Shadow Cultivator

Dawn in the village was always a special moment. A light mist lay over the ground, barely illuminated by the first rays of the sun, creating the sense that nature itself was holding its breath in anticipation. Li Yuan woke early, before most of the villagers began their daily routines. Lying on the narrow bed, he tried to calm his thoughts, but they swirled like restless birds. The system's words—"Only choices determine fate"—echoed in his mind, refusing to let him rest.

"Why am I here? Why me?" he thought, recalling moments from his previous life. The image of his old boss, lips curled in disdain as he dismissed one of Li Yuan's ideas, came to mind. Back then, he had failed to prove his worth. Now, he had a chance, and he wasn't going to waste it.

"If I fail again…" The thought nearly stole his breath, but he shook his head sharply, as if banishing it. "No. This time will be different. I have to prove to myself that I'm capable of more."

The system's words reverberated in his mind like a mantra:

"Only choices determine fate."

These words carried both a sense of dread and resolve, as though today might mark the beginning of something greater for him.

He glanced out the window of the shelter. Outside, villagers were already stirring, carrying out their morning tasks: some hauled baskets of herbs, while others made their way to the barns or wells. The atmosphere was tense, but everyone seemed intent on their work, as though trying to distract themselves from the threat that the wounded hunter had brought to their attention the previous day.

"I need to prove I'm not here by accident," Li Yuan thought. Memories of past failures and moments when others had underestimated him surfaced again. This was his chance to change everything.

He quickly gathered his belongings, double-checking to ensure he hadn't forgotten anything. He was to meet Hou-Zi and the group heading out for the reconnaissance. He knew every step he took today would be scrutinized by the villagers.

Several hunters had already gathered in the square. The elder stood at the center, his voice calm and steady despite the tension in the air. Li Yuan approached slowly, trying to appear composed. His gaze briefly met that of Chang, the hunter who had doubted him the day before. Chang smirked but said nothing.

Hou-Zi raised his hand, calling for attention.

"Today, we venture out on reconnaissance," he began. "Our goal is to locate this creature's lair and determine how best to deal with it. We cannot allow this threat to linger over us."

His gaze shifted to Li Yuan.

"Stranger," he addressed him, "you've proven that you're willing to face the challenge. Today, you'll have the chance to show that you truly deserve to be part of our community."

Li Yuan nodded, keeping his composure. His heart pounded, but he couldn't let the crowd see his fear.

The elder began introducing the members of the team. Among them were:

Chang, the grim hunter who clearly wasn't thrilled about Li Yuan's participation.Lin, a young but skilled tracker with a friendly smile.Qian, a quiet man who seemed entirely focused on the mission.

"You will work together," Hou-Zi continued. "Each of you knows how important this is. Remember: caution and teamwork are key to success."

As preparations were underway, Li Yuan felt a light touch on his shoulder. Turning, he saw the herbalist. She handed him a small pouch.

"These herbs will restore your energy. They'll help if things become critical," she said, looking directly into his eyes. "Remember, strength isn't just physical—it's also spiritual."

Li Yuan thanked her, feeling a strange warmth from her words. She leaned in closer and added in a near-whisper:

"There's a truth hidden in the valley, one that many would rather not know. Don't lose yourself while searching for answers."

Her words gave him pause. What did she mean? Another hint that things were far more complex than they seemed.

The hunters finished their preparations. Li Yuan watched as they inspected their weapons and gear. Each hunter carried knives and crossbows at their waists, while their packs held small glass vials filled with red liquid. Lin approached him with a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry," he said. "Just stay alert. The valley can be treacherous. And keep an eye on Chang. He's not a bad guy, but he can be… impulsive."

Chang, overhearing this, crossed his arms with an exaggerated motion and pressed his lips into a thin line, shooting them a displeased look. His eyes burned with disdain, and his voice, dripping with venom, added, "Just don't think we're happy to have you here. One mistake is all it'll take for you to become a burden to us."

"Just stay out of the way and don't screw things up," he sneered.

The tension between them grew, but Li Yuan chose not to respond. He knew this wasn't the time for arguments.

Once the preparations were complete, the system activated again. This time, its message was brief:

"Every step is a trial. Every choice brings you closer to or farther from the truth."

Li Yuan felt a mix of fear and determination as these words resonated within him. He knew the system was somehow tied to this world, but he still didn't understand how or why.

The team assembled at the village gates. Hou-Zi gave them one final reminder about the importance of caution and wished them luck. Li Yuan felt the weight of the villagers' gazes as they watched the group prepare to leave. Among the crowd, he spotted the herbalist. Her eyes were filled with concern, but she nodded slightly, as if to encourage him.

Children stood at the edge of the gathering, watching with a mix of worry and admiration. The elders murmured blessings, clutching small charms made of herbs and wood. The atmosphere was thick with tension, like the calm before a storm.

As the gates closed behind them, Li Yuan felt the air change. He glanced back at the village. The crowd stood silently, their faces etched with hope and fear. The elders, with their weathered, solemn expressions, whispered prayers as they clutched handmade charms. Children clung to their mothers, their wide eyes reflecting both curiosity and anxiety. One boy's face bore an expression of near-adult seriousness, as though he understood the gravity of the situation.

This moment felt like more than just the start of a journey—it was a step that bound their fates to the village's hopes. Li Yuan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility, and turned away, heading toward the valley.

The valley awaited.