Time flowed like a gentle stream, silently yet relentlessly pushing forward. Hu Yulun's life in exile worsened, sinking him deeper into a living hell, a struggle so suffocating it was almost unbearable. His body, ravaged by unending labor and severe malnutrition, grew increasingly frail. His once straight and tall frame now gradually stooped, as if the crushing weight of life had bent his spine. His steps were heavy, each one a struggle, as though he carried a thousand-pound burden.
He often gasped for breath, large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. His face was sallow, his lips cracked and bleeding. Whenever he tried to quicken his pace, he would groan, his brow furrowing in pain.
However, in stark contrast, his eyes grew more resolute. The unwavering fire burning within them seemed inextinguishable, impervious to any storm. His strong will was like tempered steel, forged through hardship, becoming ever more unbreakable; no difficulty could shake him.
Sometimes, he would silently encourage himself, "Hu Yulun, you can't fall. You must persevere!" He gritted his teeth, clenching his fists, as if to use all his strength to fight against this cruel fate.
Even when others cast sympathetic glances, urging him to give up, he would respond with unwavering eyes: "No, I will never give up! I will get out of this predicament and find my own light!"
On the vast and mysterious continent, the border regions of various kingdoms became Hu Yulun's constant haunt. He was like a tireless bird, driven by unwavering faith, persistently searching in this realm of the unknown. His desire for the truth was like invisible wings, supporting his ceaseless journey.
This place was like a chaotic vortex of information, where all kinds of news were mixed and confusing, the most complex and chaotic place. However, in Hu Yulun's heart, it was also where he was most likely to find even a trace of the Mysterious Organization.
He always wore a sincere and earnest smile, a smile as warm as the first ray of sunshine piercing through thick clouds in spring, capable of dispelling the gloom in people's hearts and bringing endless hope and comfort. His eyes were clear and focused, revealing the firmness and persistence deep within his heart. He conversed with people of all kinds, from all walks of life, in a gentle and humble tone, as if each of them was an important guide on his path to finding the truth.
When encountering smugglers with wary eyes and guarded faces, Hu Yulun's movements would become exceptionally cautious. First, he would slow his pace, making his approach seem less aggressive. Then, he would gently pull out a cigarette from his pocket, offering it with both hands in a respectful gesture. His face would be plastered with a fawning smile, his waist slightly bent, and his voice as soft as a breeze across a lake: "Big brother, have a smoke and rest a bit." His gaze would remain fixed on the smuggler's face, observing every subtle expression, trying to find a hint of softening.
Sometimes, the smuggler would glare at him, but Hu Yulun wouldn't get angry. He would still keep smiling, saying softly, "Big brother, I have no other intentions, I just want to chat with you." He looked respectful, with plenty of patience and sincerity, striving to close the distance between them.
Facing those taciturn, melancholic vagrants, Hu Yulun would unhesitatingly squat down quickly. His movements were gentle and natural, as if afraid of disturbing their fragile hearts. He would gently pat the vagrant's shoulder, his eyes filled with sympathy and patience, and say in a voice as gentle as water: "Brother, tell me about your experiences. I'm willing to listen." He would just stare at them, giving them enough time and space to open up.
The vagrant might be silent at first, but Hu Yulun wouldn't urge them, just quietly staying by their side. After a while, the vagrant would finally start to pour out their troubles, and Hu Yulun would listen attentively, nodding occasionally, and occasionally chiming in. "Yes, I understand, life is indeed difficult." His words were like a warm fire, making the vagrant feel understood and respected, so they would pour out their grievances without reservation.
And when facing those shrewd, worldly small merchants, Hu Yulun would display another demeanor. He would gesture with his hands, his expressions lively, and his eyes shining with intelligence. When bargaining with the small merchants, his pace of speech would be moderate, his tone both firm and with a hint of room for negotiation.
"Boss, your price is too high, make it cheaper," Hu Yulun said with a smile.
The small merchant would purse their lips: "This is already the lowest price, I can't go any lower."
Hu Yulun was unhurried, and continued: "Look, I often buy things from you, supporting your business, give me a little more discount."
