out a quiet sigh, placed the phone down, and tapped his fingers against the table.


    "I have to go. Urgent business," he said, standing up. "I''ll meet you tomorrow at your apartment."


    Xi¨¤o opened his mouth to protest, but Huang placed a few bills on the table. "Pay with this when the bill comes."


    Then, without another word, he turned and walked out.Xi¨¤o sat back, watching Huang vanish into the midday crowds. The city pulsed with life¡ªcars honking, vendors calling out, the rhythmic footsteps of countless pedestrians filling the air.


    But elsewhere, in a place long forgotten, chaos had already begun.


    An abandoned district, once thriving, now stood in ruin. Cracked roads stretched between crumbling buildings, their shattered windows and graffiti-covered walls whispering stories of a lost past. Rusted streetlights flickered weakly, the last remnants of a time when this place still had life.


    Then came the sound of static.


    A blue streak of energy shot forward, ripping through the fractured pavement as it raced toward a lone figure standing in the middle of the street.


    He didn¡¯t flinch. Instead, he raised a hand.


    The earth answered.


    Chunks of concrete tore free from the ground, rising in an instant to form a jagged wall. The lightning bolt struck, sending cracks spider webbing through the stone, but the barrier held.


    From beyond the smoldering defense, a voice rang out¡ªcalm, confident.


    "Tch. You blocked that? Not bad."


    The wall crumbled. A young man stepped forward, shaking his hand as electricity crackled between his fingertips. His dark coat fluttered slightly from the residual static in the air. Sharp, calculating eyes locked onto his opponent.


    The other fighter¡ªa rugged-looking man in dust-covered clothes, his hands worn like they had shaped mountains¡ªcracked his knuckles. He let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders.


    "You always start fights like that?" he asked.


    The electricity user smirked. "Only when I¡¯m in a hurry."


    And then, he was gone.


    A blur. A streak of blue light.


    Kai barely had time to react before a lightning-charged fist came flying toward his face. He twisted his body, narrowly dodging, but the static from the punch sent a sharp jolt through his nerves.


    Yang Jian was already moving again¡ªfast. He spun, delivering a brutal kick aimed at Kai¡¯s ribs.


    Kai slammed his foot down.


    The ground answered.


    A stone pillar erupted upward, catching Yang Jian mid-motion and forcing him into a backflip. He landed lightly, fingertips sparking as he steadied himself.


    Kai exhaled, shaking out his hand. "You''re quick, but you rely too much on speed."Yang Jian grinned. "And you? You just stand there, waiting to get hit?"


    No more words.


    They lunged.


    A storm of fists, elbows, and knees. The fight was brutal¡ªYang Jian moved like lightning itself, strikingly sharp and precise, darting in and out. Kai, in contrast, stood his ground, turning the environment into his weapon.


    A punch from Yang Jian¡ªKai caught it, twisting his wrist and forcing him off balance.


    A sudden knee¡ªKai ducked, slamming a fist into the pavement. Shards of stone erupted upward, forcing Yang Jian back.


    Gritting his teeth, Yang Jian felt the electricity build at his fingertips. "Fine. Let¡¯s turn it up."


    Before Kai could react, Yang Jian thrust his palm forward.


    A wave of lightning erupted.


    For a split second, the abandoned buildings flashed with blinding light as the bolt tore through the air.


    Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed. No time to dodge.


    He raised both hands¡ªthe earth around him responded, stone and debris rushing to his command.


    The lightning struck.


    A deafening explosion.


    Dust and rubble filled the air. A deep scorch mark lined the street.


    At a distance, Yang Jian watched the smoke settle.


    And when it cleared¡ªKai was still standing.


    But barely. His body was battered, his breath uneven.


    Yang Jian exhaled, almost pitying him. "It''s useless to come after me. White Lotus and I are not allies."


    Kai opened his mouth to respond, but his body gave out. He collapsed. Unconscious.


    Yang Jian stood there for a moment. Then, without a word, he vanished.


    ---


    When Kai woke up, it was too late.


    Footsteps.


    He tensed, then turned.


    Standing behind him was none other than Changxi Huang.


    "What were you thinking?" Huang¡¯s voice carried an unmistakable malice. "A minor-grade Malice shouldn¡¯t have left you in this condition."


