The journey was like a cursed nightmare, strewn with sharp thorns and filled with endless hardship. The raging wind was like a ferocious beast escaping its cage, howling and clawing, its roars sending shivers down the spine. The wind carried incredible power, fiercely attacking Hu Yulun, as if trying to devour him whole.
Hu Yulun swayed violently in the wind, his feet slipping as if on ice, barely able to stand. His face was pale, his lips pressed into a tight line, his brows furrowed, and his eyes squinted against the wind. But in his gaze, there was an unyielding stubbornness. He clenched his teeth, his jaw muscles contorting from the strain, as if enduring immense pain.
"This damn wind! You won't stop me!" he cursed through gritted teeth, his voice torn apart by the gale.
He clutched his clothes with trembling hands, his knuckles turning white, his fingers faintly tinged with purple. The hem of his clothes was crumpled in his hands, as if it were his last lifeline in the storm. He moved forward with difficulty, each step a life-or-death struggle against the wind.
Then, the downpour began, as if a giant curtain of water had enveloped the world. The raindrops, as big as beans, relentlessly hammered him, soaking him to the bone. The rain hit his body with a crackling sound, as if whipping him mercilessly.
The rain instantly blurred his vision, and the world before him became hazy. His hair was plastered to his scalp, strands of it hanging down, water constantly streaming down his hair like miniature waterfalls. His clothes clung tightly to his body, outlining his thin but resolute figure, the outline of each muscle clearly visible, the testament to the strength he had forged on this long journey.
However, Hu Yulun paid no mind to all of this. His eyes remained fixed on the path ahead, and he continued to take those firm steps. His feet trudged through the muddy road, each lift taking heavy mud, each fall splashing murky water.
But in Hu Yulun's heart, there was always the dawn of hope, a light that shone like an eternal lighthouse, illuminating the darkest corners of his heart with a warm and bright glow, lighting his path forward.
He silently vowed in his heart: "I know that as long as I decipher these letters, I may uncover the hideous true face of the Mysterious Organization, avenge my Father's death, and bring long-awaited peace and tranquility to the Aelia Continent. Even if the road ahead is perilous, I will never retreat!" His voice echoed firmly in his heart, each word striking his soul like a heavy hammer, making his determination even more unshakeable.
"Father, please bless me in heaven," he murmured, his eyes revealing deep longing for his Father and an unwavering pursuit of justice. He seemed to see his Father's kind face, to hear his Father's last words, and all of this became his driving force.
The wind and rain seemed to be shaken by his determination, becoming even more violent, trying to stop him with greater force.
"Hmph, you think you can make me give up? What a fool's dream!" Hu Yulun shouted at the wind and rain, his voice filled with anger and defiance.
His steps became more resolute, each step sinking deep into the muddy road, splashing mud everywhere. His shoes were already soaked, and each step made a "squelch squelch" sound, but he didn't care at all.
"What do these little difficulties matter? I won't be defeated! I will succeed!" He kept encouraging himself, his voice sounding a little weak in the wind and rain, but full of strength.
His gaze was always fixed on the front, as if he had already seen the dawn of victory waiting for him, seen the Mysterious Organization's embarrassment after being exposed, seen his Father's injustice being redressed, and seen the beautiful prospect of the Aelia Continent regaining peace and tranquility.
At this moment, Hu Yulun was no longer a lone traveler; his heart carried too many missions and hopes. He firmly believed that as long as he persevered, he would be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve his goals.
When he dragged his body, seemingly crushed by endless suffering and exhaustion, one laborious step at a time, overcoming countless hardships, and finally arrived at the solemn and majestic Monastery that stood on the earth like an ancient legend, the last rays of the setting sun were reluctantly cast upon the Monastery's spires and walls, outlining them with a dreamlike golden edge.
Hu Yulun's every step seemed to exhaust all his strength. His clothes were tattered, covered in dust and bloodstains, marks of his struggles against the difficulties and dangers he had faced along the way. His hair was disheveled, soaked with sweat, and plastered tightly against his scalp. His face was gaunt and haggard, his eyes bloodshot, yet still, they sparkled with a determined light.
The Monk, his face kind and his eyes as deep as a thousand-year-old pond, had been standing at the Monastery's ancient gate long before. His figure appeared solemn and serene in the morning light, as if he had already merged with the ancient building.
When his gaze caught sight of Hu Yulun's staggering figure, a smile as warm and welcoming as the spring sun instantly bloomed on his face. The smile was so radiant and friendly, as if it could melt away all the frost in the world, possessing the magical power to heal all wounds.
"Child, you've finally arrived," the Monk's voice was gentle and mellow, like the tolling of an ancient bell echoing through a tranquil valley. Each word seemed to carry the weight of time and the wisdom of ages, making those who listened feel a sense of inner peace.