In the midst of their exchanges, Hu Yulun casually inquired about information. "By the way, boss, have there been any strange occurrences around here lately?" His words were perfectly measured, neither seeming forced nor failing to subtly achieve his goal.
From their vague, hesitant, or exaggerated accounts, Hu Yulun meticulously gathered every piece of information like a treasure. His eyes sparkled, like stars in the night sky, and his ears perked up, afraid of missing a single key word. His brow furrowed at times, then relaxed, as he considered the value and connections of the information.
Sometimes, to confirm a detail, he would press further, "Could you elaborate?" His focused expression made it seem like the information was all that mattered in the world.
This information was like scattered puzzle pieces. While they couldn't yet fully reveal the Mysterious Organization's complete picture, they had given Hu Yulun a deeper, more thorough understanding of its mysterious operations and sinister objectives.
"Even a small clue can bring me closer to the truth," Hu Yulun often encouraged himself. His unyielding spirit kept him from ever considering giving up on this difficult pursuit.
Every night, as darkness fell, he would lie alone in his simple tent, gazing at the black sky above, his belief growing firmer. He clenched his fist and vowed, "No matter the cost, I will unveil the face of this Mysterious Organization." His gaze was fixed on the distance, as if he could already see the truth waiting for him just ahead.
"I must find the truth, I must!" he murmured, his tone filled with determination and courage, echoing in the quiet night.
Day after day, Hu Yulun pressed forward resolutely on this path filled with thorns and mist, not missing any possible clues, not fearing any setbacks or difficulties. Because he knew that only by persevering could he hope to clear the clouds and see the long-awaited light.
The gears of fate began to turn, purely by chance, bringing Hu Yulun a piece of news that made his heart race and his breath catch in his throat. It was a perfectly ordinary afternoon; sunlight lazily spilled onto the streets as Hu Yulun dragged his weary body through the bustling crowd, aimlessly wandering.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept past, carrying a faint whisper. Hu Yulun's previously muddled thoughts were instantly drawn to this mysterious sound. He couldn't help but stop, pricking up his ears to catch the fleeting words.
Just then, a hurried passerby brushed past him, muttering, "A highly mysterious gathering will soon be held in a secluded valley, seemingly isolated from the world." This short sentence was like a thunderclap in Hu Yulun's ears.
His eyes widened instantly, filled with disbelief and extreme excitement. This mysterious and unknown gathering was rumored to be intricately linked to the Mysterious Organization, which he had been pursuing for so long.
Upon hearing this news, Hu Yulun's gaze became resolute, his eyes burning like torches, hot and bright enough to dispel all darkness and confusion. He clenched his fists without hesitation, his knuckles turning white from the force, and the veins on the back of his hands bulging like wriggling earthworms.
"No matter what, I must go and find out! Even if it's a mountain of knives and a sea of fire, I will not retreat!" he declared resolutely, his tone filled with determination and courage.
Subsequently, he made the firm decision to head to the valley. His steps were firm and powerful, as if each one was landing on a crucial point in his destiny.
He embarked on this journey full of unknowns without hesitation. The road ahead was rough and winding, like a giant python coiled and hidden, concealing countless dangers and challenges. Along the way, he encountered the relentless ravages of the wind. That gale was like a roaring beast, clawing and trying to knock him down.
Hu Yulun's clothes flapped wildly in the wind, like a banner waving in a storm. He had to hunch over, struggling to move forward, each step a monumental effort. The wind howled, stinging his face as if pricked by a thousand needles.
"This wind won't stop me!" he gritted out, his eyes blazing with defiance.
Torrential rain followed, a relentless downpour that made it impossible to keep his eyes open. The raindrops, as big as beans, hammered against his body, bringing waves of pain, like a merciless lashing. His hair plastered to his scalp, and rainwater streamed down his face, blurring his vision.
But he didn't stop. He wiped a hand across his face and pressed on.
"No rain can extinguish the fire in my heart!" he roared inwardly.
