The Village 3

Epiphany's smile returned, more controlled this time. "Of course. All will be revealed in due time. For now, let us begin with the lanterns. They are the first step in understanding your true potential."

Xiao nodded, feeling a chill sweep through his body. His teeth chattered slightly, and he hugged himself, shivering. The night air had grown colder, and the thin fabric of his shirt did little to protect him.

Epiphany noticed Xiao's discomfort. "You're cold," he said as if he were stating a fact. "We should move to the nearby village. The warmth of a fire will help, and we can continue our discussion there."

Xiao didn't know where this kindness was coming from. What little he seemed to gather about this man in front of him made Epiphany seem sinister and extremely greedy.

Despite his reluctance, Xiao nodded, and the two began to make their way through the dense forest. As they walked, Xiao's thoughts drifted back to the village he had glimpsed from the river earlier.

As they approached the village, Xiao's mind wandered further back to the river. He shuddered involuntarily, recalling the moment he had been thrown into its icy waters. "Old man," he began hesitantly, "the river I was thrown into... what is it? It felt different, like it was more than just water."

Epiphany's eyes darkened with understanding. "The river you speak of is no ordinary river, Xiao. It is the River of Time, also known as the River of Fate. It flows through the realms, carrying the essence of life, death, and rebirth. It connects the cycles of reincarnation, guiding souls from one existence to the next."

Xiao's eyes widened in astonishment. "The River of Time? Reincarnation?" He struggled to grasp the enormity of what Epiphany was saying. "If it carries souls, why couldn't I see any when I almost drowned?"

Epiphany's expression remained impassive. "The river's true nature is hidden from mortal eyes. Only those attuned to the spiritual realm can perceive the souls within its currents. Your near-death experience brought you close to that awareness, but you were not yet ready to see."

Xiao felt a shiver run down his spine, not from the cold, but from the weight of Epiphany's words. "So, my grandmother... did she cross the River of Time when she died? Is that how you met her?"

Epiphany nodded. "Yes. When your grandmother passed from your world, her soul crossed the River of Time and entered the realm of the spirits. That is where I encountered her. She spoke of you, of your potential, and the stories she told to prepare you for this moment."

Xiao's thoughts drifted to his mother, the ache of loss surfacing. "My mother... she passed away two years ago. Did she also cross this river?"

Epiphany nodded slowly. "Your mother, Li Hua, was a remarkable woman. Her spirit was strong and kind, much like yours. Yes, Xiao, she crossed this river."

Xiao's heart ached at the confirmation, a mix of sorrow and relief flooding him. "Did you meet her too? Like you met my grandmother?"

Epiphany's eyes softened with a hint of nostalgia. "I did. Your mother was filled with love and concern for you, even in her passing. She spoke of you often, wishing for your happiness and well-being. She knew the journey you would undertake and wanted you to be prepared, just as your grandmother did."

Xiao's eyes stung with unshed tears. "She was always so supportive. She believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.

"Your mother's belief in you was unwavering. She knew the strength you possessed, the potential within you. It is why she watches over you, even now."

They continued walking in silence for a while, the path gradually widening as they neared the edge of the forest. The lanterns grew brighter, casting a warm, inviting glow that cut through the chill of the night.

Xiao's mind churned with memories of his mother. He remembered the evenings they spent together, her reading stories to him in the soft glow of their living room. She had a voice that could soothe any fear, a touch that could heal any wound.

Xiao glanced at Epiphany, whose serene demeanor seemed almost aggravating and mocking to him. "Epiphany," Xiao said sharply, perhaps a little louder than he expected, breaking the silence once more. 

"My mother... She used to tell me stories too. About the stars, about different worlds. She made everything seem so magical. Do you think she knew about all this?"

Epiphany paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Your mother, like many others, may not have been fully aware of the depth of your heritage or the true nature of the Samsara Sect. The knowledge of such things often skips generations, hidden until the time is right."

Pausing a little he continued, " However, your mother possessed a strong spirit, and she cared for you deeply. She may have sensed there was something unique about you, even if she could not fully understand it."

Xiao nodded, feeling a swell of emotion. "She used to take me stargazing. We'd lie on the roof, and she'd point out constellations, telling me their names and the myths behind them. Those nights were the best times of my life."

Epiphany's eyes softened further. "She gave you the gift of wonder, Xiao. It is a gift that will serve you well on this journey. Hold onto those memories; they are a source of strength."

As they continued walking, Xiao's thoughts drifted to the weight of his new reality. The idea of having a unique spiritual connection, of being chosen for something greater, was overwhelming. 

He felt a mixture of fear and responsibility, unsure of what lay ahead but determined to honor his mother's belief in him.

"Epiphany," Xiao asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "What if I fail? What if I'm not strong enough for this journey?"

Epiphany paused, turning to face Xiao. "Strength is not just about power, Xiao. It is about resilience, about the courage to face your fears and keep moving forward."