The village of Riverside was bustling with excitement that night. A sense of peace enveloped the air, and the villagers were so joyful that they decided to celebrate with a festival, even though it was not the usual time for it.
I went to the festival with Wan Yu. I won't lie, I was a bit nervous about being alone with her and also anxious about leaving my two friends at home.
The villagers, who had once seen me as a secluded stranger on my farm, came to greet me and offer food and drinks.
"Great job taking down the beast with Kang Duyi!" "That's right, young man! It's because of young people like you that us elders still fight every day!"
Kang Duyi mentioned that he did most of the work in the battle against the beast—I asked him to keep it a secret—but judging by the people's reaction, he still acknowledged that I helped him, and that was enough for them to praise me.
Wan Yu pulled me aside and whispered, "Did you really help him in the fight? Tian Li, that was a spiritual beast! You're lucky that Kang Duyi was a cultivator, otherwise, you both would have been dead!"
Her concern was endearing. I looked deep into her eyes and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine. It's in the past now. I'll be more careful next time."
I could see something on her face, a deep sadness.
"Why are you feeling like this?" I asked.
It was difficult for her to gather the words and form a sentence, but when she managed to, I understood the reason behind her sadness. I could sense the thoughts passing through her mind.
"It's just that... cultivators live much longer than mortals, and in the higher realms, advancing even a single layer can take 100 years... I... I'm afraid we'll never meet again... I'll always look young while you age and..."
I could empathize with her perspective. Damn, one of the few reasons I still considered continuing cultivation was precisely to live longer! And, of course, to protect what and who were important to me.
"I have faith that we will meet again, Wan Yu. Don't dwell on these thoughts!" I said, opening my arms, "Look around! Let's enjoy this moment."
She seemed to calm down after hearing what I said. Her eyes no longer held tears, and her beautiful smile brightened the night for me.
We did many things together.
"Try this skewer, Wan Yu. I'm telling you, it's delicious!" I said, almost forcing the skewer down her throat.
Although she seemed reluctant at first, Wan Yu smiled like a child receiving a sweet treat.
"This is really good!"
The festival was spectacular, offering the best food and drinks that the small village of Riverside could provide. They also built a huge bonfire in the main square—the only square in the village—and many people danced and sang around it.
It was a vibrant, lively, and contagious atmosphere. It was hard to feel down in a place like that. Wan Yu and I thoroughly enjoyed the night, but like all beautiful things in the world, it came to an end.
"My Senior has arrived... There she is!" Wan Yu said, pointing to a woman.
This woman had long, purple hair and skin as white as snow—I even thought she might be unwell—and she was dressed in a purple cloak with a lotus design.
She seemed strong! I couldn't determine her cultivation level, but judging by how she appeared, flying on a large sword, she must be powerful.
"Wan Yu! How are you?" she asked, not even looking in my direction.
"Well, I'm fine. This young man sheltered me," Wan Yu said, pointing in my direction.
The Senior looked at me with a curious gaze, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
"He did no more than his duty in helping my disciple," she said.
It was evident that she didn't seem to like mortals very much. Or maybe it was just me? Either way, I didn't care what she thought.
"Wan Yu, let's go," she concluded.
Before Wan Yu boarded the sword, she grabbed a bucket of water that was nearby. The little fish I had given her was inside.
When her Senior saw the fish, she became intrigued. "Where did you find this?"
"He gave it to me, Tian Li," Wan Yu replied.
The Senior looked at me with a different gaze, narrowing her eyes, but didn't say anything.
Wan Yu came over to me and gave me a tight hug, and then something unexpected happened.
Her lips touched mine for a second. A quick kiss, and after that, she ran towards the flying sword with flushed cheeks.
I watched as the two of them flew away. Wan Yu waved in my direction, and I noticed that sadness once again. The fear of never seeing each other again.
It was a sorrowful farewell, but one that I had expected to be temporary. Which sect did she belong to? Where was it located? I didn't have any of that information, and as I realized it, I slammed my fist into a nearby tree with all my strength.
"Well, damn it," I muttered in frustration. I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. There was no need to panic. My System was still there, ready to assist me in numerous ways.
I contemplated the idea of resuming my cultivation journey, but without joining a sect and enduring all the injustices and misfortunes that came with it. Perhaps the only chance for me to enter a sect would be if they invited me to become an Elder.
"Becoming a Patriarch of a sect doesn't sound bad either... Maybe I can establish a normal sect without the madness of tournaments, killing, and zero socialization."
Of course, that was just a future possibility and not something I was actively striving for at that moment. My farm and my two companions, Big T and Big F, were my main concerns.
After Wan Yu's departure, I tried to immerse myself in the remaining festivities, but it just wasn't the same. Disheartened, I made my way back to the farm, gazing at the radiant full moon and feeling the gentle breeze against my skin.
Exhausted, I climbed into bed as soon as I arrived home. By morning, I was startled awake by persistent knocking on my door.
"Kang Duyi?" I said, taken aback to see him standing there.
His disheveled hair and the fear in his eyes made him resemble a frightened puppy. "Tian Li, we have a problem!" he exclaimed.