The snow on the surrounding melts, as the trees begun to regained their beauty as their leaves sprout. Chirps of birds from all kinds could be heard from mid-air, along with the animal sounds coming from all over the mountains, indicating that winter is over and spring time have arrived. It was still early in the morning, but the street was already busy bustling, as the people started opening up their shops to welcome their respected costumers.

In a small noodle shop near the city gates, a group of young men were busy chatting as they wait for their orders to come.

“Have you heard the news?” a young fairy man wearing in his military uniform

“Yeah, the Kunlun Masters are recruiting disciples, and I heard that this time they have given 12 slots.” a young fairy man wearing his simple tortoise robes.

“I heard those wealthy clan are eyeing for those slots but I doubt it” the young fairy in military uniform said.

“And why would you think it that way?” a young fairy man in his dark purple robes.

“Because you all need to go through their test before they accept you, here are you’re orders young ones!” the owner of the shop interrupted before placing their bowl of hot noodles on their table.

“Thank you” the young fairies said. “Are those test really that hard?” the young fairy in tortoise robes.

“I have been here for almost a thousand years and I have seen countless young ones who entered the gates of Kunlun but they all returned to their homes by the end of the day because they failed to pass the test. I have witnessed those situations 3 times” the owner said as he sat beside those young fairies.

“Mr. Ling here is right, I have been guarding those city gates for 500 years and none of those young master from those prominent clan from all over the six realms have been accepted even those average ones….” the young fairy in military uniform agreed.

“Actually, not everyone….” Mr. Ling, the owner of the noodle shop blurted with a grin on his face.

“What do you mean?” the fairy in dark purple robes asked with a confuse expression as he slowly drunk his tea.

“Oh! I remember him…” the young fairy in military uniform blurted out as he chuckles.

“I thought none of them are accepted according to both of you” the young fairy in tortoise robes also asked with a confused look.

“Only a few knows about it and besides, it just happened a few weeks ago” Mr. Ling said

“A few weeks ago? Wasn’t the recruitment just start a week ago?” the young fairy in dark purple robes asked again.

“I don’t know the details but he is really is such a peculiar one” the young fairy in military uniform commented. As the two young clueless fairies looked at the fairy in military uniform and also Mr. Ling with a confused expression.

“While everyone wants to enter the Kunlun Mountain to learn from those respected Masters, Shi- this young prince had been protesting to enter and he even attempt to escape from the mountain.” Mr. Ling answered while suppressing his laughter.

“That is indeed a scene beyond expectation. To enter the Kunlun Mountain is a blessing for all of us, but who is this young prince and why is he against on entering the Kunlun Mountain?” the man in tortoise robes asked.

“Well a few weeks ago, it was already midnight at that time when that peculiar scene happened…I was about to go home after delivering a stack of rice in a nearby village when I witness one of the Masters of Kunlun Mountain dragging Shi- this young prince to enter the Kunlun gates-

-FLASHBACK-

Near the Kunlun gates a man in light purple robe is dragging a young man in red and black robes inside the gates but the young man is clutching very tightly on a peach tree which had grown near the entrance of Kunlun mountain. If the situation wasn’t like this, Mr. Ling would probably been mesmerized by the unparallel looks of the two celestials in front of Kunlun gates. Yet, because both of them are playing a tag of war without any poise, they reminded him of his kids fighting over a toy.

“Ye Shizi! Will you stop struggling. We are already here, so stop your childishness and let’s go inside already” the man in light purple robes said as he tried to pull the young man called Ye Shizi from his clutches on the poor peach tree.

“How many times do I have to tell you; I don’t want to be stuck on that sacred mountain of yours. And besides, I heard that you all plan on recruiting your own disciples so why do I still need to enter that freaking mountain of yours!” Ye Shizi protested as he holds tighter on the poor peach tree.

“Then how many times do I also have to tell you that whether you like it or not you are going to stay in this freaking mountain of mine!” the man in light purple robes yell.

“No, I won’t enter! No, matter what you do I won’t enter!!!” Ye Shizi shouted.

“*smirk* You really won’t-…Greetings! Demon Lord Ye, I’m sorry I didn’t you were coming here.” The man in light purple robes said in a stiff tone as he salutes the said person.

