Chapter 8: New Beginnings
The next morning, Xiao Feng awoke in his new villa, the soft light of dawn casting gentle rays through the curtains. After a brief breakfast, he decided to explore Haicheng. It was his first full day in the city, and he wanted to familiarize himself with his surroundings.As he strolled down the streets, he marveled at the bustling activity around him. Haicheng was vibrant, with a mix of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture. The air was filled with the scents of street food—roasted meats, spicy noodles, and sweet pastries. Xiao Feng couldn't resist stopping at a small, local restaurant. He ordered a bowl of steaming noodles and some dumplings, savoring the rich flavors. The food was excellent, and he found himself pleasantly surprised by the city's culinary delights.After his meal, he continued his exploration. He passed through parks filled with families enjoying their day and busy shopping districts where people haggled over goods. The spiritual energy in Haicheng was indeed denser than in Lingzhi City, which made him feel a bit more invigorated, though it was still thin compared to what he was used to in the Heavenly Realm.By late afternoon, Xiao Feng decided to head back to his villa. The streets were now filled with people heading out for the evening, and the city's nightlife was beginning to come alive. Curious to see more, he wandered toward a bustling area where several nightclubs and bars were located.As night fell, Xiao Feng entered a popular nightclub. The place was packed, with loud music and flashing lights creating an electrifying atmosphere. He noticed a girl working behind the bar. She was trying to maintain her composure despite the rowdy crowd, but it was clear she was having a tough time.Suddenly, a group of rowdy boys began causing trouble, bothering the girl and making lewd comments. Xiao Feng's sense of justice flared up. He approached the group and intervened, his voice calm but firm as he told them to leave the girl alone. The boys, not accustomed to being challenged, initially scoffed at him. But when Xiao Feng's demeanor turned serious, they realized he wasn't someone to mess with.A brief but intense confrontation ensued, with Xiao Feng easily handling the situation and making it clear that the boys should back off. The group, now thoroughly embarrassed and angry, made threats as they left, vowing revenge. Xiao Feng paid them no mind, focusing instead on the girl who was visibly shaken but relieved.Once the disturbance was over, she approached him with a grateful smile. "Thank you so much," she said, introducing herself as Ruixi. "I work here part-time and am also a student at Haicheng University. Things can get pretty stressful with both work and studies, so I really appreciate your help."Xiao Feng nodded, pleased to have been able to help. "It was nothing," he replied. "Just glad I could be of assistance."After exchanging a few more words, Xiao Feng left the nightclub and made his way back to his villa. The city had shown him both its charm and its challenges. As he lay down to rest, he couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. Despite the threats from the boys, he felt a sense of satisfaction in knowing he had made a small difference in someone's life.The journey in Haicheng had just begun, and Xiao Feng knew that every day would bring new experiences and challenges. For now, though, he was content with the progress he had made and looked forward to what the future might hold.