That night, the moon hung low—round and pale as frost.
The village was quiet, yet the wind stirred the leaves as if whispering ancient secrets.
Inside Han Li's small home, a single candle flickered.
His parents sat with him in silence for a long while.
No one spoke.
At last, his mother's eyes reddened. She reached out and gently held Han Li's cold little hands.
"Li'er… before you leave tomorrow… there is something we must tell you."
Han Li looked up, sensing the heaviness in their voices.
His father took a deep breath.
"You… are not our biological child."
The words hit harder than thunder.
Han Li froze.
His breath caught in his throat.
His heart trembled—not with fear, but confusion.
His mother quickly continued, voice trembling yet gentle:
"When we found you… you were just a baby. It was eleven years ago. That winter was harsh—snow thicker than blankets, wolves starving, mountains sealed."
She paused, remembering.
"We were gathering firewood deep in Blackwind Forest. Your father heard… crying."
His father nodded, face grim.
"The sky was darkening, and the wind howled like ghosts. I followed the sound and found you… beneath an ancient pine tree. Someone had wrapped you in fine silk—not the kind common folk could ever afford."
His mother wiped her tears.
"But when we found you… you were already freezing. If we had been a moment later… you would not be here today."
Han Li's eyes widened.
A baby—alone in a deadly forest.
A silk cloth.
A fate like a discarded secret.
His father continued:
"We searched, but no one came. No footprints. No clues. It was as if someone placed you there… and vanished."
Slowly, his mother reached into her sleeve and took out a small item wrapped in yellowed cloth.
She placed it in Han Li's palms.
"This… was the only thing beside you."
Han Li unwrapped it carefully.
Inside was a small, pure-white jade pendant.
Smooth, flawless—like moonlight frozen into crystal.
On its surface was a symbol—an ancient sigil resembling a lotus intertwined with a cloud and a phoenix feather.
The moment Han Li touched it—
a faint warmth pulsed beneath his fingers.
Almost alive.
His father spoke softly:
"Li'er… we never knew where you came from. But we always believed… you were not meant for an ordinary life."
His mother cupped his cheek.
"We cannot give you answers. But perhaps… the road you walk from tomorrow onward will lead you to your past."
Han Li looked down at the jade.
For the first time… he felt a strange pull in his chest.
As if a distant memory echoed through his blood.
A fate waiting.
A path already chosen.
Finally, he tightened his fist around the jade and lifted his gaze.
His voice was soft… but steady:
"Father… Mother… no matter where I came from… you are the ones who raised me. In my heart—you will always be my real parents."
His mother broke into tears.
His father nodded, eyes shining though he tried to remain stern.
No matter who my parents are they left me to die in woods, but it was you took me here so no matter what only you are my parents.
Morning came quietly.
No bell, no rooster.
Just the soft silver light of the rising sun spilling across the village rooftops and the faint scent of dew settling on wild grass.
Han Li stood at the entrance of his home, dressed in his simple green robe.
His hair, freshly combed and tied with a thin silk ribbon, swayed gently in the early wind.
There was no grand carriage, no servants, no banners.
Only Doctor Lu—standing calmly with his hands behind his back, his long black robes flowing like clouds, his gaze sharp yet unreadable.
Han Li's parents stood beside him—silent.
His mother's eyes were already red.
His father tried to remain strong, though his trembling jaw betrayed his heart.
Han Li bowed deeply.
"Father… Mother… I will work hard. I won't embarrass you."
His mother quickly embraced him, voice shaking.
"Li'er… you must take care of yourself out there. Eat well. Rest when tired. Do not push yourself too hard…"
His father placed a hand on Han Li's shoulder.
"You are a good child. Remember—no matter where your path leads… how hig person you became you must not treat weak and poor unfairly, don't not hurt anyone , so don't let anybody hurt you ."
Han Li nodded, lips pressed tightly as he tried not to cry.
Doctor Lu turned slightly.
"It is time."
Han Li took one last look at the village—at the crooked fences, muddy paths, familiar wooden houses, and the warmth he had known all his life.
Then—he stepped forward.
His steps were small at first.
Uncertain.
Heavy.
But with each step, his back straightened.
His gaze sharpened.
He walked beside Doctor Lu—toward a destiny unknown.
Hours passed.
Mountains rose in the distance, wrapped in veils of mist. Birds glided above the treetops, and sunlight flickered through layered bamboo groves like dancing shards of jade.
Doctor Lu moved swiftly yet effortlessly, never seeming tired.
Han Li struggled to keep pace but refused to complain.
Finally—after crossing a narrow stone bridge—and passing through an archway carved with ancient runes—Han Li saw it.
The air changed—cool, fresh, and filled with spiritual calm.
A vast valley opened before him, surrounded by tall emerald mountains. Thick forests layered in shades of jade, moss covering ancient stones, fireflies glowing faintly even in the daylight.
At the heart of the valley was a clear, mirror-like lake.
It reflected sky, clouds, and mountains so perfectly one couldn't tell where reality ended and reflection began.
