Chapter 7: A Fortuitous Encounter
Yuan Ren cautiously approached the hunchbacked, bald old man who had opened the door. The old man's eyes sparkled with wisdom as he peered at Yuan Ren. Sensing no immediate danger, Yuan Ren decided to speak first.
"Excuse me, sir. I apologize for the sudden intrusion, but I found myself in this place after losing consciousness. May I ask where I am?"
The old man chuckled softly, revealing a kind smile. "Young man, you are in the realm of the Green Haven. This is a secluded sanctuary hidden within your own consciousness. It is a place where cultivators seek solace and enlightenment. You are fortunate to have arrived here."
Yuan Ren's eyes widened in surprise. He had stumbled upon a hidden sanctuary within the dangerous Death Forest. It was an unexpected stroke of luck.
"I am grateful for your guidance, sir," Yuan Ren replied with gratitude. "Might I inquire about your esteemed name?"
The old man chuckled again. "There is no need for such formality, young one. You may address me as Elder Zhu. As for you, young man, what brings you to the Death Forest?"
Yuan Ren hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to reveal his purpose. Eventually, he decided to share a condensed version of his story.
"Elder Zhu, I am Yuan Ren, a cultivator seeking to improve my strength. I ventured into the Death Forest to challenge its dangers and refine my cultivation. However, I found myself overwhelmed by a powerful beast. Through a stroke of luck, I managed to defeat it and enter this sanctuary. I seek to grow stronger and protect those dear to me."
Elder Zhu's eyes twinkled with interest. "A courageous young man indeed. It seems fate has brought you here for a reason. Cultivators who possess determination and resilience are often granted opportunities within the Green Haven. I sense great potential in you."
Yuan Ren's heart swelled with hope. This fortuitous encounter with Elder Zhu could prove instrumental in his journey to become stronger. He bowed respectfully to the elder.
"I am honored by your words, Elder Zhu. I am willing to seize any opportunity that presents itself. Please guide me in my cultivation and help me uncover the potential you see in me."
Elder Zhu nodded approvingly. "Very well, Yuan Ren. I shall be your mentor and guide in the ways of cultivation. However, remember that true strength lies not only in power but also in wisdom and compassion. Cultivate not only your physical abilities but also your character."
Yuan Ren nodded, his determination renewed. With Elder Zhu's guidance, he knew he had taken a significant step forward on his path.
Days passed, and under Elder Zhu's tutelage, Yuan Ren's cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds. He absorbed the profound wisdom shared by the elder and honed his skills, growing ever closer to his goal of becoming a Powerhouse.
With Yuan Ren's cultivation reaching peak Arrival God first level, Elder Zhu said, "Young man, it's time for you to experience the world. Now, wake up."
Waking up, Yuan Ren examined his body and noticed that his strength had truly increased. He shouted with excitement, "It's not a dream!" Days had passed in his dream while it had only been an hour in the real world.
"System, call," Yuan Ren called the system to ask what had happened and who the old man he encountered was, but it seemed the system didn't know what he had experienced in his consciousness.
As Yuan Ren stood up and tidied himself, he noticed a commotion in the distance. A group of masked assassins surrounded a young miss dressed in luxurious garments, her face filled with fear
.
Without hesitation, Yuan Ren sprang into action, drawing upon his newfound strength. He swiftly dispatched the assassins with his formidable combat skills, protecting the young miss from harm. Grateful for his timely intervention, the young miss introduced herself as Ye Xinyue, a member of the prestigious Ye family.
But as Yuan Ren defeated the last assassin, one more figure stepped forward—a masked assassin who exuded an air of formidable strength. The assassin's voice was cold and menacing.
"Young man, you should not have meddled in our affairs. You have sealed your fate."
Yuan Ren stood his ground, his eyes filled with determination. "What if I do? Will you stand against me?"
The assassin smirked. "Then die."
The fight that followed was fierce. Yuan Ren unleashed his full power, suppressing the strongest assassin while the Ye family guards swiftly eliminated the weaker members of the group. The arrival of the Ye family's elite guards ensured that the remaining masked assassins were surrounded and swiftly dispatched.
In the end, Yuan Ren and the Ye family emerged victorious. The threat had been eliminated, and the young miss, Ye Xinyue, looked at Yuan Ren with gratitude and admiration.
"You have my deepest gratitude for saving my life," Ye Xinyue said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Please, allow me to repay you. Come with me to the Ye Residence. My family will surely find a way to show our gratitude."
Yuan Ren, touched by her words and grateful for their assistance, accepted her kind offer.
Upon their arrival in the city, Ye Xinyue guided Yuan Ren to her family's estate, the Ye Residence. The grandeur and opulence of the place were awe-inspiring. She explained that it was a small gesture to show her appreciation for his gallant actions.
Yuan Ren, humbled by their kindness, graciously accepted their offer. He was given a comfortable room within the Ye Residence, where he could continue his cultivation and digest all the knowledge and guidance he recieved from Elder Zhu.
As he settled into his new surroundings, Yuan Ren couldn't help but feel that this encounter with the Ye family marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journey. Little did he know that greater challenges and opportunities awaited him within the walls of the Ye Residence.