The sun climbed higher, and dawn's soft light gently dispersed the mist shrouding Holy Soul Village.
Ning Chuan stood at the entrance to his family's yard, giving his gear one final inspection.
The newly made Zhe Wood Bow hung over his left shoulder, its string drawn taut with coiled power.
At the back of his waist, the woodcutter's machete his father had given him was securely wrapped in cloth strips. Its cold handle pressed against his lower back, bringing a heavy sense of reassurance.
A quiver rested diagonally against his right side, ten arrows coated in river mud lined up neatly inside.
Taking a deep breath of the moist air fragrant with grass and trees, Ning Chuan's gaze hardened with resolve.
He turned to look at the family seeing him off.
His mother, Liu Lan, leaned against the doorframe, unconsciously rubbing her hands over her apron. Unfading worry filled her eyes. Her lips moved several times before it finally became the reminder she had repeated countless times: "Xiaochuan... be careful. Come back early."
"Don't worry, Mom. It's not that far." Ning Chuan nodded firmly and gave her a reassuring smile.
His father, Ning Dazhuang, stood half a step behind Liu Lan. There was still little expression on his dark face as he folded his arms, his steady gaze resting on Ning Chuan's equipment. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging that he was well prepared.
At last, his eyes met Ning Chuan's. He said nothing, but the instruction in his gaze was heavier than any words—be careful.
His younger sister, Ning Xiaohe, was full of excitement and curiosity. She broke free of their mother's hand and ran to Ning Chuan's side, tilting up her little face. "Big Brother, are you going to hunt fat rabbits? Will we have meat tonight?"
Ning