Built upon the lake were several small wooden huts connected by thin walkways made of bamboo and polished planks—floating lightly as if suspended on mist.
A single waterfall spilled from a cliffside—gentle yet pure—feeding the lake with shimmering water like liquid silver.
Herbs grew everywhere—not wild, but purposefully planted:
Bright-red spirit ginseng glowing softly,
Silver-leafed orchids swaying like feathers,
And soft green moss that released faint medicinal fragrance when touched.
Han Li stood frozen—breath stolen.
This was no ordinary home.
No—
Doctor Lu stopped and looked at Han Li.
"From this moment… this valley will be your world."
Han Li bowed deeply.
"Disciple Han Li… thanks his master."
Doctor Lu finally smiled—not kindly… but knowingly.
"Good. Then step into Green Valley."
Han Li inhaled deeply.
And took his first true step…
Han Li followed Doctor Lu across the delicate wooden walkway suspended above the crystal lake. Every step made a soft tok-tok sound against the polished bamboo, the echoes blending with the distant waterfall.
The valley was quiet—too quiet.
No servants.
No disciples.
No sound except wind, water, and the occasional rustle of spirit herbs.
Han Li finally asked softly:
"Master… is there truly no one else here?"
Doctor Lu did not turn, but his voice carried calmly through the air.
"No. For many years, I have been alone."
Han Li lowered his gaze.
Somehow… that answer felt both reassuring and unsettling.
Eventually, Doctor Lu stopped in front of a small wooden house built against a flowering plum tree. White petals drifted in the air, landing softly at Han Li's feet.
The house was simple—only a single door, a round carved window, and a lantern hanging from the roof, glowing faintly with warm firelight.
Doctor Lu pushed the door open.
Inside was a small but tidy room:
A bamboo bed covered with freshly washed linen
A wooden table with an ink brush and scroll
A water basin
And a cabinet for clothes
The faint scent of medicinal herbs lingered—gentle and soothing.
Han Li's eyes warmed.
Compared to the cold cave and worn straw bed he grew up with… this felt almost luxurious.
Doctor Lu stood beside the doorway, hands behind his back.
"You will stay here."
His tone was light, yet carried the weight of formality.
"Today, you may rest. Let your heart settle and your body recover from the journey."
Han Li bowed.
"Yes, Master."
Doctor Lu nodded slightly, then added:
"From tomorrow onward—your life will change. Medicine, discipline, patience, and hardship will become your daily companions."
Han Li swallowed, feeling equal parts nervous and excited.
Doctor Lu's gaze swept him one last time.
"Sleep early. Dawn training does not wait for laziness."
With those final words, Doctor Lu turned and walked away, his robes fluttering like shadows trailing behind moonlight.
Han Li stood alone in the doorway, watching his master disappear into another distant hut.
A breeze swept through, carrying plum petals past his face.
He stepped inside and gently closed the door.
For a moment, he just stood there… breathing.
Everything felt unreal.
The silence.
The room.
The soft bedding waiting for him.
He touched the blanket with trembling fingers.
So warm…
So soft…
Suddenly, the memories of his parents, the village, and everything he knew surged forward.
His throat tightened.
But before sadness could swallow him… a small smile slowly formed.
After settling on the soft bedding, Han Li didn't lie down immediately.
Instead, he slowly reached into his robe and took out three items:
The white jade pendant
The strange old ring
And the small bottle he found in the cave
Moonlight poured through the round window, silver and gentle, coating everything with a calm glow.
Han Li picked up the jade first.
His eyes lowered.
A complicated expression flickered across his young face.
He held the jade tightly.
What is the meaning of keeping this jade if they already abandon me
The question wasn't spoken aloud — but it echoed in his heart.
A faint hurt spread through him — quiet, sharp, like a thorn pressing deeper the more he thought.
For a moment, his fingers tightened as if preparing to throw the jade away.
He even lifted his hand slightly — a reflex born not from hatred, but confusion and pain.
But — he stopped.
His hand trembled, slowly falling back down.
He looked at the pendant again, softer this time.
"…Maybe… maybe you had your reasons."
The words were whispered — fragile, unsure — yet sincere.
"Maybe… one day, I'll know the truth."
With care, almost reverence, he placed the jade back into his robe.
Next, he picked up the ring and bottle.
The ring was dark metal, simple yet strangely refined. Under the moonlight, its faint engraved lines almost seemed alive, like tiny rivers of forgotten power.
The bottle was small, weathered, sealed tight, its purpose unknown.
Han Li didn't understand them, but something about their presence felt… right.
As if they were meant to walk his path with him.
He placed both carefully beside the jade and whispered with a small smile:
"Since I found you before my new life started… I'll treat you as companions."
Han Li finally lay down.
The room was silent, only the gentle sound of the waterfall and rustling plum blossoms outside.
His eyes grew heavy.
Tomorrow… everything would change.
But tonight — beneath moonlight and soft bedding — Han Li finally drifted into peaceful sleep.