Forbidden Knowledge

I found myself standing in front of an ancient doorway with towering stone pillars pointing to the starry sky above. The pillars surrounding the doorway on both sides were intricately carved with tales of a great conflict, something stirs within me.

Before I could interpret the carvings fully, something inside beckoned me onwards. I took a deep breath and crossed the threshold. Pushing open the heavy ornate doors, I entered a vast chamber bathed in an eerie, ethereal light. As the door creeps open my feet leave the ground, I begin drifting towards the inner chamber.

The air inside the temple was heavy with a palpable energy, sending shivers down my spine. Illuminated only by the faint glow of a candle in my hands, I ventured deeper into the heart of the structure, following a trail of cryptic symbols and sigils etched on the walls with my eyes. I willingly allow myself to be carried deeper and deeper inside the structure.

The golden symbols and eerie sigils fill me with familiarity but the meaning evades me, mocking my futile attempt at understanding what's right in front of me. A nostalgic frustration settles inside me as my eyes wander the walls.

As I slowly drifted to a stop I landed gently in front of a long hallway, a snappy click echoed throughout the structure when my heels touched the marble floor. An unbearable weight settled back on my shoulders forcing me to lean on my staff that materialized in my hand, replacing the candle.

At the end of the hallway stood a pedestal. Upon which a single familiar book lay, radiating a mysterious aura. I need this book. Filled with terrifying and enticing promises, I know the answers are here.

The book felt as if it was within arms reach. Yet I had to walk up to it. A distant rumble echoed through the temple, reverberating in my core. It grew louder with each step, urging me forward with an almost primal force.

With each step the pedestal seemed to move back an equal distance. The rumbling echo grew into a thunderous roar. I began to chase the pedestal, louder and louder, my body began shaking intensely, my vision blurred. The booming sound violently assaults me each step. Just before my body gave way, another snappy click. I was standing in front of the ancient doorway once again.

Not even a moment's respite before the thunderous roar rushed through the temple. Charging towards me, I could only stand breathless in awe, awaiting the oncoming assault.

I suddenly woke up with a ringing headache and sweat on my brow, just as I oriented myself in my room XīMěilì voice called me to breakfast, morning had arrived.

I could hear her soft voice calling out to the garden, expecting me to be outside training. Even with the tonic I must have overslept, I quietly got out of bed and immediately checked on the book. Looking at it, I had a hazy sense that I'd dreamt during the night, but the memories remained frustratingly out of reach.

I could not linger, I gathered my thoughts. I got my bloody shirt out of the drawer, grabbed my staff and snuck out the window. Jumping down I made my way to my usual training spot and changed into my bloody shirt. This way I could explain it away as a training injury.

I took a breath to gather myself and I called out to Wúlài who would be in the garden as well during the morning and I began heading back to the house. I checked my hand to see how bad the cut was. It was just a shallow cut at the base of my hand, still red and a bit swollen but not bleeding anymore.

"Training hard I see, let me take a look" Wúlài called out from behind.

"It's nothing I just cut open a blister" I responded not wanting him to take a closer look.

"Well you have smeared it all over your shirt, go and change before breakfast or she will get mad at us both" he chuckled.

We made our way back to the house and I excused myself just a moment before XīMěilì could see my bloody shirt.

I went back upstairs to my room, cleaned up the cut and changed shirts. Before heading back down, curiosity got the better of me. I just need to check on the book one more time.

I retrieved the book from under my bed, my fingers tracing the engraved root on its cover. The weight of the book in my hands felt both enticing and forbidden. I felt that within its pages lay answers, but the cost of obtaining that knowledge was uncertain at this point.

XīMěilì called me down once more, I quickly hid the book under my bed and headed down to join the family for breakfast.

As I hurried down the stairs XīMěilì looked up at me with a smile.

"You mustn't miss breakfast Guǐzhěn" she said with her soft motherly voice while serving a plate to her daughters.

Before sitting down at the table words sprung from my lips.

"Breakfast is the most important time of the day, it brings friends and family together" I responde without much thought.

I suddenly got a sinking feeling in my chest making me stop dead in my place.