The steep slope was like an insurmountable mountain, constantly hindering his progress. Each upward step demanded immense effort, his legs feeling as heavy as lead. But he clenched his jaw, veins bulging on his forehead, as if they wanted to burst through his skin.
Sweat and rain mingled, soaking him to the bone. He gasped for breath, his lungs feeling as though they might explode.
"Almost there, almost there!" he encouraged himself, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.
Hu Yulun trudged forward, one step at a time. His shoes were caked in mud, each lift feeling heavy and sluggish.
He kept encouraging himself: "Hu Yulun, keep going! You can do it! You have a mission to uncover the truth, you can't fall!"
He didn't know how long it took, but he finally crested the steep hillside, and the view opened before him.
He was now in rags, covered in wounds and grime, but his eyes remained resolute, and his steps were still firm.
He gazed at the path ahead, muttering to himself, "No matter how many difficulties and dangers there are, I will find the answer and get justice for myself!"
His figure seemed so small in the wind and rain, yet so resolute, like a monument that would never fall, lonely but stubbornly moving towards his goal.
As he endured countless hardships, step by step, and approached the Secluded Valley, exhausted, a faint, indistinct sound of talking and strange ritualistic noises, like ghostly whispers, drifted into his ears. The sound seemed to come from another world, filled with an indescribable mystery and eeriness, making him shudder instantly.
His heart leaped into his throat, as if it was about to jump out, his heartbeat pounding like a drum, "thump, thump, thump." His eyes widened, his pupils constricted with extreme tension, and his breathing became rapid, his chest heaving violently. Each breath was accompanied by a nervous tremble, as if a bellows was struggling to work. His nerves were stretched taut like a drawn bowstring, ready to snap at any moment due to the excessive tension.
His footsteps became lighter and more cautious, each one like a cat's paw, silent as he tried not to make a single sound. His feet landed softly, as if touching the world's most fragile treasure, each step taken with extreme care, like walking on thin ice. His body leaned forward slightly, his hands instinctively clenching into fists, his palms slick with sweat.
He crept closer, hugging the ground like a lurking cheetah, his movements agile yet cautious. The gravel and weeds on the ground mercilessly scraped against his skin, leaving tiny scratches, but he was oblivious to them, all his attention focused on the mysterious voice.
Finally, he arrived behind a massive, hard rock. He paused for a moment, trying to control his rapid breathing. Then, he slowly peeked out, half his head visible. His eyes were tense and focused as he surveyed the Valley. They were wide, unblinking, as if a single blink would cause him to miss a crucial moment.
He saw people in strange attire gathered together. The patterns on their clothes were bizarre and outlandish, with vibrant colors that exuded an eerie, chilling vibe. The colors intertwined, resembling demonic graffiti, and radiating an aura of evil. The lines on the clothing were curved, like ancient spells, hinting at unknown magic.
They wore mysterious masks. Some of the masks were terrifying, resembling demons from hell, with fangs and claws. Others were sinister, like ghosts of the night, emanating a chilling cold. A single glance was enough to send shivers down one's spine, as if their very soul was frozen by the terrifying aura.
These people were performing a strange Ritual he had never seen before. Their movements were synchronized, as if guided by invisible strings. Their arms rose and fell, their bodies leaned forward and back, in a peculiar and mysterious rhythm. They muttered incantations, their voices low and enigmatic, as if communicating with unseen forces in the darkness. The sounds echoed through the Valley, causing goosebumps to erupt on his skin.
Hu Yulun's heart pounded faster. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and trickled down his cheeks, dripping onto the ground. His lips were dry with nerves, and he couldn't help but lick them.
He thought to himself, What kind of people are these? What does this Ritual mean? Is this the activity of the Mysterious Organization I've been searching for?
His hand instinctively reached for the dagger at his waist, as if it could provide a sense of security.
No, I can't act rashly. I must observe carefully first, he warned himself.
He continued to watch their every move, not missing a single detail. His body began to ache from holding the same position for so long, but he endured the discomfort, not daring to relax for a moment.
