Chapter 2: A Hidden Truth
As She yin chi stared at the unconscious human boy before him, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest. The boy looked just like him—human. But She yin chi had always been told he was different. Raised among the Snake People, he had never seen another human his age before. His heart pounded as he debated whether to help the boy or leave him. If he brought him back, the consequences would be severe. His tribe—the strongest of the Eight Great Tribes—would never tolerate a human within their territory.
She yin chi’s tribe was the largest and most influential among the eight tribes because its leader was none other than his grandfather, the Supreme Chief of the She Yin tribe. Under his rule, the tribe had thrived in both strength and numbers, making them the undisputed rulers of their desert domain. No one dared to question him, not even the leaders of the other seven tribes. And because She yin chi was his grandson, no one dared to openly harm him—though that didn’t stop them from whispering behind his back.
Despite knowing the risk, She yin chi made his decision. He could think of only one person who might help him—his grandmother, Choi. Unlike others in the clan, she did not judge people by their race. After She yin chi's mother mysteriously disappeared, it was his grandmother who raised him with warmth and kindness. He knew that if there was anyone in the entire Snake Clan who could protect him and the boy, it was her.
Without wasting another second, She yin chi lifted the unconscious boy onto his back and sneaked into the tribe’s territory. He carefully navigated the maze-like paths he had memorized over the years, avoiding patrols and prying eyes. By the time he reached his home, he realized he had been too slow—his grandfather and his most trusted warriors had already gathered in the main hall.
Inside the grand meeting hall of the tribe, several elite warriors stood before the Supreme Chief. Among them was Hei Du, the commander of the Main Force. Hei Du was a towering figure, his body covered in dark blue scales that gleamed under the dim torchlight. He was feared across the desert, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Supreme Chief and his brutal combat prowess. His mere presence was enough to make warriors shudder.
"We should let him go," one of the warriors muttered. "He clearly doesn’t belong here. He keeps sneaking off—maybe he should leave for good."
"Keep your voice down," another warrior warned. "You know Hei Du hates it when people badmouth the Chief’s grandson. He pretends not to care, but anyone who dares insult She yin chi ends up suffering the next morning in training."
"Even so," the first warrior grumbled, "one day, his recklessness will get him killed. And on that day, we’ll finally be rid of that troublemaker."
She yin chi had heard such comments a million times before. He no longer cared. The only thing on his mind was getting to his grandmother before anyone noticed the human boy on his back.
As he moved through the village, he ran into some of his training batchmates. Most ignored him, but a few couldn’t resist picking fights with him. One of them, a fiery-tempered snake girl named She NaÃ, is a stunning snake girl with long, flowing red hair that reaches down to her waist. Her deep black eyes hold a mysterious allure, drawing others in with their dark, enchanting depths. Her slender, boneless waist moves with an effortless grace, making her every motion mesmerizing. With delicate, flawless features and a beauty that seems almost otherworldly, She Naà possesses an elegance that captivates all who lay eyes on her. but, she was the worst. She was one of the most beautiful girls in the tribe, but because of her tomboyish nature, no boy dared to approach her. She only acknowledged people if they proved their strength.
She Naà loved teasing She yin chi, and she never missed an opportunity to pick a fight with him. Today was no different.
"Oi, She yin chi!" she called out, grinning as she approached. "Trying to sneak off again? Should I report you?"
She yin chi instinctively hid the boy behind a wall and turned to face her, forcing a smile. "Not today, She NaÃ. I’m in a hurry. Catch you later!"
For a moment, she blinked in surprise. She yin chi never ignored her taunts. He always had a snarky reply, always played along. But today? He looked distracted. Worried.
Her heart clenched. Did he replace her?
A strange feeling settled in her chest—something she didn’t quite understand. Annoyed, she crossed her arms and pouted. "Tch. Fine, go do whatever you want."
As she turned away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Then, just before walking too far, she glanced back—and saw She yin chi sneaking off, glancing around as if making sure no one was watching.
"What is that idiot up to?" she mumbled
Curiosity burned in her mind. Was he meeting someone in secret? Another girl, maybe? Her jealousy turned into suspicion. Instead of going home, Unable to resist her curiosity, she decided to follow him.
