"Xiong?" Feng's voice trembled slightly, still recovering from his exertion.
Xiong stood before him, his presence now strikingly different. His lower body was translucent, ghostly in appearance, and his once youthful features were now tinged with the marks of age. His grey eyes held a deep melancholy, and his overall form radiated an odd stillness.
"I thought you were gone..." Feng muttered, still catching his breath.
Xiong gave a rueful smile. "I was. At least, I was something else... before."
Feng blinked. "What do you mean? You lost something...?"
Xiong sighed, his gaze distant. "When I merged with your soul, I lost the power that made me who I was. My lower half, my ghostly form..it's not the same anymore. I'm just a regular soul now. No more devouring other souls."
Feng's stomach dropped. "So you... can't do what you did before?"
Xiong shook his head with a dry chuckle. "Not powerless. But yes, I've lost my old strength. Now, I'm as mortal as you." He paused, eyes softening. "But I'm free. In a way, I'm grateful for that."
Feng felt a pang of guilt.
"Don't," Xiong interrupted, raising a hand. "I'm fine. You helped me escape that damn gloomy Soul World. I'll never regret it. But there's something you should know...it seem like you have inherited my Soul Eater abilities."
Feng froze. "I... have it? The Soul Eater power?" His voice was filled with disbelief.
Xiong grinned, but it was tinged with surprise. "You didn't even notice? You're already carrying it within you. It's dormant for now, but it's there. When the time comes, you'll be able to use it."
" It seems I have not just lost it, because I had to almost fully merge with you to escape the gaurdian judgment, I lost it in the process..but it's good that one of us still has it"
Feng shook his head, a laugh bubbling from his throat. "I was a regular guy before all of this! I died by falling down the stairs, and now I'm here, in some strange world, with magic and immortals, and I'm what? A Soul Eater?" He laughed again, still not quite believing it.
Xiong's lips quirked into a small smile. "Life is a strange thing, isn't it?" he said wryly. "But yes, you're one of them now. The power's yours, whether you want it or not."
Feng, still a little dazed by the revelation, gave a half-hearted shrug. "Well, this is crazy... But whatever, I'll roll with it. One problem at a time, right?" He wiped his brow, shaking off the absurdity of it all. "Now, back to training. I've got more important things to worry about, anyway."
Xiong gave a nod of approval. "That's the spirit. Focus on your body first. The Soul Eater power is yours, but without a strong foundation, it'll be meaningless."
For the next few days, Feng threw himself into his training. Every morning and evening, he practiced the techniques Tian Ze had taught him. His body grew sore from the intensity, but there was no hesitation. He pushed through the pain. He knew this was the foundation for everything. If he wanted to grow stronger, he had to keep going.
Days passed, and Feng's endurance began to show results. His body was adapting. His legs felt lighter, his back straighter, and every movement seemed smoother. His speed and stamina had improved significantly. It was subtle, but he could feel the difference in himself.
A few days later, Feng sat cross-legged in the quiet of the evening, focusing on his breathing and his internal energy. His muscles still throbbed from the previous session, but something in his body click . He could feel it—a shift, a change.
"I did it," Feng whispered to himself. He had broken through the first level.
Xiong, who had been observing from a distance, grinned. "Took you long enough. But well done. The first level is all about realizing the potential within you, about believing that you can push your limits."
Feng beamed with pride, though his face still showed the exhaustion from the months of grueling training. "This is just the beginning, though, right?"
Xiong's expression turned serious, though there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "Exactly. The second level is all about refinement. Now that you know it's possible, you'll have to learn how to control and harness that strength."
A month passed. Feng Yi's training continued with an intensity that left no room for rest. Day by day, his body grew stronger, faster, more capable. The pain never fully left him, but it became a constant companion something he learned to live with.
Then one afternoon, after a particularly exhausting session, Feng Yi felt a wave of energy surge through his body. His breath caught in his throat as he recognized the feeling.
"I've made it," Feng whispered, his hands shaking with excitement. "I've broken through to the second level."
Xiong watched silently for a moment before nodding in approval. "Good. Now, the real work begins. The second level is about mastering the control you've just gained."
Feng stood up, determination shining in his eyes. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."
-----
In the blink of an eye, a full month passed. Feng Yi stood there, sweat glistening on his forehead as he caught his breath, his body exhausted yet exhilarated. The hard training had paid off. His muscles felt heavier, denser his body, once weak and frail, now seemed like it could take on anything.
He had broken through to the third level.
"Three down, seven to go," Feng muttered to himself, his chest heaving with exhaustion. His limbs ached, but a smile crept across his face. This was the result of hard work, of months of pushing his limits. He felt stronger there was no denying that.
But as the feeling of accomplishment began to settle in, he turned his attention to the stone pillar where Tian Ze had once stood, observing him. The teacher, who had guided him through the second level, had not returned. Feng had trained alone for the past few days, but there was no sign of the old man.
