Ming Yue awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the small window of his room. The village was beginning to stir, and he could hear the distant sounds of roosters crowing and villagers going about their morning routines. He stretched and got up, ready to face another day of chores and hard work.
Old Man Long was already up, sitting at the wooden table and sipping a cup of tea. He glanced up as Ming Yue entered the room.
"Morning, boy. We have a lot to do today," the old man said, his voice gruff but not unkind.
Ming Yue nodded and got to work. The chores had become familiar to him, and he moved through them with a practiced efficiency. As he fetched water, chopped firewood, and tended to the garden, his mind wandered to his future. He knew he couldn't stay in the village forever. Tian Liang's reach was long, and it was only a matter of time before his men came looking for him.
During a break, Old Man Long called Ming Yue over and handed him a simple wooden staff. "You've been doing well, but it's time you learned to defend yourself better. The world outside this village is dangerous."
Ming Yue took the staff, feeling its weight in his hands. He had learned basic combat skills in the gladiator pits, but this was different. Old Man Long showed him a few basic moves, correcting his stance and technique with a patience that surprised Ming Yue.
"Why are you helping me?" Ming Yue asked during a pause in their training.
The old man sighed and looked at Ming Yue with a mix of sadness and determination. "You remind me of my own grandson. He was taken from us many years ago, and I couldn't do anything to save him. Helping you gives me a chance to make up for that failure."
Ming Yue felt a lump in his throat. He had been so focused on his own struggles that he hadn't considered the pain others might carry. "Thank you," he said softly.
Over the next few days, Ming Yue continued to train with Old Man Long. The old man was a stern teacher, but Ming Yue appreciated his guidance. He could feel himself growing stronger, both physically and mentally.
One evening, as they sat by the fire, Old Man Long spoke of his travels as a young man. He had seen much of the world and had stories of far-off lands and incredible adventures. Ming Yue listened intently, his imagination ignited by the tales.
"You need to find your own path," Old Man Long said, staring into the flames. "There is a village to the north, Yongan. It's small and remote, but it might be a good place for you to start anew. There, you can gather your strength and find your purpose."
Ming Yue nodded. He knew the time to leave was approaching. He had grown attached to the village and the old man, but he couldn't stay. His destiny lay elsewhere.
The next morning, Ming Yue packed his few belongings and prepared to leave. Old Man Long handed him a small pouch of dried meat and a water flask. "Take care, boy. And remember, you always have a place here."
Ming Yue bowed deeply, his heart heavy with gratitude. "Thank you for everything," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
With a final wave, he set off on the path leading out of the village. The sun was rising, casting a golden light over the landscape. As he walked, he thought about his journey so far and the road ahead. He knew it would be dangerous, but he was ready.
The forest surrounding the village was dense and full of life. Birds chirped in the trees, and small animals scurried through the underbrush. Ming Yue moved cautiously, his senses alert for any signs of danger. He had learned to be vigilant during his time in the gladiator pits, and those skills served him well now.
After a few hours of walking, he heard a rustling in the bushes ahead. He froze, gripping his staff tightly. A moment later, a wild boar burst out of the underbrush, charging straight at him. Ming Yue took a deep breath and stood his ground, remembering Old Man Long's teachings.
As the boar charged, Ming Yue sidestepped at the last moment and struck it on the side with his staff. The boar stumbled, giving him an opening to deliver a swift, powerful blow to its head. The animal collapsed, and Ming Yue stood over it, his heart pounding. He had never hunted before, but necessity had made him a quick learner.
He quickly dressed the boar, grateful for the fresh meat. As he continued on his journey, he thought about Old Man Long's advice. The old man had given him more than just training and a place to stay—he had given him hope.
By evening, Ming Yue reached a small stream and decided to make camp. He gathered some wood and started a fire, cooking a portion of the boar meat. As he ate, he reflected on his journey and the challenges that lay ahead.
The stars began to twinkle in the night sky, and Ming Yue felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time. He lay back on the grass, staring up at the vast expanse above him. Despite the hardships and dangers, he felt a renewed determination. He would find Yongan village, grow stronger, and one day, he would uncover the truth about his past and his destiny.
The days turned into weeks as Ming Yue traveled through forests and across hills. He encountered wild animals, avoided dangerous predators, and practiced his combat skills whenever he could. His hair, now black from the herbal dye, helped him blend in and avoid recognition.
Finally, one morning, he saw a village in the distance. It was nestled in a valley, surrounded by lush greenery. Ming Yue's heart leapt with hope. This must be Yongan, the place where he could start anew.
As he approached the village, he took a deep breath and steeled himself. He didn't know what awaited him, but he was ready to face it. With determination in his heart and the lessons of Old Man Long guiding him, Ming Yue stepped into the village, ready to forge his own path.