She yin chi finally reached home. His grandmother, Granny Choi, She Yin Choi is a graceful and elegant snake woman, her silver hair flowing like silk and her violet eyes radiating wisdom and warmth. Though dignified and composed, her gaze softens with unconditional love for She Yin Chi, offering him comfort and guidance. Her presence is a quiet strength, a pillar of wisdom and support within the Snake Tribe, was pacing worriedly. If he hadn’t returned soon, she would have sent a search party led by Hei Du himself.
Just as she was about to call for help, a noise came from the window.
She turned—and there was She yin chi.
Relief flooded her face as she rushed forward, pulling him into a tight hug. She checked him from head to toe, making sure he wasn’t injured.
But before she could talk to him, the doors slammed open.
She yin chi’s grandfather, She Tian, the mighty grandfather of She Yin Chi, stands as an unshakable pillar of strength within the Snake Tribe. His towering, battle-hardened frame, covered in tough, scale-like skin, radiates raw power, while his sharp golden eyes pierce through all deception with an unwavering gaze. A warrior of countless battles, rarely smiling and speaking only when necessary. His presence alone demands respect, and his words, though few, hold the weight of wisdom and experience. Though he may seem distant and strict, deep within, he harbors a profound care for his grandson, watching over him with an unspoken sense of duty, ensuring that She Yin Chi grows strong enough to survive the harsh world beyond their tribe his piercing gaze filled with fury. Behind him stood Hei Du and several elite warriors. The Supreme Chief’s presence alone was suffocating.
“Wait outside,” the chief ordered, and the warriors instantly disappeared. He then turned to She yin chi.
“Did you sneak out again?” His voice was sharp.
She yin chi knew he was in trouble. But he also knew something else—as long as his grandmother was here, no one could lay a finger on him. Not even the queen of the Snake Clan herself.
As expected, Granny Choi crossed her arms and glared at her husband. “So what if he did? He came back before dark.”
The two elders began their usual argument, their voices rising in frustration.
The Supreme Chief scowled, but he knew arguing with her was pointless. She was not just his wife—she was one of the most respected figures in the clan, a master of ancient medical arts, a wise strategist, and a healer whom even the other tribes sought for help.
With a sigh, the Chief turned away. "Next time, if you leave, not even your grandmother will be able to protect you," he warned. Then, with a final glare, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
She yin chi sighed in relief.
His grandmother sat him down, pulling him onto her lap like when he was a child. “Now, tell me—what’s bothering you?”
She yin chi hesitated. “Grandma, how do you always know what I’m thinking?”
She chuckled, patting his head. “When you were little and couldn’t talk, I still knew what you needed. A mother’s instinct, my dear.”
Her warmth made She yin chi feel safe. Taking a deep breath, he said, “I have something to show you. But promise you won’t scold me.”
“I never scold you, my precious boy. Go on, tell me.”
She yin chi slowly turned and revealed the human boy he had been carrying.
His grandmother’s eyes widened. “Who is he? What’s his name? Where did you find him? Where are his parents?”
She yin chi lowered his head. “I don’t know. I just found him in the desert. He was starving and thirsty… I couldn’t leave him there.”
Granny Choi looked at the boy and then back at She yin chi. Finally, she smiled. “You did the right thing, my son. You saved a life.”
She knelt beside the boy, checking his condition. Her hands moved with expertise—she was the most knowledgeable person in the entire clan when it came to medicine.
“He’s exhausted, but he’ll be fine. Some food, water, and rest will bring him back to health.”
She yin chi hesitated. “But… what if Grandfather finds out?”
Granny Choi smiled confidently. “Leave that to me. He won’t lay a finger on you.”
She gently patted She yin chi’s cheek. “Now, wipe that guilty look off your face, or even a child will know you’re hiding something.”
She yin chi chuckled weakly and stepped outside.
But as he left, he had no idea that someone had been watching everything.
Hidden behind a wall, She Naà smirked. “So, that’s what you were hiding?”
She crossed her arms, her jealousy turning into amusement.
“Well, well, She yin chi. You ignored me today.” She let out a mischievous chuckle. “Now, you’ll pay the price.”