Everyone looked at my sudden stop, curious silence fell over the room.

"what's wrong little Guǐzhěn" said Wúlài while cautiously approaching.

"I… don't..i..im not.." each word stuck like thorns in my throat.

Tears began welling up in my eyes and an immense urge to scream surged up.

"It's ok little Guǐzhěn, there is nothing to worry about. Come sit down and join us'' Wúlài embrace me with a sturdy hug. With a tight squeeze from Wúlài the emotional turmoil passed.

"Come let's have breakfast" He guided me to the table and pulled out the chair for me.

I wiped the wetness from my eyes with the sleeve of my shirt, gave a smile of relief and sat down for breakfast. XīMěilì served me a plate just like she had done for her daughters. As I looked up to thank her I could see her eyes glistening back at me.

"Your silly GuǐGuǐ" Báigē mused as she scooched her chair closer to me.

"That is a wonderful sentiment Guǐzhěn, now eat up before it gets cold, you as well Báigē" XīMěilì instructed with a slight cough in her throat.

Although the atmosphere in the room changed it was not for the worse, after the initial shift everyone was laughing and making pleasant conversation.

During breakfast Wúlài gave two neatly wrapped packages to both Báigē and Ànhuā. who both opened them excitedly revealing two nice dresses that Wúlài had bought in the border town.

"I'm sorry dear, I could not find a dress suitable to your beauty" Wúlài looked to XīMěilì with apologetic eyes.

A pang of guilt washed over me as I recall the Master definitely bought three dresses.

After breakfast was over I excused myself and went back up to my room. My mind is buzzing with the possibilities that the book could contain. With the rising sun casting its warm glow through my window, I retrieved the hidden book from under my bed, cradling it with both hands. I could not help myself from tracing the engraving of the root once more.

The maid would soon come and clean my room so I needed to find a secluded spot in the garden. I hid the book under my shirt and went outside once more and began looking for a good spot. I settled on a stone bench hidden away behind tall bushes, gently opening the book's weathered pages. I prepared myself mentally for what lay within. I opened the book to its first chapter.

I began poring over the pages, searching for any clues about the mysterious herb that haunted me. Hours turned into a haze as I immersed myself in the book's contents. Just as the sun reached its zenith, casting a brilliant light upon the garden. It wasn't until then I realized that there were no words on the pages I had been looking at.

The pages were filled with diagrams and illustrations rather than words. Intricate symbols, celestial charts, and intricate alchemical formulas adorned the parchments. It became evident that the book held secrets far beyond my comprehension, its contents reserved for those initiated into the deepest mysteries of the mystical art.

Although there were no words I could still feel a sense of comprehension and meaning. The knowledge obscured but not hidden, there was a certain flow. If I kept the cadence, meaning could be derived from the arcane symbols and sigils. I could not fully understand the details but the direction it was leading was clear.

I continued to pour over the pages, chasing down the path the book was leading me. There it was, drawn in detail, the herb that had been my obsession. It was as if I could pick the herb directly from the book itself.

Seemingly ordinary at first, used for cattle feed. But refined thru cryptic means could produce a lethal poison. Before I could derive any more information from the book a shadow crept over the pages.

I looked up, my eyes meeting Wúlài's face, his features etched with a tumultuous blend of sorrow, anger, and concern.

"Guǐzhěn! Why do you have that book?" Wúlài's voice erupted, filled with a desperate urgency. He swiftly snatched it from my hands and slammed the pages shut, as if trying to contain the dangerous knowledge from leaking out.

His words pierced the air, laced with accusation and a profound sense of betrayal.

"How did you get into the forbidden section? Why did you..." The weight of his unspoken words hung heavily, choking his voice. Master's anger struggled to suppress the undeniable sadness reflected in his eyes.

But I couldn't find the right words to form a coherent explanation. Before I could stutter a response, Master continued, his voice quivering with a mix of anger and anguish.

"You have sealed your fate, little Guǐzhěn. All you had to do was leave it alone!" His fury struggled against the tide of emotions, his eyes desperately trying to conceal the pain that threatened to overflow.