    Kai looked down, frustration tightening his jaw.


    "Yang Jian was here."


    Huang¡¯s expression darkened. "How many times do I have to tell you not to confront him?" He stepped closer, eyes sharp. "You''re just an officer-in-training. You have orders¡ªfollow them."


    Kai forced himself to his feet, barely suppressing the tremble in his hands. He met Huang¡¯s cold stare, his jaw tightening.¡°Understood.¡±


    ---


    Elsewhere¡­


    A lone figure stood, gazing over the city.


    To be continued¡­

 CHAPTER 3 THE DECISION PART II

    Xi¨¤o had just woken up and was going through his usual morning routine. There was no need to rush¡ªhe had all the time in the world now that he was suspended from the design college.Just as he was about to prepare breakfast, the doorbell rang.


    He froze, confused. Who could it be?


    He reached the door and peeked through the keyhole. He saw Chengxi Huang. Xi¨¤o had forgotten that Huang had told him he would visit yesterday.


    Xi¨¤o opened the door, greeting Huang. "Good morning. I was expecting you."


    Huang looked at Xi¨¤o with an unreadable expression¡ªhe knew Xi¨¤o was lying. Xi¨¤o invited Huang inside. The living room was small, with a table and two chairs, serving as his dining room as well.


    Xi¨¤o offered Huang a seat, and he sat down. Xi¨¤o asked if he wanted something to drink, but Huang declined.


    "I''m here to tell you something and answer your questions as best as I can," he said.


    Xi¨¤o sat in the chair opposite Huang. He had a question from the moment he first spoke with Huang. "Why were you watching me?"


    Huang looked at Xi¨¤o. For the first time, his face showed emotion, but Xi¨¤o couldn''t recognize it¡ªmaybe it was guilt or something else. He didn¡¯t know.


    Huang hesitated for a moment but then chose to speak. "I knew your father.he was a senior officer at white lotus¡ªI promised him I would look after you, but because of my line of work, I couldn¡¯t directly watch over you until you awakened."


    Xi¨¤o paused, his breathing hitching for a second. "My father?" His voice came out unsteady. "A senior officer¡­ in White Lotus?"


    It didn¡¯t make sense. He had never known his mother¡ªshe had died when he was just a year old. His father was the only family he had left¡­ and now, it turned out he had barely known him at all.


    He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "That¡¯s impossible. My father wasn¡¯t some secret agent. He was just¡­ a man. He worked, he came home¡ªhe raised me. That¡¯s all."


    Huang remained silent.


    Xi¨¤o''s fingers curled into fists. "Why didn¡¯t anyone tell me?" His voice hardened. "Why am I only hearing this now?"


    Huang hesitated. "Because he wanted you to have a normal life. He didn¡¯t want you caught up in any of this."


    Xi¨¤o scoffed. "Well, that worked out great, didn¡¯t it?"


    His whole life, he had accepted that his father was gone. He had never questioned it¡ªpeople die, that¡¯s just how life works. But now? Now, it felt like someone had rewritten his past without his permission.


    He exhaled sharply, his mind racing. "How did he die?"


    Huang¡¯s gaze flickered, just for a moment. "In the line of duty."


    "Doing what?"


    Silence.


    Xi¨¤o studied Huang¡¯s face, searching for something¡ªa crack in that unreadable mask, an answer he wasn¡¯t saying.


    Xi¨¤o let a deep breath. He realised he was not going to get any answers¡ª after pause. xi¨¤o Finally spoke again. "You mentioned something about ''awakening'' before. And now you tell me my father was part of this." His eyes narrowed. "What are you telling me? Am I¡­ supposed to take his place?"


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    Huang extended his hand. Golden flames flickered to life in his palm, casting eerie shadows across the room.


    "That depends on you. But whatever your choice is, I need to hear it now. If your choice is no, I won¡¯t bother you anymore. If your choice is yes, you will have to come with me."


    Xi¨¤o was upset about what he had just heard about his father. If what Huang was saying was true, he could find out more about father. Looking at Huang, he confirmed his decision.


    "I will join White Lotus."


    Xi¨¤o had no idea what happened next. One moment, he was in a car with Huang. Before he could even come to his senses, they had already reached their destination.


