Guarding the Pure Land

After lunch, Tianhua and Qin Lan set off.

On the way, Qin Lan asked, "Tianhua, where are you taking me?"

"Well... I can't explain it clearly. The things that have happened in the past few days are too unbelievable. At first..." Tianhua then proceeded to tell Qin Lan about everything that had happened in the past few days.

Qin Lan listened quietly. After Tianhua finished, Qin Lan looked into the distance, feeling puzzled. If what Tianlong sought from Tianhua was related to the path to the outside world, why did he want Qin Lan to go as well?

"Mom, is there anything wrong?" Tianhua noticed Qin Lan's silence and asked.

"Nothing, I'm just curious why your father wants me to go too," Qin Lan said.

As they approached the destination, they saw two figures standing there. As they got closer, they realized Tianlong and the Eagle King were waiting.

"Dad!" Tianhua rushed towards Tianlong. Tianlong hugged Tianhua, smiling and patting his head.

"Eagle King, you're here too!" Qin Lan said, looking at the Eagle King.

"Qin Lan, long time no see!" the Eagle King smiled.

"Why did you choose to come to this place to explain something that couldn't be said clearly in yesterday's dream? Moreover, you never used to leave the secret room throughout the entire winter. What changed?" Qin Lan asked.

"In the dream, I couldn't move freely like the Eagle King, so I could only let my voice enter your dreams, but even that had time limitations. That's why I brought you both here. Besides, there are things that are inconvenient to discuss in the dream," Tianlong explained, releasing Tianhua.

"What could be so important that it made you leave the secret room?" Qin Lan questioned.

The Eagle King smiled as he looked at Tianhua, and Tianhua and Qin Lan gazed at Tianlong.

"I'm planning to let Tianhua leave the village! To explore the outside world he has always dreamed of." Tianlong declared.

What...

Tianhua and Qin Lan were both shocked. They looked at Tianlong in astonishment, while Tianlong and the Eagle King smiled at Tianhua.

"Tianlong, what is going on? How could you do this?" Qin Lan exclaimed.

"The details will be explained when I return from the secret room," Tianlong replied.

"No matter what happened, I find it hard to understand. How could you do this?" Qin Lan insisted.

"I didn't want to do it either, but there are things beyond our prediction and control. Instead of suppressing ourselves in pain, it's better to let it develop happily!" Tianlong explained.

Qin Lan looked at Tianlong and then at the Eagle King, asking, "Eagle King, do you agree too?"

"Qin Lan, I know you're afraid to let Tianhua go out alone. Initially, Tianhua and I made a deal: we would compete, and if he lost, he would give up on that dream. Tianhua lost to me, and when Tianlong made this decision, I was strongly against it. However, what Tianlong told me later made me understand: the most challenging thing for people is to have a strong heart with a firm belief, and Tianhua happens to possess that!" the Eagle King said.

"But letting Tianhua go out alone, what if he encounters danger?" Qin Lan asked.

"If that's the concern, then you can rest assured. With Tianhua's strength, I believe not many people can harm him!" the Eagle King assured.

Tianhua stood on the side, not saying a word. At this moment, he seemed to be completely deaf to what others were saying. He kept asking in his mind: Is this true...

Qin Lan looked at the silent Tianhua and said, "Since you have all decided, I have nothing more to say. When do you plan to let him leave?"

"I have limited time outside the secret room, so today is too rushed. Tomorrow at noon, we'll be here, and I'll send him off. It's almost time now, the Eagle King and I will leave first," Tianlong said.

After saying that, a bright light appeared on the ground, gradually expanding and forming a door. Seeing the door, the Eagle King walked towards it. Tianlong was about to enter when he turned to look at Tianhua and Qin Lan.

Tianhua rushed towards Tianlong. Tianlong hugged Tianhua, smiling and patting his head.

"Mom, let's go!" Tianhua said.

After that, Tianlong and the Eagle King disappeared through the door.

Tianhua and Qin Lan stood there, watching them leave.

"Let's go, Tianhua, let's go back!" Qin Lan said.

They walked down the mountain together in silence.

No words were exchanged between them until they reached home. Qin Lan sat quietly at the table, and Tianhua stood by, not knowing what to say. He just stood there.

"Your father didn't explain the whole situation in the dream, and he couldn't act freely like the Eagle King. That's why I brought you here. Or rather, that thing was inconvenient to talk about in the dream," Tianlong explained, letting go of Tianhua.

