Chapter One: Leaving Home to Study Martial Arts

“Fresh vegetables for sale! Fresh vegetables for sale!” The clear, youthful cry rang out, belonging to a boy who looked no more than a teenager. He struggled to pull a two-wheeled cart, a thin rope tied around his waist, laden with several baskets of freshly picked vegetables.

On his feet were worn-out slippers, with one or two small holes in them. The clothes he wore were patched upon patches, and even some mud still clung to the fabric.

After tugging the cart along for a while with great effort, the boy finally stopped. He took a gourd filled with water from his small bag and sprinkled some over the vegetables, making them look fresher and more appealing.

“Filthy beggar, get lost… Don’t interfere with our business,” came a harsh, grating voice. The boy glanced up but said nothing in response. Silently, he pulled his cart away, searching for a quieter corner, where he parked it and secured it tightly. Then, exhausted, he sat on a step, quietly watching people pass by.

This spot was far from the town center and saw little foot traffic, though a few people still wandered back and forth with their market baskets.

“Auntie, would you like to buy some vegetables?” the boy asked timidly. “These are all freshly picked from the field—very fresh indeed.”

The woman stopped, scrutinized both the boy and his produce. Her heart ached as she said, “Child, why are you so thin? You’re little more than skin and bones.” Her eyes brimmed with concern and pity.

The boy picked out several large cabbages from his basket and placed them in the woman’s bag. “Auntie, you can pay whatever you think is fair… I only hope you’ll buy my vegetables again next time.”

“How could I take advantage of a child like you? My conscience wouldn’t allow it.”

“It’s alright. This is the first time someone’s bought my vegetables—I’m happy.”

“Well then, two coins. Keep them safe,” said the woman, giving the boy another look.

“Thank you, Auntie. Take care on your way.”

He picked up the thin rope from the ground, tied it around himself again, and set off along the path toward home.

The sky was unusually dark...

“Mother, I’m home!” Yufan parked and secured the cart, then walked toward the small house.

“Cough… Yufan, you’re back? Did you manage to sell the vegetables today?” His mother gripped the bed rail, raising her head slowly.

“Mother, we had some luck today—earned a few coins, better than the last few days.” Yufan took a bamboo cup, poured himself some water, and glanced at his mother lying on the bed.

“Well done! My grandson made a little money,” his mother teased.

“I’ll go check if the hen laid any eggs, pick a few for dinner,” Yufan said, putting down the cup and heading toward the chicken coop. He peered inside but found none.

Disappointed, he left the coop, fetched a chair, and sat down inside the house, grumbling, “These chickens never lay eggs, not a single one.”

His mother laughed, “Yufan, do you have any dreams?”

“My dream is to become a great hero, a true hero who walks the righteous path.” Yufan slapped at his arm and muttered about mosquitoes that seemed to love his blood.

She chuckled. “Then do you want to learn swordsmanship?”

“I do, of course I do,” Yufan replied, his attention fixed on his mother.

“Actually, your father was the head of the Cloud Sect. Back then, to protect you, he asked me to take you away from the martial world in the dead of night. All these years, whenever I heard disciples of the Cloud Sect passing by, I asked them about him. Only then did I learn your father’s true identity,” his mother said between coughs.

“Mother, don’t joke with me. Look at me—how could I have such a background?” Yufan shook his head in disbelief.

“Child, I know my days are numbered, and I don’t want to burden you. You should go and build your foundation, practice swordsmanship, so you’ll have a skill to rely on,” she said solemnly, her eyes full of hope.

“But Mother, someone has to tend the fields, sell the vegetables, do the chores, the washing, the cooking—who will do it all?” Yufan protested, lying back in his chair. “And with my talent, trying to build a foundation is a pipe dream! Maybe it’s better to live an ordinary life.”

“Useless child!” his mother scolded angrily. “Look at the woman next door—her grandson joined a sect, trained for a few years, and came back looking spirited and righteous. Look at you: skinny as a bean pole, what a sight!”

“But…” Yufan started to speak, but his mother cut him off.

“No buts. Go pack your things—you’re leaving for the Cloud Sect tomorrow. I’ve already arranged with our neighbor; she’ll help tend the fields and take care of daily life. Don’t worry about me.”

“Mother, I really can’t bear to leave you.” Yufan’s eyes filled with tears.

“Silly child, I know you’re filial. But more than anything, I want you to have a good future.” His mother gently stroked Yufan’s head, comforting him. “Go, and when you’ve learned all you can, come back and bring me to enjoy a better life.”

“Alright, Mother. Since you’ve decided, I’ll do as you say and give it a try.” At last, Yufan nodded, agreeing to her wishes. Though his heart was still full of worries, he resolved to take this brave step, if only not to disappoint his mother.

“If they feed you and give you a place to stay, that’s good. Earn a little money, and come back to treat me to something nice.” Yufan glanced at his mother, reluctant to part, but said, “It’s getting late. I’ll go to bed now.” With that, he turned and went back to his room.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and onto Yufan’s face. He stretched, crawled out of bed, and after washing up, went to the living room, where he found the table piled high with food and luggage.

“Yufan, I packed these for you,” his mother said with a smile. “All your favorite foods, to eat along the way.” She handed him a bundle.

Yufan opened it to find steamed buns, cured meat, eggs, even some candy and fruit. Seeing the food, his eyes welled up with tears.

“Mother, why did you prepare so much? Are you sending me off for good?” Yufan said, touched.

“Silly child, you must take care of yourself out there. I prepared these with care, hoping you’ll eat well on the road.” She stroked his head tenderly.

“Thank you, Mother!” Yufan said gratefully.

Then his mother produced a jade pendant and handed it to him, telling him it was his father’s keepsake. If he ever found himself in trouble, he could show it to someone from the Cloud Sect for help.

“Mother, I’ll keep it safe,” Yufan promised, slipping the pendant carefully into his shirt.

“Now go—don’t come back unless you’ve learned a true skill,” his mother said, feigning sternness.

“I know, Mother.” Yufan smiled, pulled open the door, and set off toward the Cloud Sect.

As he walked, carrying his heavy bag, Yufan’s heart was filled with warmth. He knew that wherever he went, his mother’s support would always be with him. And he was determined to study hard, become a worthy cultivator, and one day repay his mother for all her love and sacrifice.