As Zhang Xin sheathed his sword and turned to leave, Mei Ling descended from her platform.
An Invitation
"Wait," she called, her voice soft yet commanding. Zhang Xin stopped, turning to face her.
Mei Ling approached him, her piercing eyes studying him intently. "You fight with great skill and composure. Tell me, what is your name, and where do you come from?"
Zhang Xin bowed slightly. "My name is Zhang Xin. I am a disciple of the Zi Xuan Sect, here in search of knowledge and strength."
Mei Ling nodded thoughtfully. "Zhang Xin. A fitting name for someone of your talent. It is rare to see such discipline in the arena."
She paused, then smiled. "I would like to invite you to my residence for dinner tonight. I have questions about your sect and your journey. Will you accept?"
Though surprised, Zhang Xin responded politely. "It would be an honor, Lady Mei Ling."
"Good," Mei Ling said. "My attendants will escort you this evening. Until then, rest well. You will need your strength for what lies ahead."
As Mei Ling returned to her platform, Zhang Xin couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter would mark the beginning of something significant. With the map in his possession and new allies—or perhaps enemies—on the horizon, the road ahead promised to be anything but simple.
Zhang Xin arrived at the Feng family estate, a grand hall adorned with intricate designs and a regal atmosphere. The guards escorted him to the main hall, where Feng Yong, the head of the Feng family and Mei Ling's father, awaited him. Feng Yong was a tall man with a dignified presence, his hair streaked with gray but his sharp eyes revealing a lifetime of wisdom.
"Ah, Zhang Xin," Feng Yong greeted warmly as Zhang Xin bowed. "I've heard of your impressive fight in the arena. A warrior of your caliber is rare in these lands. Please, join us for dinner."
Zhang Xin respectfully nodded. "It is an honor to be welcomed."
The Dinner
The dining hall was grand, with a long table filled with an assortment of delicacies. Zhang Xin was seated beside Mei Ling, who smiled and said, "I'm glad you accepted the invitation. It's not often we have someone as skilled and composed as you grace our arena."
Zhang Xin, feeling slightly out of place amidst the royal surroundings, replied humbly, "I'm merely a disciple of the Zi Xuan Sect, striving to grow stronger. My fight today was simply a test of my abilities."
Mei Ling's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Yet you fight with such purpose, as if you carry a weight that others cannot see. Is it true that you travel alone?"
Zhang Xin nodded. "Yes, my journey requires solitude for now, though the path ahead is far from easy."
Mei Ling leaned closer, her voice soft. "Lumina Arcanis is a city of allies and adversaries. If you ever need assistance, my family is here to support you. Remember that."
Zhang Xin was about to reply, but Feng Yong interjected, raising his glass. "A toast to our guest, Zhang Xin, and his future endeavors."
Everyone raised their glasses, and the dinner continued with lively conversation and laughter.
An Unexpected Stay
After the meal, Zhang Xin thanked Feng Yong for his hospitality and prepared to leave. However, Feng Yong spoke again.
"Young warrior, the journey ahead of you is long and arduous. Rest here for the night. It would be unwise to set out so soon after such a day."
Zhang Xin hesitated. "I don't wish to impose on your generosity."
"Nonsense," Feng Yong said firmly. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. Mei Ling, see that our guest is shown to a room."
Reluctantly, Zhang Xin agreed. He was led to a quiet, elegant room where he spent the night cultivating, meditating on his inner strength and preparing for the challenges ahead.
The Next Morning
As Zhang Xin prepared to leave the next morning, Feng Yong met him at the entrance. "Zhang Xin, if you ever find yourself in need of help, do not hesitate to seek out the Feng family. The world grows darker, and allies are more valuable than ever."
Zhang Xin bowed deeply. "Thank you, I will remember your kindness."
With that, Zhang Xin departed, the map in his possession guiding him toward his next destination—the home of Master Han Lingxiu.
A Mysterious Encounter
As Zhang Xin traveled, hunger began to gnaw at him. Spotting a small, bustling restaurant along the roadside, he decided to stop for a meal. Inside, the scent of spices filled the air, and he found a quiet table to sit.
As he waited for his food, an old man wearing a straw hat approached his table. Without asking, the old man gestured to the empty seat. "May I sit here?"
Zhang Xin nodded cautiously. The old man settled into the chair, exuding an aura of quiet power. Zhang Xin couldn't help but feel uneasy.
The old man studied him for a moment before speaking. "You've come a long way, young man, seeking someone important. Am I right?"
Zhang Xin's eyes widened. "How do you know that?"
The old man smiled faintly. "Because your destiny precedes you. I also know you carry a map."
Alarmed, Zhang Xin gripped his sword under the table. "Who are you?"
"I am but a wanderer," the old man said, unbothered. "But I see in you a potential you have yet to realize. Tell me, do you know your inner power?"
"My inner power?" Zhang Xin repeated, confused. "What do you mean?"
The old man's gaze turned distant, as if looking beyond the physical realm. "The world is filled with darkness, young warrior. Men face hardships and despair, but it is the light within that guides them forward. Light gives life, strength, and hope. It is what will carry you out of the shadows."
Zhang Xin frowned. "I don't understand."
"You will," the old man said cryptically. "When the time is right, you will."
Before Zhang Xin could ask more, the old man disappeared, leaving no trace. Stunned, Zhang Xin sat back in his chair, replaying the old man's words in his mind. Despite his confusion, a part of him felt as if he had just been given a glimpse of something far greater than himself.
Preparing for the Journey
That night, Zhang Xin returned to his lodging and spent hours meditating on the old man's words. Though he couldn't fully grasp their meaning, they left him with a renewed determination to uncover the mysteries surrounding him.
The next day, he set out on his journey toward Master Han Lingxiu's home. The road was long and winding, passing through dense forests and treacherous mountain trails. Along the way, he encountered various challenges—wild beasts, treacherous paths, and a sudden storm that forced him to take shelter in a cave.
In the cave, Zhang Xin used the time to cultivate, honing his focus and calming his mind. As the storm subsided, he emerged stronger, his resolve unwavering.
With the map as his guide and the old man's words lingering in his heart, Zhang Xin pressed on, ready to face whatever awaited him in the realm of Master Han Lingxiu.