Chapter 5: Into the Unknown

The journey to Mei Lin's childhood village was not an easy one. The path leading to the hidden mountain village was treacherous, winding through dense forests and steep cliffs. Li Sheng had packed only the essentials: food, water, and his most trusted map. Mei Lin had given him an old, weathered letter that her parents had once sent her, and he hoped that it would be enough to find them.

As he traveled, his thoughts often returned to Mei Lin. He couldn't imagine the life she had lived, bearing the weight of such a powerful gift all on her own. The more he learned about her past, the more he realized how little he truly knew. And now, he was stepping into the unknown, risking everything to find a way to free her from the curse that had haunted her for so long.

Days passed, and the landscape became more rugged as Li Sheng ventured further into the mountains. The air grew thinner, and the days colder. Every night, he would sleep under the stars, his mind racing with thoughts of what he might face. The journey was hard, but Li Sheng's determination kept him moving forward. He would not fail Mei Lin—not when she had already sacrificed so much for him and for others.

On the fifth day of his journey, Li Sheng finally arrived at the foot of the mountain where Mei Lin's village was rumored to lie. The village, hidden deep within a valley, was said to be protected by powerful wards, keeping out all but those with the right intentions. But Li Sheng didn't know if his intentions would be enough. He only knew one thing for certain: he had to find Mei Lin's parents.

As he climbed higher, he finally reached the edge of a thick forest. In the distance, he saw the faint outline of houses nestled between the trees, the smoke from their chimneys curling into the sky. He was close.

When Li Sheng reached the village, he was greeted by a pair of elderly guards, who looked him over with suspicion.

"What is your business here?" one of them asked, his voice stern.

"I seek Mei Lin's parents," Li Sheng said, trying to remain calm. "I need their help. It's urgent."

The guards exchanged wary glances, then nodded. "Come with us."

They led him to a small, unassuming house at the edge of the village. As they knocked on the door, it opened slowly, revealing an elderly man and woman. Their faces were lined with age, but their eyes were sharp, full of knowledge and experience.

"You must be Li Sheng," the man said, his voice low and steady. "We've been expecting you."

Li Sheng's heart raced. "You know who I am?"

"We've been watching over Mei Lin for many years," the woman said softly. "We know what she is capable of, and we know the curse she bears. It is not a simple thing, and breaking it will require much more than you might expect."

Li Sheng stood tall, determination in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes. Please, help me save her."