Ye Shizi immediately let go of the poor peach tree then also salutes the said person without even looking. “Father, I-DAMN YOU, YOU OLD MAN!!!! TAKE OFF THIS SOUL BINDING ROPE THIS INSTANCE!!! LET GO!!! LET GO OF ME!!! SAVE ME!!! SOMEONE SAVE ME!!! THERE IS A CRAZY MAN HERE TRYING TO HARASS ME!!! HELP!!!” Ye Shizi shouted as he tried to struggle but it was futile because once an immortal is tied with a soul binding, he can’t use his power. He will also feel weaker because the more you struggle, the more the soul binding rope will suck someone’s strength.

“*sigh* At last we can enter now and get some rest. Don’t worry my dear little Ye, we will enjoy our time together along with the rest of your uncles and grand uncle.” the man in light purple robe said with a grin smile on his face as he carried Ye Shizi inside the Kunlun Mountain. While Ye Shizi continued cursing the man in light purple robes for tricking him, which the man ignored as he happily enters the gates.

The few people who witness this scene are the city guards, who were on their night shift and Mr. Ling, who was on his way home after delivering a stack of rice in a nearby village. At first, they were shocked after witnessing such a scene but they soon chuckled about the man in light purple robe’s trick on catching the young man off guard and how the young man struggled to escape.

-End of Flashback-

After Mr. Ling ended his story, he went up to receive his new customers who seated on a nearby table just next to them. After giving their orders, he return to his position a while ago as he continued to talk to the 3 young fairies, who were also waiting for him.

“What you told us is indeed peculiar, but who is this young prince, who doesn’t want to enter the Kunlun Mountain? And why?” the young fairy in his dark purple robes ask with a questioning look to Mr. Ling.

“We know that you purposely didn’t told us the name of that young prince because you stuttered twice when you tell the word young prince? We tried asking Yao here (Yao was one of the guards who happen to witness what happened that night) but he won’t even tell us anything” the fairy in tortoise robe complained as he waited for Mr. Ling to talk. Mr. Ling just shook his head while smiling at them. ‘These young ones are really observant’, Mr. Ling thought.

“As much as I want to tell you what I know but we can’t reveal his name. Everyone who witness that scene that night received an order to never reveal his identity.” Mr. Ling answered.

“The one who ordered us, are one of the Five Master of the Kunlun Mountain, so of course no one would dare disobey it. He ordered us to keep it in secrecy until they finished recruiting the other eleven disciples. So, I guess you will all find out once they’re done.” Yao explained.

The other two wanted to ask more, but they know that it was futile as they know that Mr. Ling and Yao won’t dare disobeyed the ordered they received from one of the Five Master of Kunlun Mountain. They continued chatting, leaving the last topic behind when they heard a loud sound of bell coming from the Kunlun Mountain.

“It seems the recruitment will start soon.” Mr. Ling commented. They all look at the direction of the Kunlun Mountain and there they saw a lot of fairies flying towards the Kunlun Gates.

Chapter 2: The Recruitment Test

The First Test

The Kunlun Gates are now crowded with countless young fairies, who are hoping to earned a spot to become a one of disciple of the Five Masters of Kunlun Mountain. All wear their best garments for this occasion. Some wear simple robes, while others some wear expensive clothes to flaunt their richness. Almost everyone who attended are part of some famous clan from the six realms, while others are from small clans.

A little farther away from the crowd, just outside the forest, there stood eight young fairies in their simple robes. They hid their presence there as they hate to join the crowd due to their identities.

“I’m glad to see some friends here, or else it would be lonely to wait here alone.” Hou Long dramatically said.

“Am I a fart to you? You chose to stay here because you don’t want to join those other fairies who wants to try their luck.” Feng Fei blurted in disbelief.

“I don’t want to mingle with those two-face people, who only knows how to be a say flowery words in order to climb the ladder.” Hou Long said with an irritated expression.

“Don’t say that, not all of them are like that. Some just wanted to make a good impression for themselves, While, others had been force, following their elder’s orders.” Wu Xian reason out as he looked at the man beside him, who was holding his left hand.

