Chapter 1: The first thousand years (prologue)

In the remote north of the Wushan Dynasty, nestled in the craggy peaks that loom over Chang'an Village, a small pebble appeared unnoticed.

 At first glance, it was nothing out of the ordinary, a common rock like any other that might be found along a mountain path. Roughly three centimeters in diameter, with one or two spiky sides, it went completely unnoticed by the locals who were used to spontaneous appearances of oddities near the old woods, thanks to the accumulated spiritual energy. For millions of years, the humble pebble would have lain on the ground, insignificant and unremarkable, had fate not intervened and chosen it for a grander path. 

 Entirely painted in crimson red, it had landed near the nest of a Hongzhuangniao bird, a dark-feathered creature with a disturbing obsession for adorning its nest with red objects, particularly rubies. Even the slightest object that bore the color of blood was coveted by the bird, and as it happened, this odd little rock was a perfect fit.

The moment the bird caught sight of the crimson rock, it dove towards it with a palpable sense of excitement. For it, It was no ordinary rock, but a "rare and exquisite treasure" that had materialized at the perfect moment, just before mating season. As an orphan, the bird had spent half of its 20-year life evading predators, foraging for food, and desperately trying to establish a home of its own. And despite its innate drive to find a mate, every time it had tried to attract a partner, they simply flown in circles, singing and squawking, clamoring to see it's nest, until they eventually give up and leave without a sound. But this time was different. The Hongzhuangniao bird knew that this stunning red rock was the key to its deepest desire, and it was determined to seize it at any cost.

After securing the pebble in its beak, the Hongzhuangniao promptly carried it back to its nest and placed it in a prominent position amidst a bed of verdant leaves. The rock's brilliant red hue contrasted strikingly with the green foliage, making it the centerpiece of the bird's collection. Satisfied with its latest acquisition, the bird left the nest in search of Yèliánchóng, a rare red worm that was considered a delicacy for special occasions, such as when trying to impress a potential mate.

Unbeknownst to the bird, the red pebble slowly began to absorb the spiritual energy from its surroundings. Perched atop a high altitude and surrounded by the local flora and fauna, as well as a constant stream of spiritual energy carried on the wind, the location proved to be ten times better than the ground where the pebble had first materialized.

And with the passage of time, love bloomed, the bird found a mate, eventually raising a family of little chicks.

As the bird grew old and it's time to pass away neared, it felt content knowing that it had been blessed with the bright red rock it had always desired on its darkest time. 

The bird had cherished the pebble for years, and was confident that its offspring would do the same. Because, over time, the rock started to shine brighter, not with a dazzling brilliance, but with a red glow that made it the most treasured possession of the family, guarding it with their lives and only willing to show it to potential mates. 

Time passed and in what feels like an instant, a millennium goes by and the once-prized rock, which had been cherished by the largest flock of Hongzhuangniao birds in the region, began to bleed.

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