Chapter Twenty-Three: The Journey to Dragon Martial Mountain! Part Three

The night was as deep as ink, with a fine drizzle tapping against the windowpanes, standing in stark contrast to the quiet atmosphere inside. Yufan lay on the bed, eyes tightly shut, yet his brows were furrowed involuntarily, as if a heavy boulder were pressing down upon his heart. Moonlight filtered through the clouds, dappling his face and gilding his weary features with a silver rim.

His thoughts surged like a tide, replaying the harrowing scenes within the tower—his father’s falling silhouette, the enemy’s hideous grins, and his own crushing sense of helplessness. Each memory was like a sharp blade, carving deeper marks upon his heart.

Suddenly, he snapped his eyes open, a flicker of resolve and determination flashing within them. He clenched his hands into fists, his knuckles turning white from the strain, as if he were trying to compress all his resentment and fury into these small, tight bundles.

Outside, the wind grew fiercer and the rain denser, as if the very heavens were shouting in support of his unyielding spirit. Yufan drew a deep breath and whispered to himself, "I have yet to avenge my father. To die at the hands of those in the tower... I cannot accept such a fate."

His gaze shifted, hardening with resolve. With a voice tinged with suppressed bitterness and the desire for retribution, he murmured, "This journey may be arduous, but I must try. To watch the enemy roam free while I do nothing—my heart will not allow it."

Yufan drifted off to sleep amidst his contemplations. The first rays of dawn, though veiled by the misty rain, stubbornly pierced the haze, dappling the bluestone path of the small town and adding a gentle warmth to the tranquil morning. Yufan sat up, the gloom of the previous night replaced by the calm that follows a firm decision. He stepped onto the cold floor with bare feet, each stride marked by unusual steadiness.

Approaching the wooden basin, he dipped a ladle into the well water. The crisp, cool droplets splashed onto his determined face, bringing a sense of clarity and chill. He closed his eyes, letting the water slide over his cheeks as if washing away the dust and exhaustion of yesterday. Then, he picked up a coarse cloth and wiped his face meticulously, every motion revealing a seriousness and resolve that could not be ignored.

Yufan packed his belongings with care, each movement a testament to his hopes for the future and his farewell to the past. He turned the door lock softly, and the door clicked shut, mirroring the heavy, quiet determination within him. Outside, the morning light and the fine rain intertwined, lending a hazy, mysterious hue to the dawn.

He walked slowly down the long corridor, each step seeming to measure the distance from his past. Passing the room of Elder Jian, Yufan stopped involuntarily and turned to look at the closed wooden door, a complex array of emotions flashing in his eyes—reverence, gratitude, and an indescribable sorrow of parting.

He took a deep breath and sighed, the sound a farewell to what was and a promise of what was to come. Then, he turned and walked away with resolute steps, his pace quickening with an unwavering finality.

Hearing the footsteps, Yufan locked eyes for a brief moment with Fang Yu, whose gaze was hidden beneath the shadow of her bamboo hat. He nodded, a mysterious warmth flooding his heart. He looked toward Elder Jian, who stood under the veranda in simple robes, his expression both solemn and kind. The elder clutched the long sword that had accompanied him for years, its tip resting lightly against the ground, as if he, too, were anticipating the journey ahead.

In the morning light, the drizzling rain brushed against their shoulders like silk, leaving behind strings of crystalline beads. Elder Jian cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "The time has come; we must be on our way. Yufan, this journey is perilous, but since you have decided, you must forge ahead. Never forget your original intent." As he spoke, he patted Yufan on the shoulder, his touch filled with encouragement and trust.

As the group set out, the winding mountain path gradually vanished into the misty rain, their figures slowly merging with the tranquil morning. Just then, an imperceptible shadow drifted from the eaves, silent as a nightmare, and began to swirl around the darkness itself.

Yufan patted Elder Jian’s arm and said, "I will not forget, Elder. Thank you for your kindness and for looking after me every step of the way. It is truly a blessing to have you all with me."

Elder Jian laughed kindly. "Haha..."

Yufan then turned and draped an arm around Fang Yu. "My dear sister, who would have thought—ah, never mind."

Fang Yu unleashed a heavy punch, landing it squarely on Yufan’s stomach.

Struck by the sudden blow, Yufan’s face turned pale. He doubled over like a shrimp, clutching his abdomen with both hands and hopping about, his expression a mix of genuine pain and exaggerated playfulness.

"Ouch, ouch! Dear sister, are you trying to murder your own brother? My fragile frame can't handle such discipline!" He complained as he hopped, yet his eyes twinkled with mirth; he was clearly not truly angry.

Seeing this, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Fang Yu’s mouth, but she quickly masked it, feigning a stern look. She glared at him and chided, "Who is your sister? Don't go climbing the family tree! If you act so foolishly again, I’ll show you what’s what!" Though her words were harsh, the concern and indulgence in her eyes were impossible to hide.

A moment later...

The Mist Forest unfolded like an ancient scroll. Thick fog wrapped tightly around the surroundings, allowing visibility of only a few paces, making the woods appear even more profound and desolate.

The sunlight struggled to pierce the hazy barrier, casting only dappled, scattered light that added an eerie warmth to the gloomy place. Yufan’s eyes widened; though he felt fear, it was overshadowed by curiosity for the unknown and a desire to conquer it. Elder Jian took a deep breath, steadying his voice. "Stay close to me. The terrain here is complex; watch your step."

With that, he stepped into the mist, moving with extreme caution.