Evening began to fall as Li Yuan stepped out of the hidden old library.
As usual, his steps led him along the footpath of Ziran Village, toward the small and humble market.
Since the passing of his mother, Ye Ling, Li Yuan had begun learning to cook on his own.
Today, he bought some fresh vegetables and a small piece of meat—just enough for two people.
The faces of the merchants greeted him warmly,
but none of them knew that this boy carried a storm inside him.
Upon returning home, Li Yuan washed the ingredients, cut them carefully, and lit the fire.
The aroma of a simple meal filled the small house, waiting for the one who hadn't returned yet—
his father, Li Haoming, who was still out hunting in the forest.
Hunting…
A job that might seem ordinary, but could mean life or death.
The sun had leaned westward when heavy footsteps were heard outside.
Li Haoming entered, carrying a tired body and a long breath.
As always, he washed his hands, face, and the traces of blood from his body.
Silent, yet meaningful.
When the food was ready, Li Yuan called out:
"Father, let's eat."
Li Haoming sat down, took his portion, and ate without much conversation.
But amid the silence, Li Yuan set down his chopsticks.
His gaze shifted—those calm gray eyes that had been holding so much now appeared steady and deep.
"Father… I want to explore the world."
Li Haoming stopped chewing.
He looked at his son in silence, for a long time…
Then smiled faintly, as if seeing a reflection of his own past.
"It seems… you've found your purpose."
"Your eyes… they carry desire. A strong desire."
He looked down for a moment, then spoke softly:
"I once wanted to explore the world too… but I couldn't. I was bound by life, by responsibility."
"The world is vast, Yuan. But it's also cruel. Full of deception and trials you won't learn from books alone."
He sighed.
"You're still young. I worry… I'm not as good with words as your mother was. But I just want you to stay healthy."
"I may die soon, or maybe not. But before my time comes, I will teach you martial arts."
"I'm no expert… but at the very least, I want you to be able to stand in this world, without relying on anyone."
Li Yuan nodded slowly.
His heart felt warm, but also tense.
A beginning… had arrived.
"Thank you, Father."
After a quiet dinner, Li Yuan patiently cleaned the plates and bowls.
Cold water touched his hands as he washed,
but his mind wandered far—like a river flowing in silence.
His steps were light as he entered the small room
that had long been his place to reflect, read, and shape his hopes.
He sat quietly at the edge of the bed, gazing out the window.
The night sky hung peacefully.
Stars twinkled, as if watching the world from afar.
"I want to learn martial arts…"
"This world… is indeed cruel, just as that book said…"
His small hands slowly clenched into fists,
his body still thin and untrained.
But the resolve within him felt like a small flame—
not yet burning, but ready to spread.
He remembered the words of Mu Yi, his friend:
"I'm going to be someone great, Yuan! The world has to see who Mu Yi is!"
Li Yuan gave a faint smile.
In Mu Yi's innocent words, he heard spirit… hope… courage.
But he also knew, courage without foundation could become arrogance.
"I'll grow too."
"But not to be seen by the world… I want to understand it, walk its path."
The night grew quieter.
And in that stillness, Li Yuan's heart felt more at peace.
But within that peace, a small wave began to rise from inside him—
as if something was responding to the resolve that had just been born.
As dawn slowly emerged in the eastern sky,
Li Yuan's body remained still, seated in meditation.
His eyes opened slowly—and for the first time,
he felt truly awake.
That morning bore witness
to the first step
on a long journey ahead.