Beyond the orphanage, at the heart of the village, stood an open shrine beneath the vast sky, flanked by two ancient stone pedestals. Atop each pedestal rested a brass lantern, their golden flames flickering—steady and unwavering, untouched by the wind.


    Villagers gathered in hushed reverence, their faces serene as whispered prayers wove through the air, mingling with the rich scent of incense and smoldering wood. A sacred stillness settled over the shrine.


    Qin Jingwen turned to the children, the lanterns’ glow reflected in her eyes. “This is the Lighting of the Twin Flames—one of the most sacred traditions of the festival.”


    She knelt and held up two slender candles—one a deep crimson, the other a cool azure. “This red candle,” she said, “is the Flame of Yuehong. It stands for strength, passion, and determination—the fire that pushes us forward.” Then she raised the blue. “And this one is the Flame of Yuelan, the light of wisdom, clarity, and serenity—the guidance that keeps us on the right path.”


    Her gaze swept over the children. “We light these not just to honor the Twin Moons, but to remind ourselves of something important.” She placed a hand over her heart. “Strength without wisdom is reckless. Wisdom without strength is powerless. We need both, just like the twin moons in the sky.”


    The children listened, their small hands clutching their unlit candles.


    One by one, they stepped forward. Each child took a candle—red in one hand, blue in the other—bowed before the shrine, and carefully touched the wicks to the sacred flames. The golden light flared, catching in their eyes.


    Wuji cupped his candles carefully, watching the flames dance, their glow warming his face. For a moment, it almost felt like the twin moons themselves were watching back.


    As the last candle was lit, soft claps and murmured blessings rippled through the crowd. The sacred flames would burn through the day, ensuring the festival remained under the watchful gaze of the Twin Moons.


    Qin Jingwen rose to her feet, pride in her expression. “The flames have been lit,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “Now, the festival truly begins.”


    Cheers erupted from the children, their excitement breaking through the reverent silence.


    Qin Jingwen smiled. “Alright, that’s it for the ritual. Now, go have fun! The caretakers will take you around the village to enjoy the celebrations.”


    The children quickly formed groups, sticking close to their friends. Wuji ended up with his classmates from the Yulian class—he knew them best, and the festival was always more fun with familiar faces.


    Their caretaker, Zhang Fei, towered over them, his broad shoulders and deep voice making him seem even larger than he already was. “Alright, little ones,” he said, crossing his arms. “Let’s get moving. There’s a lot to see.”


    As they walked, Mei, a lively girl with a quick step, looked up at him. “Uncle Zhang, where are we going first?”


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Zhang Fei stroked his chin. “Hmm… Well, since it’s the Festival of Twin Moons, the big fighting competition should be starting soon.”


    The kids instantly perked up.


    “A fighting competition?” Mei’s eyes sparkled. “Like, real fights?”


    Zhang Fei chuckled. “Not just any fights. This tournament is held every year to honor the Twin Moons. It’s not about brute strength—it’s about balance.” His voice took on a more serious tone. “The Twin Goddesses, Yuehong and Yuelan, represent strength and wisdom. A true warrior needs both.”


    He gestured ahead, where a distant crowd had already gathered. “That’s why the tournament isn’t just about who’s the strongest. Fighters need to think ahead, read their opponents, and know when to strike and when to hold back. It’s about control.”


    Mei’s excitement only grew. “That sounds amazing!”


    Zhang Fei smirked. “It is. Now, let’s hurry. We don’t want to miss the opening match.”


    The children followed eagerly, anticipation buzzing in the air as the festival came alive around them.


    The festival streets were alive with color and movement. Lanterns swayed from tall wooden poles, casting warm light over the cobbled paths. Stalls lined the roads, their vendors calling out with enthusiasm—offering skewers of sizzling meat, sweet rice cakes wrapped in fragrant leaves, and tiny trinkets carved in the shapes of the Twin Moons. The scent of grilled fish and fresh herbs filled the air, blending with the distant chime of bells and the rhythmic beat of festival drums.


    Wuji and the others stuck close to Zhang Fei as they wove through the crowd. Though the village square was bustling, the path to the tournament grounds had already been cleared, marked by banners embroidered with the symbols of Yuehong and Yuelan—a crimson flame and a silver crescent moon.


    As they neared the competition grounds, the excited murmur of the crowd grew louder. A large circular arena had been set up in an open fiels, its edges lined with sturdy wooden railings. Spectators had already gathered, eager for the matches to begin. On one side of the ring, a raised platform held the festival elders, their flowing robes denoting their status as judges for the event.


    Zhang Fei guided the children to a good viewing spot near the front. “Stay close,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the chatter. “The opening match is about to start.”


    The festival announcer, an older man with a booming voice, stepped forward. “Welcome, one and all, to this year’s Festival of Twin Moons Combat Tournament!” His words carried over the crowd, drawing a wave of cheers.


    “This competition is a tradition as old as our village itself,” he continued. “It is not just a test of strength, but a challenge of the mind and spirit. To honor the Twin Goddesses, the fighters must display both skill and wisdom—because true strength comes not from power alone, but from knowing when to wield it.”


    A hush fell over the crowd as the first competitors stepped forward. The announcer gestured to the left. “Representing the Crimson Path, we have Lu Shengtian, known for his ferocity in battle and his unshakable will!” A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped into the ring, his crimson sash fluttering as he moved. He gave a respectful bow to the judges, then turned to his opponent.


    “And representing the Azure Path, we have Xie Lian, a fighter known for his agility and precision, as sharp as the crescent moon itself!” His opponent was leaner, dressed in lighter robes of pale blue. Unlike Lu Shengtian’s solid stance, Xie Lian moved with a flowing grace, his steps measured and calm.


    Zhang Fei leaned down slightly so the children could hear him. “Watch closely,” he said. “These two fighters represent the ideals of the Twin Moons—one fights with raw strength, the other with strategy and speed. This isn’t just a match, it’s a lesson.”


    A temple priest stepped forward, raising a ceremonial staff. “May the spirits guide your hands,” he intoned. “Begin!”


    The moment the staff struck the ground, Lu Shengtian lunged.


    The crowd erupted in cheers. The children leaned forward, wide-eyed, as the first strike of the match echoed through the festival air.