Capítulo 2: Joy and Sorrow
The cry echoed through Phoenix Village, marking the arrival of a new life. In the humble surroundings of a small house, a nervous man clasped his wife's hands tightly. His name was Sheng Fu, a sturdy figure with brown hair and green eyes brimming with a mix of anxiety and excitement. Beside him lay his wife, Yu'er, a woman of ethereal beauty, her white hair cascading like silk around her delicate features. Despite the weariness etched upon her face, her blue eyes sparkled with a maternal glow.
"Congratulations, it's a boy!" announced the middle wife, her voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with the coolness of the early morning air. The woman, still recovering from the exertion of childbirth, weakly met the gaze of the middle wife. Sensing her intention, the middle wife swiftly swaddled the crying infant in a quilt and tenderly placed him in her arms. The baby's cries softened into gentle whimpers as he nestled against his mother's warmth.
With a weary smile, Yu'er turned to her husband. "Sheng Fu, our son," she whispered softly, her voice barely above a whisper yet filled with a mother's love. Sheng Fu's heart swelled with emotion as he gazed upon his newborn son, his face aglow with pride and joy.
Running outside, the man couldn't contain his joy as he proclaimed to the world ""I, Sheng Fu, have a son!" His voice rang out through the village, cutting through the early morning silence and drawing curious glances from neighbours who paused in their morning routines to offer their congratulations.
Returning to his wife's side, Sheng Fu's concern softened his features as he asked "Yu'er, how are you feeling? Is there anything you need?" Despite her exhaustion, Yu'er's smile conveyed reassurance as she replied "I'm fine. But what shall we name him?" With a thoughtful pause, Sheng Fu's eyes sparkled with paternal pride as he declared "With your beauty and my charm, he's destined to be the most handsome lad in the village. So how about we call him Jun?" Yu'er let out a soft chuckled at his reasoning and echoed the name softly, her smile growing as she whispered "Sheng Jun, our son.
Meanwhile, in the depths of unconsciousness, the infant's mind stirred with confusion. Unfamiliar information swirled in his mind as he pondered his identity. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, a sense of warmth and belonging enveloped him, pulling him back into slumber.
Two years passed swiftly.
Sheng Jun, now a sturdy child with his parents' striking features, exuded confidence and majesty as he sat atop a large rock, cultivating. His friend, Ma Hongjun, sat behind him, his stature a bit shorter, about 85 cm compared to Sheng Jun's height of 95 cm.
"Xiao Jun, come and eat, and bring Xiao Hongjun with you," Yu'er's voice carried through the crisp morning air, beckoning the boys for lunch. Sheng Jun nudged the slumbering Ma Hongjun, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he woke him up with a slap on the back of his head. "Wake up, Hongjun. How many times have I told you not to fall asleep while cultivating the Heavenly Dao Sutra?"
Rubbing his head with a pained expression, Ma Hongjun protested, with a cheeky smile. "But Boss Jun, I wasn't sleeping. I was just resting my eyes!" Sheng Jun's stern gaze softened slightly, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "No excuses, Hongjun. Practical lessons after lunch," he smirked. Ma Hongjun shuddered at his smirk, regretting his sleepiness.
As they walked towards the house, Sheng Jun's thoughts drifted to his memories of a past life lingering in his subconscious. His recollections were fragmented yet hinting at a destiny intertwined with names he could scarcely recall: Tang San, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Bai Chenxiang. He also felt a compelling need to pay more attention to the so-called Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun for some reason.
The lunch passed in a flash, and Sheng Jun smiled mischievously as he led Ma Hongjun to their practice spot. After a "refreshing" and "friendly spar" Ma Hongjun's cries for mercy echoed through the village while Sheng Jun urged his friend to continue cultivating the Heavenly Dao Sutra until the afternoon.
Suddenly their cultivation was cut short when the loud shouts drew the attention of the entire village towards the entrance. Eyes widened with concern as they witnessed Sheng Jun's father, Sheng Fu, and Ma Hongjun's father, Ma Hongran, and other men being carried on the back of other villagers. The men's faces were contorted with pain, and blood stained their clothes, signaling the severity of the situation.
"Sheng Fu! (Hongran!)" cried out Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun's mothers, their voices laced with worry and fear as they rushed towards their husbands. Tears streamed down their cheeks, mingling with the dust kicked up by their hurried steps. Some of the women, upon realizing the gravity of the situation, began to grieve openly
Sheng Fu's voice quivered as he recounted the events that happened during their hunting expedition. A group of 10-years-old spirit beasts had ambushed them. Despite their efforts to escape, not all had been fortunate enough to evade the beast's attack. Sheng Jun and Sheng Yu, unable to contain their anguish, wept openly as their father and husband spoke. The other villagers worked tirelessly to tend to the wounded, but the severity of their injuries was apparent.
"Hongran! Stay with me! Please you will be okay please, please please don't leave us, don't leave me how can I live without you! didn't we promise to live together and die together?!" Amidst the chaos, Li'er's desperate cries pierced the air, her heartrending pleas for her husband to stay echoing through the village Ma Hongjun clung to her side, his own tears mingling with hers as he begged his father to hold on. As Hongran's strength waned, his voice trembled with regret and sorrow. "I'm sorry Li'er... I'm sorry I couldn't keep the promise... to grow old together," he managed to utter between gasps, blood staining his lips. Li'er's heart clenched with anguish as she pleaded with him to hold on, promising him that everything would be alright. But Hongran shook his head weakly, his gaze fixed on his son with a mixture of pride and sadness.
"Xiao Hongjun, promise me... that you will stay strong no matter what," he implored, his voice barely above a whisper. With the last of his strength, he reached out to pat Ma Hongjun's head, his bloodied hand leaving a crimson mark on his son's brow. And then, with a final exhale, Hongran's eyes closed, his body growing still as his spirit departed from this world.
"No, no, no, no, no, no, no," Li'er repeated in a daze, her voice a broken whisper as tears streamed down her face. She stared blankly at her husband's lifeless body, unable to comprehend the enormity of her loss. Beside her, Ma Hongjun sobbed uncontrollably, his young heart shattered by the sudden departure of his father.
"Dad, I promise," Ma Hongjun choked out through his tears, his voice filled with grief and determination. He clung to his mother's side, seeking solace in her embrace even as the weight of their loss threatened to crush them both.
The weight of loss hung heavy in the air as the reality of the dangers that lurked beyond their village became all too clear. Sheng Jun watched in tears, his heart heavy with sorrow and newfound understanding. In that moment, the innocence of childhood gave way to the stark realization of the harsh truths of the world they inhabited.
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Aczekial From this chapter onward, each chapter will contain approximately 1000 words or more, depending on my mood. Thank you for reading. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will answer them when I'm free.
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