The sun was beginning to set as Xie Shuai stepped onto the familiar dusty road leading to his childhood home. His mind was heavy with thoughts, each step echoing memories of a simpler past. The village was quiet, the air thick with the scent of ripe rice and evening dew. He moved slowly, each footstep carrying the weight of responsibility and regret.
As he approached the modest house, he saw his mother, Zhang Meili, sitting on a woven mat, quietly eating a bowl of rice porridge. Her face was weathered but gentle, her eyes calm yet filled with a quiet strength that had sustained the family through hardships.
Xie Shuai hesitated for a moment, then quietly walked closer. His heart clenched with conflicting emotions — guilt, anger, sadness. He recalled how he had given money to his younger brother, Xie Meiyong, often for frivolous pursuits, never once seeing that money spent on her. Today, he felt his frustrations boiling over.
He looked at her, voice trembling with both anger and love. "Mother, I sent money for your food. Why are you eating this ? You should be eating something better."
His mother looked up at him, smiling softly. "The money from your brother went to buy high-grade pills for his cultivation," she said gently. "That's why there's nothing left for food."
Xie Shuai's fists clenched. He had no money to buy a proper meal for her; he had been struggling to make ends meet. His anger sparked anew. "All my money…" he said through clenched teeth. "All I wanted was for you to eat well, but everything is for him…"
His mother's eyes softened into understanding. She shook her head slowly. "Your brother is trying to find his way. He's still young."
Suddenly, his gaze shifted towards the local Taoist temple nearby, and he decided to visit his old mentor. Maybe there, he could find some answers or solace.
The temple grounds were quiet, with incense burning faintly in the air. Inside, sitting on a worn mat beside the poorer apprentice, was Xie Meiyong—his younger brother—rude, dismissive. The young apprentice, Wang Baidan, was known for his reckless ways. Five years ago, Xie Shuai had taken him as a disciple, hoping to guide him on the right path. But the boy's nature had not changed—playful yet corruptible.
Xie Meiyong's gaze was full of disdain as he saw his brother approaching. He was sitting lazily next to Wang Baidan, who was busy gambling with a crooked grin.
Xie Shuai stepped forward, his voice commanding. "Where's the money for Mother? Why haven't you given it to her?"
His brother looked up, sneering. "Why do you care? That money's spent. Besides, I've got more important things to do."
Xie Shuai's eyes hardened. He reached out and grabbed his brother's arm, pulling him to his feet. "You call yourself my brother, yet you never do right by her. Are you so selfish?"
At first, Xie Meiyong scoffed and looked away. But when he saw Xie Shuai's serious face, and the respect he commanded even in this humble place, his attitude started to change. He began to tremble, lowering himself to his knees, and finally, tears welled up in his eyes.
"Sorry, brother," he whispered, then suddenly started to cry loudly, the tears of years of frustration, guilt, and helplessness.
Xie Shuai was furious. Without thinking, he slapped him hard across the face. The pain and shock made Xie Meiyong cry even more, sobbing and pleading.
"Stop crying," Xie Shuai said sternly. "A real man doesn't cry over petty things. Stand up and face your responsibilities."
Seeing his brother in tears, Xie Shuai felt a surge of resolve. He drew his knife, not to hurt, but as a warning. "This choice — is it to support Mother with what little we have, or to waste your time on illusions of power through martial arts?"
A young fellow disciple, angry and reckless, suddenly rushed forward, ready to duel. "If you want a fight, we'll settle it here! Show me what you've got!"
Xie Shuai nodded calmly. "Let's decide what's more important—money for Mother's food or your pride in martial arts."
The young apprentice charged, weapons drawn. But Xie Shuai, with years of training, easily subdued him with swift, precise moves. The younger brother watched in shock as Xie Shuai defeated his challenger, then kicked him aside.
Turning to his brother, Xie Shuai's voice was firm. "It's either supporting Mother, or fighting for honor. Decide now."
Silence fell over the temple chamber. His brother, battered by emotions and defeat, looked up at him with a mixture of respect and despair.
Xie Shuai helped his mother up and, with a determined look, promised her they would leave this humble village for better days ahead. A new life — one filled with dignity, love, and hope.
As night settled in, they prepared to leave the old home behind. Xie Shuai knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to fight for his family's future.