Chapter 27: The Letter
As Da Cai combed through the quiet, empty house, he felt a deep sense of nostalgia and unease. The place that had once been warm and bustling with Uncle Yun's presence now felt hollow. As he searched, his eyes landed on a small, dusty box tucked beneath the old wooden bed. Inside, he found a neatly folded piece of parchment.
The letter seemed ordinary at first glance, its surface slightly yellowed with age. But as Da Cai held it in his hands, he felt a faint pulse. Curious, he channeled a small amount of Spirit Qi into it. To his surprise, the letter absorbed the Qi, glowing faintly before words began to appear on its surface, written in a familiar hand.
The message read:
"If you are reading this, it means you have successfully cultivated. I have always hoped that you would find your own path in life, one filled with strength and purpose. I may not have told you much about my past, but know that I have always cared for you as if you were my own. The world is vast, filled with wonders and dangers alike. Remember to stay vigilant, be kind to those deserving, and protect what is important to you.
There are truths about me and your origins that I cannot share yet. Perhaps one day, when the time is right, all will be revealed. For now, focus on growing stronger and understanding the world around you.
If we are fated, we will cross paths again.
– Uncle Yun"
A Mystery Deepens
Da Cai sat in silence, the letter resting in his hands. His suspicions about Uncle Yun being a hidden cultivator seemed all but confirmed, but the letter only deepened the mystery. What truths was Uncle Yun referring to? Why had he left so abruptly? And what did it mean for Da Cai's journey?
The young cultivator sighed, folding the letter carefully and tucking it away. "I'll keep improving," he resolved. "When the time comes, I'll be ready to uncover the truth."
An Interrupted Night
Exhausted from the emotional weight of the day, Da Cai lay down to rest. Sleep came quickly, but it was not destined to last. In the dead of night, he was jolted awake by distant screams.
"Help!" a voice cried, followed by the sound of galloping horses. The urgency in the voice sent chills down Da Cai's spine.
He sprang to his feet, grabbing his belongings and stepping outside. The village, bathed in the pale light of the moon, was eerily quiet save for the distant cries and the unmistakable sound of hoofbeats drawing closer.
Da Cai's eyes narrowed as he focused on the direction of the commotion. "What now?" he muttered, his body tense and ready for action.