The wind in the Valley seemed to grow colder, brushing against his back and making him shiver. But he remained motionless behind the rocks, like a solidified sculpture, only his eyes, flashing with tension and vigilance, proving he was alive and still completely focused on observing everything.
Time seemed to have frozen, only the Mysterious Organization's Ritual continued.
Hu Yulun's heart skipped a beat, the sound echoing in his chest like a muffled thunderclap, making him shudder. His expression instantly became grave, his heart clenched as if gripped by an invisible hand, and his breathing quickened. He knew very well that he was indeed one step closer to the truth, but at the same time, he also understood that he had fallen into an even more dangerous and uncertain situation.
He couldn't help but secretly imagine that if he were discovered by those people, he would likely face a huge threat to his life, perhaps being crushed by them as ruthlessly as an ant. He might even die on the spot, becoming a lonely soul in this desolate Valley, disappearing from the world, unknown and uncared for.
However, fear did not take root in his eyes. There was no hint of retreat in his gaze, but rather an unwavering determination and a willingness to die. He gritted his teeth, the force so great it seemed he would crush them, the muscles on his jaw tensed with effort. He secretly vowed, "I've come this far, I absolutely cannot give up halfway! For my Father, who died with a grievance, for this continent that has endured so much hardship and suffered so many disasters, I must bravely continue to explore, even if it costs me my life, I will not hesitate!" The oath was as hard as steel, deeply rooted in his heart, like a sturdy pine tree standing tall in the storm.
Hu Yulun had been lurking near the Valley for several days, like a ghost hidden in the shadows. His eyes, as sharp as a falcon's, never left them, watching their every move closely. His brows were furrowed, like two deep ravines, as if endless worry and thought were hidden within those wrinkles. His eyes showed extreme concentration and vigilance, not missing even the most minute actions and expressions. Even a casual eyebrow raise or a slightly trembling finger of these people did not escape his notice.
He was like a cheetah ready to pounce, all his muscles maintaining a state of tension, ready to explode at any moment. When he lay in the grass, thorns scratched his arms, drawing lines of blood, but he seemed to feel nothing, still staring ahead without moving.
He realized that these people seemed to be engaged in a crucial, secretive, and mysterious power transfer, or perhaps they were meticulously planning a world-shattering scheme. Although he couldn't fully comprehend the profound meaning behind their actions, he kept telling himself, "Every single detail is a crucial clue to exposing the Mysterious Organization's conspiracy. It's invaluable, and I can't miss a thing." Each self-admonition strengthened his resolve, as if a never-extinguishing lamp had been lit in the darkness.
\n\n
Therefore, he began cautiously searching for evidence around the Valley. Each step he took was as light as a cat's, his feet landing without a sound, as if he were treading on a layer of ice as thin as a cicada's wing, not solid ground. Every movement was extremely cautious, as if even his breathing could alert the enemy. His heartbeat was clearly audible in his ears, "thump, thump," like the beating of a war drum. Nervous sweat constantly seeped from his forehead, running down his cheeks, itchy, but he didn't dare to raise his hand to wipe it away.
\n\n
"I must find it, I must..." He prayed silently in his heart, his lips trembling slightly. The silent prayer seemed to penetrate the Valley's mist, reaching the heavens.
\n\n
He was filled with the desire to find some documents or objects that could prove the organization's numerous evils, so he could expose their crimes to the world and bring justice. His gaze searched every corner of the Valley, not missing a single stone or blade of grass. He gently brushed aside the grass with his hand, his eyes carefully examining, afraid of missing any clues.
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Sometimes, he would mutter to himself, "Father, please bless me from above, let me find the evidence, and avenge you."
\n\n
When he encountered some suspicious places, he would stop, squat down, and study them carefully, his brows furrowing even tighter.
\n\n
"I believe that justice will eventually triumph over evil, and the truth will surely be revealed by me!" He secretly encouraged himself, the belief supporting him to continue moving forward in this dangerous situation. Even if the road ahead was full of thorns, even if the future was full of unknown dangers, he would not retreat.