"Did you poison the woman from my dreams? Did you poison me?" My voice came out as a hushed murmur, my gaze fixated on my empty hands as if they held the truth I feared to confront.

"Guǐzhěn, listen to me!" Master pleaded, his voice thick with desperation.

"You have set in motion things I cannot control. When did you break into the forbidden section!"

"Did you poison me?" I repeated, my voice laced with a mixture of realization and sorrow. The words slipped from my lips, fueling the growing divide between us. With a sudden surge of anger, I jolted up, shoving Wúlài back, unable to bear the weight of his sorrow filled eyes.

"So this is how you repay me! You break in and steal from me, and now you stand to fight me! What are you going to do, Guǐzhěn? Kill me!" Fury washed over Master's face, his features contorted with a raw intensity that sent shivers down my spine. What was I going to do?

"You poison me and lie to my face! What is there to repay!? Answer me, Wúlài!" My voice cracked. Hurt and accusation echoing through the tense air.

"If that is your truth, then grab your staff and strike me down!" Master's face hardened, resolute in his determination to face the consequences. The moment stretched into an agonizing eternity, neither of us moving, locked in a battle of emotions.

"I did not poison you, Guǐzhěn..." Wúlài's voice was filled with a heavy sadness, his realization hitting him like a crushing weight.

"I sold 'Widow's Sleep' to a woman in Láokǔ gǔ city. She must be the woman in your dreams. She must have given you the poison. She must have been your mother..." Wúlài's face fell, consumed by the gloom of his own revelation.

A wave of numbness washed over me as his words sank in.

"I guess I knew deep down, the symptoms were there, but I did not poison you, Guǐzhěn. I would never hurt you. I only sold one dose, not enough to..." Wúlài's voice trailed off, his words choked by remorse. He fell to his knees, his body weighed down by the heaviness of his actions.

As the book lay on the ground in front of Wúlài it gathered tears raining down from his face.

Unable to find the right words, I simply looked at my Master, his spirit broken by guilt and regret. A palpable silence hung in the air, laden with unspoken emotions.

"I would never… When did you open the forbidden section, Guǐzhěn?" Master's voice cut through the silence, resigned and concerned.

"Why does it matter now? I know the secret you were keeping from me," I replied, my voice hollow with a tinge of bitterness.

"It matters little Guǐzhěn. Others will know that you opened that door, and they will come for you. These are men you cannot hope to fight. When did you open the door?" Master's voice trembled, both with the weight of his words and the urgency of the situation.

"Last night, Master. I opened the door last night," I whispered under my anguished breath.

Masters fists curled shut, ripping the grass from the ground. He picked up the book and stood up. His tears were gone and his face firm holding back the flood of emotions.

"Who will come for me?" After seeing Masters face I finally realized the severity he was trying to impart.

"Then we don't have much time." Masters grip tightening around the book.

"Was this the only thing you took?" There was no room for questions or lies, Wúlài's voice was frightfully direct.

"Yes, Master," I responded as remorse and uncertainty began to seep in.

"Guǐzhěn, you need to tell me everything that happened. Don't leave out any details." Master implored, his voice carrying a thread of hope amidst the turmoil that was in front of us.

And so, in the embrace of that charged atmosphere, I began to recount the events of last night and the following morning, laying bare my actions, choices and intentions.

"This is good news Guǐzhěn if you opened the door with the blood seal we might still be able to solve this" Wúlài begins to think.

"Guǐzhěn the door you have opened is forbidden to outsiders, only elder in my family are allowed inside. If you were to become family in earnest your life might still be spared" Master sighs as he makes up his mind.

"You will have to marry one of my daughters. They can not kill you if you are engaged, but your punishment will be severe nonetheless." Master fell into contemplation once more.

"Marry Báigē or Ànhuā!?" My voice escapes me even knowing that any protest is futile.

"This is no other way Guǐzhěn, it is out of my hands from now on." Wúlài is lost in thought.

"Master…"

"Enough! the decision has been made." Master taps the book on my head.