He walked to the spot where Tian Ze had last left him and, to his surprise, found a small letter resting on the ground, placed neatly in the dirt as though it had been waiting for him.
His fingers trembled as he picked it up and read the words inside:
"Feng Yi, well done. You've surpassed the first two levels and are now at the third. It's time for you to continue your journey on your own for a while. The road ahead is long, and your strength is still lacking. I leave for the capital. When you reach the tenth level of Perfection, come find me there. It will take years, perhaps even longer. But don't let that deter you. You have great potential. Use this time wisely. Be patient. The path you're on is just beginning."
The letter felt heavy in his hands as Feng let the words sink in. The teacher was gone, and now he was on his own.
"Years…" Feng murmured under his breath. The thought weighed heavily on him. Years of training, pushing his body, facing enemies, and improving. All for a chance to meet Tian Ze again. His body still felt weak, compared to what he imagined he'd need to face the future. And to reach the tenth level? That was a mountain of a task.
Xiong, who had been lingering nearby in the shadows, suddenly spoke. "So, he's gone, huh?"
Feng turned to him. "Yeah. Looks like it. And it's going to take years for me to reach the tenth level. It's hard to even imagine that far ahead."
Xiong's eyes flashed with amusement. "You're acting as if that's a bad thing. You've already come far in such a short time. Patience is a valuable skill, even for someone with your... impatience."
Feng rolled his eyes, but couldn't suppress a grin. "Thanks for the reminder. But seriously, it's a lot of pressure. I'm supposed to break through to the tenth level on my own."
Xiong chuckled softly. "Pressure? You're only just getting started, kid. Imagine what awaits you in the future. It'll take years, but you've got the time and the determination. Just keep pushing forward, one step at a time. And when the time is right, you'll find your way to Tian Ze."
Feng nodded, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Right. One step at a time."
He looked down at the letter again, gripping it tightly. The road ahead would be long, and the challenges would be far greater than what he had faced so far. But Feng Yi was ready for it. After all, it wasn't the obstacles that defined a person it was how they overcame them.
A deep breath escaped him as he stood tall, his gaze turning towards the horizon. The future seemed distant, uncertain, but his resolve was firm.
"Let's do this," Feng muttered to himself, his eyes burning with determination.
------
In the blink of an eye.
10 years later...
The small house door creaked open, and Feng Yi stepped out, a young man in his twenties. His features were sharp, his presence commanding. His black hair flowed behind him, and his deep black eyes seemed to hold the calm of someone who had traveled a long road. His body, refined with years of training, was strong without being overly bulky. The simple robe he wore billowed with each step, and his bare arms, showcasing sculpted muscle, marked him as a force to be reckoned with.
As he walked down the familiar road, a few villagers paused in their daily tasks to watch him. Their gazes filled with admiration and respect, they slowly bowed in deference. Feng Yi nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing, his mind set on the journey ahead.
He continued up the path toward the mountain. When he reached the old house where Tian Ze had once lived, he stopped, gazing at the place. It had not changed much over the years, the memories of his time here still vivid in his mind. He bowed deeply, a silent tribute to the teacher who had guided him.
"It's been a long time, Teacher," he whispered to the wind. "How much has changed since then… and how much remains the same?"
Feng Yi then stared up at the vast sky. "It's very big," he thought, "How can we even hope to cover it? How can we shake the earth itself? Teacher was right… it's exaggerated how people describe it, but is it even possible ?."
With one last glance at the house, Feng Yi entered and packed a small bag with provisions for the journey ahead. He didn't linger inside. He left the house, walking toward the village where his family awaited him.
The sun was starting to set as Feng Yi approached the familiar home. His mother, Lin Mei, stood in the doorway, her face torn between joy and sorrow as she saw him approaching. She opened her arms, and without a word, he stepped into her embrace.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" she whispered, her voice shaky with emotion.
Feng Yi nodded, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "Yes, Mother. I have to see the world, there's more out there for me."
His father, Feng Jian, stepped forward, his pride evident in his eyes despite the sadness that lingered. "Go, then. But always know that you have a home here."
Feng Yi's heart tightened, but he only nodded. His gaze turned to Feng Lan, his younger sister. Now 16, she stood a little further off, watching him with a mixture of admiration and sorrow.
He pulled her into a tight hug, his voice quiet but firm. "Be strong, Lan. Take care of them."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she clung to him, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll wait for you, Brother. Come back safe."
Feng Yi smiled, pulling away. "I don't know if I'll come back, but I know you'll be fine. You're stronger than you realize."
With a final look at his family, he turned away. His feet were steady as he walked away, but there was a heaviness in his chest. The path ahead was uncertain, and though his heart ached, he didn't turn back.
