The Unspoken Destiny

The Faces of This Chapter:

Yena: Disciple of Lord Niruana | Cheerful yet contemplative, stubborn, curious

Zheng Rui: The War God, Former Commander of Royal Army, Guardian of Ruiyi Pavilion | Stern but caring, avoids the past 

Miao Miao: Yena's childhood best friend | Playful, caring, sharp-witted

Lord Niruana: The Water God — acting ruler of the Yuanian realm | Wise, composed, distant

Thunder God (Ding Ran): Embodiment of Thunder and Lightning | Blunt, dismissive, overconfident

Fire God: Embodiment of Fire | Passionate, strong-willed

Goddess of Space & Time: Overseer of Fate and the Cosmic Order | Wise, concerned, analytical

Goddess of Wisdom: Embodiment of Knowledge, Strategy, and Foresight | Diplomatic, insightful, patient

God of Wind & Storms: Controller of Air Currents, Storms, and Speed | Relaxed, observant, indirect

Yang Zi – Goddess of Essence and Emotion, Friend of Lord Niruana and Wen Rui | Quietly perceptive, understanding, patient

Wen Rui – War God, Commander of Royal Army, Friend of Lord Niruana and Yang Zi | Loyal, pragmatic, duty-driven

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Scene: Ruiyi pavilion

"No… No…!" Yena murmured in her sleep, her body tensing. She jolted awake, panting.

"Another bad dream?" Zheng asked, his voice calm. He stood near the doorway, arms crossed.

Getting up from the bed, Yena stretched and murmured, "Hmm… Perhaps. But this is the only place where my mind finds peace, even if just for a while."

Zheng heaved a sigh and, with a shooing gesture, said, "Do you have any idea how much time I spend cleaning this place? Go play somewhere else—I have plenty of work to do."

"Oof! That hurts, Uncle!" Yena clutched her chest dramatically, peeking at him to gauge his reaction. "How can you say such cruel words to your one and only niece?"

Zheng raised a brow, unimpressed. "You know what hurts more than that?" He picked up a cane, tapping it lightly against his palm.

"Sigh… I give up. What else can I expect from a War God?" Yena sighed in defeat.

Zheng stilled, his expression unreadable.

"...I'm not that anymore." He turned away, focusing on dusting the room.

Silence thickened between them. Yena hesitated before speaking, her voice softer this time. "Uncle… Why don't you ever talk about her?"

Zheng's hand froze mid-motion.

A heavy pause.

"I think I should take my leave." Yena stood, forcing a small smile. "Bye, Uncle."

Still facing away, Zheng finally spoke. "Yena... Take care."

"You too. Bye Bye!"

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After leaving Ruiyi Pavilion, Yena returned to Yunshui Pavilion. Yena strolled through the courtyard, arms linked with Miao Miao.

"Yena… Yena…!" Miao Miao huffed and stopped abruptly, shaking Yena's hand. "Aiyaah! Why are you always so lost in thought?"

Yena blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Hmm? Oh… isn't it strange?"

Miao Miao frowned. "What is?"

"Yesterday, Uncle asked me to study the Elementals, but today, he didn't summon me. Do you think he has finally given up on me?"

Miao Miao clicked her tongue and lightly tapped Yena's forehead. "Tch! I knew this little head of yours was cooking up something complicated."

"I mean, What if—"

"No ifs or buts!" Miao Miao interrupted before Yena could finish. "You spend all day buried in those old scrolls. Of course, you wouldn't know—The Great Sect Tournament is starting in three months. They're all discussing it."

Yena remarked dryly, "What is there to discuss?"

Miao Miao gasped dramatically. "What is there to discuss? Everything! The Lord himself decides when the tournament shall commence... Don't you want to see it? It's almost like a festival—just like in Bhulok. There's dancing, fireworks, delicacies…" She gulped. "One entire month of celebration."

Yena's response lacked enthusiasm. "Is that so…"

Miao Miao's playful expression softened into concern. "Yena... You do wish to go, don't you? Or… are you thinking you might see him there?"

Yena exhaled lightly, her voice steady yet dismissive. "Come on! Why would I want to go there? Besides, I seriously doubt I'll ever encounter that being again."

Miao Miao smirked. "Then you don't want to eavesdrop on their conversation?"

Yena's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Now that's a different story, my dear."

Giggling, they sneaked into the Divine Court, hiding behind one of the towering pillars. Silently, they listened to the ongoing discussion.

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Scene: The Divine Court

Lord Niruana sat in his grand seat, listening to the voices echoing through the chamber.

Thunder God crossed his arms "It's natural for us to stay out of the affairs of commoners. It is none of our concern. The Divines are forbidden from interfering in the commoners matters."

Fire God countered "But it is our duty to maintain peace among the loks. Given the circumstances, postponing the tournament is the wisest course."

The Goddess of Space and time spoke, worry lacing her voice "The words of Akashvani can not be ignored. Holding the tournament at this time poses a grave risk." She hesitated. "Besides, we don't even know what Maya truly wants."

Thunder God scoffed. "Her desires are irrelevant. She is a mere commoner. Do you really think she can amass enough power? Against us, she is nothing."

The Goddess of Wisdom interjected calmly, "Ding Ran, you are too quick to dismiss the past." Her gaze calm and composed. "Moreover, delaying the tournament could create a rift between the gods and commoners."

Goddess of Space and Time pressed, "Isn't that exactly what she wants? Either way, the peace of the loks is at stake."