    Both of them exited the car. Xi¨¤o looked around and turned to Huang, who was looking straight ahead. One thing was on Xi¨¤o¡¯s mind¡ªwe are in the middle of freaking nowhere.


    Huang walked forward, and Xi¨¤o noticed something strange¡ªHuang seemed to disappear into thin air.


    Xi¨¤o''s jaw dropped comically. "What the hell¡ª?"


    Before he could call out to Huang to ask where he had gone, a voice came from nowhere.


    "What are you waiting for? Follow me."


    Xi¨¤o was still in disbelief. "Where is the rest of your body?"


    Huang looked at himself. "Come forward, and I¡¯ll explain."


    Xi¨¤o stepped forward. The moment he crossed the spot where Huang had vanished, he found himself in an entirely different place. He turned to Huang.


    "What¡¯s happening? Why couldn¡¯t I see this before?"


    Huang gestured to the building in front of them. "There is a veil separating this place from the outside world, so the public can¡¯t see or enter."


    Xi¨¤o was confused. "Then how did I get in?"


    Huang didn¡¯t turn to look at him. "Because you were with me. A normal person crossing the veil won¡¯t enter this space, but someone with potential¡ªlike you¡ªcan."


    He started walking again, and Xi¨¤o followed.


    As they approached the building, Xi¨¤o noticed how big it was. Inside, there was no one to be seen. They walked into a room where a man was sitting in a chair, working on a laptop.


    The man noticed them and stood up. "Sir¡ª"


    Huang cut him off. "At ease, Kai."


    Huang glanced at Xi¨¤o. "This is Xi¨¤o. He¡¯ll be in your care."


    Saying this, Huang turned and started to leave the room.


    Xi¨¤o frowned. "Wait¡ªwhat am I supposed to do?"


    Huang didn¡¯t look back. "You stay with Kai. He will help you."


    Xi¨¤o turned to look at Kai, who was already seated back in his chair.


    Xi¨¤o hesitated. "So¡­ what now?"


    Kai glanced at Xi¨¤o. "Let me finish this, and I¡¯ll be with you in a minute."


    Hearing that response made Xi¨¤o feel a little more comfortable. "So, what are you doing?"


    Kai didn¡¯t look away from his laptop. "Writing a report."


    Finishing the last few sentences, Kai looked up at Xi¨¤o. "And now that¡¯s done."


    He stood up and smiled. "Why don¡¯t you take a seat? We can talk and get to know each other."


    Xi¨¤o was surprised by how friendly Kai seemed. "I was going to ask Huang¡­ I don¡¯t see anyone else here besides you two."


    "That¡¯s because this White Lotus facility is new. It¡¯s an elite training facility to train the next generation of White Lotus officers. The recruits will arrive next week, and we will start your training tomorrow. Huang already told me about you. Any questions?"


    Xi¨¤o gestured that he doesn''t have any questions


    Kai stood up. "Come on, let me show you your room. You¡¯ll be sharing it with two other recruits."


    Xi¨¤o followed Kai. As they walked through the facility, he was amazed by how big it was.


    Kai interrupted Xi¨¤o¡¯s thoughts. "This is where you¡¯ll be living. Get comfortable."


    After showing Xi¨¤o his room, Kai returned to his office. He still needed to submit his report to Huang.


    Kai grabbed his laptop and made his way to Huang¡¯s office. Standing near Huang¡¯s desk, he waited for him to finish his call.


    Before Kai could speak, Huang interrupted him. "I need you to go to the airport and pick up someone."


    Kai frowned. "Who, sir?"


    Huang¡¯s expression remained unreadable. "Change of plans. One of the recruits is arriving today."


    Kai nodded, sensing there was more to it but knowing better than to ask.


    Shanghai Pudong International Airport ¨C 4:35 PM


    The plane from Kyoto touched down smoothly on the runway. Passengers disembarked, some stretching their legs, others hurrying to their destinations.


    Among them, a lone figure stepped onto the terminal floor, adjusting the strap of his bag. H


    is eyes scanned the bustling airport, sharp and focused.


    He exhaled, murmuring to himself, "So this is where it begins¡­"


    To be continued¡­