----
The merchants had been traveling since the southern reaches of the kingdom, and when they entered Shanjiao Village, they were met by the sight of Feng Yi walking toward them. They had heard of the young martial artist hidden in this small village over the years, and they had come seeking him out, hoping to travel together, perhaps the chances of safe travels will be higher. Feng Yi had agreed, recognizing that it was time for him to move on.
As they walked, the merchants spoke of trade routes and distant lands...
The merchants slowed as they approached the bandits. There were five of them—scruffy, unkempt men who carried crude weapons, their eyes glinting with greed. They stepped into the road, blocking the caravan's path.
"Well, well," the leader of the bandits, a burly man with a scarred face, sneered as he looked over the merchants. "Looks like we've got some fresh meat. Pay us the toll, and we'll let you go on your way."
One of the merchants, a middle-aged man with a slightly trembling voice, spoke up. "We don't have much to spare. The goods we carry aren't worth much, and we've already paid the toll to the northern gate."
The bandit leader stepped closer, his expression turning threatening. "Don't talk back, old man. We don't care about the gate. You pay us, or we'll take what we want." He waved his sword, pointing toward the cart with goods.
Feng Yi stayed silent, his gaze unwavering as he observed the entire exchange from the cart. His arms were crossed, and his expression remained calm. Xiong, observing through Feng's eyes, couldn't help but chuckle.
"These poor bandits, they've only achieved so little, yet they think they can command these merchants? So arrogant..."
The bandits' voices grew louder, demanding payment. One of them made a half-hearted joke, trying to intimidate the merchants further.
"We're not leaving here without something, so you better get on your knees and beg for mercy, eh?" one of them taunted, his grin wide and menacing.
The merchants tried to reason, but the bandits' aggression only grew.
Feng Yi's patience, built over years of solitary training, wore thin. He stepped off the cart, his movements slow and deliberate. The merchants fell silent as they saw the calm and imposing figure of Feng Yi approach.
The bandit leader saw him and let out a mocking laugh. "What's this? A little pup trying to play hero?" He looked Feng Yi up and down, sizing him up. "Come on then, show us what you've got."
Feng Yi didn't answer. Instead, he took a single step forward, his feet moving with a speed that was almost imperceptible. In an instant, he was in front of the bandit leader, his presence overwhelming.
Before the bandits could react, Feng Yi's foot swung outward with terrifying force. The ground beneath him cracked and splintered as the impact created a massive pit, dust and rocks flying everywhere. The air seemed to ripple with the force of the blow.
The bandits, startled by the power, froze. Feng Yi didn't wait for them to recover. His fists and feet moved in rapid succession, each blow landing with bone-crushing force. His strikes were clean and efficient—no wasted energy, no unnecessary movements. The bandits were sent flying, tumbling through the air, their bodies battered and bruised.
With each strike, the pit deepened, the earth shaking beneath them. The bandits, now black and blue, were left groaning on the ground, barely able to stand. The speed and strength Feng Yi displayed was enough to send the bandits running, their arrogance shattered in an instant.
Xiong, observing from within Feng's mind, couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, that certainly took care of them. They were too cocky for their own good. A swift lesson in humility."
Feng Yi didn't even break a sweat. With one final glance at the bandits, he turned and walked back to the caravan without a word, as if nothing had happened.
The merchants watched in stunned silence. They had expected a fight, but nothing like this. Feng Yi's movements were too fast, too precise, and his strength… it was
As Feng Yi returned to the cart, the merchants slowly began to gather their senses. One of them, the older merchant who had first spoken, approached him hesitantly.
"Th-thank you," he stammered, still in disbelief. "You saved us all. We would have been done for if it weren't for you."
Another merchant, younger and more eager to please, added, "Your strength… it's beyond anything we could have imagined. That was… incredible."
Feng Yi nodded once, but said nothing. He didn't seek praise, and he wasn't interested in their admiration. But he did appreciate the respect they now showed him.
One merchant stepped forward, his voice filled with gratitude. "We have no way to repay you properly, but we'll make sure you're compensated. You've earned it."
Xiong's voice echoed in Feng Yi's mind, amused by the exchange.
"Well, looks like they're going to pay you handsomely now. A simple beatdown, and you've got yourself a nice little reward."
The merchant who spoke continued, "We'll make sure you get something worthwhile, a fair share of the profits from our goods, or anything you need for your travels."
Feng Yi gave a small nod. "I appreciate it," he said quietly, his voice calm as ever.
---------
Feng Yi stepped into Fengzhou, a sprawling city of stone streets and busy markets. Towering buildings stretched high, their rooftops barely visible above the crowds, with vendors lining the streets selling everything from vibrant silks to fresh produce. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling metropolis, where people of all walks of life hurried along the thoroughfares. In the distance, the clang of blacksmiths and the laughter of children filled the air, creating a lively melody that echoed through the city.