"I'm planning to let Tianhua leave the village! To explore the outside world he has always dreamed of." Tianlong declared.

What...

Tianhua and Qin Lan were both shocked. They looked at Tianlong in astonishment, while Tianlong and the Eagle King smiled at Tianhua.

"Tianlong, what is going on? How could you do this?" Qin Lan exclaimed.

"The details will be explained when I return from the secret room," Tianlong replied.

"No matter what happened, I find it hard to understand. How could you do this?" Qin Lan insisted.

"I didn't want to do it either, but there are things beyond our prediction and control. Instead of suppressing ourselves in pain, it's better to let it develop happily!" Tianlong explained.

Qin Lan looked at Tianlong and then at the Eagle King, asking, "Eagle King, do you agree too?"

"Qin Lan, I know you're afraid to let Tianhua go out alone. Initially, Tianhua and I made a deal: we would compete, and if he lost, he would give up on that dream. Tianhua lost to me, and when Tianlong made this decision, I was strongly against it. However, what Tianlong told me later made me understand: the most challenging thing for people is to have a strong heart with a firm belief, and Tianhua happens to possess that!" the Eagle King said.

"But letting Tianhua go out alone, what if he encounters danger?" Qin Lan asked.

"If that's the concern, then you can rest assured. With Tianhua's strength, I believe not many people can harm him!" the Eagle King assured.

Tianhua stood on the side, not saying a word. At this moment, he seemed to be completely deaf to what others were saying. He kept asking in his mind: Is this true...

Qin Lan looked at the silent Tianhua and said, "Since you have all decided, I have nothing more to say. When do you plan to let him leave?"

"I have limited time outside the secret room, so today is too rushed. Tomorrow at noon, we'll be here, and I'll send him off. It's almost time now, the Eagle King and I will leave first," Tianlong said.

After saying that, a bright light appeared on the ground, gradually expanding and forming a door. Seeing the door, the Eagle King walked towards it. Tianlong was about to enter when he turned to look at Tianhua and Qin Lan.

Tianhua rushed towards Tianlong. Tianlong hugged Tianhua, smiling and patting his head.

"Mom, let's go!" Tianhua said.

After that, Tianlong and the Eagle King disappeared through the door.

Tianhua and Qin Lan stood there, watching them leave.

"Let's go, Tianhua, let's go back!" Qin Lan said.

They walked down the mountain together in silence.

No words were exchanged between them until they reached home. Qin Lan sat quietly at the table, and Tianhua stood by, not knowing what to say. He just stood there.

"Your father didn't explain the whole situation in the dream, and he couldn't act freely like the Eagle King. That's why I brought you here. Or rather, that thing was inconvenient to talk about in the dream," Tianlong explained, letting go of Tianhua.

"Your father didn't explain the whole situation in the dream, and he couldn't act freely like the Eagle King. That's why I brought you here. Or rather, that thing was inconvenient to talk about in the dream," Tianlong explained, letting go of Tianhua.

"What happened then? Why does my father want me to leave the village?" Tianhua asked, confused.

"He believes that you should explore the world outside the village, the world you've always dreamed of. There's something important out there for you," Qin Lan explained.

Tianhua listened in silence, absorbing the information.

"The Eagle King and your father made a deal, and you lost in their competition. As a result, your father has decided that you should leave the village," Qin Lan continued.

"I lost?" Tianhua's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes, in a competition with the Eagle King. But it's not about strength; it's about a firm belief and a strong heart. Your father believes that you have what it takes to face the challenges outside," Qin Lan said.

Tianhua looked down, deep in thought.

"I know this is sudden and might be overwhelming, but your father and the Eagle King have their reasons. They believe in you, Tianhua," Qin Lan said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Tianhua nodded, still processing the information. The weight of the decision and the impending departure weighed on him.

"Tomorrow at noon, your father will send you off. Use this time to prepare for your journey. I'll support you in whatever you choose," Qin Lan said.

Tianhua looked at his mother, gratitude in his eyes. They sat in silence for a while, the reality of the situation sinking in.

The next morning, Tianhua woke up with a mix of emotions. He went about his morning routine, and when he went outside, he saw his mother already preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, Tianhua. Eat well; you have a big day ahead," Qin Lan said, smiling.

Tianhua nodded, and they had breakfast together. The atmosphere was different from before, a sense of farewell lingering in the air.

After breakfast, Tianhua began preparing for his departure. He packed some essentials, including food, a water flask, and a small bag with clothes. The reality of leaving his home and the village started to sink in.

