In that particular year, something subtly changed. Some of the oldest monks awoke during the night with heavy hearts, haunted by dreams of strange shadows crossing the eternal snow. The snow began to fall earlier, covering the meditation fields with a thicker and heavier white mantle than ever before.
In the mornings, Jin attentively observed the changes in the village. The adults seemed restless, speaking in hushed tones in small groups, casting worried glances toward the mountains. Even the birds had fallen silent, as if they were waiting in tense anticipation.
— Is something wrong, father? — Jin asked one morning, as he helped Haeryeong reinforce the spiritual seals around the house.
His father took a deep breath before answering with measured calm:
— Sometimes, nature warns us. We must be attentive.
His father's voice was calm, but Jin felt the subtle vibration of concern hidden within the words.
A few days later, the chief elder summoned everyone to the central temple. The villagers gathered in silence, their eyes heavy with expectation. The old monk stood up slowly, leaning on his ceremonial staff, and announced with a firm voice despite his advanced age:
— The Festival of the Stellar Harvest will occur during the rare Alignment of Total Light. And this time, Jin Sohyeon will participate in the Blessing of the First Path.
A murmur spread through the crowd. Some nodded in silent approval, while others expressed quiet surprise. Jin remained still, feeling a sudden chill pass through his body.
Later that night, his parents called him to the central room of the house. A small flame flickered atop the low table, casting soft shadows over their serious faces.
— Are you ready, Jin? — his mother asked, her eyes reflecting the firelight.
Jin hesitated briefly, feeling the weight of their expectations.
— Yes, mother — he answered softly.
— This ritual is not like the others — his father explained with gentle firmness. — You will need to find the three sacred elements alone. They represent important aspects of the human soul.
— I understand, father.
That night, Jin couldn't sleep. Lying down, he stared at the wooden beams on the ceiling, imagining what he would find outside the village, what challenges he would face. The silence of the night seemed to echo his own restless thoughts.
Before dawn, Jin rose slowly. He donned the reinforced cloak his mother had left ready and carefully took the ceremonial dagger he had received. When he opened the door to leave, the cold air cut through his skin like a sharp blade.
His mother was waiting by the door. Without saying a word, she gently adjusted the cloak around his shoulders and softly kissed his forehead.
— Listen to your heart, Jin — she whispered with affection. — It will show you the way.
Jin nodded silently and stepped out into the snow, feeling, for the first time, the true weight of his journey beginning to reveal itself.
Something inside him whispered that this was not merely a simple quest for ingredients.
It was the first step toward something far greater than he could possibly imagine.