"Guǐzhěn, follow me to the library. There is much I need to tell you," Master's voice laden with a weight that sent shivers down my spine.

We walked to the house in silence. Master was deep in thought and there was nothing I could say even though a hundred questions and regrets swirled in my head. We moved swiftly through the house and into the library. It loomed before us, its shelves filled with ancient tomes and generations of knowledge.

Master Wúlài locked the door behind us, ensuring our solitude for the impending revelations. With a heavy sigh, he settled himself at a worn table in the dimly lit back corner, motioning for me to join him.

"I must tell you something about my family and our history," Master Wúlài began, his voice tinged with sorrow and burden.

"Generations ago, our family was cursed by an enemy that still lurks in the shadows to this day." He hesitated, the weight of the truth pressing upon him.

"The war that hangs over us like a shroud, has been brewing for generations. It stretches back to a rivalry born between two families, intertwining their fates in a dance of eternal enmity."

"Three generations ago, we suffered a devastating defeat." Master continued, his voice growing somber.

"In the aftermath, a forced treaty was imposed upon us, stripping away our generational knowledge and locking it within forbidden sanctuaries like the one in this very library. And with it, a curse was unleashed upon our bloodline." His words hung heavy in the air. I struggled to comprehend the gravity of his revelations, a sense of despair settling upon my shoulders.

"Master, I... I had no knowledge of this," I managed to murmur, my voice bore heavy with shock and guilt.

"Just listen, Guǐzhěn. We will address the consequences in due time," Master's voice, firm yet gentle, urged me to remain focused on the history unfolding before me.

"Yes, Master." I replied, my voice barely a whisper, surrendering myself to the gravity of his words.

"The curse was meant to annihilate our bloodline," Master continued, his words carrying the ache of remembrance.

"But my great grandfather, driven by unwavering determination, discovered a way to survive. However, it came at a great cost. He split the curse into yin and yang to evade the clutches of the curse, we were forced to fracture our family, severing the bonds that once held us together. You see, the curse…"

"It prevents our family from staying together, feeds on our unity, our balance, our connection as kin." Master confessed, his gaze fixed on a distant memory.

"We had to scatter, to disperse our family across distant isolated regions, hiding our true lineage from those who would seek to exploit us."

"This is why I must embark on a journey each year. The curse, with each passing day, grows stronger, tightening its grip upon our lineage. If I stay here for too long, my wife will succumb to it, and so will my daughters."

"Throughout the generations, we have lived in the shadows, guarding our secrets and preserving what fragments of knowledge we could salvage," Master continued, his voice filled with determination.

"But the time has come, Guǐzhěn, when the dormant war that once shattered our family threatens to awaken once more." The pieces of a sorrowful puzzle began to fit together, revealing a dark truth that had eluded my awareness.

I cast my gaze around the garden, and a realization washed over me like a cold wave, there were no husbands, no fathers present, no men, only females seeking solace within its confines.

"I... I had not noticed," I stammered, my voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and sadness.

Master nodded, his eyes heavy with the weight of the curse's consequences.

"Guǐzhěn, it is a cruel manifestation of the curse. The garden, once a place of tranquility for my family, I cannot nor can any man remain within its sanctuary for too long without suffering the dire consequences. Our family has been torn apart, scattered like leaves in the wind. Forever cursed to wander further away from home" Master's voice quivered with sorrow.

"When I leave, I carry with me the weight of my family's hopes and the responsibility to find a way to break free from this curse once and for all." Master continued, his voice tinged with melancholy.

The gravity of his mission became clear to me, each passing moment here fraught with the risk of losing those he held dear.

"Every girl born to our lineage is sent off to a secluded temple when they come of age. There, they are taught the ways of healing and balance, providing them with the knowledge to live long lives amidst the cursed legacy we bear. My daughters have reached that age now, and it is why I have returned, to see them one last time before their seclusion at the temple."

"And what of the boys?" I inquired, my voice barely a whisper, already fearing the answer.

"Every man born into our bloodline is charged with a perilous task" Master replied, his voice heavy with the weight of a father's concern.

