Chapter 108 - Someday...

Xionmao's mood shifted from being calm to serious. Xinyi knew that this issue was not something to be taken lightly. She had part knowledge of the stones from the panda, but didn't know how powerful they were. 

"It was hidden for a reason, only the pure of heart should manipulate such stones. But with evil intentions this may lead to destruction to us all." He sipped his tea and sighed.

"Before these stones were made and used for a good reason but it was violated because of evil desires. That's why the mines were blown down to secure it from humans' greed. But as time has passed and with the knowledge the humans hold now, some of it found its way to human hands again. But it's power… is not for everyone." 

His face was sad, he had loved the humans. But there were just some stuff that couldn't be taken away from a human which are greed and l.u.s.t for power.

Xinyi readied her heart. The more the panda explained to her the situation the more she understood this was something the creature had given her the task to undertake. But it seemed it had to be done in secret for the knowledge of its existence would be a danger to them all. 

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That dawn before the brothels closed and the market people woke, Mafan already prepared for his journey for that day. Sleep was short because his mind was full. He didn't struggle to sleep. Instead, he used the time planning everything ahead. 

Mafan wanted to finish things quickly because he knew no matter how good he was at hiding, the general would still find him, eventually. 

General Lofey was not the man to be taken lightly at these kinds of tasks. Mafan knew that he stood in that rank for a very deep reason.

"Qinfen, get your men and lead them early to the cave. We have a lot to do."

Qinfen bid his orders and went to the men sleeping in Anjing Pavilion and had men call the rest in their homes. Again, this confused the workers on why they had to work so early but they didn't complain. After all, pay was high. 

As they arrived there, they hurriedly removed the smaller rocks and started breaking the big ones so they could create a passageway enough for a man to fit. 

As the sunlight touched the treetops, they were almost done with a human-sized doorway, but Mafan didn't like the way the workers started gossiping.

"I heard that Qinfen was into man nowadays. This other guy could be his lover. The maids gossipped that they were together every night in the man's room." They shared information through whispers but they were also making it as a joke. They laughed and looked at the Casanova Qinfen who seemed to them incapable of doing anything with authority.  

The poor controlled man was not aware of these accusations but Mafan was. It irritated him with the thought these people had the guts to open their mouths to bad talk their boss although they received a good pay and on time. 

No matter, soon these people will come to learn respect , he thought as he looked at them with disgust.  Mere people with no powers or abilities, just you all wait until I find the stone. 

He made Qinfen glare at them so they would stop talking. Even though he itched to say something badly but held his tongue, avoiding more unjustified speculations. 

An old man approached Qinfen. His hand on his chest and head hung low. He looked decent. "My lord, the entry is almost done, and we started very early today… If it would be fine to take a break?" 

At first, Mafan would not allow because he thought of the time and taking too many breaks would slow down his plans. But as much as he wanted to, the old man approached them with total respect. Saying no would only stir the opposite effect. 

"Okay, you may go but come back as soon as you're done eating," Mafan said through Qinfen.

Mafan did not really hate every non-power wielder. He hated those arrogant fools; Those who looked down on the Chiangdas. Because he knew, he could beat those kinds of people in talent and intelligence. 

He hated the low and cold treatment those wealthy and in position non-Chiangda gave them when all they deserved was respect. Seeing people like the humble old man made Mafan want a better nation, a kind were Chiangdas and none power wielders live together in harmony. 

The Goding King provided a nation where the Chiangdas roamed and lived free in peace but some noblemen did not share the king's vision. Hence, respect was not given as due. Mafan saluted the king but knew the man couldn't wholly see beyond the superficialities inside and outside the court. 

Even half of the princes looked at the Chiangdas as mere instruments or weapons to their plans. However, what would a Chiangda choose, leave Goding and live in fear outside? Thus, they succ.u.mbed to the prejudices despite hating it.

"Soon," he whispered to himself and imagined the nation he would build. He thought of a place where Chiangdas would never have to live in fear using their magic and where people would not hate them. 

He smiled at the thought but then again he remembered his mother's sufferings and the treatment he received after the authorities and so-called family learned he was a Chiangda. 

Mafan remembered his life in prison. He clasped his chest recalling his prison mates who were sent to the hunting grounds full of Wag stones and didn't see them again from then on. This made the prisoners to shiver in fear whenever hunting season came.

One day, the warden brought him to the hunting grounds and presented as the warden's lover to the hunters whose families were from those who sought him for his skills before. He swallowed his pride as they made him a laughingstock. 

However, what came next made his heart numbed in anger. In the middle of the field, he saw his prison mates, n.a.k.e.d and full of bruises, including a young girl of fourteen who could hardly run. The warden saw the hatred in his eyes and warned him by saying that men r.a.p.ed her the whole night after she tried to escape and wounded a guard.

Mafan knew this girl well. She was a kind rich house lady, treating her maids and poor people with respect and gentleness. They were classmates in the royal academy but one day her family sent her to another country, not knowing the prison cell was her destination. He never saw her until that day in the hunting grounds.

"So her powers also manifested and disowned by her family afterward."  

He thought of running to help the girl but the girl saw him and shook her head. Mafan cried inside after she received an arrow with open arms. 

After her death, the hunters made the powerless Chiangdas run in circles, making them think there was a way to escape but... slaughtered like games. Then it seemed such treatment was not enough, they left the bodies in the open field as food for vultures and wild animals just… just because they possess powers. 

Mafan gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. His light mood turned heavy. "Someday," he vowed to himself.