As the noon approached, Tianlong and the Eagle King arrived. The atmosphere was solemn as they gathered at the same spot where they had met the day before.

"Are you ready, Tianhua?" Tianlong asked.

Tianhua nodded, a mix of determination and nervousness in his eyes.

Tianlong looked at Qin Lan and said, "Qin Lan, take care of yourself. I'll explain everything when I return."

Qin Lan nodded, holding back tears. She hugged Tianhua tightly, whispering words of encouragement.

"Be safe, my son," she said, her voice filled with emotions.

Tianlong and the Eagle King created the portal again, the bright light expanding and forming a door.

"Tianhua, step through when you're ready," Tianlong said.

Tianhua took a deep breath, looking back at his home, his mother, and the village he had known all his life. With determination, he stepped through the portal, leaving everything behind.

The door closed, and Tianlong and the Eagle King exchanged a glance.

"He will find his path," the Eagle King said.

Tianlong nodded, a mix of emotions on his face.

As they left the village, Qin Lan stood there, watching the spot where the portal had been. The weight of the separation sank in, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

Tianlong and the Eagle King walked away, leaving the village behind as they embarked on a journey of their own.

Snow falls gently, and the mountains are quiet. The silence is so profound that one can hear their own breath and heartbeat. A slight breeze, barely noticeable, gently blows between the two figures.

They arrive at their destination. Two figures spot Tianlong and the Eagle King standing there, a thin layer of snow covering them.

Tianhua rushes forward, calling out, "Dad!" Tianlong strokes Tianhua's head and looks at Qianlan, saying, "Do you and Tianhua have anything else to say?"

Tianhua looks at Tianlong, who has released him. At this moment, Tianhua turns to Qianlan, and Qianlan smiles, saying, "Tianhua, take good care of yourself out there!"

Tianhua nods. Tianlong looks at Yilan; even though she's smiling, there's a hint of sadness and pain in her eyes. Tianlong sighs inwardly.

"If someone bullies you outside, you have to beat them hard!" The Eagle King says loudly.

Before Tianhua can respond, Qianlan says, "Don't listen to him. Be careful outside, and remember: try not to get into conflicts with others! Endure as much as you can, and only resort to violence if absolutely necessary. Understand?"

"Qianlan, you're wrong about this. You can't just endure everything; some people deserve a good beating! If you don't beat them, they'll think you're an easy target and bother you every day. You have to give them a good beating!" The Eagle King argues.

Then the Eagle King and Qianlan start debating. Tianhua looks at Qianlan and the Eagle King, puzzled. Does everyone outside like to bully others?

"Don't argue anymore. Let Tianhua handle whatever situations arise outside. I believe he can handle it. He's grown up now!" Tianlong says.

Tianhua looks at Tianlong in surprise. He is amazed: Dad says he's grown up! Tianhua smiles happily.

Qianlan and the Eagle King glance at Tianlong and decide to stop arguing. However, Qianlan still advises Tianhua to be careful, and the Eagle King insists that Tianhua should beat others when necessary. Tianhua earnestly nods in response to both pieces of advice, indicating his willingness to accept.

"Tianhua, do you have anything else to say?" Tianlong asks.

Tianhua looks at Qianlan and Tianlong and says, "Mom, Dad, I'm sorry! In the coming spring, I won't be able to help you anymore!"

Then he looks at the Eagle King and says, "Eagle King, thank you! You've strengthened my beliefs!"

Tianlong, Qianlan, and the Eagle King all smile at Tianhua. Then Tianlong says, "Tianhua, remember one thing: in the unknown world, never lose yourself, no matter what."

Tianhua looks at Tianlong and firmly nods.

"I'm giving you this scroll; take good care of it. It can bring you back, and when you encounter danger, open it!" Tianlong takes out a scroll from his body.

Tianhua carefully takes the scroll and puts it away.

"If there's nothing else, I'll start now," Tianlong says.

"Oh, right, Mom, this letter. After I leave, please give it to Yilan!" Tianhua takes out the letter he wrote last night and hands it to Qianlan.

Qianlan nods and takes the letter.

At this moment, Tianlong clenches his hands, closes his eyes, and seems to be saying something. Suddenly, he opens his eyes, stretches his hands forward, and a bright path extends from in front of Tianlong.

"Tianhua, walk on this path, and you can leave the village!" Tianlong says.

Tianhua looks at the three and says, "Dad, Mom, Eagle King, I'm leaving!"

