Murim Recurve

In a desolate land where poisonous mist swirled about, a palace stood tall atop a mountain. It was a palace lacking any walls. Poisonous mist gushed in without end, condensing before dissipating over on the other side. Cackling sounds occasionally resounded amidst the swirling mist while beings of large statures flew within.

The throne room extended for a very long distance, beyond what one could see in the mist-covered area. Prostrated on the floor were beings that breathed in the poisonous mist like it was normal air. The wings on their backs trembled while occasionally flapping, pulling in more poisonous mist from the outside.

Each being was at least 1.5 times taller than Re'Kha. They were part of a race that dominated a massive segment of the continent all life resided on.

Seated on the throne was a being that was ten times their size, a hulking figure with tremendous presence. Even though he sat in the open, his body was concealed under the mist, the flapping of his wings caused them to form mini twisters.

It was a male, sporting a massive pair of horns on his head that extended until aligning with the edges of his jaw. Similar horns grew from his elbow and ended below his wrist. Finally, a pair of horns extended from his ankle and dug into the floor, acting as a natural heel of sorts.

His two eyes were like the moon but purple in colour, with hints of red and black. He extended his left hand forward, tilting it to gaze at the underside, noticing 12 stars line from the wrist to the elbow. Each star shone with resplendent splendour, akin to a real star. Among them, the third star sported a crack, having lost its sheen for some time now.

Suddenly, a thirteenth star began to form, starting with a mild outline, flickering in and out of existence. It seemed like a candle flame that would be snuffed out of existence any minute. But, it still persisted, unwilling to disappear, existing just because of its desire to exist. 

Noticing the change, the being was stunned for a second before bursting into laughter, "Finally, after so long, the Thirteenth Calamity has begun to form."

His radiant eyes shut as he sensed through the link between him and the forming calamity, using the barely forming thirteenth star as a medium, muttering, "It's forming in the very south of the Land of Kalki. Interesting."

"I should make a move when it finishes maturing." The palace soon resounded with raucous laughter.

…

"Grandma, I got seven Prana Stones in total this time. I don't have any use for them, so please use them." Re'Kha spoke as they neared the Mu Clan's residence. 

Mu'Tua glared at her immediately, "What nonsense are you saying? You have barely begun your journey as a Harmoniser. You would definitely need them to increase your Water Qi reserves."

Before Re'Kha could say anything, Mu'Tua raised her hand, motioning for her to drop the matter, "I'm close to becoming a Martial Master. I don't need them. You would definitely need them a lot. So, keep it."

"Besides," Mu'Tua looked at Re'Kha from top to bottom, "We don't know what your mother would do once she takes you back to your Clan. You may or may not get another chance to enter Earth again. So, it's for the best you keep them with you, just in case you need them in the future, alright?"

"Fine, I'll do as you say, grandma." Re'Kha sulked.

"That's my girl," Mu'Tua patted her head as the cycle rickshaw arrived at her house. The two servants, Suu, and Sii were waiting at the entrance of the house, ready to receive them.

She tipped the cycle rickshaw driver and looked at Sii, "Get the operation theatre ready."

"Yes, my lady." Sii bowed and immediately set off to get it done. It wasn't in her home, rather was a separate house built at a walkable distance. There were only a couple of such operation theatres in their Clan, for it was only meant to be used by the Clansmen. 

They did all the treatment for others in the hospitals and never had a habit of treating outsiders within the Clan. 

"Come with me," Mu'Tua beckoned for Re'Kha to follow her. The two of them didn't even enter their house as they walked along the path adjacent to a bush that grew herbs. Upon seeing a bush, Re'Kha was slightly repulsed as she could recall the brutal killings she had witnessed. 

"Did something happen?" Mu'Tua asked in worry upon noticing her pale face. 

"No, I just remembered something horrible I saw on Earth." Re'Kha took in a deep breath as she waved her hand, trying her best to relax as she fought to get the image off her mind. 

She then thought for a moment before asking, "Grandma, how do you tackle the Quests on Earth? What do you do when you experience something cruel there?"

"Well," Mu'Tua stopped, thinking for a couple of breaths as she smiled, "Whether it is Earth or our world, gore exists in both. And, gore-inducing actions take place in both. But on Earth, we aren't affected much, as the influence of the incidents from there wears off on us within a couple of days. But, we are part of this world you see."

"So, you see," Mu'Tua smiled, "What you should focus on is to learn how to deal with everything that happens here. Only in that way can you progress far in life."

"Have a heart of metal, but the blood that pumps through it should be warm."

"Warmblood in a heart of metal, understood." Re'Kha took the words to her heart as she felt a bit better. Her mind was slowly returning to her world, leaving behind everything on Earth that had influenced her. 

On seeing how she was quickly adapting back, Mu'Tua smiled and led her to the operation theatre, intending to see if their gamble had paid off. It was still the middle of the night, but Re'Kha could feel the warmth of her world once again, feeling relaxed.