\n\n
Once, he accidentally stepped on a dry branch, and with a "crack," it sounded particularly loud in the silent Valley. His heart leaped into his throat, and he froze in place, not daring to breathe.
"Don't get caught, don't get caught…" Hu Yulun prayed frantically in his mind.
After a long while, hearing no sound, he slowly breathed a sigh of relief and continued his arduous search.
He knew his actions had to be extremely cautious, because even the slightest sound, as soft as a falling leaf, or leaving behind even the tiniest trace, as thin as a spider's thread, could be detected by those highly vigilant, sharp-eared individuals, who were as sensitive as wolves and could sense the slightest disturbance.
He kept his nerves taut, every movement as precise and careful as if meticulously calculated. He tried to make his breathing light and slow, and his steps fell like feathers, fearing to cause even the slightest sound.
He kept warning himself: "There must be no negligence, or everything will be in vain."
His eyes were filled with tension and caution, always observing everything around him, as if the entire world was his enemy, and any mistake could bring fatal consequences.
On a dark, moonless night, where you couldn't see your fingers, the world seemed to be swallowed by endless darkness, the dense night pressing down, making it hard to breathe. Not a single star could penetrate the thick black curtain, not a single sound could break the deathly silence.
When those people had fallen into a deep sleep, as if they were dead pigs, the entire Camp was enveloped in deathly silence. There wasn't the slightest sound, as if time itself had frozen.
Hu Yulun crouched in the shadows outside the camp, his face taut, an expression as cold and unyielding as ice frozen for a thousand years, devoid of any emotion. Yet, his eyes held a steely resolve, akin to a seasoned night stalker. His gaze was fixed on the entrance to the camp, like a leopard about to pounce on its prey.
He took a deep breath, the air lingering in his chest as he fought to calm his rapidly pounding heart. The sound of his heartbeat was incredibly clear in the silence, a "thump-thump-thump" that felt like it might burst from his chest.
"Stay calm, don't make any mistakes." He kept warning himself, biting down hard on his lower lip until he nearly drew blood.
His breathing became incredibly shallow, as faint as a gentle breeze, fearing that even this subtle movement could shatter the camp's tranquility.
Then, holding his breath, he silently infiltrated their camp like a ghost. Each step was as light as a falling feather, without making a sound. His body was pressed against the ground, like a serpent slithering through the darkness.
At this moment, his heart was racing in his chest, like a wild beast trapped in a cage, frantically thrashing. The "thump-thump-thump" echoed in his ears like the beat of war drums. Sweat poured from his forehead, large beads of perspiration rolling down, but he dared not raise a hand to wipe them away, instead letting the sweat blur his vision.
"Calm, calm!" He repeated in his mind, his voice trembling and low.
His eyes were alert as he surveyed his surroundings, not missing any subtle movement. Even the tremor of a leaf or the crawling of a small insect could trigger his heightened vigilance.
In a tent so dim it was almost pitch black, Hu Yulun stared with wide eyes, his gaze searching urgently, as if he could pierce the endless darkness. His hands groped in the dark, movements both gentle and swift.
With the faint, flickering light of the moon, barely brighter than a firefly, he finally managed to find some letters that emanated a strange aura.
His hand trembled as he reached for the letters, as if they weren't ordinary paper but something that could determine life or death. The moment his fingertips brushed the letters, his body couldn't help but shudder slightly.
The words on these letters were obscure and difficult, like some mysterious, unfathomable celestial script. He couldn't understand them at all. His brow was furrowed, like two ropes knotted together. He bit his lip so hard he nearly drew blood, and he thought to himself, What on earth does this say?
"No, I have to figure this out, no matter what," he muttered to himself, a hint of urgency in his voice.
But his incredibly sharp intuition was screaming at him like an alarm: These letters are definitely connected to their hidden plot, in a tangled and complex way.
Hu Yulun's breathing grew more rapid. He knew these letters might hold the key to the truth, and he had to find a way to decipher their contents.
"I won't give up, no matter how hard it is," he vowed silently, his eyes flashing with determination.