"They are sent forth to safeguard our heritage and seek a cure for the curse that plagues us. If they can successfully suppress the curse's influence, they are allowed to return for a few precious days each year. But each passing day of their presence puts a heavy strain upon their loved ones, knowing the dangers they face and the sacrifices they endure."

The magnitude of the burden placed upon each generation became starkly clear. Masters' family, torn apart and scattered, pursued paths of both seclusion and peril in a desperate bid to defy the curse that haunted them.

"By opening that door and breaking the sacred seal, you have unwittingly invited the curse upon yourself," Master's voice resonated with a grave warning.

"Therefore, you must wed one of my daughters to balance the curse, if not you will die by the curse or the other elders, they will not hesitate to end your life. They are already on their way here as we speak."

The weight of his words pressed upon me like an insurmountable burden. I searched Master's face, hoping to find an alternative, but his gaze remained firm, his words leaving no room for negotiation.

"Master..." I started, my voice trembling with disbelief.

"Quiet," Master interjected, his tone soft yet resolute.

"This is the only way to protect you and my family from the wrath of the curse. It is a sacrifice we must make. Once you are engaged to one of my daughters the curse will split between you, saving your life but you will from then on carry the life of my daughter in your hand"

A heavy silence descended upon us, the weight of the impending decision lingering like a shadow in the room. I struggled to find words, my mind racing to comprehend the gravity of the fate that lay before me.

"Once you are accepted by the elders, you must leave," Master continued, his voice tinged with sadness.

"The curse will soon fully manifest within you, and remaining here would put my family in grave danger. Your departure is a necessity, until you master control of the curse you can never return."

I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of the task that awaited me. The thought of parting ways with Wúlài and his family filled me with a profound sadness, but I understood the reasons behind the sacrifice that had been demanded of me, my own folly.

"Guǐzhěn, go to your room and gather your belongings." Master urged me.

"You must prepare to leave as soon as the elder has made his decision. I need to speak to my wife, inform her of what has transpired, and decide which of my daughters you will marry. Until then, do not speak to anyone."

The weight of his instructions settled upon me, mingling with a sense of remorse and despair for the predicament I had brought upon Master and his family. I nodded silently, a heavy burden of guilt weighing upon my shoulders.

Returning to my room, I began the task of packing my belongings, but as I picked up each item, uninvited tears streamed down my face. How could I have been so careless? How could I have been so blind to the consequences? How could I have been so stupid?

In the depths of my despair, In that solitary room, I vowed to myself that nothing would ever be taken from me, no matter the curses and perils I would face, I would reclaim my family and shatter the curse of this world. There may be no justice in this world, but I swore that vengeance would be mine.

Just as I rose to collect the last of my belongings, a chilling wind swept through the air, and in an instant, the icy touch of a blade pressed against my throat drawing blood. My heart raced, and a sense of dread consumed me as a deep, gleeful voice whispered in my ear, dripping with malevolence and amusement.

"An interesting choice… to remain here. You mustn't be very bright, thief!" the voice taunted, its tone laced with twisted delight.

The room spun around me, and my legs gave way, forcing me to kneel. Suddenly I was pulled out of the window and put in front of the house within the garden. The blade remained firmly pressed against my throat.

Next to me stood a man a few years older than Master, a well dressed man in a long robe.

"The thief is stupid, Elder. He just stood there doing nothing." the voice behind me chuckled, relishing in the unfolding spectacle.

"Very well" His stern voice replied, the Elder's eyes were kind but held terrifying depth, cutting through the tense air.

"Deal with it, 冰刃 Bīngrèn." I could feel the man with the blade nodding eagerly, his intentions clear as day.

But just as the blade started to move and hope began to wane, Wúlài burst out of the front door, XīMěilì following close behind, with worried expressions etched upon their faces.

"Elder, please stay your hand." Wúlài urged.

"Oh Wúlài, you're here." The Elder remarked, his tone respectful but surprised.

"Do not worry, we have caught the thief, Elder Wúlài. We will take care of it, there is no need for you to get involved."

"No! don't bully Guǐzhěn!" Báigē, fueled by an unwavering sense of compassion, cried out, rushing out from a bush towards me with an outstretched hand.

