The Fisherman

As they walked through the village, Epiphany suggested, "Why don't you wander around the village for a while? It might help you to familiarize yourself with this place and perhaps find some clarity."

Xiao agreed and spent the day exploring. He wandered through the bamboo groves, watched the villagers go about their tasks, and marveled at the intricate carvings on the wooden houses.

But as the hours passed, he found himself growing restless. His mind was a whirl of distracting thoughts and unanswered questions.

Feeling a need for solitude, Xiao approached the elder once more. "Could I sit by the river for a while?" he asked.

The elder smiled kindly. "Of course, young one. The river has a way of calming the soul. Take all the time you need."

Xiao sat on the bank of the River of Time, the same river he had almost drowned in and the one Epiphany had told him about.

The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the water. Nearby, a few fishermen tended to their nets, their movements methodical and calm, as if they were part of the river itself.

As he sat there, Xiao reflected on the events of the day. He had met many of the villagers, each one welcoming him with that same warm, yet unsettlingly uniform smile.

He had learned more about Fenglin Village and its role as a pit stop for souls on their journey to reincarnation.

Throughout the day, he had seen a constant stream of people moving through the village, dressed in an array of clothing from different eras.

Some were dressed like fairy maidens, their flowing robes adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate jewels.

Others wore the armor of ancient warriors, their expressions stern and resolute, as if they were marching into battle. The sight was captivating, a living tapestry of history and culture.

Xiao watched in wonder as a group of villagers paused near the river, their forms illuminated by the setting sun.

One young girl, dressed in a delicate hanfu, looked directly at him, her eyes filled with pearls of ancient wisdom. She smiled, and for a moment, Xiao felt a connection, a silent understanding that transcended words.

The villagers moved with a serene purpose, their presence both calming and invigorating. Some seemed to whisper among themselves, their voices a gentle murmur that mingled with the sound of the river.

Xiao could almost make out their words, snippets of stories and memories from lives long past.

He was captivated by the sight of a warrior, his form adorned with armor that glowed like molten silver in the fading light.

The warrior's eyes burned with determination, and Xiao could sense the strength and courage that radiated from him. As the warrior passed by, he nodded at Xiao, a gesture of acknowledgment and respect.

Nearby, a scholar floated gracefully, her robes billowing like smoke. She carried an ancient scroll, the characters on it glowing with a soft, golden light.

Xiao felt a sense of peace and wisdom emanating from her, and he wondered what knowledge she carried with her.

The calm, rhythmic sound of the river and the fishermen's quiet murmurs created a serene atmosphere. Yet, Xiao couldn't shake his unease.

Earlier in the day, while looking through the village, he had the idea to run away again. But the same phenomenon from last night happened—the world seemed to blur, and a dizzying sensation washed over him.

This time, Epiphany appeared beside him, his presence calm and unyielding.

"Even if you leave the village, how do you plan to get back home?" Epiphany asked, his voice a gentle echo in Xiao's mind. "This is a separate realm, after all."

Xiao's heart sank at the realization. "Can I get back home somehow?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

Epiphany's expression remained serene. "Only if you get strong," he replied, his words both a promise and a challenge.

Xiao's thoughts drifted to his father and Mei-Ling. He missed them terribly and wondered if he would ever be allowed to return to his old life. 

Xiao sighed, hugging his knees to his chest as he stared at the flowing water. The cryptic answer had done little to soothe his worries.

What did Epiphany mean by powerful enough? Was he destined to remain in this strange village, surrounded by people from different times, forever?

As he sat there, a fisherman approached him, carrying a basket filled with fish. The man's face was lined with age, and his eyes held a gentle wisdom.

"Evening, young one," the fisherman said, sitting down beside Xiao. "You seem troubled. Care to share your thoughts with an old man?"

Xiao hesitated, then nodded. "I'm just... wondering if I'll ever be able to go back to my family. Epiphany said I could if I'm powerful enough, but I don't even know what that means."

The fisherman chuckled softly. "Epiphany has a way of speaking in riddles, but his words often hold deeper truths. Power doesn't always mean strength or might. Sometimes, it's about understanding, wisdom, and the ability to see beyond the surface of things."

Xiao frowned, pondering the fisherman's words. "But how do I gain that kind of power?"