I woke to Li Tians face. Jumpscare.
That was certainly not what my freshly awoken mind expected to see after waking, so It commanded my body to jump back, much to his amusement.
He knew my… tendencies to enjoy my time in bed, so he woke me up, to give me plenty of time to get ready before leaving. I made sure to thank him because there was a chance I could’ve slept through the deadline.
Since I had packed the night before, all I had to do was get dressed. I had decided to start wearing the rings and necklace now, I liked them. Although I did have to tuck the necklace in to make sure it didn’t get in the way.
After quickly getting ready, I met up with Li Tian outside and went to meet the others for one final meal together.
We gathered at a brilliantly built sort of gazebo; it was surrounded by a mini lake and had an amazing view.
I could see Li Xiu and Li Hong already sitting waiting for us, a soft glow of light illuminated their features in the dark.
Li Tian and I greeted them both and sat down, there was a wide selection of food and drink for us to enjoy, although it was hardly the focus.
The mood was jovial, covering the underlying sadness they felt, the siblings would not be seeing their father for a long time after this.
I wasn’t as attached to Li Hong as them, however I was melancholic at the situation.
We talked about simple matters, Li Hong had a smile on his face the entire time, although I could tell it was a little forced.
After a good breakfast, a sliver of light illuminated the world, it was the sun’s flashy entrance to signal the start of the day.
“It is time. I shall see you all out.” Li Hong stated heavily. We didn’t say anything, but all got up, following Li Tian to the gates that would be the final exit away from the place they, and now I, called home.
Before we left through the gates, Li Hong held back, “This is as far as I go.” he looked each of us in the eyes, “I am so proud of you all.”. His words clearly had an effect, the monstrous Li Tian for once showed that he had feelings.
Li Tian sniffed slightly, looking away to hide his glossy eyes, while Li Xiu’s lips trembled, trying to speak but she couldn’t get the words out no matter how she tried.
I’m not ashamed to admit I had grown emotionally attached in my short stay, so I felt a need to thank him sincerely.
“Thank you for your endless generosity, I will never forget what you have all done for me.”, and of course, I deeply bowed to show my respect.
Li Hong acknowledged this with a smile, “It is only natural I do so.”.
He looked at the siblings, then gave a mischievous grin that looked eerily just like the one on Li Tian’s face whenever he hit me. Clearly, he enjoyed their not so subtle reactions.
Li Xiu could hold it in no longer, unable to speak she rushed her father and enwrapped in him a big hug, Li Hong gave a little chuckle at his daughter’s actions.
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
He hugged her back and held her head, “I will miss you all, you need not worry about me, all I ask of you is to stay true to yourselves.”, then he looked up expectantly.
Li Tian instantly joined in on the hug, making it a big family one. I couldn’t help but feel warmth in my chest at the scene, it was profoundly wholesome to see.
I thought it couldn’t get any nicer than this, until Li Hong looked at me with one of his eyebrow raised.
“We seem to be missing someone.” he said, as if on cue, Li Tian grabbed me, throwing me into the big hug.
I felt their warmth, their kindness, and most of all their love.
No! I cant cry!
I didn’t cry… I think.
“Now, get out of here you rascals!” Li Hong declared, Li Tian backed away trying to act like none of that just happened.
“Yes, we need to go”, he agreed.
After a good number of farewells, Li Hong finally shooed us off his property.
Just before I could leave though, he held me back.
“I believe I promised you a gift.”, he then brought out a pure black scabbard, clearly containing a sword with a white handle.
“This was something I had commissioned from your father a long time ago, I had requested this for personal reasons, so it isn’t work on the treasured level. Although it is mortal grade, its quality is outstanding, and it will serve you well until you eventually outgrow it.” He told me.
I was slightly stunned, I had completely forgot about his promise of a gift If I had passed, the gift was something that held deep meaning too, something my own father had made.
It was one of very few things I would have that held meaning related to him.
I took the sword delicately with both hands. “Thank you so much. If it’s okay, could you tell me what that personal reason was?”, I asked.
I felt a need to know, there was an inexplicable feeling between the sword and I.
“Balance.”, he then glanced over to Li Tian and Li Xiu, who were lingering and listening in, “Go, you have somewhere to be!” he said to them.
They quickly scurried away, just out of earshot but still nearby. Li Hong sighed but continued, “It was about their mother, the love of my life. From birth she had health issues and nothing would cure her, yet I fell for her despite knowing she would leave me one day. I was in love with who she was. I don’t regret falling for her and never will. When she passed, I had two options, fall into the endless grief I felt, or be there for my children and celebrate that fact she lived. I needed balance.”, he sighed deeply before carrying on.
“The black represents her tragic death, and the white represents her life. Her beautiful life may be covered by death, but it will always be there, her mark cannot be erased. I will forever carry her will, and so will they.” he gestured towards the siblings.
The meaning was very dear to him, which showed how valuable the gift was. I said, “I will never forget its meaning, I will carry it with its meaning in mind.”.
I remembered that sometimes swords were named. “Does it have a name?”, I asked
Li Hong spoke softly, “Sun Yue, it was her name. Thank you for asking.”, he then shifted the mood, and spoke louder
“Now, off with you all! Good luck!”. He then shut the gates in our faces.
The family had a lot of character, that was certain.
I met up with the siblings, they asked what we talked about, but I declined on explaining due to the time, the sun was halfway up at this point, and we had to rush.
We half ran to the meeting point, just before we got there, we saw Jiao and his wife waiting for us.
I was very glad to see him, I was worried the last I would see of him was at the examination.
His wife had clear signs of pregnancy and held her belly while standing, “Jiao!” Li Tian exclaimed.
“Hey guys, I couldn’t not say goodbye, could I?”, Jiao asked.
We had all gotten closer due to the training we went through, he was second to Li Tian in skill and was a friendly person, his build was big and so was his personality.
“I’ll miss you; I wish you and your wife the best, and the soon to be little one”, I said.
“Thank you, I’ll miss you guys too. If you guys have the chance to come back anytime, you are welcome in our home.” Jiao told us.
“Thank you, we will remember that” Li Tian said.
His wife smiled, then said “Thank you for taking care of my Jiao”, clearly, they loved each other deeply.
“You best be off. I won’t keep you all.” Jiao said, he kept goodbyes short but was meaningful.
We quickly made our way to the gathering point, we saw the Elder of the Cloud Sword Sect standing in the clearing, again with the City Lord and members of the sect.
The others were already gathered, and we were the last. A few moments after we arrived the sun was fully in the sky, and we departed on time.
All goodbyes were said.
It was time to leave.
It was time for us to step into the world of Cultivation.
What weapons do you like in a story?
