Chapter 8: Small World
Seeing Ye Ling's surprised and doubtful expression, Ye Xu shook his head helplessly, carefully choosing his words as he tried to explain to Ye Ling, "However, luck is not fixed and unchanging. Some people can transfer luck through special rituals and practices... So, the trajectory of your previous life's fate deviated."
Ye Ling was shocked. She felt as if someone had hit her head with a stick, and something gradually became clear.
If what the ancestor said was correct, did that mean she and her mother were never supposed to have such a tragic life? Was it someone who had harmed her mother and even stolen her luck?
Ye Ling's body trembled uncontrollably. Even though this was a dream, she could feel her heart pounding fiercely and the anger welling up inside her. She asked loudly, "Ancestor, please tell me, who is it?"
Ye Xu knew that Ye Ling was a clever child, and by now, she must have guessed something.
"Ye Ling, I am merely a lingering soul floating in the mortal realm. The secrets of the Heavenly Dao are not for me to reveal. I can only tell you this much. You have to explore the truth on your own, and only you can seize control of your destiny. Alright, my time is almost up."
"Ancestor..." Ye Ling murmured, partly unwilling but mostly bewildered.
It was only now that she realized her supposedly tragic life was the result of someone forcibly altering it. Her mother was never meant to have such a fate either.
"Since you have the opportunity to be reborn as a human, it signifies that the Heavenly Dao pities you and is willing to grant you another chance. Now, I am entrusting you with the small world that the Ye family has sealed for a thousand years. I hope you will make good use of it, continue to promote our Ye family's philosophy of healing and saving lives and explore the secrets within the small world for the benefit of future generations of the Ye family."
"I also have a book compiled by the outstanding physicians of the Ye family, which I will give to you. Once you have mastered it, you can officially become the thirty-ninth generation successor of the Ye family and inherit our medical skills."
The ancestor wanted to give her a medical book?
A small world? What was that?
Before Ye Ling could ask any questions, an intensely bright golden light converged in the palm of Ye Xu's hand. Then, with a wave of his hand, the golden light swiftly flew toward Ye Ling.
Before Ye Ling could react, the golden light had already merged into her body, causing a peculiar and scorching sensation.
Soon after, a thick medical book appeared in Ye Ling's hand. On the cover of the book was inscribed "The Ye Family's Medical Code".
"The small world exists as an independent space that goes against the operation of the Heavenly Dao. It can only be used by those blessed by the Heavenly Dao, which is why it has remained unopened for thousands of years. Ye Ling, remember, you must not abuse the small world indiscriminately, and you must be cautious of malicious individuals trying to pry into its secrets. Otherwise, great calamity will befall you. Alright, I am leaving. Ye Ling, from now on, you must rely on yourself and never forget your original intentions."
The light spots on Ye Xu gradually dissipated, and a few of them floated toward Ye Ling. Ye Ling felt a piercing pain in her mind, and then she became aware of the method to open the small world.
She attempted to clear her mind and let her consciousness sink. After experiencing a weightless descent, she opened her eyes and saw a space shrouded in dense white mist.
Was this the small world?
Apart from the area enveloped by the mist, the visible space in Ye Ling's surroundings wasn't large. Roughly estimated, it was only slightly more than fifty square meters. A small stream flowed through the ground, originating from an unknown source and extending indefinitely. The soil on the ground was loose, but no plants were growing on it. However, two saplings slightly taller than an adult had sprouted beside the stream.
The small world didn't appear to be particularly remarkable, and Ye Ling initially thought it might be a hidden treasure's hiding place, fantasizing about discovering some peerless treasure.
Nonetheless, Ye Ling wasn't disappointed and continued to explore the small world patiently.
She approached the side of the stream, observing its clear water.
It should be safe since poisonous water wouldn't harbor small fish.
The small fish were nearly transparent, with the largest one not even reaching the length of Ye Ling's pinky finger. They showed no fear of humans, happily swimming around her finger as she dipped her hand into the stream.
Ye Ling scooped a bit of water with her hand and took a sip, finding it sweet and refreshing. After drinking it, her previously weary body suddenly felt much lighter.
This stream seemed extraordinary! Ye Ling was pleasantly surprised. Although she had initially intended to examine the two saplings, she became concerned about spending too much time in the small world, fearing that something unexpected might occur in the real world.
After pondering for a moment, she placed the medical book inside the small world, gradually allowing her consciousness to dissipate. When she opened her eyes once more, she found herself in a familiar hospital room.
The sky outside was already dark.