God of Wind and Storms exhaled lightly. "We have the Chosen One on our side. I don't believe the situation is as dire as you make it out to be."

A heavy silence followed.

"Come on, we all know about her. Pretending she doesn't exist will not alter her fate."

Murmurs spread through the court.

Lord Niruana's expression darkened. He raised his staff and struck it against the floor with a resounding bang, silencing the chamber.

His voice was steady yet firm. "It is too soon to make decisions based on myths and rumors. The Chosen One is our responsibility. We do not dictate fate. The path she chooses is hers alone."

Silence gripped the court.

Without shifting his gaze, Lord Niruana suddenly spoke again.

"What do you think about this… Yena?"

The entire hall stilled.

Miao Miao and Yena, still hidden behind the pillar, froze. They turned to each other in silent horror, both silently blaming the other for their predicament.

Miao Miao nudged Yena forward.

Yena gulped before stepping into view, composing herself.

"What do you think about the tournament, Yena?" Lord Niruana repeated, his gaze unreadable.

"I… I think we should proceed with the tournament." She exhaled, steadying her voice. "We do not know who the true chosen one is, nor do we know what will happen in this tournament. If danger is inevitable, then it is better to face it than to flee."

The Goddess of Wisdom studied her carefully. "I understand your reasoning, Yena. But are you certain this is the only path we have?"

Yena's voice was calmer now, more resolute. "Rather than viewing it as the only path, I see it as a choice—one we must make. The future is unknown, so why we should let the fear dictate our decision"

So, you believe the tournament must proceed?" His voice held a quiet challenge.

"I'm not sure about that, but what I mean is—" she hesitated

"Then how about you go to Tianlok and assess the situation for us?" His expression was distant, unreadable.

Yena's eyes widened. "Me?"

"Yes, you. As a god, it is time you realized your own power. Or do you intend to remain an unknown entity forever?" His voice was neither cruel nor gentle—just an undeniable truth. "This is the least you can do for Yuan."

Something within Yena twisted—fear, uncertainty… but also something else.

She clenched her fists and lifted her chin. "Then I shall go to Tianlok. And I promise—I will not disappoint you." Her voice wavered slightly, but her determination held firm.

Miao Miao's concerned gaze lingered on her, but Yena kept her eyes locked on Lord Niruana.

"You may take your leave," Lord Niruana said, closing his eyes, signaling the discussion's end.

Miao Miao gently tugged Yena's sleeve, and the two quietly exited the court.

Once they were gone, Lord Niruana rose from his seat and walked toward the palace gardens, dismissing the assembly.

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Scene: Royal Palace's Garden 

Yang Zi's voice carried a quiet reproach. "Weren't you a little too harsh just now?" she asked. "Why speak words you do not mean?"

Wen Rui sighed. "That's how he is. You know this"

Lord Niruana did not turn to them. His gaze remained fixed on the towering Kalp Tree. "She must get used to it. Until now, we have been there for her. But from this moment forward, she must decide her own course and bear the weight of her choices."

Yang Zi and Wen Rui exchanged glances—both understanding, yet conflicted.

"Talk to her. I can sense her presence here," Yang Zi murmured.

With that, they took their leave, leaving the garden in silence once more.

A knowing smile played on Lord Niruana's lips as he spoke, his voice laced with amusement. "If you wish to chastise your uncle, you must first reveal yourself."

From behind a tree, Yena stepped into view. With a huff, she dropped onto a tea-drinking chair, deliberately turning away from him.

Lord Niruana chuckled. "Is it really so difficult to forgive your uncle?" He tilted his head slightly. "I will admit, I can be rather infuriating at times."

Yena exhaled, turning slowly to meet his gaze. "I understand why you did it. You wanted to stop them from talking about the Chosen One, didn't you?"

Lord Niruana regarded her with quiet amusement

Yena hesitated before continuing. "Still… it stung when you spoke of my dormant powers. And I know you only said those things to push me into accepting the journey to Tianlok."

Lord Niruana smirked. "You could have set foot in Tianlok four years ago, yet you tarried. Instead, you chose Bhulok." Though his words carried a playful tease, Yena could sense the underlying meaning.

She lowered her gaze. "I still… I am still uncertain about going." Her voice was quiet, uncertain.

Lord Niruana's expression softened, but his next words were firm. "Have you abandoned your search for answers, then?

Yena's head snapped up. "I have not!" she replied, almost too quickly..

A knowing smile tugged at his lips. "Then go and seek them. The truth you desire cannot be found within the boundaries of the divine world."

Yena swallowed. "Will I… will I really find my answers there?" Her voice was almost a whisper. Then, after a pause, she admitted, "Perhaps… I am afraid of what I might discover. Is it possible for me to live my life without looking for answers?"

Lord Niruana studied her for a long moment before answering. "Ask yourself—can you truly live without knowing the truth?" His voice was neither harsh nor gentle, merely an undeniable reality. "You can delay seeking the truth, but the truth cannot be ignored. And without uncovering what has been hidden, you cannot carve your own destiny."

A deep breath escaped Yena's lips. The weight of his words settled within her, pressing against the uncertainty in her heart.

Then, finally, she made her choice.

"Then I shall go. Wherever the hidden truth lies, I will seek it... I will find my answers, and everything that has been buried in the past—the forgotten past—I shall retrieve it."

Her voice no longer wavered. Her decision was made.

She bowed deeply before Lord Niruana, determination shining in her eyes.

Without another word, she turned and departed from the garden.