Wúlài swiftly moved to intercept Báigē, holding her back. His voice hid a quiver of desperation as he pleaded his case.

"Guǐzhěn is my son-in-law," Wúlài declared, his voice resolute.

"He promised to marry Báigē here, my youngest daughter." He quickly followed.

A flicker of surprise danced across the Elder's eyes, and with a subtle motion of his fingers, he signaled for the man to release me, all without lifting a hand. The tension in the air remained palpable, but for a brief moment, a glimmer of hope.

As the blade was withdrawn, my heart still raced with the lingering fear of the situation.

"Have you forgotten our laws, Wúlài?" the Elder's voice echoed with authority and judgment.

"This boy has broken the seal, and according to our laws, he must face death as his punishment."

Wúlàis voice trembled as he mustered the courage to respond.

"I have not forgotten, Elder 冷主 Lěngzhǔ," he replied, his words cautious yet determined.

"But Guǐzhěn is engage to Báigē. If you kill the boy the balance is disrupted and my daughter will die" Wúlàis eyes burn with defiance.

"I believe that in this case, the punishment of death is excessive. Guǐzhěn is family, and his actions were driven by devotion, not malice. Despite my warning he willingly and knowingly took the curse upon himself." Wúlài stood up straight and held Báigē by the hand.

The Elder pondered Wúlài's plea, his eyes narrowing with scrutiny. Wúlài had spoken in haste, driven by his love for his family and a desperate attempt to spare my life. But in doing so, he inadvertently placed himself at risk as well.

"As you know Elder Lěngzhǔ, my daughters are of age and are heading to the temple, therefore I have returned with a suitable husband to carry the burden of the curse. I have been training him for the last year. isn't that right Guǐzhěn" Wúlài looks over to me reassuring me to trust him.

"Yes Master" I struggle to speak through the pain.

"Very well, If you have chosen him, Wúlài, then you will bear the responsibility alongside him. This is not our way, but as the circumstances have unfolded, you will both receive an appropriate punishment for your transgressions." The Elder firmly spoke, his tone unwavering and stern.

A sense of dread settled, weighing heavily upon us. The implications of the Elder's decision were grave, and the consequences loomed ominously. Wúlài's eyes darted towards me, filled with a mix of remorse and determination, silently acknowledging the sacrifices he was willing to make for my sake.

"I will discuss this transgression with the other Elders and deliberate on your punishment, Wúlài" The Elder's words carried an undertone of disappointment and disapproval.

"Guǐzhěn was it, We will find you when the time comes for you to answer for your actions." The Elders eyes were still kind but firm.

"Bīngrèn take his ear." The Elder commands, before the words leave the air a icy cold blade sweep across my left side.

"Guǐzhěn you would do well to listen to Elder Wúlài in the future, if he warns you not to open the door"

As the Elder and Bīngrèn departed, Bīngrèn waved goodbye with a twisted sense of delight, reveling in the chaos.

Blood streams down my face and the pain settles in and knocks me to the ground.

Turning to me with a sorrowful smile, Wúlài's voice quivered with a mix of regret and affection.

"Little Guǐzhěn, when they come for you, you must do as they ask without question. It is important that you understand this." He looks over my ear and retrieves salve from his pocket and applies it to a cloth and presses firmly to my ear.

Behind Wúlài I can see Báigē crying into XīMěilìs arms and Ànhuā coming out from behind a tree.

"Don't fret little Guǐzhěn, Bīngrèn is very skillful with his blade. The wound will heal quickly, it's barely a flesh wound" Wúlài sighed in regret.

A pang of guilt shot through the pain, intertwining with the regret that gnawed at my conscience. I had brought this upon us all, and now the consequences loomed before me, threatening to tear apart everything I held dear.

"Do not worry about me either" Wúlài reassured, his voice filled with pride.

"This is a time for celebration. Once Báigē returns from the temple in a few years, you two will be married."

"What do you mean, Dad?" Confusion clouded Báigē's sad yet innocent expression as she questioned her father's words.

