Zhang Zhi was an ordinary law student at a second-tier university, living on a quiet campus. Of medium build and plain appearance, he wore black-framed glasses, and his gaze always carried a hint of determination and perseverance. His life had originally been simple and fulfilling. Every morning, he would get up early to greet the first rays of dawn and hurry off to the library, silently striving for his future in a world full of books.
The girl, named Xiaoxuan, was the love of his life. She had smooth, long hair, eyes that shone like stars, and two cute dimples that appeared at the corners of her mouth when she smiled. They used to stroll together along the small campus paths while a gentle breeze brushed past, bringing a trace of sweetness. Back then, they shared each other's joys and sorrows, and every moment was filled with warmth and happiness.
Zhang Zhi loved Xiaoxuan deeply and was willing to give everything for her. When she fell ill, he would carefully boil hot porridge and stay by her bedside, taking care of her without a step away; when she was in a bad mood, he would patiently listen to her troubles and comfort her wounded soul with warm words; when she encountered difficulties, he would go all out to help, never uttering a single complaint no matter how hard it was for him.
However, as time went on, Xiaoxuan began to experience the outside world. She participated in various social activities and saw more people and things. Gradually, her inner self began to change.
"Poor romance is just like bananas: either yellow or green, and by the time you don't even get to eat a single bite, they've already turned black. —vieux-carré" One day, Zhang Zhi was holding his phone and watching a video of Vieux-Carré hauling bananas, laughing heartily. He completely failed to notice Xiaoxuan beside him, who wore an uncertain expression and seemed to have something on her tip of her tongue to say.
"I also want to become that kind of exquisite pig-trotter girl," Xiaoxuan suddenly said, her eyes revealing a craving for material possessions.
Zhang Zhi put down his phone, looked at her, and felt a pang of worry, but still said gently, "You are already the most exquisite one in my heart. You don't need those external things to prove it."
Xiaoxuan frowned, seemingly dissatisfied with his words, and muttered, "You don't understand. In today's society, without these external things, how can you make people look up to you?"
From then on, Xiaoxuan began to pay close attention to her appearance, buying all kinds of expensive cosmetics, learning complex makeup techniques, and striving to make herself more beautiful and charming.
Zhang Zhi sensed her changes, but he chose to understand and support her. He knew everyone had their own pursuits, and he was willing to accompany her as she grew.
Yet, he never expected that in her pursuit of material wealth, Xiaoxuan would gradually lose herself. At a luxurious social event, Xiaoxuan met a wealthy and handsome man. The man was named Chen Yu; he drove a luxury car, wore designer labels, and exuded the aura of money in every gesture. Chen Yu launched a fierce pursuit of Xiaoxuan, showering her with expensive gifts and taking her to high-end places. Faced with these material temptations, Xiaoxuan's heart began to waver.
"He can give me the life you never could," Xiaoxuan said to Zhang Zhi, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and bewilderment.
Zhang Zhi's heart hurt as if pricked by a needle, but he still tried to remain calm, his voice trembling slightly as he said, "I know I can't give you that much material wealth right now, but I will work hard. I will make you live a happy life."
Xiaoxuan fell silent for a moment, then finally shook her head, her gaze firm as she said, "I can't wait that long. I want that kind of life right now."
Zhang Zhi watched her retreating figure, tears blurring his vision. He could not understand why the love he had given with his whole heart was so fragile, or why Xiaoxuan would so easily abandon the beautiful relationship they once shared in the face of material wealth.
He sank into deep pain and self-blame, feeling that he was not good enough and lacked the ability to meet Xiaoxuan's needs. Yet he did not give up his belief in love; he decided to work even harder to improve himself and become a better person. He believed that one day, he would meet someone who truly understood and loved him. And that girl would also, one day, realize how precious something she had lost truly was.
On this day, feeling depressed, he wandered aimlessly around the campus. In a corner of the campus, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the tree leaves, casting patches of dappled light. Zhang Zhi's steps were heavy, as if every step carried a heart full of worries. Inadvertently, he discovered an abandoned air-raid shelter. Its entrance was obscured by weeds, half-hidden as if concealing an unknown secret.