He handled them with extreme care, as if he were cradling the most precious, unique, and irreplaceable treasure in the world. His eyes were wide, fixed on the letters without blinking, filled with tension and caution. His hands trembled slightly, gently as a spring breeze caressing delicate flower petals. He carefully tucked the letters close to his chest, protecting them with infinite care. Every movement was slow and deliberate, as if time had slowed down for him, each action magnified. He controlled his breathing, making it even and shallow, fearing that his warm breath might make the slightest sound.
His forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, which shimmered faintly in the darkness, like crystals of anxiety and stress. His lips quivered slightly, as if he were silently praying.
"I have to succeed. I have to get out safely," he kept repeating to himself, his voice barely audible.
His eyes remained filled with vigilance, his peripheral vision constantly scanning the surroundings to ensure there were no anomalies. Even the slightest rustle of leaves could make his nerves tense instantly.
Then, just as he had arrived, he turned and left the valley, moving with light steps and without a sound. His figure was like a phantom, his footsteps as light as falling snowflakes, making no noise at all. Each step was like a dragonfly touching the water, leaving not a trace of dust.
His figure was indistinct in the darkness, blending with the night. His form was like a shadow in the dark, ethereal and mysterious. His heartbeat sounded particularly clear in the silence, "Thump, thump," each beat like a heavy hammer striking his heart. But he tried hard to control it, not letting his heartbeat affect his actions.
His brows were furrowed, like two deep ravines, holding endless worry and tension.
"Mustn't make a mistake, mustn't," he gritted his teeth, repeatedly warning himself in his heart.
His body leaned forward slightly, as if ready to respond to any potential danger.
Gradually, he disappeared into the vast night, as if he had never been there, leaving not a single trace. The wind blew gently, seeming not to have sensed his presence.
"Don't get discovered, don't..." he kept praying in his heart, until he was completely away from that dangerous place.
During the long journey back, the letters kept flashing through his mind, filling him with both anticipation and unease.
What secrets do these letters hold? Will they expose the Mysterious Organization's plot? He quickened his pace, lost in thought.
The branches of the trees brushed against his face, but he didn't notice. His only thought was to find a safe place to study the letters.
Suddenly, the call of a night bird pierced the silence. His body stiffened, and he froze, not daring to move.
Just a bird, just a bird. He calmed himself, and only when he was sure there was no other movement around did he continue on.
He didn't know how long he walked, but he finally reached a relatively safe place. Leaning against a large tree, he gasped for air, his face etched with exhaustion.
"Safe, for now." He muttered, pulling out the letters from his pocket, his eyes once again focused and resolute.
Hu Yulun's gaze was unwavering, like a fire that would never be extinguished, burning with passion and determination, as if it could pierce through all the fog and obstacles. In his mind, it was as clear as a mirror that these hard-won letters were likely the key to unraveling the unfathomable plot of the Mysterious Organization. His eyes shone with resolve, like the brightest stars in the night sky, brilliant and unwavering, and he started to search non-stop for someone who could decipher the letters.
He was like an anxious hound, darting through the crowd, not missing any possible lead. Whenever he encountered someone, he would rush forward like an arrow released from a bow, his speed creating a slight breeze. His eyes were filled with anticipation, the light of which was so intense it was impossible to ignore, as if it could burn into the other person's heart. His voice was slightly urgent, even trembling a little, the tremor brimming with his inner anxiety and longing, "Excuse me, do you know where I might find someone who can decipher these letters?" He leaned forward slightly, his hands unconsciously clenched into fists, as if waiting for an answer concerning life and death.
\n\n
However, after often receiving negative responses, he would disappointedly lower his head, his shoulders slumping instantly as if crushed by an invisible mountain. His eyes dimmed, and his lips trembled slightly, revealing his inner disappointment and frustration. But soon, he would pull himself together again, taking a deep breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly as if infusing himself with new strength. He looked up at the distance, silently encouraging himself: "Don't be discouraged, I will definitely find them. I can't give up like this; I bear a heavy mission."
\n\n
And so, he tirelessly questioned one passerby after another. His forehead was covered in sweat, but he didn't bother to wipe it away. His clothes became disheveled from the running around, but he didn't care.
