Perhaps I had nothing to gain anymore.
I barely remember those days on the streets, begging to survive. One day, a stranger stopped, took me in, and brought me to his Martial Sect. That was how I became part of the Shen Sect. He gave me a name: Yuan.
I trained hard, trying to prove I deserved his kindness. Day and night, I swung my sword and cultivated, hoping effort would make up for what I lacked.
But it didn't. I had no special talent. I wasn't the worst among the disciples, but I wasn't good either. Just one more face in the crowd, fading with time.
I became a Refiner at a fairly young age. While the rare prodigies did it a few years earlier.
The Sect Leader barely noticed me anymore. I didn't blame him. He had taken in many orphans, and I wasn't one who stood out. Still, it hurt. I wanted him to see me. I wanted to be recognized, admired, remembered.
But that dream was never mine to claim.
When I turned sixteen, the Sect Leader brought in another orphan. He often brought in new orphans, so at first, I didn't think much of it.
He asked me to guide her. I wasn't the best teacher, but the better students were too valuable to spare.
We spent a lot of time together. Slowly, we grew close. After a few years, we confessed our feelings to each other.
She asked me to leave with her, to start a new life far from the Sect.
So I did.
By then, I had let go of my old dreams. I no longer wanted power or fame. I just wanted peace, with her by my side.
We left the Sect and found a quiet village. We worked hard and built a small home. It was enough. I never wanted riches or glory. Just her.
It's been many years now. I work as a laborer. Life is simple, but it's ours.
Today felt like any other. I was walking home after a long day, thinking about dinner.
When I reached the house, I knocked. No answer.
I waited, then pushed the door open. It wasn't locked.
The room was dark. She always lit the lantern by this time. I wondered what had happened.
"Are you sleeping already, dear?"
I walked inside.
My foot hit something.
Frowning, I reached for the lantern near the door.
I hardened my fingers with some Qi and rubbed them to create a spark.
The flame flickered to life.
And I froze.
She lay on the floor, still and silent, blood soaking into the wood around her.
I didn't know what to do.
Cry? Scream? Collapse?
I could only stand there.
And watch.
Perhaps I have nothing left to lose anymore.