The next morning, Tian Feng prepared to leave for the eastern mountains. The villagers gathered to bid him farewell, their faces filled with gratitude and hope. His mother, though still weak, stood with them, her eyes shining with pride.
"Be careful, my son," Mei Ling said, embracing him tightly. "And remember, no matter how far you go, you will always have a home here."
Tian Feng nodded, holding her close. "I will return, Mother. And when I do, I will be strong enough to protect us all."
With that, he set off on his journey, the villagers' well-wishes echoing in his ears. The road to the eastern mountains was long and treacherous, winding through dense forests and across roaring rivers. But Tian Feng pressed on, drawing strength from the spiritual energy that flowed through him.
As he traveled, he encountered many dangers. Wild beasts prowled the forests, and treacherous bandits lay in wait along the roads. But each time, Tian Feng faced them with courage and determination, using his cultivation skills to overcome every obstacle.
One evening, as he was setting up camp by a riverbank, he heard a rustling in the bushes. Instinctively, he reached for his sword, ready to defend himself. But instead of a threat, a young woman emerged from the underbrush, her clothes torn and her face streaked with dirt.
"Please, help me," she begged, her voice trembling with fear. "Bandits attacked my caravan. I managed to escape, but they captured my family."
Tian Feng's heart went out to her. "Don't worry, I'll help you," he said, offering her a reassuring smile. "Where did this happen?"
"Not far from here," she replied, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Please, hurry. They might be in danger."
Tian Feng nodded, quickly gathering his belongings. "Lead the way."
The woman guided him through the forest, her steps quick and sure despite her injuries. Soon, they came upon a clearing where a group of bandits had set up camp. They were sitting around a fire, laughing and boasting about their recent raid.
Tian Feng's eyes narrowed with anger. He would not let these thugs harm innocent people. "Stay here," he whispered to the woman. "I'll handle this."
Drawing his sword, he stepped into the clearing, his presence commanding and fierce. The bandits looked up in surprise, their laughter dying in their throats.
"Who are you?" their leader demanded, rising to his feet. "What do you want?"
"I'm here to free those you've captured," Tian Feng replied, his voice steady and resolute. "Release them now, and I might let you go."
The bandits laughed, their leader sneering at him. "You think you can take us all on by yourself? You're either very brave or very foolish."
"Let's find out," Tian Feng said, his grip tightening on his sword.
With a roar, the bandits charged at him, their weapons raised. But Tian Feng was ready. Drawing upon his cultivation energy, he moved with incredible speed and precision, his sword flashing in the firelight. One by one, the bandits fell, unable to match his skill and power.
In a matter of moments, the clearing was silent, the bandits either unconscious or fleeing into the night. Tian Feng sheathed his sword, turning to the captives who were bound and gagged by the fire. He quickly freed them, earning their tearful thanks.
The young woman rushed to embrace her family, her eyes filled with relief. "Thank you," she said, turning to Tian Feng. "You saved us all."
Tian Feng smiled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. "It's the least I could do. Now, let's get you all to safety."
They made their way back to the riverbank, where the family could rest and recover. Tian Feng shared his supplies with them, ensuring they had food and water for their journey home. As he watched over them, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was why he had chosen the path of cultivation—not just for power, but to protect those who could not protect themselves.
The next morning, the family thanked him once more before setting off on their own journey. Tian Feng watched them go, his heart filled with resolve. He had faced many challenges so far, but he knew there were greater trials ahead. The Sect of the Rising Sun awaited, and with it, the promise of greater strength and knowledge.
With the sun rising at his back, Tian Feng continued his journey to the eastern mountains, ready to face whatever destiny had in store.