Hu Yulun raised his head, gazing at the Monk with eyes filled with exhaustion and hope. His eyes were bloodshot, and his gaze was filled with deep fatigue, but deep within that fatigue, a spark of hope still burned. His lips trembled slightly, as if wanting to say something, but extreme fatigue made it difficult for him to speak for a moment.
Seeing this, the Monk hurried forward, his steps light yet firm. He gently supported Hu Yulun's swaying body, the cautious movement as if Hu Yulun was a priceless treasure, as if any carelessness would cause harm.
"Child, don't worry, everything will be alright," the Monk comforted softly, his voice like a gentle breeze, brushing against Hu Yulun's anxious heart.
The Monk solemnly received the letters, each one carrying hopes and secrets. The moment his gaze landed on the ancient, mysterious script, his face registered utter surprise. His eyes widened like copper bells, the pupils seemingly straining to escape their sockets. His mouth hung open, and he drew in a sharp breath. The sound was clearly audible, and he stood frozen in place, as if under a spell. For a moment, the air around him seemed to solidify, and there was absolute silence. Only a gentle breeze whispered through, softly caressing the Monk's robes. The edges of the robes fluttered slightly, as if silently conveying the gravity of the moment.
After a long while, he seemed to snap back to reality, his expression as heavy as a sky filled with dark clouds, oppressive and gloomy. Slowly, he turned his head, his movements deliberate and heavy. He looked deeply at Hu Yulun, his eyes conveying a thousand words. Then, he spoke slowly, "Young man, the script on these letters is an extremely old and rare form of writing. In this world, only a handful of people can decipher it." His voice was low and raspy, carrying the weight of years. Each word was like a heavy stone, landing with a "plunk" in Hu Yulun's heart, creating ripples that refused to settle.
A flicker of worry flashed across Hu Yulun's eyes, like a shadow briefly obscuring his gaze. But it was immediately replaced by determination, a bright and burning light that pierced through the clouds. He firmly grasped the Monk's hand, his grip so tight it was as if it were his last lifeline in a vast ocean, fearing that letting go would mean losing all hope. His voice was hoarse but hopeful, and he spoke with a slight tremor, "Please, you must help me decipher these letters. They are my only hope."
The Monk nodded slightly, his eyes revealing an undeniable resolve, as firm as a rock. Then, without a word, he turned and went towards the study. His steps were steady and powerful, each one filled with determination, as though he was embarking on a challenging journey.
After that, the Monk plunged into the work of deciphering the letters without hesitation. He seemed to have completely isolated himself in another world, spending his days in the study, a place seemingly forgotten by time. The study was like a mysterious treasure trove of knowledge, filled with the musty scent of age, as if every inch of air carried the weight and the passage of time.
Stacks of thick, yellowed, ancient books, emitting a musty odor, piled up like mountains. They were like silent witnesses to history, waiting to be awakened. Each book carried the accumulation of years and the crystallization of wisdom. The yellowed pages, the blurred characters, all seemed to be telling stories of the past.
The Monk sat steadily at an ancient desk, which was covered with ink, brushes, paper, and various research tools. Those tools also seemed to have been touched by the passage of time, exuding an antique and mysterious aura.
He carefully turned each page of the ancient books, his gentle movements as though he was touching the pulse of history, afraid of disturbing the ancient souls sleeping within. His brows were furrowed so tightly that he seemed to be able to kill a fly. The wrinkles on his forehead deepened with intense concentration, like furrows carved by time. He occasionally muttered to himself, his voice like an ancient incantation, echoing softly in the quiet study, as if engaged in a mysterious dialogue with the sleeping knowledge.
"What does this even mean…" Hu Yulun muttered to himself as he flipped through the pages, his voice filled with confusion and contemplation. His fingers gently traced the yellowed pages, as if they possessed a certain magic, searching for long-lost clues, attempting to unravel the mysterious puzzle hidden behind the ancient text.
During this long and agonizing wait, Hu Yulun was like a hot pan of ants, the anxiety in his heart not allowing him a moment of peace. He paced back and forth anxiously in the Monastery courtyard, his footsteps heavy and hurried, each step seeming to carry a thousand pounds, kicking up little puffs of dust. The dust danced freely in the setting sun's afterglow, like a flowing scroll, a vivid and heart-wrenching embodiment of his inner turmoil.
He would occasionally look up at the tightly shut window of the monk's room, his eyes filled with anticipation and unease. His gaze was burning and urgent, as if he could penetrate the thick window and directly peer into the scene inside.
"Why isn't it done yet, how much longer…" he murmured to himself, his voice filled with urgency and helplessness. His voice was as soft as a mosquito, yet it held deep longing.
