Huanxin searched relentlessly, her heart set on finding a mentor in the bustling city of Tianle. The streets buzzed with life, filled with vibrant colors and mingling scents. She strained to overhear conversations that might lead her to a master not tied to the sects—figures as rare as precious stones. She paid special attention to martial arts traveller. They were often visiting masters. Each day of searching often left her feeling disheartened.
Every morning, she practiced the techniques she had learned from the Xianxi Sect, the crisp sounds of her movements echoing in the quiet solitude of her hut. Each strike was a testament to her determination, yet her heart ached for guidance beyond physical prowess. What if I could find someone who truly understood my struggles?
Then, one fortunate day, as a cold breeze swept through the city—a refreshing contrast to the summer heat—Huanxin overheard a conversation that ignited a flicker of hope. Two travelers laughing stood at the corner of a busy alley, their clothing vibrant and distinct from the locals.
"Let's go visit Ms. Su. It's been far too long," the man said, his voice warm and rich, nostalgia evident in his tone.
The woman nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I heard her husband is also a great martial artist. It's such a pity they don't join any sect. They've always seemed to hold disdain for them."
Huanxin's heart raced at the mention of Ms. Su. She sounded like the mentor she had been searching for—someone who could offer wisdom outside the constraints of sect politics, someone great.
With her heart pounding, she followed the duo closely through the winding alleys, her footsteps light and stealthy. They weaved past colorful vendors, and the mouthwatering aromas of grilled meats and spices. Finally, they approached a modest house, its wooden facade adorned with creeping vines and vibrant flowers blooming on the windowsills.
The house felt eerily familiar, a tugging at her heartstrings. Suddenly, it struck her like a wave—this was Mr. Wu's home. They were talking about Ms. Su Yin and Mr. Wu Xuefu!
Shock and excitement coursed through her veins. My savior is one of the best martial artists? What do I do now? Anxiety wrapped around her thoughts like a vine. What if they think I'm here to take advantage of them? No, they won't believe that—they're good people. I should wait for them to come out before going in. She thought, glancing at the duo entering the house.
Huanxin found a shadowed corner, her breath steadying as she waited. Hours passed, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The travelers finally emerged, exchanging warm farewells. Just as Mr. Wu turned to close the door, she stepped forward, heart racing.
"Mr. Wu!" she called out, her voice trembling but filled with resolve. Before Mr. Wu could respond, she bent low in a deep bow, her forehead nearly touching the ground. "Please, take me as your disciple."
Mr. Wu, momentarily stunned by her sudden request, studied her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Get up. Come inside," he urged, his tone gentle yet commanding.
They settled at a marble table, where fresh fruit hung heavy from the trees outside—a sign of abundance and care.
"Why do you want to be my disciple, Lianfeng?" Mr. Wu asked, breaking the silence, his gaze probing.
Huanxin hesitated, weighing her words carefully. He remembers me. I can't let him know my true motive. "Sir, I greaty admire martial artists and have always wanted to be one. Also, this city isn't kind. I need strength to survive here," she said, her voice steady despite the tempest inside her.
Mr. Wu scrutinized her eyes, searching for the truth behind her determination. "Why should I take you in? What do you have to offer?"
She took a moment, heart pounding, before responding, "I don't have materials or wealth. I can't pay you, but I'll do any work you ask of me. I promise to be dedicated," she bowed her head deeply, her pony flapping to the front. What if I'm not enough? What if he sees through my facade and rejects me?
"Very well," he said, rising from his seat. "I will take you as my disciple, but you must follow my guidance without question."
Huanxin's heart soared. "Yes, I will!"
"Then go and gather your things. You will live with us," Mr. Wu ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Huanxin felt a rush of excitement and trepidation. This is it. She bowed deeply again before rushing to her hut, her heart racing with the possibilities ahead.
As she packed, she thought about the journey that lay before her. She carefully folded her few clothes, placed her wooden practice sword into her bag, and gathered the herbs she used for healing. Each item represented a piece of her past, but now they felt like tools for her future. At last, she took the hairpin which had been carefully placed in a wooden box. She casted a long look to it, I have done it. I have made my first step.
Back at Mr. Wu's house, Ms. Su had seen everything.
She approached Wu Xuefu, her curiosity piqued. "You refused to take any disciple when I asked you. Why are you taking her in?"
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"The ones who asked me before were noble's children. They don't need me. But she—she is different. You didn't see the determination in her eyes. Isn't it good anyway? Our Wu Hi will also have a playmate."
Ms. Su nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "You pity her, don't you?"
Mr. Wu replied, "It's just—just that I feel she is so similar to our Wu Hi."
"She is of the same age. Anyways, since you have taken her in, I don't have any objections." Su Yin said, smiling.
Returning to Mr. Wu's home, Huanxin stepped inside with a mix of nervousness and determination. The warmth of the house enveloped her, and she felt an unfamiliar sense of belonging.
"Let's begin," Mr. Wu said, guiding her to a training area filled with equipment. "Your training starts now. Show me what you got."
Huanxin felt her heart leap. She picked up a wooden sword, its familiar weight grounding her. As she demonstrated her basic strikes, she felt the rhythm of her training flowing back.
"Not bad," Mr. Wu remarked, his expression neutral but his eyes glimmering with interest. "But remember, martial arts require more than speed. It's about control and intention."
