Rise of the Divine Spirit

Nestled among towering mountains that soared into the clouds, there was a lake within those peaks, named Azure River, and beside the lake lay a village of the same name. There, the people lived honest and industrious lives, toiling in their fields and rejoicing in laughter, spending their days in peaceful contentment, untouched by the world’s strife.

On a crisp, sunny day, as the spring breeze drifted and sunlight gently caressed the earth, in the southeast corner of the village lived a man named Fang Er. He had a young son, Fang Tian, just eleven years old. Father and son depended on fishing for their livelihood. Though their work was arduous, they found great joy in it.

That morning, as they prepared their boat and gathered their things as usual, the boy Fang Tian said, “Father, I bet we’ll catch a lot of fish today! The weather’s perfect!” Fang Er glanced at him, smiling. “Yes, with the lake so calm, we should have a good haul. Don’t be lazy today, boy—days like this are rare.”

“I promise I won’t slack off, Father!” Fang Tian thumped his chest earnestly. Fang Er, amused by his serious look, nodded. “Good, let’s go. It’s time.”

Just as they were about to depart, a voice called from behind, “Tian, wait! I have something for you.” Fang Tian turned to see Lan, his childhood companion. They had grown up side by side, sharing all things, their bond as close as siblings. Puzzled, Fang Tian walked over to her and saw she held a small bundle. “What’s that?” he asked.

“It’s some food I made for you and your father. Eat it when you’re tired.” Lan ha