The skies over the Central Capital had never felt so vast. The air was thick with the scent of rebuilding, the sounds of hammers and voices rising into the morning breeze. Despite the city's scars, hope had been reignited with Yang Kai's return. Word had spread quickly, and now those who had fought beside him during the Inheritance War eagerly awaited his next move.
Yet, Xia Ning Chang's mind was elsewhere. Even as she moved beside Yang Kai, her thoughts were still entangled in their reunion just outside the city.
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A Tender Reunion
Earlier, when Yang Kai had first noticed the golden streak of light in the sky—the Golden Feather Eagle—he had known what it meant. His smile had softened as the bird flew toward him, circling above before finally perching on his shoulder. It was a welcome sight, a symbol of loyalty and companionship.
But just as he had reunited with his loyal eagle, a soft presence made itself known.
Xia Ning Chang approached quietly, her footsteps hesitant. Her heart pounded with a mixture of joy and fear, and though she longed to run to him, she held herself back, unsure if she could truly believe what she was seeing. When her gaze finally met Yang Kai's, her breath caught in her throat. He was here—alive and real.
Yang Kai (smiling warmly): "Long time no see."
Xia Ning Chang remained rooted in place for a moment, her eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears. She took a step closer, then hesitated, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her sleeves. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft, almost trembling.
Xia Ning Chang (whispering): "I thought… you were gone… for good."
Her words, laced with emotion, caused Yang Kai's heart to soften. Before he could respond, she suddenly stepped forward and gently grabbed his arm, her small fingers trembling. She hesitated for only a moment before, to his surprise, lightly biting down on his arm—a delicate gesture filled with the kind of innocent vulnerability only Xia Ning Chang could express.
Xia Ning Chang (her voice trembling): "Don't leave me like that again…"
Yang Kai, feeling the weight of her emotions, reached out and stroked her hair gently. Her act, though subtle, conveyed the depth of her worry.
Yang Kai (softly): "I'm sorry for making you worry."
Blushing, Xia Ning Chang pulled away, her cheeks flushed red as she muttered an apology for her sudden outburst. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help but feel relief as they stood there together, the world around them finally feeling right again.
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A Plan for the Future
As they made their way back toward the Central Capital, Xia Ning Chang stayed close to Yang Kai's side, silently watching him. Her heart still raced from the emotions of their reunion, but now a new worry gnawed at her—his words about leaving again. Her shy but concerned voice finally broke the silence between them as they entered the great hall, where Meng Wu Ya and the elders of the Eight Great Families awaited.
Xia Ning Chang (softly, her voice almost trembling): "You said you're going to leave again... Where are you going?"
The question hung in the air, and the hall fell silent. Yang Kai, who had been lost in thought, met her gaze, and a small smile formed on his lips.
Yang Kai (gently): "I've discovered something. Our world... it's only a small part of something much larger. There are realms beyond this one—higher realms filled with powers we can't even imagine."
The elders exchanged looks of astonishment, their curiosity piqued by Yang Kai's revelation. But it was Meng Wu Ya, his mentor, who remained silent, a knowing expression crossing his face.
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Meng Wu Ya's Revelation
Xia Ning Chang's eyes flickered with worry as she asked, "But do you know anything about this place?"
Yang Kai turned toward Meng Wu Ya, the realization dawning on him.
Yang Kai (urgently): "You're from that upper world, aren't you?"
The room grew still as all eyes turned to Meng Wu Ya. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.
Meng Wu Ya: "Yes. I come from that world."
A wave of murmurs spread through the hall, but Yang Kai remained focused on his mentor.
Yang Kai (serious, his voice steady): "Tell me… What is it like? What should I expect?"
Meng Wu Ya sighed deeply, his eyes darkening as he prepared to reveal the truth.
Meng Wu Ya: "The world we live in—the Great Han Dynasty—is just a speck in the greater universe. Beyond this realm lies the Upper Realms, where cultivation goes far beyond the limits of what you've experienced here."
He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.
Meng Wu Ya: "You've reached the Transcendent Realm, but that is only the beginning. Beyond the Transcendent Realm lies the Saint Realm—where true martial power begins. But even the Saint Realm is not the end.
The mention of these realms sent a ripple of excitement and fear through the gathered leaders. For Yang Kai, it was the confirmation he had been waiting for—his path was destined to lead him to greater heights, but it would not be without peril.
Meng Wu Ya (his voice growing heavier): "But with great power comes great danger. The Upper Realms are not kind. There are factions and sects that fight for dominance, and you will face enemies far stronger than anything you've encountered here."
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A New Resolve
As Meng Wu Ya spoke, Xia Ning Chang felt her heart tighten. She knew Yang Kai would pursue this path, but the dangers that lay ahead filled her with worry.
Xia Ning Chang (her voice trembling with concern): "Yang kai... are you sure about this?"
Yang Kai turned to her, his expression softening as he gently took her hand.
Yang Kai (gently but firmly): "I have to go, Xia Ning. This is the path I've chosen."
Her eyes shimmered with unspoken emotion, but she nodded, understanding his resolve. She knew she couldn't stop him, but the fear of losing him again weighed heavily on her heart.
Meng Wu Ya watched them in silence, his eyes filled with both pride and concern. He knew the journey ahead would test Yang Kai in ways even he could not predict, but he also knew that Yang Kai had the strength to endure.
Meng Wu Ya (solemnly): "Then prepare well. The journey ahead will not be easy, but you have the potential to rise far beyond what anyone here could ever imagine."
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