The morning mist still clung to the fields of Wuyan Village when Luo Feng tightened the simple cloth straps of his travel pack. The village, quiet and unchanged for generations, seemed to hold its breath as if reluctant to let him go.
"Feng have you checked everything you need ?"
"Yes, grandpa"
"And are you sure you don't want me to come with you ?"
"Yes, grandpa"
"The forest between wuyan village and songyeng city has many dangers"
"I know that grandpa"
"Then..."
"Alright, I know you are worried grandpa but don't worry I will be careful you do not have to worry so much"
His grandfather sighed softly, then chuckled.
The old man studied him for a moment before reaching into his robe and pulling out a small, worn pendant—a dull, unremarkable stone tied with a faded red string.
Placing it in Luo Feng's hand. "It may not look like much, but it has stayed with our family for generations."
Luo Feng's eyes widened. "Grandpa, I can't take something so important—"
"You must," the old man interrupted firmly. "Out there, strength alone isn't enough. You'll need something to remind you where you came from."
Luo Feng clenched the pendant tightly. "I… I understand."
There was a brief silence before his grandfather spoke again, softer this time.
"Promise me one thing, Feng'er."
"Anything."
"No matter how strong you become… don't lose yourself."
Luo Feng nodded, his voice steady but emotional. "I promise."
The old man smiled faintly. "Good. Now go. If you linger any longer, this old man might not let you leave."
Luo Feng laughed lightly, then turned, taking his first steps beyond the boundaries of Wuyan Village.
The journey to Songyang City felt longer than Luo Feng had imagined.
It's is hard not to, alone in a path crossing through a forest
On the seventh day, the forest thinned, and something vast appeared on the horizon.
Walls.
Massive stone walls stretched across the land like a sleeping giant. Towers rose high, banners fluttering in the wind.
Songyang City.
Luo Feng stopped in his tracks, his breath catching.
"So this… is a real city…"
Compared to Wuyan Village, it was like stepping into another world entirely.
The city gates bustled with activity. Guards inspected travelers while merchants shouted over one another, trying to sell goods. The air was filled with noise, energy, and opportunity.
Luo Feng stepped forward, his heart pounding.
A guard glanced at him. "Name?"
"Luo Feng."
"Purpose?"
"To enroll in the Songyang Academy."
The guard raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Head straight through the main road. You'll see it. Hard to miss."
"Thank you."
As Luo Feng entered the city, his senses were overwhelmed. Tall buildings lined the streets, Spirit Masters displayed their abilities openly, and the aura of power hung thick in the air.
This is where it begins, he thought.