The cold mountain night was shattered by a piercing scream.
"Wake up, Mom! Please—wake up!"
The boy's voice climbed desperately into the dark sky, a sound so raw and filled with agony that even the wind seemed to pause.
Far below, nestled in the Wudang sect's inner valleys, two figures paused mid-step. A robust man with silver-streaked hair and a younger, keen-eyed warrior exchanged a glance.
"Did you hear that?" the younger whispered, eyes narrowing.
"It sounded like a beast," the elder replied, drawing his sword cautiously. "But that scream... no animal screams like that."
Guided by the anguish, they ascended the mountain path with swift, steady strides until they reached the little hut bathed in the cold moonlight.
Inside, the sight stole their breath.
A frail woman lay still, her chest barely rising. Beside her, a small boy trembled, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clutched her hand.
"He's just a child," the younger murmured, kneeling beside the boy.
The elder bowed slightly. "Child, where is your mother?"
"She's... in heaven," Xiao Hua whispered, voice breaking. "I want to go to heaven too."
The man's eyes softened but remained firm.
"Death... is not a place we can walk to so easily, and sometimes, it can bring pain to those still living."
Xiao Hua's brows furrowed, innocent and curious.
"What kind of pain?"
"The kind that breaks hearts," the elder said gently. "When those we love leave, it's hard to bear. Sometimes, they watch from the other side and feel sorrow if we suffer too much."
The boy's tears fell like winter's last snow.
"What can I do to make her happy? To make her proud?"
The elder placed a hand on Xiao Hua's shoulder.
"Become a great man. Not just strong in body, but strong in heart and mind. Someone whose name brings peace and honor."
Xiao Hua lifted his face, eyes blazing with determination.
"I will! I will become a great man!"
And with that cry, his strength finally gave way; he collapsed into unconsciousness.
The elder martial uncle of Wudang, known as Master Lin, and his junior brother carried Xiao Hua down the mountain. His frail body demanded urgent healing.
Inside the Wudang infirmary, it was clear the boy's body required the legendary Spirit Pill to mend his broken essence.
But it was not impossible.
Master Lin, who had vowed never to take disciples at his age, gazed into the boy's face and felt the stirrings of fate.
"I will take you as my disciple, Xiao Hua," he declared with quiet resolve. "Together, we will cultivate your body and spirit."
Xiao Hua awoke to warmth and unfamiliar voices. Though weak, a spark of hope flickered within him.
"Where am I?"
"This is Wudang," Master Lin explained. "Your new garden, where you will grow stronger and find your path."
The boy nodded, determination burning bright despite the unknown road ahead.