Master Li approached the temple entrance, carrying Yuna gently in his arms. An elderly woman with a warm smile and twinkling eyes emerged from the doorway to greet them.
"Ah, Li," she said, her voice like honey.
"It has been too long."
Master Li bowed respectfully.
"Granny Chen, thank you for agreeing to take Yuna in. She is a special child, and I know she will be well cared for here."
Granny Chen's gaze softened as she looked at Yuna, reaching out to gently pat the girl's cheek.
"And who might this little angel be?" she asked kindly.
"This is Yuna," Master Li replied.
"She has been living with me on the mountain, but it is time for her to experience life beyond its confines."
He carefully handed Yuna over to Granny Chen, his heart aching with the knowledge that he would soon have to leave her behind.
"Do not worry, little one," he whispered to Yuna.
"You are safe here."
"Master Li."
"Don't worry Angelic, master will always protect you in secret okay?" Master Li said and held a green jade bracelet.
Yuna held the bracelet and Master Li helped her in her new bedroom. She finished bathing and Master Li put her in a pretty little night gown.
"Master Li, you must promise me something!" Yuna said.
"Mmm?"
"I must be your only disciple! Look I even know talisman to handle evil ghosts!"
Master Li's heart swelled with pride and affection as Yuna proudly displayed her knowledge of talismans. He knelt down beside her, taking her small hands in his.
"My dear Yuna," he said softly,
"You have already proven yourself to be an exceptional disciple. Your kindness, your innocence, and your willingness to learn are rare qualities in this world."
He paused, his expression turning serious.
"But I must ask you something important. Can you keep a secret?"
Yuna nodded eagerly, her violet eyes wide with curiosity.
Master Li leaned in close, whispering into her ear.
"I cannot stay here with you forever. My duties as a monk call me elsewhere. But know that I will always be watching over you, guiding you from afar."
He pulled back, smiling gently at her shocked expression. Yuna was so tired she nodded her head and her pet Little Bai also lied down. Master Li picked up Little Bai he trained the little pet as well.
"Take care of her," he said.
Master Li placed Little Bai gently on the bed beside Yuna, watching as the small pet curled up protectively around her. He stood there for a moment, memorizing every detail of the scene Yuna's angelic face, her silvery hair fanned out on the pillow, and Little Bai's loyal form guarding her sleep.
With a heavy heart, he turned to leave, pausing at the doorway to take one last look at his beloved disciple.
"Goodnight, Yuna," he whispered.
"May your dreams be filled with happiness and light."
As he stepped out into the hallway, closing the door softly behind him, Master Li felt a tear slip down his cheek. He knew that leaving Yuna was necessary for her growth and wellbeing, but it did not make the separation any easier.
Taking a deep breath, he wiped away the tear and straightened his posture. He had a promise to keep to watch over Yuna from afar and ensure that she remained safe and loved throughout her life.
With renewed determination, Master Li descended the stairs of the temple, ready to embark on his next journey. But his heart remained forever tied to the innocent soul sleeping upstairs, his precious disciple whom he would always cherish.
"Why not wait until tomorrow?" Granny Chen asked.
"Grandma Chen, because if I do that I would just take her with me, you understand that I must go handle matters, just take care of her," Master Li said he grabbed his talisman and cycle appeared showing a snowy mountain in Russia and he disappeared.
Yuna blinked sleepily, her violet eyes adjusting to the morning light streaming through the window. She stretched lazily, her small hands reaching out to pat Little Bai's soft fur. The chubby pet lifted its head, gazing at her with adoring eyes.
"Good morning, Little Bai," Yuna murmured, sitting up in bed.
She looked around the unfamiliar room, memories of the previous day flooding back. Master Li had brought her here to live with Granny Chen and other children. Her heart ached at the thought of her beloved mentor leaving her behind.
Little Bai nuzzled against her hand, sensing her sadness.
"Come here Yuna! Let me feed you some food you can play outside."
Granny Chen's warm voice echoed from downstairs, pulling Yuna from her thoughts. The little girl slipped out of bed, padding softly across the room in her bare feet. Little Bai followed close behind, his claws clicking gently on the wooden floorboards.
As Yuna descended the stairs, the aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, making her stomach growl. She entered the kitchen to find Granny Chen bustling about, preparing a hearty breakfast.
"Good morning, Granny Chen," Yuna said shyly, climbing onto a chair at the table.
Granny Chen smiled affectionately, placing a steaming bowl of congee and some side dishes in front of her.
"There's my little angel," she cooed.
"Eat up now. You need to keep your strength up."
Yuna dug into the food eagerly, savoring each bite.
After she was done eating she went back to her room to pray as she always did when she leaves with her master. She crossed her legs and closed her eyes.
"Master Li," Yuna whispered, her small hands pressed together in prayer.
"I miss you so much. Please come back to me soon."
She opened her eyes, gazing at the green jade bracelet on her wrist a gift from Master Li before he left. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered his gentle smile and wise words.
Little Bai whined softly, sensing her distress. He climbed into her lap, offering comfort and warmth.
"It's okay," Yuna sniffled, burying her face in his fur.
"I know Master Li is watching over me. He promised."
She took a deep breath, wiping away her tears. With renewed determination, she stood up and walked to the window.
"I'll be strong for Master Li," she said firmly.
"And I'll make him proud."
Just then, Granny Chen called up from downstairs.
"Yuna! The other children are waiting for you outside. Come play with them!"
Yuna wore a sport outside and Granny Chen put Yuna hair into two pig tails. Because Yuna was so pretty other girls did not like her.
As Yuna stepped outside, she was immediately surrounded by a group of children. Most of them were boys, drawn to her like moths to a flame. They chattered excitedly, asking her to join their games and activities.
However, the few girls present eyed Yuna warily, their expressions tinged with jealousy and resentment. They whispered behind her back, making snide comments about her beauty and the attention she received from the boys.
Yuna, oblivious to their malicious intent, smiled shyly at everyone. She was eager to make new friends and enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood.
One of the girls, named Mei Ling, stepped forward with a fake smile plastered on her face.
"Hey, Yuna," she said sweetly.
"Why don't we play house? I'll be the mommy, and you can be my little sister."
Before Yuna could respond, another girl named Lan giggled mischievously.
"Yeah, Yuna can be the ugly duckling sister who nobody wants," she added cruelly.