The ominous feeling in the city only grew stronger as the moments passed, and everyone felt a sense of unease deep within their hearts. It was as if a storm was brewing, and something big was about to happen that would change the Green Lotus City forever. Reinforcements arrived from Western Wen, positioning themselves at every garrison throughout the city. Qi Formations lit up and a dome of light encased the entire city, preventing anyone from entering or leaving, no matter the circumstances. Soldiers could be seen everywhere on the streets as surveillance became increasingly strict. On top of that, powerful Divine Senses swept over the city from time to time, making sure that nothing unusual was taking place.
...
Ximen Wei's eyes fluttered open as he slowly regained consciousness. The first sensation he felt was a pulsing headache, but it was a manageable discomfort. He took a moment to orient himself and his surroundings, and a sinking feeling settled in his chest as he realized he was in an unfamiliar room. The space was sterile, devoid of any personal touches or decorations. The only piece of furniture in the room was the sleeping mattress he was lying on.
As Ximen Wei took in his surroundings, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The plain and modest setting reminded him of his childhood room in the small village where he grew up. He thought back to the couple who took care of him and raised him, Qin Liqiu and Ximen Fei. Despite the rough exterior of the room, Ximen Wei couldn't help but feel a bittersweet smile tug at the corners of his lips as he was transported back in time to simpler, happier moments.
Despite his emotional detachment in the past, a part of Ximen Wei felt a twinge of longing as he thought of his adoptive parents, Qin Liqiu and Ximen Fei. Although they were not his biological parents in his eyes, they had taken care of him and showed him genuine love and affection. He also remembered Uncle Fang, who would regale him with exciting tales of Qi Experts who could hold up the sky and split mountains with a mere flick of their wrist. The memories brought a hint of warmth to Ximen Wei's heart, despite his tendency to remain aloof.
Ximen Wei's eyes gleamed with a bright light as he thought back to his true family on Planet Earth. The memory of her brought a special warmth to his heart, and he was reminded of the promise they had made to each other.
Suddenly, his vision turned a shade of red as he was transported back to the day of his arrival in this world. He could vividly recall the image of Ximen Fei, his father, holding him as a baby. He had looked at him with a fatherly love in his eyes, but Ximen Wei had gazed back with fear and terror in his own.
His thoughts then shifted back two years prior, to the day when Western Wen soldiers invaded his village. The memories were still raw and vivid, and Ximen Wei relived the horrors of that day. He remembered the slaughter and death that surrounded him, and the unimaginable violations inflicted upon his mother. He remembered the moment when Ximen Fei, the man he had considered his father, was beheaded right before his eyes. The memories of that day brought a mix of pain and anger to the surface, and Ximen Wei's heart ached with a deep sadness.
Finally, Ximen Wei shook his head, trying to dispel his thoughts and emotions. He got up from the bed and took a look around the room, but found nothing of interest. He made his way towards the wooden door and pushed it open. Inside, he found his gang leader, the Illustrious Viper, Long Gen, seated on a chair and engrossed in a thick book.
Upon noticing Ximen Wei, Long Gen put down his book and stood up from his chair. He approached Ximen Wei and took his hand, placing his fingers on the younger man's wrist. He closed his eyes for a moment, then nodded his head in satisfaction.
"Good," he said in a pleased tone, "Your injuries are almost healed. Kid, what was your name again?"
Ximen Wei gazed up at Long Gen, his mind whirling with confusion and uncertainty. He had become a Level 1 Qi Trainee and had learned to sense the undulations of Qi coming off of other cultivators, allowing him to estimate their cultivation levels. This was how he had figured out that the red-haired young man in the Song Family's dungeon was a Level 2 Qi Trainee. However, when he looked at Long Gen, he was shocked to find that he couldn't sense anything at all. It was as if the man in front of him was a mortal, devoid of any Qi cultivation.
This realization caused Ximen Wei's heart to nearly drop as a thought struck him. He couldn't help but wonder what the implications of this might be.
'A Rank 1 Qi Expert, at the very least!' Ximen Wei thought to himself.
Despite his racing thoughts, Ximen Wei was aware that Long Gen had asked him a question and quickly refocused his attention. "It's Ximen Wei, sir," he replied.
Long Gen nodded in approval, then posed another question. "Wei'er, is it? Can you tell me, how many Extraordinary Meridians have you opened so far?"
"S-six, sir," Ximen Wei answered.
Although Long Gen had expected this answer, he still couldn't help the burst of joy that filled his heart. To have an innate talent like this was an invaluable treasure for any sect, and he knew he had struck it big with Ximen Wei. For someone to have opened six Extraordinary Meridians just in the first level of Qi Training was a feat only accomplished by Dao Children of super sects and powerful families. And to top it all off, Ximen Wei was only 10 years old, making him all the more valuable.