Chapter 9 : The Blessing of Crescent Moon Lake

The air grew colder as they ascended the snow-capped mountains. The wind whipped the snow in the valleys, as if a massive hand were gripping the distance between the sky and the earth. Wrapped in the mist, Leo and Luna ventured up a narrow path toward the mountain peak, the snow beneath their feet growing softer with each step. The cold air made every breath feel like inhaling frost and snow. The scene here was unlike any place they had encountered before—there was no oppressive darkness, only the stillness of pure white and ice-blue.

After walking for some time, they finally emerged from the clouds, and the sight before them left them momentarily stunned. At the mountain's summit was not a barren wasteland of ice and snow, but a dreamlike basin. The lake spread out like a blue gemstone, and the village by its shores exuded warmth, as if it were a secluded sanctuary untouched by the outside world.

"This is incredible," Luna murmured, her gaze lingering on the shimmering ripples of the lake. The warm atmosphere around her made it hard to believe that such a place could exist, especially since the cold winds of the mountain continued to ravage the peaks, yet here, it felt like spring.

Leo stared at the village ahead, silent for a moment. Their journey had been fraught with battles and losses, filled with unanswered questions. Yet now, this peaceful village seemed to offer them a rare moment of respite.

"It seems we've finally found a place to rest," Leo said, glancing at Luna, his eyes filled with a mixture of weariness and relief. They said no more, simply walking toward the village.

As they approached the village, the residents greeted them with warmth and enthusiasm, leaving Leo and Luna momentarily stunned. There was no hostility, no indifference—only genuine welcome and passionate hospitality. The villagers gathered around them, singing soft, melodic songs. Their voices rang like silver bells, echoing through the air as if angelic music filled the space.

The village girls wove delicate wreaths from ice-blue moon dew flowers, gently placing them around Leo and Luna's necks. The wreaths were cool to the touch but carried a strange sense of tranquility, as if they could melt away all weariness and pain. Each moon dew flower emitted a faint, soothing fragrance that seeped deep into the heart, bringing a calm and comforting power.

"It is the blessing of the Moon Goddess," the village elder said with a smile, his tone infused with mystery and solemnity. "Wearing the moon dew flowers, you will feel the Moon Goddess's protection. Peace and joy will always accompany you."

Leo and Luna exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with confusion and curiosity. This village was unlike any place they had ever been. The villagers' warmth and the peaceful lake around them gave off a sense of serene detachment from the world's troubles.

The elder led them to the edge of Crescent Moon Lake. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the silver moon above like a perfect mirror. Moonlight bathed the lake, the ripples catching the light and giving the whole scene an air of mystery. The elder scooped a ladle of lake water and gently poured it over Leo and Luna's heads. The droplets slid down their hair and faces, bringing a refreshing coolness as if washing away the dust of their travels and the fatigue of their hearts.

"The blessing of the Moon Goddess will always protect you," the elder's voice was deep and filled with tenderness. "Crescent Moon Lake is the Moon Goddess's tear of compassion for all life, and the moon dew flowers are her will. All who come here feel the Goddess's grace."

As night fell, the moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery light over the entire lake, creating a dreamlike vision on the water's surface. The villagers had prepared a lavish feast for Leo and Luna, with fragrant dishes and amber-hued wine that glowed in the cups. Despite the long and arduous journey, they finally felt a moment of warmth and peace on this tranquil land.

After the meal, Leo and Luna walked to the shore of Crescent Moon Lake. The moon dew flowers swayed gently in the breeze, casting a soft blue glow. The moon's reflection rippled on the water's surface, merging with the gentle waves to create a breathtaking sight that left them breathless.

Leo gazed at the lake, fragments of distant memories surfacing in his mind. In the midst of this serene landscape, he saw a version of himself—one who had once set out on an endless journey in search of power and purification. Now, he felt a rare sense of calm, but beneath this tranquility, a greater mystery seemed to be hidden.

"Do you think the Moon Goddess really works this way?" Luna suddenly spoke, her voice low, as if pondering something deep.

"The Moon Goddess…" Leo furrowed his brows, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "I'm not sure. But this lake, these flowers… they do give us an unusual feeling."

Luna nodded, falling into a thoughtful silence before speaking again. "If the Moon Goddess really guards this place in such a way, then perhaps she's connected to what we're searching for. Maybe we can find the answers we need here."

"Mm, maybe it's time to rest," Leo sighed deeply, letting go of some of the burdens weighing on his heart. He could feel the peace of this land, and both he and Luna needed this brief moment of tranquility to continue their journey.

The next day, Leo and Luna decided to remain in Crescent Moon Lake Village for a while, to explore the secrets of the mysterious lake and the village. They needed more clues to continue their search for the memory fragments that Dan had mentioned. However, as they stayed longer by the lake, an undeniable thought began to form in Leo's mind: in this land blessed by the moon, could they find the true answers they sought, uncover their past, and discover the future that awaited them?

The blessing of the Moon Goddess was powerful—would it guide them on their future journey, helping them unlock the great mysteries hidden behind the world?