Chapter 2

Castian, his parents, and Shen sat around a small fire, which crackled softly in the center of the room. The warmth of the flames was comforting, but Shen's presence brought a different weight to the atmosphere, a kind of expectation in the air.

After a simple but hearty meal, Mei served more tea, while Cheng, always observant, looked at the traveler with caution.

"You must be tired, Mr. Shen," Cheng said. "It's not common to see travelers around these parts. Liang village is isolated, and few venture through these mountains. What brought you here?" Cheng asked, his voice deep, but with sincere curiosity.

Shen, who had remained silent while eating, glanced briefly at Castian, then at Mei and Cheng. He let out a long sigh, as if gathering strength to speak about something that weighed on his soul.

"You are fortunate to live here," Shen began, his voice hoarse and low, like the wind whistling through the mountains. "This place, hidden and untouched, is a refuge amidst the chaos spreading across the world out there. I've walked through many places, and I can tell you... few have the peace you have here."

Castian felt his heart tighten. There was something in Shen's words that intrigued him, but at the same time, it frightened him. His desire to explore the world beyond the mountains had never been stronger, but now he found himself torn. On the one hand, he longed for adventure, to discover what awaited him beyond the horizon. But, on the other hand, the old man's words suggested that what lay out there wasn't something he truly wanted to see.

"You speak as if the world is a terrible place," Mei observed as she offered him more tea. "What could be so bad out there? We've always heard stories, but they're just that... stories."

Shen accepted the bowl of tea, warming his aged hands with the steam that rose slowly. His eyes, deep and filled with experience, met Castian's. There was something unsettling in that exchange, as if Shen was trying to convey a truth difficult to understand.

"What's so terrible beyond the mountains?" Castian finally asked, his voice firm but filled with curiosity. "What did you see?"

Shen took a slow sip of tea before answering. When he spoke, his voice was lower, as if he were sharing a forbidden secret.

"You don't want to know, boy," Shen said, shaking his head. "Out there, beyond these mountains... there is war. There is hunger. The world is in tatters. Men fight among themselves for power, lands, and resources. The weak are crushed by the strong, and those who don't have enough to eat are forced to make unthinkable choices just to survive. It's a world where kindness and compassion have become rare. What you have here, this peace, this isolation... it's a blessing."

Shen's words seemed to hang in the air, filling the room with a sense of gravity. Castian shifted uncomfortably, trying to process what he had heard. Since childhood, he had always heard about the world beyond the mountains, but the stories were always vague, told like distant tales. Now, face to face with someone who had seen the reality of that world, he felt a growing discomfort.

"But..." Castian hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "There must be something more. It can't be just pain and suffering. You... you found something good, didn't you? Good people, places of beauty?" His voice carried a note of hope, almost pleading for a positive answer.

Shen looked at him for a long moment, and a sad smile formed on his lips.

"There is goodness, yes," the old man admitted, his voice soft, almost a whisper. "But goodness is scarce and always tested. Those who have it are rare, and they're usually the first to fall. Even the best among us are forced to harden their hearts to survive. The kings, generals, and merchants out there... many have lost their souls to greed and despair."

Mei, who had remained silent until now, placed the tea bowl on the table with a deep sigh.

"I always knew the world beyond the mountains wasn't easy," she said, her voice gentle but worried. "But hearing this from you, Shen... It's hard to imagine what you must have gone through."

Cheng, on the other hand, remained firm, but Castian noticed a shadow of concern in his eyes. He had always been a wise and calm man, but even he could not ignore the reality Shen was describing.

"We are grateful for the peace we have here," Cheng finally said. "Liang village is far from all those problems, and I hope it stays that way."

Shen nodded. "You are lucky," he repeated. "And that's why I'm here." The tone of his voice changed slightly, becoming more serious and full of purpose.

Castian leaned forward a bit, intrigued. "Why are you here?" he asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

"I'm here because sometimes even the most peaceful places cannot escape destiny." Shen looked directly at Castian as he said this. "Something is moving in the world. A darkness that cannot be ignored. And even this isolated village may not be safe for much longer."

The restlessness that had already existed within Castian intensified. A part of him still wanted to know the world beyond the mountains, but another part now feared what was coming.

"What does that mean?" Cheng asked, his voice serious. "This darkness... what does it have to do with us?"

Shen took a deep breath, his gaze becoming more distant. "What happens in the world out there... affects all of us, sooner or later. The wind brings news, the mountains whisper secrets. And unfortunately, evil never stays contained for long. That's why I'm here, to warn you. Something is coming, and everyone must be prepared."

Silence fell heavy over the room. Castian looked at the faces of his parents, trying to read their expressions. He knew that something big was coming, something that would change their lives forever.

Shen finally stood up, his movements slow and tired. "Tomorrow... tomorrow I will explain more," he said. "But for now, let us rest. The future will bring us answers."

As they prepared to sleep, Shen's words echoed in Castian's mind. Whatever lay beyond the mountains, he knew his life in Liang was about to change forever. And he was no longer sure if he was ready for it.