Li Ming

City X is just a small town on the east of Country AA. Its population is approximately 400 thousand which is very low compared to other cities that reach millions. However today, one of its 3 major highways, Umi Highway, is experiencing rare heavy traffic.

It was not because of slushy snow or icy roads. It was because some motorists stopped in the middle of the highway. They did not stop to enjoy the seaside view but because a gray Mitsubishi just fell into the ice cold water a few minutes ago.

"I saw it! The car was crazily swerving left and right before it fell into the water... There must be something wrong with the car"s brakes!" exclaimed by a chubby bearded man.

"Did someone call 911 already? Its impossible to dive into the water at this freezing weather!" shouted another man.

"Oh my G.o.d, please help the driver of that car to survive this." a woman prayed.

As everyone is panicking and worrying in the highway, the woman is still conscious inside the submerged car. The inside of the car was easily filled up in a minute because before the car fell down, the woman suddenly opened her windows.

With the inside of the car filled up, she can no longer breathe but she is surprisingly calm and it didn"t look like she has plans to get out.

She slowly closed her eyes and waited. "This will be my final gift to you. Your freedom. Happy Birthday my dear husband."

She was almost out of breath but before she can lose her consciousness, there was a strong force pulling her down. She tried but she cannot open her eyes. She felt the seawater that was suffocating her disappear and a strong wind is now surrounding her. It felt like she was inside a tornado but she was still being pulled downwards. No that wasn"t right. She is falling from the skies!

She still cannot open her eyes so she extended her arms and tried to grab onto something. There was nothing so she just decided to keep herself upright and hoped that she fell in the water.

One minute... Three minutes... Five... Wait that wasn"t right! Even the skydiver, Felix Baumgartner, who holds the world"s freefall speed record from the edge of the stratosphere only took less than five minutes to reach land. He was even wearing a proper apparatus to help him breathe.

Six minutes... Seven... Eight... Nine... Splash!!!

-----

On the top floor of a 40-meter tower, a man in his seventies fell down on his b.u.t.t.

He was trembling. "Oh, heavens help us!" He got up to his feet and ran down the stairs.

He was already old but it was the first time in the last 30 years that he ran this much. But he has to relay his report.

After he reached the ground floor, he continued to run to the Imperial Palace"s main hall and before he could reach the inside he was stopped by the two guards.

"Halt! Astronomer Huan, please pardon us but no one is allowed to go in right now. His Majesty is currently discussing important matters with 2 of the Great Elders." said the guard on the right.

Astronomer Huan was panting and finally fell to his knees. He was supported by the guard on the left who was nearest to him. "Tell... tell His Majesty... tell his Majesty and the Great Elders I have some urgent news. Hurry!"

The two guards were bewildered and the guard on the right exclaimed, "I"m sorry Astronomer Huan but we have strict orders to follow. Please do not make it hard for us. The presence of the 2 Great Elders are too great we can"t afford to provoke either of them. Besides, I believe their meeting is for our country"s bright future."

"Fool! There will be no bright future for this entire continent if this disaster cannot be prevented." Astronomer Huan angrily shouted to the right guard.

"Astronomer Huan, how audacious!" the door of the Imperial Palace"s main hall opened and four people came out. It was a eunuch who reprimanded Astronomer Huan. In front of him is a man in his fifties wearing a black robe with gold dragon embroidery. He is clearly the Emperor of the country of Xiao, Emperor Murong Guan Yi.

Astronomer Huan kowtowed to the emperor but immediately after, he turned his attention to the 2 Great Elders, "Two Great Elders... I have..." The emperor"s brows are scrunched together and before Astronomer Huan is able to continue what he was about to say, Emperor Murong Guan Yi said, "Did you stay too long in that tower that you have forgotten to respect Us?"

"Now, now... Emperor Murong, let"s hear what Astronomer Huan has to say. The news he holds seems to be urgent." mediated by a woman in her late twenties. This woman is one of the 2 Great Elders present. Even though they are called Great Elders they are not necessarily old. They are the top pract.i.tioners in the Continent of Fu Yang, and this woman is the youngest, Great Elder Yui.

Emperor Murong is still dissatisfied with Astronomer Huang"s att.i.tude towards him but he has to give Great Elder Yui face or his country will face grave consequences.

"Great Elder! Star Li Ming has disappeared!" cried Astronomer Huan.