To my dearest treasure:
Xian, my child, happy birthday!
At fifteen, you've probably grown into a capable and independent young man. By now, you should have awakened your profession. What could it be, I wonder?
I have a hunch your profession must be related to wine. I hope it's a profession that brings you joy.
Are you curious why you're receiving this letter today? That's because the Gourd Immortal told me it would meet you when you turned sixteen. So, I asked it to pass this letter to you.
The Gourd Immortal also mentioned that when you read this letter, you'll be going through your hardest time. But I know, my Xian, you're the strongest child in the world.
When you were still in my belly, I had the same dream over and over again. I dreamt of a celestial realm, of heavenly gates, and of immortals drinking and enjoying themselves at banquets in the sky.
The immortals in my dreams were carefree and unrestrained. I admired them and hoped you could live like those immortals—free and unburdened. That's how you got your name.
Remember how I said that little gourd was just a spiritual artifact I stumbled upon during school? I lied. That gourd was actually something you brought into this world. It has been with you ever since you were born.
Xian, I know things are tough for you right now. You've likely encountered many painful challenges. You might cry from loneliness, but don't forget that I always love you.
I've left you a few things that I hope will help. Please take care of yourself and don't overwork. And make lots and lots of friends. Oh, and don't forget to marry a gentle girl~
Xian, promise me you'll make your life a happy one.
I thought I had so much more to say, but I find myself running out of words here. My dear child, don't be sad. Your mom will always be with you.
———
Tears blurred Wang Xianxian's vision.
He tried to suppress his emotions and pulled out the keepsakes his mother had left him from the gourd.
Inside was a mask, a stack of documents, and a few cards.
Name: Yun Jiu
Gender: Male
Residence: Lingyun County, Tianjiu City, Yunhai Province
Date of Birth: May 1, 12000
ID Number: 84543276001017988
Complete personal information. A fully fabricated life...
The folder also contained another letter.
———
Xian, when the Mo family began to be harassed by the Wang family, I guessed how it would all end. I imagined many possibilities. If there comes a day when you can no longer stay with the Wang family, leave.
I want you to be the freest, most carefree child in the world. That's why, even before you were born, I made preparations for you.
This is a new identity I forged by hand over ten years. Your name is Yun Jiu, an orphan adopted by my mentor, Master Lin Jiu.
Master Lin Jiu is the vice president of the Winemaker's Association in Tianjiu City. Find him; he'll help you.
The mask I've given you is one I bought from the black market. It has a powerful disguise effect.
Xian, carry on my dream. Live freely.
———
Wang Xianxian picked up the intricate mask from the box.
Deceptive Heavenly Mask
Grade: High-Rank Profound
Type: Disguise Spirit Artifact
Effect: Changes facial appearance
Description: A disguise mask that alters facial muscles, making it undetectable by others (Note: Cannot disguise spiritual power).
As he stared at the exquisite mask in his hands, the young man's emotions remained unsettled.
His mother didn't mention a word about the forced suicide in her final letters. It was clear that she wanted him to live his life peacefully and without worry, pursuing his own path.
He held back his emotions, not wanting the tears to fall. His mother didn't want him to be sad.
After organizing the identity papers for Yun Jiu, Wang Xianxian pulled out a small red book from the pouch.
Property Certificate of the Celestial Empire
Owner: Yun Jiu
Ownership: Sole Proprietor
Property Location: 999 Jiusheng Avenue, Tianjiu City
Use: Commercial Property
Description: A three-story building with a 1,000-square-meter footprint and a total usable area of 3,000 square meters.
———
Next, he took out a beautifully bound book.
Wine Recipes Compendium
He flipped through it briefly and saw that it contained a wide range of wine recipes recorded by his mother. There were 118 in total. Inside the book, another letter was tucked away.
———
Xian, please keep this recipe book safe. You can brew these wines yourself, but promise me you'll never sell them publicly. These wine recipes are the foundation of the Mo family.
Although the Mo family severed ties with me, I don't blame them. Your grandfather did his best. As the family patriarch, he had the fate of the entire clan on his shoulders.
I have no regrets toward the Mo family, except toward your grandfather. If you ever get the chance, please go see him for me. And tell him that I love him and hold no resentment toward him.
Of course, the last recipe in this book is an exception. That one belongs only to you.
———
After reading his mother's letter, Wang Xianxian's suppressed emotions reached their peak. With trembling hands, he opened the description of "Xianxian Brew."
Xianxian Brew
Grade: Top-Rank Mortal (Exclusive to Wang Xianxian)
Recipe: Carnations, daylilies, hawthorn...
Effect: No effect for ordinary people (Note: When consumed by Mo Wange's son, Wang Xianxian, all attributes increase tenfold).
Source: A wine brewed especially for her son by the winemaker Mo Wange. It may not be perfect, but for that child, it's flawless.
Evaluation: There's always a light left on for you, always a meal prepared for you, always someone waiting for you, and always a wine brewed just for you.
In the still night, Wang Xianxian knelt on the floor, his mind filled with memories of his mother's busy figure.
He picked up a photo of him and his mother, gently running his hand over it.
The young man stared blankly at the picture, biting his pale lips as tears welled up in his eyes.
On the picture frame, there was a single phrase carved:
"Xian, don't be afraid. Mom will always be with you."
For the first time, Wang Xianxian understood the true meaning behind those words.
In this moment, the kneeling young man could no longer hold back his emotions.
All the strength he had carried crumbled away as heart-wrenching cries echoed through the night.
Yearning, pain, joy, guilt, grief...
All the emotions he had suppressed for five years exploded.
At last, he could cry his heart out, just like when he was a child.
Outside the window, there was nothing but endless darkness. It was as if his life over the past five years had been imprisoned by this night.
The suffocating night had mercilessly ravaged the once unrestrained soul of the boy.
But starting today, he no longer had to live in fear.
Because the dawn had arrived...