Driven by curiosity, he stepped inside, and a stale odor rushed toward him. The cave was dark and humid, and water droplets from the wall dripped onto his shoulder. As he walked further, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. His vision went black, and he lost consciousness.
When he woke up again, he was already in Dateng Gorge a thousand years ago—a mysterious and dangerous world.
All around were dense forests, with giant vines blocking out the sky. Those vines were as thick as giant pythons, winding and intertwining as if trying to wrap up the entire world. The sunlight struggled to filter through the gaps in the layers of branches and leaves, casting mottled patches of light and shadow. The eerie atmosphere filled Zhang Zhi with fear; his heartbeat accelerated rapidly, and his breathing grew hurried.
He panicked in search of a way out, the weeds and thorns beneath his feet scratching his trouser legs and skin from time to time. But he could not spare a thought for the pain, only running forward desperately.
Suddenly, a shrill scream rang out. That sound was exceptionally piercing in the silent forest, as if tearing a person's soul apart. Startled by the sound, Zhang Zhi stopped in his tracks and cautiously followed the direction of the voice.
Drawing closer, he discovered a beautiful woman entangled in a huge vine. Her clothes were in tatters, her originally gorgeous attire torn open to reveal fair skin. Her hair was disheveled across her face, and her eyes revealed fear and despair.
A wave of pity welled up in Zhang Zhi's heart, and he secretly made up his mind to save her. He approached cautiously, every step as light as a cat's for fear of startling the bully. Taking advantage of the bully's inattention, he quickly untied the ropes binding the woman.
"Thank you for saving me," the woman said gratefully, her voice crisp and melodious like a mountain spring. Her name was Lin Wan'er, originally a kind girl from a nearby village who had unfortunately been abducted to this place by a bully.
At that moment, the bully discovered their actions and charged over furiously. He was tall, with a face full of fleshy jowls and a fierce glint in his eyes.
Without time to think, Zhang Zhi grabbed Lin Wan'er and fled for their lives. They sprinted wildly through the forest, branches whipping across their faces, mud splashing from beneath their hurried footsteps.
They inadvertently tumbled into a deep valley, where mysterious mists swirled all around, making it impossible to discern directions. The deep valley was gloomy and cold, causing Zhang Zhi to shiver involuntarily.
"What should we do? Are we unable to get out?" Lin Wan'er said with a crying tone in her voice.
"Don't be afraid, we will definitely find a way out," Zhang Zhi comforted Lin Wan'er. Although he was also very frightened, he did not want to make her panic even more.
Just as they felt helpless, a strange light appeared. That light flickered in the fog like a beacon of hope.
"Follow this light, and perhaps we can get out." Zhang Zhi took Lin Wan'er's hand and walked toward the direction of the light.
Before them lay a peaceful village, and the villagers showed surprised expressions upon seeing them arrive.
"Where did you two come from?" an elderly villager asked.
Zhang Zhi inquired with the villagers about a way to return home, only to learn that this world was filled with magic and immortals, and returning was no easy task.
"This place is different from your original world; it is filled with unknown dangers and opportunities," the villager said.
Zhang Zhi decided to settle down here first and look for opportunities later.
During his days in the village, Zhang Zhi discovered that he actually possessed some special abilities, such as being able to sense approaching danger and having simple communication with animals. This gave him a glimmer of hope.
Lin Wan'er also displayed her bravery and tenacity, helping the villagers with farm work and taking care of the elderly and children.
One day, a mysterious old man appeared in the village. He wore a white robe with snow-white beard and deep, penetrating eyes that seemed to see through everything.
"Young man, your destiny is already tied to this world. If you want to go home, you must go through numerous trials." The old man's words sent a shock through Zhang Zhi's heart.
Zhang Zhi fell into deep thought. He did not know what awaited him ahead, but he decided to face it bravely.
As Zhang Zhi and Lin Wan'er prepared to leave the village, the old man appeared once again.
"Remember, the wheels of destiny have turned, and anything is possible," the old man said, and then vanished.