Fan Tu was always known as the one with the loudest laugh. His body was a bit larger than Li Yuan's and Mu Yi's, and he was always the first to grab food when they ate together. But behind his strong build and booming laughter, there was a dream he had never told anyone... except the two of them.
Fan Tu lived with his mother, father, and seven-year-old younger sister. His father was a lumberjack, while his mother tended to the house and sold vegetables from their small garden at the market. His family was simple—but full of love.
"I want to become a village guardian," Fan Tu said firmly one evening as they sat on a large rock overlooking the river.
"I want to be strong… so I can protect my family. If danger comes, or bad people show up, I want to stand in front and say: 'You'll have to get through me first.'"
Mu Yi fell silent. Li Yuan looked at him, this time with a gaze deeper than usual.
"I know… maybe that sounds silly," Fan Tu added with a small laugh, scratching the back of his head. "But I don't care. I'll keep training until my body becomes like stone."
Li Yuan smiled.
"That's not a silly dream, Fan Tu. That's… a noble one."
From that moment on, they understood one thing: each of them had their own reason to grow strong.
Li Yuan, to explore the world and protect himself.
Mu Yi, to keep life light and joyful, even after losing his mother at a young age.
Fan Tu, to become a shield for his family.
Fan Tu was never great at reading, but he always tried to keep up with the training. His hands, rough from helping his father chop wood, were slowly becoming more flexible through martial arts. And every time he fell during practice, he would get back up and say:
"I won't let my little sister cry alone if someone hurts her."
They were still young, still green—but their determination had begun to take root. And in that quiet village, though the world beyond remained unknown, they were slowly beginning to walk their own paths—not just as children… but as individuals with dreams.
That day, the sun shone gently, thin clouds danced across the blue sky, and a soft breeze carried the scent of damp earth and leaves. The village felt alive. Every five days, the small village held a market day. People from nearby villages would come, bringing crops, woven cloth, herbal remedies, and even some metal tools.
Li Yuan walked through the crowd with Mu Yi and Fan Tu. He carried a few vegetables from their garden and eggs gathered by his mother. In the market, the sounds of bargaining echoed, children ran around, and the laughter of women filled the corners of the simple bamboo stalls.
"Li Yuan, look! That's a trader from the next village—they say he has a real sword!" Mu Yi shouted, tugging at his friend's sleeve.
Li Yuan turned. A middle-aged man stood behind his stall. Behind him hung several old swords and hunting knives, neatly displayed. His eyes were sharp, his stance firm, and his face carried the look of someone who had seen the world beyond.
"Interested, young man?" the trader asked as he noticed Li Yuan gazing at one of the rusted swords.
Li Yuan gave a small nod.
"Not to fight… but I want to learn, to understand it."
The man gave a faint smile.
"A weapon is not just a tool for killing—it's a reflection of one's path in life. Remember that."
Those words echoed in Li Yuan's mind.
After selling their goods, the three of them sat under a large tree, eating warm bread and dried fruit they had bought from the market. Fan Tu devoured his bread eagerly, while Mu Yi busied himself observing the newcomers.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the market shifted. People began glancing toward the eastern road into the village. A group of strangers approached on horseback, their clothing neat and layered—very different from the villagers.
"Who are they?" Mu Yi asked quietly.
"I don't know," Li Yuan replied, his eyes focused.
One of the men dismounted. He looked around the village, then spoke briefly with the village elder. Not long after, a soft yet firm voice rang out:
"We are from the city of Wuyin. We are seeking talented children to send to the Wen family's martial arts school..."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. A martial arts school? The Wen family? That was a prestigious name from the great northern city. Offers like this… were rare, almost unheard of in a remote village like theirs.
Li Yuan said nothing. His heart beat a little faster. A sign. A small door opening to the outside world… a world he had only imagined through ancient library books.
The market day ended as usual. But not for Li Yuan's heart.
Inside him, something had begun to stir. Whether it was restlessness, or perhaps… a calling.
"The world is changing," he murmured as he gazed at the setting sun.
"And I must be ready."