“You are really soft and kind, Wu Xian. I understand what you want to point out, still I agree with Hou Long, it really annoys me if they continue doing that to us. We might have special identities but we are also young fairies like them.” Xue Meiren sounded annoyed. A beautiful man who looked almost exactly like Xue Meirin went near him as he tries to soothed him by gently patting his back.

“You still haven’t changed all these years, Wu Xian. So Wangzi, when will you two held your wedding.” Hou Long asked teasingly as he looked at the two people in front of him and their intertwined fingers.

“We are still taking our time, but I’m sure that Wu Xian will stand alongside with me as future rulers of our realm.” Gui Wangzi answered as he looked into Wu Xian’s eyes lovingly.

“Instead of focusing in their relationship, why not focus on yours. I heard that your elders had been matching you up with countless young fairies?” Jiang Shui said with a smirk on his face, making Hou Long grits his teeth.

“YOU- “before Hou long could continue to curse Jiang Shui, Feng Fei laugh out loud when he remembered something.

“Ha! Ha! Ha! … If only you could have seen that- “Hou Long cut Feng Fei off before he could continue what he was saying.

“DON’T. YOU. DARE.” Hou Long said with stern voice trying to intimidate Feng Fei but the other said otherwise.

“Oh! You mean that incident.” Jin Shuang said with a grin in his face while looking at Hou Long with a smirk.

“How did you know?” Hou Long said nervously while trying to convince himself that it’s impossible that Jin Shuang knows about it.

“Now that sounds interesting!” Gui Wangzi said with a smirk as he swiftly went behind Hou Long to get a hold of him. “Spill the Beans!” he said indicating Feng Fei to tell them what happened.

“Well” Feng Fei smirked as he stroked his invisible long beard. “We all know that Hou Long has been set-up to countless dates by his elders, right? And do you know what he did to prevent it?”

Everyone is now curious, wanting know what happened. They all wait with anticipation. While Hou Long was now struggling from Gui Wangzi but it was futile because his hand was hold down on his back.

“He said that he already has a ‘LOVER’ and that they are already ‘BETROETHED’ to each other” Feng Fei blurted out as he laughs at Hou Long who is now blushing and trying to hide his face by bowing down.

“Really? How come we didn’t know that he is already betrothed...unless you are keeping secrets from us.” Jiang Shui teased, making Hou Long blushed even more like a ripe tomato.

“S-Stop talking n-nonsense… I-I was l-lying at that time, so that I can avoid d-dates…” Hou Long reasoned out in order to avoid his friends suspicion but him and his luck, he stuttered making his friends believe that he was indeed hiding something or should I say someone.

“Since, he was lying which is totally obvious. Feng Fei, do you know who is his ‘BELOVED LOVER’…” Jin Shuang said making Hou Long struggle more from Gui Wangzi’s grip.

“He is-“ before Feng Fei could answer, he heard a loud voice coming from the Kunlun Gates. Everyone are now assembling in line according to the owner of the voice command. The eight of them didn’t have time to react to at what was going on, as they hurriedly went to join the line at the back as they try to listen for further announcement.

“Hello young ones, I’m Ying Yan one of the Masters of the Kunlun Mountain. I’m glad that you are all interested in joining this recruitment test but I have to be frank…only 12 of you will be chosen as the direct disciples that will be taught under our guidance…” Master Ying Yan said. As he waves his hand, a white floating pearl appeared infront of every young fairy. All of them murmured as they stare at the floating pearl infront of them, thinking if what they’ll do with it.

“This is your first test. All you had to do is the white pearl in your hand then different colors will appear based on your cultivation level. After the colors appear, you cross the Kunlun Gates and then proceed to your next test. “Master Ying Yan said flashing them with a smile as he gesture everyone to give it a try.

They all followed the instruction, doing their best to make the ball light up some colors by putting some small cultivation powers into the pearl. Soon all their white pearl are now emitting different colors and what’s left to do is to cross the Kunlun Gates. They all march reaching the Gates when suddenly they heard Master Ying Yan said something that made them stop.

