Chapter 1: History's Gift

The sun rose high on a cleared blue sky over the vast forest of Mystic Mountain. This forested mountain was no ordinary mountain, but one of wonder and allure, made more pronounced by the thick mist that enveloped it. The land covered over hundreds of acres far and wide, filled with numerous of tall trees, rich green plants and wild flowers, and wild creatures called it their home. It had a rich ancient history that dated back to thousands of years ago.

Some believed that the gods once lived on earth before they ascended to the heavens. Others believed that it was a gateway to where the gods lived. Whatever it was back then, the Forest of Mystic Mountain was a place that attracted thousands of visitors each year. It welcomed its beauty and history to the public in exchanged for deep respect. When given in return, only then Mystic Mountain would reveal its deep secrets that many had wondered for many centuries ago.

That exactly happened one day when a hiker and his group led an expedition deep into the enchanted forest. They stumbled upon a white object that protruded through the mystical soil a few feet away in front of them. The hikers thought that somebody must have tried to bury something, but as they got closer, this white object turned out to be something else. Curious, the hikers took out whatever tools that they have and started to dig through the earth’s soil.

Minutes turned to hours as they continued to dig. Curiosity overcame them that they had forgotten of their purpose in the first place. As the sun rested for the night, their source of natural light became dimmer, making it harder for them to see. They stopped what they were doing and stepped back to see what they had uncovered. To their amazement, what they found seemed to be a historical treasure. The object was huge, about 7x7 feet. It looked like a top-squared base made out of white sand and clay. On the side, there were strange hieroglyph writings. The hikers knew what to do. They contacted the National Museum of Science and Research and told them about their discovery.

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Two Months later.

Song Shan Mountain was one of the five great sacred mountains in Henan Province. Like Mystic Mountain, it had a rich history that became homes to Taoists and Shaolin monasteries for over many centuries ago. Its massive vertical heights made out of rocks and foliage, ancient temples, and statues of gods everywhere, became breathtaking site for anyone to see.

Up on a lofty cliff, two thrill seekers stood at the edge wearing their wing suits, helmets, and parachute backpacks. One signaled to the other by a nod, and then it happened. Both of them extended their arms and jumped off the cliff together. They started to glide with the wind across the ancient plain like they were flying. As they got close to the ground, they deployed their parachutes and gracefully landed unharmed onto the earth’s soil. They took off their parachute backpacks and helmets to reveal their identity-a man and a woman.

They turned and smiled at each other from the adrenaline rush that they had just experienced.

The man came and hugged his female companion from the side, “That felt great!” he exclaimed.

She nodded, “Next time, let’s jump from an airplane.”

“I’m up for it Cici.”

He quickly gave her a kiss on the cheek, making her chuckled a bit from his physical contact. As they rolled their parachutes back into their backpacks, Cecilia’s stomach growled for attention.

“Kai, Let’s go grab something to eat.” He smiled and nodded.

After they finished packing, they walked back to the car with their belongings to end their day.

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Along their way back, they saw five tall and slender men in black suits stood waiting around their car. Kai and Cecilia’s smiles disappeared and wondered what these men wanted.

“Mr. Cho wants to see the both of you,” said the bald headed man.

Kai smirked and stood cool with his hands on his hips. “Cici is hungry so tell him to wait.”

They took a couple of steps forward and two the men in black blocked their way.

“Come with us,” said one of the men.

Kai slightly pushed the man to the side so they could get through. The man felt threatened and grabbed Kai by the arm. Kai’s defense instinct kicked in and quickly grabbed his fingers and bent it. The man yelped in pain and then he punched the man on the face. The other men quickly rushed in to join the fight. One by one, Cecilia and Kai fought and injured them until the last man fell to the ground.
Kai then wrapped his arm behind Cecilia’s waist and they calmly walked away from the scene as if nothing had happened. They got into their car and drove off.