Chapter 2: Chapter 1: Fateful Encounter
In the Qin Chuan region of the Western Shu, near Jian Ge, lies a place of desolation—rugged terrain, towering peaks, and frequent sightings of wild beasts amidst sparse human footprints. There, beneath the Cang Feng Ridge, an odd figure had taken refuge in a cave, weathering storms and solitude, refusing to depart.
For years, local woodcutters occasionally spotted this peculiar man. He played with the mountain monkeys, sustaining himself with fruits. Initially feared, his constant presence became ordinary, almost as if he were invisible. Time elapsed unnoticed, spanning perhaps several decades, yet the strange recluse persisted, unwilling to leave.
The Western Shu region, abundant with mountains and rumored to harbor myriad demons, led the villagers to erect mountain temples, seeking the protection of mountain deities. Over the centuries, these temples multiplied. Curiously, incidents dwindled, instilling profound reverence for the mountain gods.
On a particular day, beneath the Cang Feng Ridge, a child of about seven or eight, named Lu Yun, arrived. He appeared elegant despite his young age, adorned in fine clothing that hinted at affluence. However, a pallor tinted his complexion with a somber hue.
As the child wandered, the call of monkeys diverted his attention. Not far away, by a cave's entrance, stood a disheveled figure with unkempt hair obscuring his face, revealing only remarkably bright eyes that studied the child. Lu Yun, unfazed, turned towards the peculiar figure and approached.
The stranger, casting a sigh, seemingly sensed something. Lu Yun, unabashed, addressed the man in a clear, youthful tone, "Are you the 'odd person' the elders speak of? They say you've been here for ages. Could you tell me why you stay here? Why not dwell in our village?"
The peculiar man, with a faint frown, replied, "You're not from here, are you? Your accent suggests you're from the capital. What brings you to this place? Your health seems fragile; you may not have long. Why not spend more time with your parents?"
Lu Yun, with bright eyes, smiled gently, "You're perceptive, to discern my fleeting life. I've long been aware of it and don't fear. Life and death, merely moments. Those who haven't experienced it won't understand. Why fear? What's your name? Can you tell me?"
The stranger, nonchalantly, said, "My name doesn't matter. Who are you? Why are you here?" Lu Yun calmly shared his tale, revealing his family's prestigious background and his journey seeking a cure for his illness in Western Shu.
The peculiar man, observing the sky, contemplated. After a pause, he offered, "I can prolong your life. But you must promise secrecy. Visit me daily for a decade. Fail, and return home. I dislike those who break their word."
Lu Yun, resolute, replied, "Thank you. I'll come every day and tell no one. I'll fight fate. Let the heavens and earth know, Lu Yun won't succumb easily."
The stranger, stirred, chuckled, "Good spirit. Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you an extraordinary martial art to contend with fate. Ten years may be brief, but effort yields reward. Remember, use it sparingly and never teach another."
I can help with that! Here's a translation of the text into English:
"The child solemnly promised, 'I will remember, don't worry. I actually know what kind of person you are because someone once mentioned you, people like you, to me.'
The peculiar man smiled and said, 'Clever little one, do you think so? Then tell me, what kind of person am I? If you're right, there's a reward.'
Luyun pondered for a moment and softly said, 'You are what ordinary folks call a mysterious figure of the mountains, a practitioner mentioned by fortune tellers.' After speaking, he looked steadily at the peculiar man, a hint of a smile flickering in his eyes.
The peculiar man looked at Luyun, a trace of amusement in his eyes, and chuckled, 'Smart kid, you got half of it right. I'll reward you later; you won't need it now. Once you've learned a bit more, I'll give it to you. For now, come over here, let's have a good chat.' With a wave of his hand, Luyun instantly appeared next to the peculiar man, a truly bizarre occurrence.
As dusk fell, Luyun left with a smile, heading back home. His parents looked at their son lovingly, their eyes full of affection. Luyun's father, Lu Wenyu, and his mother, Zhang Huafeng, were both outstanding individuals with impeccable character. Lu Wenyu smiled and asked, 'My boy, how far did you wander today, and did you see anything unusual?'
Luyun looked at his parents and smiled, 'Today, I met an extraordinary person, the strange man the village uncles talk about. I spent the day talking with him and gained a lot. He told me he could teach me a method to prolong life, but I have to go to him every day from now on to learn. I promised him, and tomorrow, I'll start learning from him. Don't worry; that strange person is indeed the mysterious practitioner spoken of in the capital city. With exceptional abilities, I want to learn from him well, maybe even cure my illness.'
