In a quiet courtyard guarded by six stoic men, a single locked door stood resolute against the world outside. Within, a boy no older than fifteen sat cross-legged before a guqin, his fingers dancing lightly over the strings.
Around him lay stacks of books, their spines worn and pages bent from countless readings.
His eyes, faintly red and piercing like dawn-touched rubies, gave him an unexpectedly intimidating air. White hair fell over his shoulders, stark against the vitality of his youth, lending him a handsomeness that seemed almost ethereal.
A crimson flame-shaped mark burned between his brows, glowing faintly against his pale skin.
His hands calmed the Guqin.
"Haih~ its been 15 years since I've reincarnated into this world. I haven't even seen the day of light for a few months before being confined to this room."
Fifteen years ago, Su Ye had been reborn into a world of cultivation from the modern age. With the clarity of his past memories, he found isolation to be not entirely unpleasant. Free from the pressures of rival sects and ruthless nobles, at least he had a sanctuary.
The courtyard was modest but comfortable, with sufficient food and warmth. Even if the meals were simple, Su Ye paid them little mind.
A knock at the door drew his attention.
"Ye'er! Are you awake?"
Su Ye's lips curved into a gentle smile as he rose.
"Mom, I'm awake."
The door creaked open. Su Ru entered, her flowing robes a soft red, face warm with affection. Behind her, the handmaiden Xiao Lan carried a box in. Su Ru sat upon a stool while Xiao Lan poured them both tea.
"Ye'er, I brought you some sweets! Come try it!"
She opened the box and pushed it towards Su Ye.
"Thank you, Mom!" Su Ye's smile was bright, his eyes lighting up as he reached for the box.
As he ate, she stood up to stand besides him. She placed her hands on his shoulders.
Everytime she came to visit Su Ye, she would secretly insert spiritual qi. But nothing had happened over these 15 years.
She didn't show any emotions on her face besides a smile.
Su Ru's fingers lightly ruffled the hair at the back of his head.
"Ye'er, did you miss me?"
Still stuffing his face, he spoke, "Of course I did! But I'm grown now. Mom, you should stop treating me like a child."
Seriously, it's hard to keep acting like a child...I don't even like sweets that much. But each time you come, you bring so many that I can't finish them all!
Su Ru's laugh was soft, like the tinkling of jade bells in spring. "No matter your age, you will always be my child."
She patted his head.
Thinking of all these years, she couldn't help looking around.
The room was not extravagant, and the windows were never opened. Not even a ray of sunlight could enter as the windows were locked from the outside.
Su Ye was forced to live here for 15 years with only her and Xiao Lan as company.
Her heart churned as she imagined his loneliness.
Although he smiled whenever he saw her, how could she not know that there were times where he would secretly pretend that things were fine.
How is this any different from a cell? Why must my child suffer through this?
The smile faded slightly, and Su Ye noticed the subtle shift in her mood.
"Mom…is something wrong?"
Su Ru held back her tears and caressed his cheek gently, her eyes reflecting a sorrow she hid. "It's nothing…I just feel sorry for you. You've been confined since you were a child. Do you blame me Ye'er?"
If it wasn't because of her inability...would he have to endure this suffering?
She felt a tinge of guilt whenever she thought of her weakness.
Su Ye shook his head. "Of course not, Mom."
"Really?"
"Really! I never lacked food or clothing. I live better than most out there."
"Then…have you ever wanted to leave this place?" Su Ru's voice was quiet, almost hesitant.
Su Ye rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at his lips. "What's outside? I bet it's far more boring than my room."
In this era where strength dictated fate, venturing beyond the courtyard could mean sudden death.
A misstep could see him punished by princess, princes, nobles, or even the emperor himself. Unlike transmigrated heroes in stories who grasped power instantly, Su Ye had none.
The outside world offered nothing more than danger.
Street food? Overrated. Hygiene? One shivered at the thought of hands unwashed before touching the food. Music and art? Nothing piqued his modern curiosity.
A life of lying flat! Simple and carefree, that was the dream!
Yet, there was two regret. He could not cultivate and he could not do as he pleased.
Even if he wanted to go out, how could he? He was locked in here!
Every attempt to wield Qi was met with an invisible barrier.
Perhaps his soul was the problem as it was from another world.
Still…the body was perfect. Handsome and perfect in all sense. Though he did looked more like a villain.
But what use was beauty?
No matter how good he looked, he was like a thin stick against a cultivator. Even just accidentally stepping on him was easy to snap him in half.
"Ye'er…if Mother wishes to leave, will you come with me?"
Su Ye looked at her calmly, "Mom…are you planning to leave?"
Su Ru's tired eyes softened.
At first, she did want to leave. But Li Tao never allowed her to take Su Ye out with her.
There was also a small desire.
She wanted them to be a whole family.
For Li Tao to recognize Su Ye as his son and reunite the three.
But soon she realized, it was nothing more than a far-fetched dream.
"Your father visits less since taking a concubine. But now...your uncle–your father's brother, has broken through to the Transparent Stage. He sent me a message that he's coming to pick us up."
Su Ru feelings for Li Tao had grown cold. Now, all she wants to do is for Su Ye to live happily.
Her brother coming here made her determination to leave only stronger.
"Transparent stage..."
Su Ye listened intently. In this world, cultivation progressed in stages:
1st Step: Transformation Stage
2nd Step: Alternative Stage
3rd Step: Solidification Stage
4th Step: Engraving Stage
5th Step: Transparent Stage
6th Step: Shapeless Stage
7th Step: Parallel Step
8th Step: No Step
A cultivator in the Transparent Stage could slice through mountains and seas, their power almost godlike. They were similar to generals in a empire.
"Dad…what a scum!" Su Ye's voice dripped with disdain.
Seriously, what a bastard!
"I never blamed him," Su Ru replied calmly. "Ever since he tried to kill you as a baby, I can't endure sharing a room with him any longer. It's only natural for our feelings to die out."
"Heh! I expected at least some integrity, but he's just another lustful old man!"
Su Ye cocked his head, confused. "Mom…can you even divorce him? What if Dad refuses?"
I've watched 568 short dramas! Surely it wasn't so easy to get a divorce right?
"Let him refuse. Then he'll get a taste of my brothers halberd! I'll tell my brother to add in 10 slaps for me, 10 slaps for you, and 10 slaps just because!"
Su Ru smiled faintly, mischief and determination mixed in her gaze.
Su Ye laughed awkwardly.
Am I the modern one, or is she? So tyrannical...
"Then when do we leave?"
"In three days…your uncle arrives then." She paused, her hand resting on his cheek. "Ye'er, from now on, you don't need to live like this. You'll go where you want, be who you wish. How could the son of mine be ordinary?"
Su Ye felt a spark of anticipation as her fingers lingered on his face.
"Wait for me, Ye'er. I will bring you out."
Su Ru smiled and walked towards the door.
Before she did, she turned back to him and smiled.
The door closed upon her leave, stealing away the light that rarely entered the dark room.
Su Ye felt her warmth even as she had left.
He sat down quietly as he was comforted by the cold books and silent instruments around him.