“Oh! My apologies, I forgot to tell you the most important rule…Only those who had purple pearl in their hands are allowed enter, and those who do not- “before Master Ying Yan could continue, someone tried to enter the Gates but he end up being thrown off by some unknown force.

“That’s what gonna happen if you try entering without the purple pearl that you have activated in your hands. Now, please.”Master Ying Yan said as he gesture them again to continue entering the gates.

All those who had violet pearl in their hands entered the gates, while the others who do not have stayed behind. After the last person entered, Master Ying Yan turned to face the ones who failed the first test.

“Do you know why you failed the first test?” Master Ying Yan asked while the left ones just look at him indicating that they do not know.

“The first test indicates your will and determination. *sigh*… I believe some of you were here because of your elders, and some were force.” All of them low their which indicates that he was right. Master Ying Yan once again wave his hand and the pearl that they were just holding a while was changed into a small pouch and a letter.

“This small pouch of pearl, just considered it as a gift from us. Use it wise, while the letter you gave it to the person who send you here. Don’t worry about your return. If they lash any of you because you failed, just come here infront of Kunlun Gates, and inform the guards. We will help you if they if they do something injustice against you will.” Master Ying Yan said assuring with his gentle smile. The young Fairies bowed down several times to show their gratitude to Master Ying Yan. After bowing several times, they left but they did not miss the last word that Master Ying Yan had uttered.

“Fate will lead us to our rightful place”.

Chapter 3: The Second Prince of the Demon Realm

“Uncle Yan, wait!’”

Master Ying Yan was about to enter the gates when someone yelled from behind. He turned around to see who the person was. After knowing who it was, at first, he was shocked but then he smiled wide waiting for that person to come closer to him.

“So, my dear little Ye had decided to return?” Master Ying Yan said as he raised an eyebrow. The boy in front of him pout as he crossed his hands on his hands.

“Like I had a choice anyway!” he whined as he remembered what happened a while ago that force him to go back again to Kunlun Mountain when he had just escape from it a week ago.

-FLASHBACK-

“Let me go! Let me go this instance!” Ye Shizi yelled as he struggled from his secret guard Xi Wang. ‘This scene and feeling gave me the feeling of Déjà vu’.

“Grant him his wish” said the man who stand in front of his throne with a smirk on his face. The man was wearing a black robe along with his cape that hang from his back. He has broad shoulder and a muscular body that can be trace from his robes. He has long black hair that droop on his back. He has an almond shape, gray eyes along with his long eyelashes and thin eyebrows. His whole face shouts how handsome he is. He also carries the aura of a strong warrior which makes his subjects fear him at the same time admire him.

As soon as the Xi Wang heard the order, he immediately let go of Ye Shizi who ends up groaning because of the sudden impact from his sudden fall.

“Ugh…My back hurts! Arg… YOU!” Ye Shizi was about to chase Xi Wang when he heard his father’s voice. Ye Shizi is the second prince of the Demon Realm and the man who stand in front his throne is his father, Demon Lord Ye Zhu, ruler of the Demon Realm.

“Didn’t I send you to Kunlun Mountain to cultivate?” Demon Lord Ye Zhu ask as he narrow his eyes looking at his mischievous son. Ye Shizi shiver at his father’s voice. He couldn’t look directly into his father’s eyes knowing that this time he is indeed in big trouble for disobeying his father’s order. As he was contemplating on how to escape from his father’s question, a woman entered the room turning their attention to her.

The woman was utterly beautiful. She was wearing a lotus pink robe and a long black hair with simple ornaments that sway from his back. She was also wearing a light make-up that brings out her natural beauty. Her skin is so fair which gives you the illusion the she is glowing. She was about to say something when her light oriole eyes landed on Ye Shizi then give him a confusing look.

“A-Zi, what are you doing here? I thought you went to Master Feng to learn and cultivate?” the woman asked as he went in front of Ye Shizi and hug him.

“Mother, I-I was…uhm…” Ye Shizi was already stuttering and all he could think is ‘I’m doomed’. He could lie to everyone including his father but to his mother, he would have to think twice. His mother is the Demon Lady, the Demon Lord’s consort. She is gentle and kind but at the same time dangerous. She has the power on par with his husband and she can turn anyone to dust if that person tried to mess with her loved ones and her realm. While she is kind and grateful to nice and good people.