At times, he would clasp his head with both hands, squatting on the ground, curling up into a ball, and muttering incessantly, "Why isn't it done yet, why isn't it done yet…" His voice trembled and was urgent, as if he were about to collapse at any second. Each word was squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying endless pain and torment.
A raging fire seemed to burn in his heart, scorching him with anxiety. The flames grew fiercer and fiercer, nearly engulfing his reason.
"No, I can't just stand here and wait." Hu Yulun suddenly stood up, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes. He began to walk around the courtyard, his footsteps chaotic and hurried, trying to distract himself from his tangled thoughts by observing his surroundings.
He saw the flowers in the courtyard swaying gently in the breeze, their petals vibrant and dripping, emitting a charming fragrance. But at this moment, he had no heart to appreciate their beauty, the brilliant colors appearing dull in his eyes. He saw the birds on the trees singing happily, their clear songs melodious and full of vitality, but he couldn't feel their joy, the cheerful melody just a noise in his ears.
"Ugh, this wait is torture," Hu Yulun sighed deeply, the sound heavy in the silent courtyard. He looked again towards the monk's room, his gaze filled with a complex mix of emotions: anticipation, worry, urgency, and a hint of fear.
Night silently arrived, moonlight like water spilling into the courtyard, draping everything in silver. Hu Yulun, however, couldn't sleep. His figure stood alone and resolute in the moonlight. His shadow stretched long, as if bearing the weight of his endless thoughts.
"No matter how long it takes, I will wait." He swore silently, the oath a beacon in the darkness, illuminating his unwavering resolve.
Finally, after days and nights of sleepless, arduous study, the Scholar emerged from the study, his face etched with exhaustion. His eyes were bloodshot, the red lines crisscrossing like a spiderweb, and his complexion was ashen, like a blank sheet of paper, devoid of color. But the expression of relief on his face ignited a spark of hope in Hu Yulun's heart.
Hu Yulun hurried forward, his steps unsteady, his voice trembling like a falling leaf in the wind. "Scholar, how is it?"
The Scholar raised a hand, signaling for him to be patient, the movement slow, as if burdened by a thousand pounds. Then, he took a deep breath, as if gathering all his strength, and slowly said, "Child, I have successfully deciphered the contents of the letters."
Hu Yulun's eyes instantly lit up, the light like brilliant stars in the night sky, and his heart raced, as if it would leap from his throat.
These letters, as Hu Yulun had suspected, were indeed part of the Mysterious Organization's heinous plot. They were like a record of evil, detailing how the organization used insidious and loathsome methods, manipulating the courts of various kingdoms like ghosts in the shadows.
They were like phantoms in the dark, silently infiltrating the heart of power. With carefully crafted lies and tempting traps, they deceived those who should have been impartial and just, upholding righteousness. They caused those who once held ideals and beliefs to lose their way under their influence, falling into the abyss of sin.
They resorted to any means, acting with utter disregard for morality, to provoke wars. They were like messengers of the devil, wantonly sowing seeds of hatred in lands of peace and tranquility. With wicked incitement, they ignited anger and fear in people's hearts, turning brothers against each other and fathers and sons to mutual slaughter.
And how to profit handsomely from the smoke and blood of war. They heartlessly sold weapons, greedily plundered resources, and used the blood and suffering of innocent people as the foundation for their wealth, piling up their mountains of gold on the backs of countless lives.
Each word was like a sharp sword, mercilessly stabbing at Hu Yulun's nerves. His hands unconsciously clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the force, as if he wanted to vent the anger and pain in his heart through his tightly clenched fists.
After receiving this earth-shattering news, Hu Yulun took a deep breath, the air lingering in his chest for a long time, like a trapped beast struggling to calm the turbulent waves within.
His hands unconsciously clenched into fists, the knuckles turning white from the force, and his eyes revealed an unprecedented determination and resolve. His gaze seemed to penetrate all darkness, reaching the other side of the light.
He silently thought to himself, "Although my exile is still long, and the future is bound to be filled with unknown dangers and heavy challenges, I also know that I have taken a firm and powerful step towards my goal." His heart was constantly encouraging himself, each thought being the force that supported him to continue moving forward.
His thoughts drifted back to the past, remembering the scene of his Father's death with injustice. His Father's desperate and unwilling eyes, like sharp blades, repeatedly pierced his heart. He thought of the people on the Erebus Continent who had suffered from the ravages of war, their displacement and the destruction of their homes appearing before his eyes.
"I can't back down, I can't let their conspiracy succeed," he said to himself, his voice echoing in his heart like thunder, shaking his whole body.
He clenched his fists, silently vowing in his heart with unwavering determination: "I must continue to investigate this Mysterious Organization, even if it costs everything, even if I am crushed to pieces, I must expose their ugly conspiracy completely, and let the people of the entire Erebus Continent clearly know the truth, and let the light of justice dispel this endless darkness!"
