Chapter 25: Revelations and Farewells
The aftermath of the battle hung in the air, thick with tension and the scent of burnt wood. The hidden sect lay in ruins around Xiao Feng, who stood amid the wreckage, his heart pounding with a mix of triumph and concern. His gaze turned to Aunt Mei and Xiao Chi, who were bound to chairs in the corner of the dimly lit room, eyes wide with disbelief.
As he rushed to them, Aunt Mei's scream echoed in his ears. "Don't come here! They will kill you! Don't worry about us!" Despite her frantic words, Xiao Feng could see the fear in her eyes—a fear that quickly shifted to astonishment as she took in the scene before her.
"Aunt Mei! Xiao Chi!" he called, kneeling beside them. He quickly released their bindings with a flick of his wrist, the ropes falling away effortlessly. "I'm here. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
Aunt Mei looked up at him, her voice trembling. "But how? You're… you're so strong! What happened to you?"
Xiao Chi, usually the more composed of the two, sat silently, absorbing the changes in her cousin. The boy they had once known had transformed into a powerful figure, radiating an energy that felt almost otherworldly.
Xiao Feng took a moment to collect his thoughts, glancing back at the fallen sect members strewn across the floor. "There's so much to explain," he began, looking back at his aunt. "I've been training in ways you can't even begin to imagine. I've exceeded the limits of this world."
Aunt Mei's brow furrowed in confusion. "Exceeding limits? What do you mean?"
He inhaled deeply, the weight of his words heavy on his chest. "There are other worlds beyond this one. This Earth is just one realm among countless others, each with its own laws and powers. I have plans to leave this place and explore those worlds."
Xiao Chi's eyes widened, a flicker of excitement breaking through her shock. "Other worlds? What are they like? Why would you want to leave us?"
Xiao Feng softened at her question. "The worlds I'm talking about are filled with immense power and unimaginable adventures. They have cultivation techniques far beyond anything we can comprehend here. I need to become stronger, to unlock my true potential."
Aunt Mei's expression shifted from shock to concern. "But what if something happens to you? What if we can't see you again?"
"Everything will be fine, Aunt Mei. I'll be stronger than anyone. And I will find a way to return. You'll always be in my heart, no matter where I go." His gaze met theirs, steady and sincere. "But before I leave, I need to deal with those who threaten you and this world."
Aunt Mei nodded slowly, her fears beginning to settle. "I just want you to be safe. We've already lost so much, and I can't bear the thought of losing you too."
"I promise I'll be careful," he reassured her. "But I need your support. There may come a time when I'll need to bring you with me or at least prepare you for what's to come."
Aunt Mei's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "As long as you're happy and safe, that's all I ask. But we need to be prepared. If there are other worlds, who knows what kind of dangers might come from them?"
Xiao Feng nodded, appreciating her concern. "I'll teach you what I can, but for now, we need to focus on the immediate threats. The sect tried to use you as bait, which means there are others out there who will do the same."
Just then, a faint noise caught their attention. Xiao Feng turned to see a few remaining disciples of the sect struggling to rise, their faces twisted in rage and disbelief.
"Get back!" one shouted, lunging toward them, but Xiao Feng was quicker. In an instant, he activated his Void Step, appearing in front of the man before he could react.
"Too slow," Xiao Feng said coolly, his eyes narrowing. With a swift motion, he dispatched the disciple with a flick of his wrist, leaving the man crumpled on the ground.
Aunt Mei and Xiao Chi watched in awe as their cousin moved with such speed and precision, it was as if he had vanished and reappeared in a blink. They could hardly believe their eyes, their fears momentarily pushed aside as they witnessed his power.
"Xiao Feng, you—" Aunt Mei began, but he silenced her with a wave.
"There's no time for questions now. I'll handle the rest." He turned back to the sect members, now completely focused on the threat before him.
One of the elders staggered to his feet, a look of desperation etched on his face. "You think you can defeat us? We are part of something much larger than you can imagine!"
"Larger?" Xiao Feng laughed, a sound devoid of mirth. "You're nothing but ants beneath my feet." With that, he charged forward, unleashing a flurry of attacks that sent the remaining sect members sprawling.
Aunt Mei and Xiao Chi exchanged glances, fear replaced with awe as they witnessed the sheer power their cousin commanded. It was as if he had tapped into a force beyond their comprehension.
As the last of the sect members fell, Xiao Feng turned back to his aunt and cousin, breathing heavily but filled with determination. "This is just the beginning. I have to make sure no one threatens you again."
Xiao Chi stepped forward, her voice steady. "What do we need to do?"
Xiao Feng smiled at her bravery. "We need to strengthen ourselves. I'll teach you some techniques, but first, we should find a safe place to regroup. The remnants of this sect may still be lurking, and I won't let anything happen to either of you."
As they exited the ruined stronghold, Aunt Mei wrapped her arm around Xiao Chi, who leaned into her. "Xiao Feng," Aunt Mei said softly, "no matter where you go or how strong you become, you'll always have a home with us."
Xiao Feng nodded, his heart swelling with pride. "And I'll always return to it. But for now, let's prepare for what lies ahead."
With newfound resolve, the trio set out, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them, united in their strength and bound by their love. The journey to other worlds awaited, and Xiao Feng was determined to protect those he held dear, no matter the cost.