“Ye Shizi, why are you stuttering?” Ye Shizi stumbled back. He knows that when his mother called his full name it means he have to explain and he also had to think twice before telling a stupid lie right into her face. Ye Shizi glanced at her father for help but he only received a smirk. He looked from his right to ask for help from Xi Wang yet he was ignored. ‘I’ll get you two back for this, you better watch out.’

“Mother, I-I’m here to visit you because I was missing you. Yes, I sneak out but I only did it because it will take a long time before I could see you again” Ye Shizi acted cute and innocent as he try to soothe his mother. He hugged her and then give his evil smirk to his father unknown to his mother. His father now felt unease, knowing his son is brewing his mischievous plan. Before he could say something Ye Shizi started whimpering and groaning as he tried hold his back acting like he was having a back pain. ‘This Kid’ his father thought knowing his son had already started his revenge plan.

“What’s wrong, A-Zi? Why are groaning? Are you hurt?” Demon Lady Ye Ling continuously asked as she try to turn Ye Shizi around to checked if he is hurt.

“Mother, my back hurts even my elbows hurt” Ye Shizi said with his teary eyes as he hugged his mother back again.

“Why? Did someone hurt you? Come tell mother who hurt my little A-Zi and I’ll let him feel how death hurts if someone tries to hurt my family!” Demon Lady Ye Ling said with an anger as he soothed his son’s back, comforting him. ‘Goodluck to you father’ Ye Shizi thought as he grinned widely at his father who is now shaking his head in amusement.

“Mother, don’t be angry with father, he just thought I was trying to run away from Kunlun Mountain, so he ordered Wang-ge to capture me. It was also my fault for falling down because I said to Wang-ge to let me go and father said to Wang-ge to grant my wish, so Wang-ge just followed father’s orders.” Ye Shizi said assuring her mother that his father and Xi Wang were innocent. If a stranger had witnessed this scene, they would be thinking that Ye Shizi is such a filial son and a friend, but since Demon Lord Ye Zhu and Xi Wang are his close one, they are well aware of Ye Shizi’s mischievous side. They couldn’t help but gulped, knowing what will happen soon.

‘Ha! Killing two birds with one stone’ Ye Shizi couldn’t help but smirk.

“Ye Zhu! Xi Wang!” Demon Lady Ye Ling yelled as she looked at the two person who immediately went in front of her and kneeled down. Demon Lord Ye Zhu is indeed scary person but Demon Lady Ye Ling is scarier. Both of them didn’t try to defend themselves because doing that will only worsened the stated they were in.

“Do you both know your faults?” Demon Lady Ye Ling said as she smiled wickedly at them.

“Y-Yes, My Lady” the two quickly answered as they give Ye Shizi a hidden glare.

‘Ungrateful Brat!’ Demon Lord Ye Zhu and Xi Wang thought.

“A-Zi, what do you want me to do with the both of them?” Demon Lady Ye Ling asked his son. Looking, at his pitiful father and his secret guard-friend he decided to let them off since, it is already inevitable for him to returned once again at the Kunlun Mountain. He sighed.

“Just let them off Mother.” Ye Shizi said dejectedly and went to sit to a nearby chair and drink a cup of wine.

“What”s wrong A-Zi?” his mother asked looking at his dejected son. Demon Lord Ye Zhu and Xi Wang who had already stand up and went up beside Demon Lady Ye Ling. Both of them also have a worried looked. Even though Ye Shizi is such a mischievous brat, they also care and love him dearly, not because he is the second prince of the Demon Realm but because he is Ye Shizi, Ye Zhu and Ye Ling’s second most beloved son and Xi Wang’s most respected friend.

“Do I really have to leave? Can’t I just continue to train and cultivate here?” Ye Shizi asked as he looked at his mother. He tried to hide uneasiness and relentless that he felt by trying to act like a kid that doesn’t want to be separated from his mother

“What’s wrong with you? I thought you want to see the Kunlun Mountain yourself. You even said it yourself that you want to unraveled the secrets hidden inside, so why are you now having a second thought?” Xi Wang asked his friend who now seems to be in his deep thoughts. He frowned, he has never seen his friend like this befo-on a second thought, he did see his friend like this before when someone tried to assassinate Ye Shizi’s elder brother.