That vow echoed in his heart, a stirring battle cry that threatened to burst from his chest and resound throughout the world. It was the cry of his soul, his unwavering pursuit of justice.
"Father, rest in peace. I will avenge you and bring peace to the continent." Hu Yulun raised his head, gazing at the sky, tears glistening in his eyes. Those tears held both longing for his father and a steadfast belief in the future.
At that moment, a gentle breeze swept through, bringing a touch of coolness, as if heaven itself was responding and encouraging him. The breeze lightly caressed his face, drying the tears at the corners of his eyes.
Hu Yulun turned and, with firm steps, walked towards the unknown. His figure, bathed in sunlight, appeared taller and more resolute. Each step was filled with power and determination, as if the earth beneath his feet trembled at his courage.
Hu Yulun carefully clutched the hard-earned evidence to his chest. His movements were gentle and cautious, as if he held not just a few pieces of paper, but his entire life's reliance, the ray of hope he had struggled so hard to obtain. His hands trembled slightly, yet they were firm and strong, as if he would use all his strength to protect this treasure.
His gaze was sharp, fixed on the distance, as if able to pierce through the layers of mist and reach the end of the sky. In his eyes, there was not a trace of confusion or hesitation, only an unyielding determination and courage.
He knew clearly in his heart that countless unknown dangers and unimaginably difficult challenges lay ahead, waiting for him with open arms. Those dangers might be like beasts hidden in the darkness, ready to pounce and tear him to pieces at any moment; those challenges might be like towering mountains, steep and treacherous, difficult to overcome.
However, at this moment, he had already cast aside his fear. His straight back was like cast iron, not bending even a fraction. His back was straight, like a spear that would never break, no matter how much pressure was applied, it could not make him yield.
Hu Yulun's lips were tightly pressed together, his expression resolute and determined. His closed mouth was like a solid defense, shutting out all weakness and retreat. His chin was slightly raised, revealing an unyielding pride and stubbornness.
Because deep within his heart, he had firmly established a clear and unwavering goal: to clear the name of his wrongfully deceased Father and bring long-awaited peace to this war-torn and ravaged Erebus Continent. This goal was like a lighthouse, shining with an unextinguishable light in his heart, illuminating his path forward.
He remembered his Father's eyes, filled with grievance and unwillingness, before his death, and a boundless sorrow and anger surged within him. "Father, I will definitely seek justice for you!" he vowed silently in his heart.
That firm belief was like a blazing, eternal fire, hot and brilliant, illuminating his path and constantly giving him the courage to move forward and the strength to overcome anything. This fire of belief burned within his heart, making his blood boil and his soul surge.
He was like a lone star twinkling in the dark, deep sky. Although its light was weak, it was full of the power of unyielding hope. Each flicker of light seemed to silently tell of his perseverance and persistence. That faint light, so small in the darkness, yet so tenacious, as if telling the world that he would never give up.
On this path of exile, thorny and full of traps, his steps were firm and never stopped. The wind howled, tousling his hair. His hair danced in the wind, like the waves in his heart. But he didn't care, continuing to stride forward.
His clothes billowed in the wind, like a banner, encouraging him to move forward bravely.
He murmured to himself, "Even if the road ahead is a sea of fire and a mountain of knives, I, Hu Yulun, will not retreat a single step! I must reveal the truth to the world and let justice be done!" His voice, though not loud, was full of power, echoing on the empty road. Each word was like a bullet, shooting towards the darkness, breaking the silence.
His eyes shone with unwavering determination, as if declaring his resolve to the world.
The path beneath his feet was rough, strewn with stones and thorns. Each step could lead to a stumble, a prick. But his steps didn't falter, didn't pause.
"This little bit of trouble? I won't be defeated!" He gritted his teeth, moving forward step by step.
Sweat rolled down his forehead, dripping onto the dry earth and vanishing instantly. But he didn't bother to wipe it away, just kept walking, and walking.
His gaze was bright, filled with fearless courage, as he pressed onward, as if no force could stop him, until he reached the bright, hopeful shore.
"I believe that justice will triumph over evil, and light will surely come!" He shouted aloud, his voice echoing in the valley, lingering for a long time.
At that moment, a lone bird flew overhead, seemingly inspired by his resolve, chirping as it flew into the distance.
Hu Yulun watched the departing bird, his heart filled with longing. "I, too, want to be like you, to fly towards freedom, towards the light."
He took a deep breath, quickening his pace once more.
The setting sun cast its light upon him, stretching his shadow out long and thin. His form, silhouetted against the desolate land, appeared both lonely and imposing.
He walked onward, his belief burning like a roaring fire, growing stronger with each step.