"Well, Guǐzhěn has asked if he could protect you. Your mother and I both agree that it would be a great idea, isn't that right, Guǐzhěn?" Wúlài's voice carried a mischievous undertone, a glimmer of lightheartedness amidst the somber atmosphere.

Caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, I found myself frantically casting my eyes back and forth between Wúlài and XīMěilì. It appeared they had found a moment of respite amidst the chaos, allowing them to discuss and reach a mutual understanding. A flicker of relief danced in my heart as I realized they were both in agreement.

Nervously I stood up holding the cloth to my ear, I mustered the words to respond. "Yes, Báigē, I have asked if I could protect you when you are older like your dad protects your mom." The words tumbled out, carrying the weight of sincerity and commitment. My heart pounded in my chest, fueled by the sudden event and surge of emotions.

However, the air was not without a touch of protest. Ànhuā scowled and pouted, her voice laced with a feigned sense of injustice.

"That's not fair! I want to marry Guǐzhěn too!"

A light laughter from XīMěilì filled the somber garden, a contagious and joyful sound that lifted the heavy atmosphere. Wúlài, with a twinkle in his eyes, turned to Ànhuā, embracing the moment of levity.

"Oh, my dear Ànhuā, fear not! There will be a special someone just for you, someone who will sweep you off your feet when the time is right. Love has a way of finding its path, you know." As Wúlài's words hung in the air, anticipation filled the garden. Suddenly, he scooped Ànhuā up into his arms, their laughter blending harmoniously with the gentle rustling of leaves. They twirled around in a joyous dance, even the flowers seemed to sway in rhythm to the mirthful melody. A sense of hope and relief replaced the tension that had enveloped us moments ago.

The interlude of levity brought a brief moment of respite subduing my pain, a glimmer of light amidst the heavy atmosphere. It was a welcome break from the weight of the impending journey, providing a temporary relief from the burden that lay ahead. With the promise made and my determination renewed, I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions, and prepared to say my goodbyes, time was of the essence.

"Master, I cannot express my gratitude for everything you've done for me. I will carry your teachings and the memory of this garden with me on my journey." I looked into Wúlài's eyes, a mix of pride and concern evident in his gaze.

Wúlài nodded solemnly, his voice steady and resolute.

"You have the strength within you, Guǐzhěn. Remember your purpose, and never lose sight of what you seek. The path ahead may be arduous, but I have faith in your ability to overcome."

I turned to XīMěilì, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. I felt a swell of gratitude for the warmth and love I had found within this makeshift family.

"Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. I promise to protect Báigē with all that I am."

She smiled through her emotions, placing a gentle hand on my cheek offering reassurance. "You are a part of our family now, Guǐzhěn. May the spirits guide and protect you on your path."

As I gathered my belongings, a bittersweet mixture of anticipation and melancholy filled my heart. With a final embrace, I bid farewell to the familiar faces that had become my family. The wandering garden, once a sanctuary, was now a launching point for my journey, a place I would hold dear in my memories as I ventured into the world.

Before departing, Wúlài handed me a weathered old map, its delicate edges frayed with time, a testament to the journeys it had witnessed. In my hands, it became a cherished relic, a tangible representation of his guidance and wisdom. It was the map he had relied upon for his trade route, marked with various points of interest he had discovered during his years of tireless travel. Yet, amidst the faded lines on the worn parchment, it was the route back to the mountain pass that caught my eye, meticulously outlined with fresh blue ink.

As my fingers traced the well-worn lines on the map, each contour and symbol etched on that piece of parchment, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination within me.

But I couldn't ignore the urgency of the task at hand. I couldn't predict when I would return, and the uncertainty weighed heavily upon my heart. I tucked the map safely into my satchel.

I was resolute in my mission to find the answers that had eluded me for far too long, to rescue my sister from the clutches of the marauders that held her captive. Every fiber of my being yearned to stay, to bask in the familiar warmth and the memories it held.

Home, once an abstract concept, had taken on a profound significance. The map Wúlài handed me symbolized not just the way back to the mountain pass, but a way back to The Wandering Garden, this is my home, it will never be taken from me.