Chapter 2: Journey to the Red City
The rooster crowed at dawn, its cry piercing through the quiet of Green Hollow. Da Cai was already awake, his bag packed with what little he owned: a few changes of clothes, a wooden comb, and the small pouch of silver Uncle Yun had given him. He glanced at the modest house one last time, his heart heavy with gratitude and apprehension.
Uncle Yun stood outside, holding the reins of an old ox pulling a wooden cart. "Ready?" he asked, his voice steady but tinged with emotion.
Da Cai nodded. "Let's go."
The Forest Path
The journey to Red City was long and fraught with challenges. As they traversed the winding forest path, Uncle Yun filled the silence with stories of his youth.
"When I was your age, I dreamed of becoming a cultivator too," he said wistfully. "But life had other plans."
"What happened?" Da Cai asked, genuinely curious.
Uncle Yun chuckled. "Reality happened. Cultivation requires talent, resources, and luck. I had none of those. But you? You have a chance."
They continued in companionable silence until a rustling sound in the underbrush made them stop. Da Cai tensed, gripping the edge of the cart. A wild boar emerged, its eyes gleaming with aggression.
"Stay back," Uncle Yun said, grabbing a pitchfork from the cart. With surprising agility, he fended off the boar, driving it back into the woods.
"Are you alright?" Da Cai asked, his voice shaky.
"Just a scratch," Uncle Yun replied, showing a small cut on his arm. "We need to stay alert. The road to Red City isn't forgiving."
Arrival at Red City
After days of travel, the towering walls of Red City came into view. The sight was overwhelming. The walls were 30 meters tall and made of reinforced stone, with guards patrolling at every interval. Merchants and travelers crowded the gates, their chatter creating a symphony of voices.
"It's... enormous," Da Cai said, unable to hide his awe.
Uncle Yun smiled. "It's the first step on your journey."
As they approached the gate, a guard held up his hand. "Entrance fee: fifty copper each."
Uncle Yun handed over a silver coin, receiving change in return. "Come on, Da Cai. Let's find an inn."
The inn they chose was modest but clean. Over dinner, Uncle Yun spoke again. "Tomorrow, we'll go to the sect's examination grounds. Rest well tonight."
Da Cai nodded, his nerves returning. As he lay on the simple cot, he stared at the ceiling, his thoughts racing. Tomorrow would determine his future.