The legend of Zen

In the foggy hills of the Wetian mountains, where cascading waterfalls and ancient cliffs preside, a child named Zen lived with an eagerness to know the world beyond. His left eye was purple, and his right eye was gold—marks of his unique heritage. To protect him and help him blend in, his foster parents used a secret technique to conceal the colors. Yet, despite their efforts, Zen remained a troublemaker, known for his mischief and curiosity.

At fifteen, Zen felt ready to explore the unknown. He yearned to become an explorer and discover the world beyond the mountains. Zen had received training at the local martial training school. He had a rough upbringing, as he frequently got into trouble for his shenanigans. He was always causing trouble for everyone, and his neighbors were fed up with him. Zen was always the tallest child among his peers. 

Zen stepped out of his home, the usual disdainful glares from his neighbors following him as he walked through the town of Qingfeng. Known for his troublemaking and peculiar ways, Zen had long been an outcast. He strolled through the bustling streets, reflecting on the town's storied past. Qingfeng had been established by a woman who had emerged from the rugged mountains 300 years ago, a myth that still holds strong in the community's collective memory.

Zen's destination was his favorite dumpling shop, a small, cozy place that always welcomed him despite his reputation. The shopkeeper treated him well, and Zen relished the taste of the dumplings, which were the best in town. As he entered the shop, the familiar aroma of freshly steamed dumplings enveloped him, bringing a sense of comfort.

Inside, he was greeted by his master, Lao Zu, who sat at a corner table, sipping tea. Lao Zu had been Zen's mentor since he was six, teaching him the martial arts that had become a crucial part of his life. Zen respected Lao Zu immensely, one of the few people he genuinely admired. Lao Zu, in turn, had a soft spot for Zen, appreciating his spirit and potential.

"Good morning, Master," Zen greeted, bowing slightly.

"Good morning, Zen," Lao Zu replied with a warm smile. "Have you come for your usual dumplings?"

Zen nodded, taking a seat across from his master. They chatted about various topics, from Zen's training to the town's latest happenings, as Zen savored his meal. The dumplings were delicious as always, and Zen felt a rare sense of peace in the shop's friendly atmosphere.

Lao Zu mentioned recent bandit attacks happening around the villages near by and warned Zen not to wander away, as he was the most likely to do it.

Zen said, "Don't worry, master, I am special, and I'll be safe.'

After finishing his meal, Zen bid Lao Zu farewell and headed to the market to buy food and groceries. The market was bustling with activity, with vendors calling out their wares and townsfolk haggling for the best prices. As Zen made his way through the crowded stalls, he spotted a familiar face.

"Hi, Yawen," he called out, waving to his childhood friend.

Yawen turned and smiled. "Hello, Zen. It's been a while."

They fell into an easy conversation, reminiscing about their shared memories and catching up on recent events. Despite the townspeople's disdain for Zen, Yawen had always been a loyal friend, standing by him through thick and thin.

Zen and Yawen decided to walk together through the market, with Yawen offering to help Zen with his shopping. The market was alive with the sounds of chatter, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the enticing scents of various street foods.

Yawen picked up a basket and began selecting vegetables, handing them to Zen. "So, how has your training been going?" she asked, glancing at him with curiosity.

Zen shrugged, placing the vegetables into his bag. "It's been tough, but I'm making progress. Lao Zu is a great teacher. What about you? How's everything at home?"

Yawen smiled as she picked out some apples. "Everything's fine. My parents are still running the shop, and my brother just started his apprenticeship. It's been busy, but we manage." 

Zen said,That's good to hear. Your brother must be excited about the apprenticeship."

"He is," Yawen replied, chuckling. "He's been talking about it non-stop. It's nice to see him so passionate about something."

They continued their shopping, talking about everything and nothing—memories of their childhood, local gossip, and their hopes for the future. Yawen's cheerful demeanor was infectious, and Zen found himself laughing more than he had in a long time.

Thanks for helping me out, Yawen," Zen said as they reached the edge of the market.

Yawen smiled warmly. "Anytime, Zen. You know I'm always here for you."

Zen nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. With people like Yawen by his side, he knew he could face whatever came his way.

Zen reached home with the goods, the weight of the bags a small but satisfying reminder of the day's accomplishments. As he entered the modest house, the familiar scent of drying herbs and spices greeted him. His mother, a skilled herbalist, was busy at her workbench, carefully measuring out ingredients.

"Did you bring back the goods I asked for?" she asked without looking up, her focus entirely on her task.

"Yes, Mom," Zen replied, setting the bags down on the table. He began unpacking them, placing each item in its designated spot. "Why do you need these particular herbs and spices?"

His mother paused her work and turned to him, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "I need them to create a medicinal soup. Your father has been feeling unwell lately, and this should help him recover."

Zen's brow furrowed with worry. "Is he very sick?"

"Just a persistent cough," she reassured him. "But it's best to take precautions. This soup will strengthen his immune system and help him get better."

Zen nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for not noticing his father's condition earlier. "I'll go around town for a bit. See you later, Mom."

His mother gave him a gentle smile, her eyes softening with maternal concern. "Alright, but don't wander too far. And be careful."

As Zen stepped out of the house, he heard his mother mutter softly to herself, "This child is growing restless. It seems I will soon have to let him go."

Walking through the town again, Zen's mind was a whirl of thoughts. He loved his parents dearly and understood their protective nature, but he also felt an insistent pull towards adventure and self-discovery. The constraints of Qingfeng, with its narrow-minded inhabitants and limited opportunities, were becoming more stifling by the day.

Zen made his way to the edge of town, where his friend Yun lived. Yun was always up for an adventure and often joined Zen in his shenanigans. They had become close friends over the years, their bond forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Yun lived near the town's entrance, in his parents' inn. The inn was a modest establishment, welcoming travelers and offering a glimpse of the outside world that Zen longed to explore. The location always intrigued Zen, representing both the boundary of his known world and the gateway to the unknown.

Zen first met Yun during one of his many explorations. He had wandered too far and gotten lost in the dense forest surrounding Qingfeng. As the sun began to set and panic set in, Zen stumbled upon Yun, who was out gathering firewood. Yun, noticing Zen's distressed state, offered to help and led him back to the safety of his parents' inn.

"Are you alright?" Yun had asked, his voice calm and reassuring.

Zen nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment. "Thank you. I thought I'd never find my way back."

Yun smiled warmly. "It's easy to get lost around here. My parents' inn is just up ahead. You can rest there, and then I'll help you find your way home."

From that day on, their friendship grew. Yun's easygoing nature balanced Zen's restless energy, and they quickly became inseparable. They spent countless hours exploring the outskirts of town, devising plans for future adventures, and dreaming of the day they could venture beyond Qingfeng's borders.

Today was no different. As Zen approached the inn, he saw Yun waiting outside, leaning casually against the wooden fence.

"Hey, Zen!" Yun called out, a grin spreading across his face. "Ready for another adventure?"

Zen returned the smile, feeling a surge of excitement. "Always. What do you have in mind?"

Yun said, "I have nothing on my mind right now; it is just getting boring living in this town. "

Zen said, "Let's roam around the town tomorrow, what do you say?"

Yun nodded in agreement.

Zen ate at Yun's inn and went back home, ending the day.