Chapter 2 — A Decision Rooted in Hope
The morning mist still clung to the grass when Li Feng stepped out of the hut, shirtless, steam rising from his skin after his morning training.
He looked down at his calloused hands—stronger than they'd ever been.
But it wasn't enough.
Three layers into Body Refining, and already his progress had slowed to a crawl. No matter how much he trained, how deeply he meditated, his body simply refused to respond like before.
It was as if he had reached the limits of what a pseudo-root could offer.
He stared toward the mountains, where spirit beasts roamed freely. Where the strong fought and thrived.
But him?
He was stuck.
"…I need something more."
It wasn't just about strength. It was about survival. In this world, the weak didn't live long—and Li Feng had already died once.
He wasn't interested in doing it again.
He didn't know where the thought came from, but it struck deep and refused to leave:
Start a family.
Not just for warmth or comfort. Something deeper told him that building a family could be the key—a foundation not just for emotional stability, but for true cultivation.
The thought was strange. Almost… instinctive.
Maybe it was part of his soul finally merging fully into this world. Maybe it was something else—something waiting for him all along.
But his heart was set.
He put on his old robe and walked straight to the center of Leafspring Village.
---
His father and village chief are like friends.
In this village, after his father death, Li Feng can only call village cheif as known person. He is like distant grandfather to him.
The village chief's house stood apart—not large or luxurious, but sturdy and well-kept. A small garden bloomed outside with herbs and seasonal flowers.
Li Feng called respectfully at the door.
A few moments later, the old man stepped out—his silver-streaked beard neat, his eyes sharp despite his age.
"Li Feng," he greeted. "You've been training hard."
"Yes, Elder Lin," Li Feng said. "I'd like to speak with you. It's… personal."
The chief nodded and led him inside.
They sat across from each other, tea steaming between them.
"What is it?" Elder Lin asked, calm but curious.
"I wish to marry," Li Feng said directly.
The elder was taken back. There was a beat of silence. The elder raised his brows, then leaned back with a thoughtful hum.
"A sudden decision."
"I've thought about it," Li Feng lied. "I want to build something. A future."
Elder Lin nodded slowly, tapping the rim of his teacup.
"You're a good young man. Quiet, hardworking. I had my eye on you already."
Li Feng nearly choked on his tea. 'Elder?!'"
Seeing his overreaction, elder Lin eye's narrowed.
The elder said faintly. "My granddaughter. Qingyuan."
Li Feng swallowed.
"She's of age, and I've turned away a few suitors already. She's a bit headstrong, but kind. Sharp. She deserves someone who'll treat her right—not some traveling cultivator with empty promises."
"I would treat her with respect," Li Feng said sincerely.
"I believe that."
The elder stood, walked to a shelf, and retrieved a small carved token—a betrothal token.
"If she agrees, I'll announce it at week's end."
---
Later that day.
Li Feng met Lin Qingyuan for the first time in private.
She stood beside the herb garden, wearing a simple sky-blue dress, her dark hair tied loosely with twine. Her features were soft, but unreadable. She didn't smile—but neither did she look upset.
"So, you're the one grandfather picked," she said flatly.
"…Yes."
"You don't talk much."
Li Feng shrugged lightly. "Don't need to, if I mean what I say."
She stared at him for a long moment, then turned back to the plants.
"My mother used to say silence hides more than anger. But I don't sense bad intentions from you."
Li Feng tilted his head. "...You're okay with this?"
Qingyuan pulled a weed from the soil, straightened up, and met his gaze.
"I don't dislike you. And I trust my grandfather. If you mistreat me, I'll poison your soup."
Li Feng blinked.
Then—unexpectedly—she smiled.
The week passed in a strange, quiet rhythm.
They didn't speak much, but each meeting felt a little more natural.
One evening, they sat beneath a peach tree outside the village, sharing roasted chestnuts.
Li Feng found himself smiling more often.
Qingyuan laughed once, lightly.