The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. Liu Yan looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. They were in a small village, surrounded by rolling hills and fields of golden wheat. It was a peaceful scene, but Liu Yan's mind was racing with thoughts of the future.
"What are we going to do, Mama?" Liu Cheng asked, looking up at her with big brown eyes.
Liu Yan smiled, trying to reassure him. "We'll be okay, kids. We'll find a way to make a living and build a new life for ourselves. We don't need the sect's approval to be happy."
Liu Erlong nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "We'll work hard, Mama. We'll make sure we're okay."
Liu Yan's heart swelled with pride. Her children were young, but they were resilient and strong. She knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle.
As they walked, Liu Yan noticed a small inn in the distance. She quickened her pace, her stomach growling with hunger. They had been walking for hours, and she knew that the children must be starving.
Inside the inn, they were greeted by the warm smile of the innkeeper. "Welcome, travelers," she said, her eyes twinkling with kindness. "What can I get for you?"
Liu Yan hesitated, unsure of what to say. She had no money, no resources. But the innkeeper's kind eyes put her at ease.
"We're looking for a place to stay," Liu Yan said, trying to sound confident. "We're willing to work for our keep."
The innkeeper nodded, her face thoughtful. "I might have some work for you," she said. "My husband is a farmer, and we could use some extra hands. In exchange for your labor, we can provide you with food and shelter."
Liu Yan's heart leapt with hope. It was a chance, a chance to start anew and build a better life for her children.
"Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We'll work hard, I promise."
The innkeeper smiled, her eyes warm with kindness. "I know you will," she said. "You and your children are welcome here. We'll help you get back on your feet."
As they sat down to a simple but nourishing meal, Liu Yan felt a sense of hope rising within her. They would be okay, she knew. They would face challenges and obstacles, but they would overcome them together.
And as they ate, Liu Yan looked at her children, her heart filled with love and determination. She would do everything in her power to give them a better life, no matter what the cost.
The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months. Liu Yan worked tirelessly to provide for her children, to give them the life they deserved. She taught them everything she knew, from cooking and cleaning to reading and writing. She also made sure that they were physically fit, taking them on long walks and playing games with them.
As the months passed, Liu Yan saw her children grow and thrive. Liu Cheng became more confident and outgoing, while Liu Erlong became more gentle and compassionate. They were both intelligent and curious, and Liu Yan knew that they would make a difference in the world.
But despite their progress, Liu Yan knew that she couldn't give them everything they deserved. She was still struggling to make ends meet, to provide for their basic needs. She knew that she needed to find a way to give them a better life, to give them the opportunities they deserved.
And so, she made a decision. She would take her children to the city. She would find a way to make a new life for them, to give them the opportunities they deserved.
As they set out on their journey, Liu Yan felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but she was determined to succeed. She would do everything in her power to give her children a better life, no matter what the cost.
The city was a bustling metropolis, filled with people from all walks of life. Liu Yan and her children were awestruck by the sights and sounds, the towering buildings and the crowded streets.