Lu Wenyu and Zhang Huafeng exchanged a glance. Lu Wenyu asked, 'What did he tell you today? Anything about your illness?'
Luyun chuckled, 'He mentioned many things and touched upon my illness. He said ordinary people have three souls and seven spirits, but I am born lacking one soul and one spirit, so the illness cannot be cured. Surviving till now is already a miracle, and precisely because of this, he intends to teach me the method of prolonging life, asking me to start learning tomorrow.' Lu Wenyu's face changed drastically at the words, shocked beyond belief. Zhang Huafeng looked at her husband, puzzled by his sudden change, wondering what had happened, truly perplexed.
Lu Wenyu raised his head slightly, his expression shocked, muttering to himself, 'I never thought... truly never thought... our family's centuries-old legend, it actually exists. Perhaps this is fate. Luyun, tomorrow you'll go and learn from that strange person. Remember to work hard. Your mother and I will fully support you. No matter what happens in the future, face it bravely.'
Luyun looked at his father, nodding slightly, 'I will. I'll strive against fate. Don't worry; I won't give up easily.' Luyun's young heart held a maturity and determination beyond his years. Afflicted by illness since childhood, defying death numerous times, he developed a strong resilience, giving him an unconventional way of thinking.
Lu Wenyu looked at his son, a hint of encouragement in his eyes, gently patting his shoulder, saying softly, 'Rest well; you have to continue your apprenticeship tomorrow.' After that, he exchanged a look with his wife and left Luyun's room.
In the night breeze, Lu Wenyu looked at the bright moon in the sky, murmuring softly, 'Remembering the ancestral records of the Lu family, there's a miraculous legend passed down through generations. It's said that among the descendants of the Lu family, there will emerge a disciple born lacking one soul and one spirit, an unpredictable anomaly of the Lu family. His destiny is unclear, a life full of legend. The ancestral records state that if this person appears, he must return to the ancestral tomb of the Lu family and retrieve something that only he can unlock, which could potentially change his life's fate. I never thought Luyun would be that descendant mentioned in the legend. I plan to tell him when he turns eighteen or twenty, let him go and retrieve what's his.'
Zhang Huafeng silently watched her husband, softly saying, 'Luyun has been extraordinarily bright since he was young, mastering anything quickly, but unfortunately, his body was too weak. I never expected such a destiny for him. Perhaps it's all predestined. I hope his life can be peaceful; that's all I ask for. In the western Sichuan Qinchuan region, amidst the beautiful mountains and rivers, nurturing endless wonders, I hope he can find a way to extend his life here.'
The night wind rustled, the faint chirping of insects echoing through the mountains, lulling people into slumber, forgetting all unpleasant matters. At dawn, amidst the melodious bird calls, Luyun woke up, hastily ate the breakfast his mother prepared, and set off alone.
Zhang Huafeng stood at the door, watching her son's retreating figure, her eyes filled with a loving smile. When would he grow up, overcome his illness, and lead a happy life? Perhaps no one could say for sure.
Time flew, seasons changing in the blink of an eye. In a flash, ten years had passed. In those ten years, Luyun transformed from a frail child into a handsome young man. Although his body remained slightly delicate, during these ten years, Luyun hadn't experienced any illness relapse. His body grew stronger day by day, his intelligence sharpened, and his ability to learn things accelerated tremendously.
Standing quietly in front of the cave, Luyun looked at the peculiar man who had taught him martial and mystical arts for ten years, feeling grateful towards him. In Luyun's heart, this man was his master, teaching him countless things that ordinary people couldn't comprehend but that Luyun managed to learn.
The peculiar man looked at Luyun, a trace of joy in his eyes, and spoke softly, 'It's been ten years, and you haven't disappointed me. Although the time was short, you've learned a lot from me, which is remarkable. What are your plans now? Will you continue learning mystical arts from me, or will you leave?'
Luyun spoke softly, 'My father told me about something. He wants me, either now or in two years, to go to a place and retrieve something that belongs to me. I plan to continue learning from you for another two years, hoping to make significant progress during this time. I don't want to waste the bond we've built. You haven't told me yet, who you really are, what you did before. Can you tell me now?'
The peculiar man chuckled, 'My identity isn't something you need to worry about. I've done many things before. In simple
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