The Longevity Lock—a charm said to ward off misfortune and protect a child’s life. In ancient tradition, newborns would wear it until the age of 12. It was a symbol of protection woven into the fabric of Chinese custom.

A couple lived in deep affection for each other. One day, the husband lost his life in an accident. Grief consumed the wife, and she gave birth prematurely to their child. The newborn was weak; his breath was faint. Those around them feared he would not survive the month.

Desperation led the widow to seek a mysterious man. She pleaded for a way to save her son. The man studied her before asking, “Are you willing to pay any price for this child’s survival? Would you trade your life for his?”

She nodded.

The man spoke again, “I possess a Longevity Lock that can bind what is slipping away. I will take the 12 years left of your life and give them to your son. When he turns 12, the lock will break, and the debt will be paid.”

“This is not a Longevity Lock, but a Life-for-Life Lock.”

But the mother did not waver. She swore that if her son could live and grow into a fine man, she would throw herself into the eternal abyss and suffer any torment that awaited.

The man fell silent for a long moment before he finally relented. “At most, this lock can extend his life for 24 years. When that time comes, I will return to reclaim what is owed.”

The mother smiled and took her final breath.

With that, 24 years had come…