Chapter 2: The Awakening
Duan Feng stood at the edge of the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
He clenched his fists, feeling the change in his younger body, a stark contrast to the worn-out frame he had grown accustomed to in his previous life. But he was also feeling a lot of weakness that he has never felt before.
The memories of his past life clung to him, sharp and unrelenting. Mingyue’s tear-streaked face, the fading warmth of her hand in his own—these fragments of sorrow refused to fade.
Yet, in this unfamiliar world, fate had granted him a second chance. A chance to rise, to fight, and perhaps, to reclaim the purpose that had once been stolen from him.
From the remnants of the original body's memories, he recalled the existence of a village nearby. A dull ache pulsed from the shallow wound just below his chest—not fatal, but a stark reminder of his fragile state.
He took a deep breath and stepped forward, his bare feet sinking into the soft moss. His whole body is exhausted.
The village was not far, but it felt like a world away. The people there were simple, hardworking folk who lived in constant fear of the creatures that roamed the wilderness.
As he walked, Duan Feng’s mind churned with fragmented memories. They were disjointed, not yet fully fused with those of the body’s original owner. He needed clarity—to grasp the laws of this world, uncover its dangers, and seize its opportunities.
He had no family here, no connections, but he had something far more valuable—knowledge. The knowledge of a man who had lived through hardship, loss, and despair. And now, he would use that knowledge to survive, to thrive, and perhaps, to change the fate of this world.
The village came into view, a cluster of wooden huts surrounded by a crude palisade. Smoke rose from the chimneys, and the sound of children laughing echoed through the air. It was a stark contrast to the grim reality that lay beyond the safety of the walls.
Duan Feng approached the gate, where a burly man with a thick beard stood guard. The man eyed him suspiciously, his hand resting on the hilt of a crude sword.
“Who are you, boy?” the guard growled.
“Duan Feng,” he replied, his voice steady. “I’m from the village to the east. Our village was attacked, and I’m the only one who made it out.”
The guard’s expression softened slightly, and he nodded. “You’re not the first. Go on in, but don’t cause any trouble.”
Duan Feng nodded and stepped through the gate. The village was bustling with activity. Women were washing clothes by the well, men were repairing tools, and children were playing in the dirt. It was a simple life, but it was a life that Duan Feng could work with.
He made his way to the center of the village, where a large fire pit was surrounded by wooden benches. An old man with a long, white beard sat by the fire, his eyes closed as if in deep thought. Duan Feng approached him cautiously.
“Elder,” he said, bowing slightly. “I am new to this village. I seek your guidance.”
The old man opened his eyes, and for a moment, Duan Feng felt as if the man could see right through him. “You are not from this village,” the elder said slowly. “But you carry a heavy burden. What is it that you seek?”
Duan Feng hesitated. He couldn’t tell the elder the truth. But he needed to gain the man’s trust. “I seek knowledge,” he said finally.
“Knowledge of this world, of the creatures that threaten us, and of how to protect those I care about.”
The elder studied him for a long moment, a hint of sadness flashing across his eyes before anyone could detect it. Then, he nodded. “Very well. You may stay. But know this, boy—knowledge comes at a price. Are you willing to pay it?”
Duan Feng met the elder’s gaze without flinching. “I am.”
The elder smiled faintly. “Then you shall begin your training tomorrow. Rest now, for the days ahead will be long and arduous.”. 'You can stay there and heal your wound'. Elder pointed to Duan Feng.
Duan Feng bowed again and turned to leave. As he walked away, he felt a strange sense of determination. He had lost everything in his previous
life, but here, in this new world, he had a chance to start over. A chance to make a difference.
That night, as he lay on a straw mat in a small hut, Duan Feng stared up at the thatched roof, his mind racing. He thought of Mingyue, of the life they had lost, and of the new life that lay ahead.
He didn’t know what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain—he would not let this second chance go to waste.
The journey ahead would be difficult, perhaps even more so than the life he had left behind. But Duan Feng was ready. Ready to fight, to learn, and to protect those who could not protect themselves.
And so, as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon.
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