The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting warm hues of gold and pink across the skies of Minghe Village. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of ripe harvests, sweet rice cakes, and roasted chestnuts. Laughter echoed in the distance as villagers bustled around, decorating stalls with colorful banners and lanterns. Today wasn't just another day it was the annual Harvest Festival, the most anticipated event of the year.
Lei Sheng stood by the window of his small home, watching the flurry of activity. His heart felt lighter than it had in weeks, a brief reprieve from the weight of his secret training and the ominous truths he'd uncovered in the ancient scroll.
Grabbing his simple tunic and tying his sash, he took a deep breath, determined to enjoy the festival. After all, he thought, what's the point of strength if not to cherish moments like this?
_____
The festival grounds were alive with vibrant energy. Children darted between stalls, chasing each other with paper windmills, while elders gathered around tables, sharing stories and drinking warm tea. Bright lanterns swayed gently overhead, their red and orange glow painting the streets in a warm hue.
Lei Sheng spotted Jiao Lan near one of the food stalls, her hair tied back with a simple ribbon, her usual serious demeanor softened by the festivities. She held a skewer of roasted sweet potatoes, her cheeks slightly puffed as she chewed.
"Are you going to eat that all by yourself?" Lei Sheng teased as he approached.
Jiao Lan rolled her eyes but smiled. "I need the energy. There's a contest later, and I plan on winning."
Lei Sheng chuckled. "Confident, are we? Maybe I'll join and show you how it's done."
"Oh, please," she said, handing him a piece from her skewer. "You're all talk."
They shared a laugh, the tension of recent days melting away, even if just for a while.
_____
As the sun climbed higher, the competitions began. The village square became an arena for friendly contests archery, tug-of-war, and the highlight event: the Test of Strength, where participants showcased their endurance and skill.
Lei Sheng signed up, encouraged by Jiao Lan's playful challenges. He stood among other young men, feeling their competitive gazes. The contest involved lifting heavy stones, balancing on narrow beams, and performing feats of agility.
When his turn came, Lei Sheng took a deep breath, focusing his Qi subtly not enough to draw suspicion, but enough to enhance his control. He lifted the heavy stone with ease, his movements fluid and precise. The crowd cheered, some whispering about how much he'd grown in strength.
After completing the final round, Jiao Lan met him with a mock frown. "Okay, maybe you're not all talk."
Lei Sheng grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "Told you."
They both laughed, the moment light and genuine.
_____
As the sun dipped below the horizon, lanterns were lit, their soft glow reflecting on the river that bordered the village. The festivities continued with music and dance, but Lei Sheng and Jiao Lan found a quieter spot near the riverbank, away from the noise.
Lei Sheng skipped a pebble across the water, watching the ripples fade into the darkness. "It's strange," he murmured. "I feel like I've changed so much since I started training… but sometimes I wonder if I'm still the same person."
Jiao Lan sat beside him, hugging her knees. "You've grown, that's true. But at your core, you're still Lei Sheng the boy who wants to protect his village, who never backs down from a challenge, and who steals sweet potatoes when no one's looking."
Lei Sheng laughed softly. "Hey, that was one time."
She nudged him playfully. "Twice, actually."
Their laughter faded into a comfortable silence, the kind that only exists between people who truly understand each other.
Then Jiao Lan spoke again, her voice quieter. "You're strong, Lei Sheng. But don't forget being strong isn't just about power. It's about knowing when to stand tall and when to lean on others."
Lei Sheng looked at her, her face illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. He nodded. "Thanks, Jiao Lan. I… don't think I could've done any of this without you."
A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, but she quickly looked away, pretending to watch the river.
Just as the night seemed perfect, a sharp, distant shout pierced the air, cutting through the festival's joyful noise. People turned toward the source a commotion near the village's southern gate.
Lei Sheng and Jiao Lan were on their feet instantly, instincts kicking in. They rushed toward the disturbance, weaving through the crowd.
As they arrived, they saw villagers gathered in fear. At the center stood a figure cloaked in dark, tattered robes, his face hidden beneath a hood. He carried nothing but a staff, yet his presence felt… wrong. The air around him seemed colder, heavier.
One of the village guards stepped forward. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The figure didn't respond. Instead, he slowly lifted his head, revealing piercing eyes that glowed faintly in the dark.
Lei Sheng's heart skipped a beat. That… isn't normal.
Without thinking, he stepped forward, placing himself between the stranger and the villagers. Jiao Lan was right beside him, her posture defensive.
"State your business," Lei Sheng demanded, his voice steady despite the unease creeping through him.
The figure's lips curled into a faint, unsettling smile. "I seek… a light that should not exist here."
Lei Sheng's blood ran cold. He exchanged a quick glance with Jiao Lan, both of them realizing the same thing this wasn't a random traveler.
The figure took a slow step forward, and the ground beneath him darkened slightly, as if shadows clung to his feet unnaturally.
Lei Sheng clenched his fists, feeling his Qi stir instinctively. Is he… drawn to me?
Before anything more could happen, the village elder, Wei, arrived, his voice firm and commanding. "This is Minghe Village. We offer hospitality to travelers but will not tolerate threats. Leave now."
The figure's glowing eyes flicked toward Elder Wei, then back to Lei Sheng. For a tense moment, no one moved.
Then, as if deciding something silently, the stranger turned without another word and disappeared into the darkness beyond the village gates.
The festival's mood was shattered. Villagers whispered in fear, guards doubled their patrols, and Lei Sheng couldn't shake the chill that lingered.
Later that night, back at the riverbank, Lei Sheng sat beside Jiao Lan again, staring at the darkened woods beyond.
"He was looking for me." Lei Sheng whispered.
Jiao Lan nodded solemnly. "It's starting, isn't it? Whatever darkness the Jade Soul Path is connected to… it's waking up."
Lei Sheng clenched his fists, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on his heart.
But beneath the fear was something else a burning resolve.
If the darkness is coming, then I'll be ready. Whatever it takes.