The morning sun shone gently on the small village, its rays illuminating faces filled with hope, doubt, and deep emotion. Today, three young men who had grown up together would leave their village — heading toward a new place, a new journey, and a destiny yet to be revealed.
In the yard of an old wooden house, Li Yuan stood before his father, Li Haoming — a simple man, but one with a deep heart. Silence lingered for a moment before the father placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder.
"Li Yuan… Don't fall into darkness. Strength is good, but without direction… it can become disaster."
"Whatever you achieve, remember to remain a person with heart."
"I'm proud of you."
Li Yuan lowered his head, his voice soft, "I won't let you down, Father."
Elsewhere in the village, Mu Yi stood before his thin, stubborn yet loving father — a merchant through and through. They didn't speak much. Mu Yi scratched his head, then let out a small laugh.
"Father, I'm going to become a student at the academy!"
"I'll write to you from the city — and bring back some nice fabric for you."
His father sighed, turning his face away so his son wouldn't see the tears welling in his eyes.
"Don't cause trouble there, you hear?"
"Take care of yourself. You're my only son…"
Fan Tu stood with red eyes before his mother. She gripped his hands tightly, unwilling to let go.
"Mother… I'll come back."
"I'll become strong… someone you can be proud of."
She nodded, even as tears fell freely down her cheeks.
"I believe in you, Tu'er... Don't forget to come home, even if just for a while."
The three of them gathered at the main road of the village. Waiting there was a horse-drawn carriage that would take them to Wuyin City — a large city, home to Qinglong Academy, a martial arts school under the patronage of the Wen Family, one of the old and respected noble families.
The man sent to retrieve them stood dressed in clean clothes, with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. His name was Yu Shan, a representative from the academy, tasked with finding talent in remote villages.
"Get in. The journey ahead is long. But your future can begin from here."
The carriage began to move slowly, leaving the peaceful village behind — passing fields, forests, and dusty roads.
Leaving memories behind…
…to meet a new destiny.