Tianhua steps onto that path and slowly walks forward. At the end of the path is a light wall. As Tianhua approaches, a door opens outward. Before entering, Tianhua turns to look back and sees tears in his mom's eyes. Tianhua's heart twinges with sorrow. He turns back, walks through the door, which slowly closes, and then the light wall disappears, and the path fades away.

Tianlong turns to Qianlan and says, "Don't be too sad. Don't worry; Tianhua will be fine. He's just curious for a moment, and he might come back soon."

Qianlan nods and then says, "You and the Eagle King can go back now."

Tianlong looks at Qianlan, nods, and then goes back to the hut with the Eagle King.

Qianlan stands alone, silently watching for a while, and then quietly goes down the mountain.

Qianlan sits alone in the room, looking around. Although she is alone at home, her heart is full of loneliness.

"Tianhua!" A shout comes from outside.

Qianlan comes to her senses and sees Yilan calling outside. She says, "It's Yilan; come in!"

" Aunt Qian, is Tianhua at home?" Yilan walks closer and asks.

Qianlan looks at this cute and quiet girl in front of her, suddenly feeling a piercing pain: How should she tell her about Tianhua?

"Aunt Qian, what's wrong with you?" Yilan sees Qianlan not speaking, staring at her, and asks in confusion.

"Yilan, sit down. I have something to tell you!" Qianlan gestures for Yilan to sit in front of her.

Then Qianlan recounts Tianhua's departure from start to finish. After finishing, she hands the letter to Yilan.

After listening to Qianlan's words, Yilan's mind went blank. She couldn't believe it: Tianhua, gone! He left the village, went to... a world she had never known existed. It sounded too unbelievable, but everything was true: Tianhua was gone!

She didn't know how she took the letter, forgot what she was thinking at the time, how she bid farewell to Qianlan, or how she walked back home. Her mind was a blank slate.

As Qianlan watched Yilan leave, she sighed and shook her head!

Late at night, Yilan sat alone at the table, still holding the unopened letter. She dared not open it; her heart was filled with fear. She was afraid that opening the letter would confirm Tianhua's departure! In her heart, she hoped it was just a dream!

The letter remained in her hand as Yilan stared at it blankly. After an unknown amount of time, Yilan opened the letter. Tianhua's words appeared clearly before her:

Yilan:

You once said: "I hope the four of us can live carefree lives together, without worries!" I'm sorry for this beautiful wish. I think I need to leave for a while.

By the time you read this letter, I will have left the village. I'm really sorry for not saying goodbye in person. I initially wanted to bid farewell to you face to face, but I hesitated. I didn't know how to face you regarding leaving the village, and I still don't.

Do you remember what I said before: as we grow up, we know more things, and worries will increase. When I learned about the outside world, my heart began to waver. Every day, whenever I had a bit of free time, I couldn't help but think about it, which made me sad and troubled! I kept thinking how good it would be if I could find that road!

When Dad decided to send me away, I felt a bit lost in my heart, thinking about the bits and pieces of my life in the village. I thought about sowing in spring, harvesting in autumn, preparing for winter, playing in the snow in winter... All of these flashed in my mind, and I hesitated. Luo Xin, Qin Hu, you... the beautiful memories the village left me are engraved in my heart. But, in the end, I still left. The idea was too strong, and I had to follow it.

Yilan, please don't be sad or cry for my departure. One day, I will come back and tell you about the wonders of the outside world! I believe it will happen soon!

Tianhua

After reading the letter, tears flowed from Yilan's eyes. She cried: Tianhua really left. She didn't know how to understand all this. She looked at the letter in front of her and silently called out in her heart: Tianhua...

Outside the window, the night breeze blew gently. You couldn't hear its sound, but it indeed existed. The candlelight on the table was swaying slightly. Yilan folded the letter carefully, took out a book from the table, and gently placed the letter inside the book. Then, she stood up, took the book, and placed it on the top shelf of the bookcase!

Yilan gently blew out the candle and then walked towards her bed. She lay down, not closing her eyes, staring into the darkness as if listening to something: perhaps listening to the voice in her own heart!

Yilan thought: Tianhua left the village; he wants to see what the outside world in his heart looks like. In my heart, perhaps there is also a world, a world where only the two of us exist, where we live freely and happily together. We walk through the mountain village, through the four seasons, through... just holding hands, without anyone disturbing us! With a smile, she closed her eyes slowly and fell asleep.