She nodded, determination swelling within her. He's right. I've only ever fought to survive. What if I could learn to fight to thrive? I can do this.
With each strike, she channeled her fears into strength, the sword dancing in her hands as she focused on the lessons of discipline and respect. As the hours slipped away, she felt a fire igniting in her heart—a commitment to her path.
Finally, after a rigorous session, Mr. Wu clapped his hands, signaling a break. "You've done well today. But remember, this is only the beginning. You must remain dedicated if you wish to grow."
Huanxin nodded, breathless yet exhilarated. "I will, I promise."
With the stars twinkling above, she knew she had taken the first step toward not just strength but toward forging her destiny. With Mr. Wu by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, both in her training and her quest for justice.
They returned inside the cozy home, where dinner was already served. Wu Hi was sitting at the table, her eyes bright with excitement.
"Father, is Lianfeng going to live with us?" she asked, tugging at Mr. Wu's sleeves.
He smiled and replied, "Yes."
"Yay!" Wu Hi shouted, her excitement bubbling over. "I'll have a sister from now on!" She clasped Huanxin's hand, beaming. Huanxin smiled back, a warmth spreading through her as she longed for the sisterly bond she had never known. But her thoughts quickly drifted back to her own family, a bittersweet ache settling in her heart.
"How was your practice?" Mr. Wu asked Wu Hi, breaking Huanxin's train of thought.
"It was great! Mumma taught me new moves today. They look so magnificent!" Wu Hi replied, her eyes shining with pride.
Ms. Su entered the room, her gentle presence filling the space. "How was your day, Lianfeng?" she asked, settling at the table.
"It was great, Ms. Su," Huanxin replied, a genuine smile lighting up her face. In a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope and belonging in this new chapter of her life.
As they settled in for dinner, the warm atmosphere of the house enveloped Huanxin. The table was laden with an array of dishes, each more fragrant than the last. As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, laughter punctuating the air.
"Father, I want to show Lianfeng the new moves Mumma taught me!" Wu Hi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Is that so?" Mr. Wu replied with a grin. "What moves are those? The ones you picked up from your mother or the ones you learned from me?"
Wu Hi giggled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, definitely Mumma's! They're much prettier." She struck a pose, mimicking her mother's graceful stances, her arms flowing like water.
"Prettier, huh?" Mr. Wu chuckled, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. "You realize that 'pretty' won't save you in a real fight, right?"
"But it'll make my opponents so dazzled they won't even want to fight!" Wu Hi shot back, her face scrunching in playful defiance. "Besides, Mumma always says martial arts is an art form. You have to make it beautiful!"
As Huanxin watched Mr. Wu and Wu Hi engage in playful banter, she felt a swell of warmth in her chest, but it was tinged with a bittersweet ache. How long has it been since I felt this kind of joy? she thought. The laughter echoed in her mind, pulling her back to memories of her family—times that felt so distant now.
"Your mother sounds wise," she remarked, her heart warmed by the lighthearted exchange.
Their ease with each other felt foreign yet inviting. It was a reminder of what she'd lost and what she desperately wished to find again.
"Oh, she is!" Wu Hi said, beaming. "And her moves are the best! I want to be just like her."
Mr. Wu raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge glimmering in his eyes. "Well, if you're so set on being like your mother, you'd better work hard. Those moves require discipline and strength, not just beauty."
Huanxin couldn't help but admire his wisdom. He sees beyond the surface, she realized. It's not just about beauty; it's about strength and intention. I need to learn that too. The realization ignited a sense of purpose within her. If I want to grow, I must embrace discipline, just as they do.
Wu Hi pouted, then smiled brightly. "But I can be both! Watch, Lianfeng!" She jumped up, clearing a small space in the room. With a determined look, she began to demonstrate one of her mother's techniques—a fluid combination of strikes and spins, graceful yet powerful.
Huanxin couldn't help but admire the girl's energy. She moves with such confidence, Huanxin mused, a twinge of envy sparking within her. I wonder how it would be like to train alongside her. She is so unburdened. The thought lingered, weaving into her desire for strength and freedom.
As she clapped for Wu Hi, Huanxin's heart raced. She's amazing, surely she is their daughter, she reflected. What if they discover my motives? Will they disown me? She shook off the thought, reminding herself that this was her chance. I have to be strong enough to protect myself.
"See, Father? I can be fierce and pretty!" Wu Hi declared, striking a final pose, her laughter ringing through the room.
Mr. Wu chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. You win this round. But remember, it takes more than just looks to master those techniques."
"Maybe we can practice together, Lianfeng!" Wu Hi suggested eagerly, her eyes wide with excitement.
For the first time in a long while, Huanxin felt the flutter of something new—a bond, a sisterhood she hadn't dared to dream of.
Huanxin's heart swelled at the invitation. "I'd love that," she replied, a sense of warmth enveloping her. The playful banter had woven a new thread of connection between them, filling the room with laughter and camaraderie.
Ms. Su looked at both the kids and thought Xuefu was right in his decision. She looked at her husband with loving eyes and back at the children.
As the night wore on, and the laughter filled the air, Huanxin felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this is the beginning of something good.
Each laugh and shared story resonated within her. This warmth is what I've been missing, she thought, her heart swelling with possibilities. Could I dare to hope for a future where I'm not just surviving, but truly living?