Chapter 1 Prologue
The Longevity Lock, as legend tells, can ward off disasters and evil spirits for infants, "locking" life in place. Hence, it is a Chinese custom for newborns to wear the Longevity Lock until they turn twelve.
There was a deeply devoted couple. One day, the husband died in an accident, and the wife, overwhelmed with grief, gave premature birth to their child. The infant was frail and weak, feared to not survive beyond a month and follow his father in death.
The wife sought out a master after much effort. The master asked, "Are you willing to save this child's life, regardless of the cost? Would you exchange your own life for his?"
The wife nodded.
The master said, "I have a Longevity Lock that can borrow twelve years from your remaining lifespan to exchange for twelve years of life for this child. When he turns twelve, the lock will break, and he will die. The 'Longevity Lock' is, in truth, a 'Life-Debt Lock.'"
The wife pleaded further, vowing that if her son could live to adulthood, she would willingly fall into the Avīci Hell and endure its torments.
The master pondered for a long while and finally agreed. He stated that this Longevity Lock could secure at most twenty-four years of life for the child. After twenty-four years, he would personally return to retrieve the lock.
The wife passed away with a smile.
Twenty-four years later...
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel