Chapter 1 Departure from the Mountain

• On Cloud Hill, just outside Serene Sanctuary.
• An elderly man, his hair snow-white but his face exuding a youthful wisdom, reluctantly handed over a sandalwood box to a young man clad in worn camouflage attire, his expression resolute.
• "Old man, what came over you? I'm surprised you got me this gift out of the goodness of your heart, knowing I'm about to leave!"
• The young man snatched the box eagerly and opened it to find thirteen gold needles as fine as hair, revealing a bright smile with gleaming teeth.
• This man was Nelson Keller. He had been under the tutelage of Don Shaw since leaving the military. Today marked his departure from the mountain to embark on his own journey.
• Despite Don often treating him like a servant and assigning him all kinds of chores when Nelson learned the trade under his guidance, their two years together had forged a bond of friendship that was more than just a teacher-student relationship.
• Don had imparted all his wisdom to Nelson, withholding nothing. Beneath Nelson's smile lingered a hint of sadness at the impending farewell.
• "You rascal, show some respect! I am your mentor!
• "After you leave the mountain, remember to uphold my honor. Also, I've arranged a marriage for you in Cloudhaven. The engagement has been set!
• "I've vetted the girl myself. She brings great fortune and complements you perfectly. When you meet her, behave well and honor her!" Don lectured with a blend of affection and sternness.
• "No way, old man! Arranged marriages, in this day and age? You know very well that I've been away for five years, and the reason I'm going back is to marry my girlfriend, whom I haven't seen all this time. Why did you arrange this marriage for me?
• "I'm telling you, my feelings for my girlfriend are genuine. You can't just pair me off with someone else!"
• Nelson was stunned; this was news to him.
• "Nelson, times change. Can you be sure your girlfriend hasn't changed her mind and still loves you in these five years?
• "I did a divination last night. Your girlfriend's birthdate clashes with yours; she's not a suitable match. But the girl I've chosen for you is different. She complements you perfectly and averts your misfortunes. You two are destined to be together!"
• Don spoke with extreme earnest.
• Nelson glanced at Don in surprise, not expecting his mentor to resort to divination, and he even sounded very convincing, like a totally legit shaman. For a moment, he almost believed him.
• "Enough, old man. I can agree to many things, but marriage is my decision!
• "Sadie returned recently from studying abroad. We've arranged to meet at Peninsula Café in Cloudhaven at 3.00 PM today. It's late now, and I must leave now so that I make it in time!
• "After marrying Sadie, I'll bring her to see you right away. She's the best girl I've ever met, and I'm sure you'll like her."
• Nelson's eyes softened at the mention of Sadie.
• Sadie, whose full name was Sadie Schuman, was Nelson's first love during his college years. During that period, the university offered a rare opportunity for studying abroad, which happened to be awarded to Nelson, who distinguished himself in academics and character throughout his college experience.
• Sadie was equally eager to seize this chance for further education overseas. Blinded by love at the time, Nelson ignored the counsel of his family and friends, and selflessly relinquishing this exceptionally valuable opportunity to Sadie, thereby fulfilling her desires.
• On the eve of Sadie's departure for her studies abroad, they solemnly pledged never to separate for the rest of their lives. They vowed to marry immediately upon Sadie's return from her studies overseas.
• Five years had passed since their last meeting. During his college years, he responded to his country's summons and spent three years in the military, devoted to his homeland.
• Upon leaving the military under somber circumstances, he aimed to prepare himself for the future and shield his loved one from life's challenges. Seeking guidance from the knowledgeable Don, he immersed himself in the intricacies of medical practice. At present, he had indeed achieved proficiency in his chosen field.
• Sadie recently wrote him, announcing her return, so they arranged a meeting place and time. His heart yearned to see her, which caused him to dismiss Don's words for now.
• "Nelson, don't rush to refuse. Why not meet the girl I've chosen for you?
• "Believe me. I have great judgement. I'm sure you'll be grateful when you meet her in person—"
• Don intended to say more, but Nelson shivered and quickly raised his hand to halt Don.
• Nelson had little confidence in Don's judgment; to Don, beauty resembled someone like the widow from the village below the mountain, known for her robust frame and sturdy build. Nelson couldn't shake the worry that the proposed match might be similarly unattractive.
• He couldn't agree to such a random engagement, nor could he betray his girlfriend, Sadie.
• He needed to hurry back to Cloudhaven for their meeting.
• Determined to depart, Nelson bowed respectfully three times to Don.
• "Master, thank you for looking after me these past two years. You've been like a father to me. Please take care of yourself while I'm away, so I won't have to worry."
• Nelson stood up, his eyes slightly teary as he glanced at Don.
• Farewells always pained him, and he hated saying goodbye; after two years of living together, Don had become like family.
• "Alright! Your path is yours to walk. Go on then!"
• Don sighed deeply, turned away, and waved his hand dismissively, though he remained composed and detached.
• But as Nelson's footsteps faded into the distance, Don quickly turned back to watch him vanish over the horizon. His reddened eyes, filled with age-old wisdom, betrayed a deep sense of resignation as he muttered, "The Purple Star lies dormant, in the depths of the azure darkness, nearing the end, as the planet Venus moves—this is your divination, Nelson, a sign of great disaster!
• "Your life is destined for turbulence, veiled in mystery. Whether this departure from the mountain will see you rise like a phoenix or plunge into an abyss depends entirely on your destiny.
• "All I can do is ensure the marriage destined by fate. She is your lone lucky star, capable of averting disaster. Everything I've done is for your own good!"
• With that, the mystical Don pulled out his phone. He composed a message, attached Nelson's photo, and sent it.
• Meanwhile, in the grand Morales mansion in Cloudhaven, an elderly, frail man with silver hair received a message from afar.
• Reading it, he suddenly sat up with renewed vigor. Excitedly, he instructed his butler, "Alfred, ensure Audrey arrives at Cloudhaven's Peninsular Café by 3.00 PM today. She must meet her future husband ahead of schedule!"
• The butler, Alfred, bowed respectfully, "Will do, Old Mr. Morales!"
• Soon, it was 3.30 PM.
• Nelson, dressed in his faded camouflage attire and carrying an old canvas backpack, finally arrived at the café where he and Sadie had arranged to meet.
• Despite a thirty-minute delay from a tardy flight, he trusted Sadie's deep affection for him would lead her to overlook this minor mishap. Surely, she awaited eagerly inside!
• The prospect of reuniting with his beloved after five long years filled Nelson with anticipation. He believed Sadie must long for him as intensely as he yearned for her.
• He planned to marry her at once upon this return, ensuring they would never be apart again.
• Entering the café, Nelson found it as bustling as it was five years ago. Young couples chatted and laughed over coffee, their relationships blossoming in the warm, inviting ambiance. Happiness permeated the air.
• Near the window, Nelson even noticed a couple openly embracing and kissing, oblivious to their public surroundings.
• Then, to his astonishment, Nelson realized the woman bore an uncanny resemblance to Sadie!