The Light of Passing Down
Time flies, and a long time has passed since that crisis that shook the very foundations of time. Under Jiang Yu's protection, the Endless Corridor has ushered in unprecedented prosperity and peace. The new generation has grown up strong and healthy. They may have heard the legends about the Administrator, the Shield Warrior Rock, and the Star Weaver Shirin, but those thrilling stories have gradually settled into yellowed chapters in history books, or slightly exaggerated bedtime stories told by their elders.
On this day, at dusk, the Tree of Hope was bathed in a warm golden light.
Jiang Yu strolled alone along the long corridor, his steps slow and quiet. He walked along the fairytale path, where the giggling mushrooms that Annie once loved had long since multiplied into a mushroom garden radiating a soft glow, where several unfamiliar light sprite cubs were frolicking and playing. He paused for a moment, his fingertips gently brushing against the cap of a mushroom, as if he could feel that pure joy that transcended time and space.
He arrived at the Starry Terrace, once Xilin's favorite spot. Now, the terrace had been expanded and reinforced, becoming a classroom for a new generation of astrologers to observe celestial phenomena and practice weaving starlight. Several young apprentices were discussing a complex star chart in hushed tones, their expressions focused and full of youthful energy. Jiang Yu didn't disturb them, but simply watched from afar, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. Xilin's skills and love for the stars had indeed been passed down.
He passed by Uncle Bloodaxe's former barbecue plaza, which remains one of the most vibrant places in the corridor. A bear-man chef, who inherited Bloodaxe's forthright personality and superb culinary skills, was busily preparing a banquet with his apprentices, the rich aroma whetting the appetite. Jiang Yu seemed to see that figure again, wearing a greasy apron and laughing loudly. He smiled slightly and continued on his way.
Finally, he stopped at the entrance plaza of the corridor, before the majestic stone statue. The statue, weathered by time, appeared even more profound and ancient. Jiang Yu reached out, gently placing his palm on the cool base, closing his eyes, as if he could feel that unwavering, age-old will to protect. Many young guards who had just completed their training would spontaneously come before the statue to swear an oath to protect their homeland; the spirit of the stone had long been ingrained in the blood of generations of guardians.
He walked through every corner of the corridor, like a traveler about to embark on a long journey, carefully examining every scene of his home, deeply imprinting those familiar images, which carried countless memories, into his heart.
As night quietly fell, the Tree of Hope and the stars left behind by Shirin shone brightly, adorning the corridor with a dreamlike beauty. Residents returned home one after another, warm lights shining from their windows, and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of food.
Jiang Yu returned to the highest point of the Starry Terrace, overlooking this land to which he had poured countless efforts and witnessed countless joys and sorrows. A thousand years had passed in the blink of an eye. Everything he had fought for, worried about, and rejoiced over had now found its own path and was running peacefully.
The faint loneliness he felt due to the passage of time and the departure of old friends was gradually replaced by a deeper peace and relief at this moment.
Protecting someone is not about being with them forever, but about letting go successfully.
He saw that everything he had protected had taken root, sprouted, grown lush and verdant, and possessed an independent and resilient vitality.
This is the greatest perfection.
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