\n\n
Sometimes, he would silently mutter to himself: "Father, I will definitely get justice for you. The Mysterious Organization's scheme will definitely be exposed by me."
\n\n
During the arduous search, Hu Yulun felt as if he were in a dark ocean of indifference and rejection. Each question, filled with anticipation, was like a boat of hope launched, only to be overturned time and again by the merciless waves.
\n\n
He encountered countless rejections, which were like a cold rain of arrows, relentlessly shooting at him again and again. Some people, upon hearing his question, would frown, their lips curling into an expression of disdain. Their eyes were filled with annoyance, as if Hu Yulun's inquiry was an unnecessary disturbance. "Hmph, don't bother me!" they would scold without mercy, then turn and leave, leaving Hu Yulun standing there, his heart full of hope instantly turning to nothing.
\n\n
There were also those who would size him up with strange looks, their gazes mixed with suspicion, ridicule, and incomprehension. Their eyes were like sharp little knives, cruelly piercing Hu Yulun's heart. "This person must be crazy, asking these strange questions," they would whisper, their voices soft, but hitting Hu Yulun's heart like a hammer.
\n\n
However, facing these repeated blows, Hu Yulun never gave up. His eyes became even more determined, as unyielding as steel. An unyielding flame burned in his deep eyes, and each disappointment after being rejected became fuel to nourish that flame, making it burn even more fiercely.
He often silently encouraged himself, "Don't give up. Even if there's only a sliver of hope, you have to persevere." Each instance of self-encouragement revitalized him, pushing him forward.
He gritted his teeth, his lips pressed into a stubborn line. Sweat streamed down his forehead, but he ignored it. The droplets hitting the ground seemed to bear witness to his unwavering resolve.
Hu Yulun's inner conviction grew stronger, like a towering mountain, standing tall against the wind and rain. Although his steps were weary, each one was filled with strength and determination.
Finally, by chance, the gears of fate began to turn. It was an afternoon without much sunlight, the streets bustling with people. Hu Yulun, as usual, dragged his heavy steps, his eyes eagerly searching for any possible clues.
At that moment, a weary traveler hurried past him. Hu Yulun, already not expecting much, instinctively stopped him, his voice slightly hoarse as he asked, "Excuse me, do you know of anyone who can decipher these letters?" His eyes held a last glimmer of hope, while he prepared himself to be turned down again.
The traveler paused, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. Hu Yulun's heart leaped into his throat, anxiously watching the traveler's lips, afraid to miss a single word.
"In an old and quiet Monastery, there is a learned and knowledgeable Monk who might be able to decipher these mysterious letters," the traveler finally said slowly.
The moment he heard this news, a spark of hope ignited in Hu Yulun's eyes, like a dazzling firework instantly illuminating his slightly weary face. His previously dull face seemed to be bathed in a warm sunlight, bursting with new vitality.
His heart suddenly pounded, a rapid drumbeat that made it hard to contain his excitement, his chest rising and falling rapidly. "Really? Thank you so much!" He grabbed the traveler's arm as if he'd found a lifeline, his voice rising with excitement, a slight tremor in it. His fingers, gripping tightly, had gone white at the knuckles, and the veins on his forehead stood out.
"Yes, truly. I wish you luck," the traveler said with a smile, clearly moved by his enthusiasm.
Hu Yulun released the traveler's arm and bowed repeatedly, thanking him profusely. "Thank you, thank you, you are truly my savior."
After the traveler departed, Hu Yulun stood still, taking a deep breath and gazing into the distance, as if he could already see the Monastery's outline and the hope it represented. Then, he set off towards his new goal with firm steps.
He resolutely embarked on the arduous journey to the Monastery once more, his strides steady and powerful, as if nothing could stop him. Each step was filled with determination and courage, the dust rising behind him.
"No matter how many difficulties I face, I will find the answers. Mysterious Organization, your secrets will soon be revealed!" he murmured to himself, his voice soft but filled with power. That power seemed capable of piercing the sky and shaking the heavens.
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