At that time, Ye Shizi’s elder brother went out to subdue a demon snake that had been terrorizing the villagers near their north border. Ye Shizi even begged his elder brother to let him or Xi Wang go with him because he is afraid of his brother’s safety. His elder brother refuse his suggestion and he even assured them that he will send them letter every night to ensure them his safety. Ye Shizi just agreed in defeat knowing his brother had made his final decision.

For the past 7 days Ye Shizi had been successfully receiving his brothers letter telling him that his safe and that he had already found where demon snake’s hideout. Until, the next 3 days when his elder brother hasn’t received any single letter. Ye Shizi had even send dozens of letters but he hasn’t any reply.

Ye Shizi told his father and mother about this, and that’s when they decided send Xi Wang and some reinforcement to go and see if the first prince is safe. When they arrived, they found the first prince sitting on a nearby tree, who was unconsciously holding his wound on his stomach to avoid himself from losing to much blood. His clothes were soaked with blood and they could also see bruises and small wound from his face, arms and back.

Xi Wang and his group carefully carried him and went to a nearby river. Xi Wang could have returned immediately after finding the first prince but he chose otherwise. First, Ye Shizi and his parents will worry more if they see his state he is in now. Second, they have to take care of his wound in case of poison, which is fortunate for them because the poison is not that strong. And third, the first prince wouldn’t want to let his family see his state he is in now if he is conscious. His companions cleaned him up and took care of his wounds then gave him a new clothing. While Xi Wang tried passing him cultivation energy to help him cure his other small wound and bruises. It took him half an hour before he could heal the first prince small wounds and bruises in his arms, face and back. The only problem was that he couldn’t heal the large wound on the first prince stomach.

Before setting out he asked his companions to collect the demon snake remains, which they obediently followed. When they rich the palace, Ye Shizi and his parents were already there waiting for them. They all looked worried but sigh a relief when found that the first prince was okay and he just needed a rest. It took 2 days before he woke up. From then on, whenever the first prince would leave for his duties, the guards assigned by Ye Shizi would follow him. At first the first prince protested but after seeing his brother cried the first time, he can’t help but agree to his request. Even his parents and Xi Wang are shocked to see him crying.

When Ye Shizi was born, he didn’t cry at all, instead he was giggling. When he falls down and got hurt, he whined but didn’t shed his tears, so after seeing Ye Shizi cried for the first time, they panic because they don’t know how to comfort him. Even after his elder brother had agreed to his request, he couldn’t stop crying, he only stop when he had fallen asleep.

After the event, they tried everything to avoid Ye Shizi from worrying about them and they also tried to avoid him from shedding his tears. Because one thing is for sure, they’d rather want to see the Ye Shizi, who is cheerful, strong and mischievous than seeing him crying which pained their hearts.

Xi Wang was snapped from his thought when Demon Lady Ye Ling said something.

“It’s not that we want to send you away, if we were to decide, we would rather want you to stay here and continue doing want you want being a free-spirited boy.” Demon Lady Ye Ling said as he held his son’s hand, trying to comfort him.

“To send you to Kunlun Mountain was your Master’s order before he left. Your Master is a Wise God, you know that every decision and choices that he made are for your own good. You also vow to fulfill his order for you, so what’s making you having second thoughts, son?” Demon Lord Ye Zhu asked because he had also noticed that his son looked relentless.

Before Ye Shizi could answer, Xi Wang bow down as he speak his request.

“Uncle, Aunt, please allow me to join the Recruitment Test and try my best to pass the challenges I might encounter there. My only reason is that I want to accompany Ye Shizi to ease him. So, please allow me.” Xi Wang pleaded. This is the only thing he could do to ease Ye Shizi’s worries and he didn’t even bother asking why his friend felt relentless when he is going to the most secured place.

Both of them agreed immediately, thinking that it would be for the best, at least someone who is familiar with their son could be there for him to watched his back.

-End of Flashback-