After a long day of travel, Feng Yi's feet carried him toward a small tea house tucked between two narrow alleys. The building, though modest in appearance, held the promise of a quiet retreat from the chaos of the streets. As Feng Yi pushed open the door, a small bell jingled, signaling his arrival. The warm, fragrant scent of freshly brewed tea greeted him, mingling with the soft murmur of conversation. The room was filled with wooden tables, some occupied by merchants, others by travelers like himself, each absorbed in their own world.
He slid into a corner, ordering a pot of tea. His mind was set on gathering any news that might help him understand the state of the world. He didn't have to wait long. The room was full of gossiping patrons, the kind of talk that always seemed to find its way to the surface in places like these.
A middle-aged man with a weathered face and a red scarf leaned toward the table next to him, speaking in low, urgent tones to his companions. "Have you heard?" he asked, his voice full of tension. "The Yan Kingdom is on the edge of a civil war. Prince Hao is gathering supporters in the capital. The nobles are choosing sides. Some say he'll be crowned emperor soon, but Prince Feng isn't backing down."
Feng Yi sipped his tea, his ears alert, but his expression still and unreadable. He watched the group with quiet interest as they continued.
An older man with gray hair nodded gravely, a deep wrinkle furrowing his brow. "Yes, I've heard the same. The Empress is backing Hao, while Prince Feng has the support of several generals. There's talk of a power struggle brewing within the court. If it doesn't get resolved soon, it could spill over into full-blown war."
The young man beside him leaned forward, eyes wide. "And the worst part? Even with all that, no one dares challenge the Yan Kingdom with someone like Tian Ze watching over them. He's an Innate Warrior, after all. Too dangerous. The other kingdoms know better than to stir up trouble while he's in charge of protecting the capital."
Xiong's voice echoed in Feng Yi's mind, filled with sardonic amusement. "Ah, Tian Ze. A mere tool of stability in the face of chaos. All these petty struggles and they think one man will solve their problems. They have no idea what real power is."
Feng Yi remained silent, focused on the conversation. The merchant with the red scarf, noticing his presence, glanced toward him and spoke with a hint of arrogance. "The Yan Kingdom may be protected, but it's weak at its core. Do you really think this Tian Ze can keep things from falling apart? If Prince Hao takes control, there's no telling what might happen. The entire kingdom could be under his thumb."
Another voice piped in, a young woman sitting at a nearby table. "Not just the Yan Kingdom," she said, shaking her head. "There's trouble everywhere. Have you heard about Qīnglán to the south? They've been eyeing the Yan Kingdom's weakening borders for months. And don't forget about Liánzhōu in the east. They've been making aggressive moves toward expanding their territory. If the chaos in the Yan Kingdom continues, they'll have no choice but to pounce."
The gray-haired man grunted. "And Xiāngnán has been making its own plans. They've been working to form alliances, maybe even break through into the southern regions. It's a powder keg, and no one knows who'll be the spark that sets it all off."
Feng Yi took another sip of his tea, his thoughts swirling. The information, though useful, was not enough to change the course of his journey. The political chaos of the continent could wait. For now, his focus was elsewhere.
The older man added with a sigh, "With all these nations watching each other, the only thing keeping them from outright war is the fear of Innate Warriors. Even Tàiyuán in the east, with their growing strength, has to be cautious. No one dares challenge a kingdom that has a protector like Tian Ze."
Xiong's voice was more pointed now, an edge of mockery in his words. "They really think Tian Ze is the only thing stopping these countries from tearing each other apart? Foolish mortals. Let them argue over borders and thrones. When it comes down to it, it's all just a game."
Feng Yi glanced out the window, his mind already moving past the conversation. The news of the world's turbulence had been enlightening, but it did little to change his own path. The city of Fengzhou might be filled with rumors and intrigue, but it was just a stop on his journey.
After finishing his tea, Feng Yi stood, paying for the drink before walking toward the exit. The news of the world's political instability had been interesting, but it would not alter his journey. His path was one of growth, of training, and his goal remained clear.
He made his way toward a nearby inn, where he rented a modest room for the night.
-----------
Feng Yi sat cross-legged in the dimly lit room, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The quiet stillness of the space contrasted with the storm raging within him as he focused inward. Slowly, he allowed his body to radiate with power, his control tightening until he felt the temperature rise around him. His muscles tensed, and invisible waves of heat emanated from his body, as though a fire burned just beneath his skin. The energy spread outward, but Feng Yi kept it contained, focusing on maintaining stability. His breathing was steady, each inhale and exhale bringing him closer to mastery of his own force.
Outside the city, the air was thick with tension as a group of shadowy figures moved swiftly through the trees, their black robes blending with the darkness of the woods. Only their eyes were visible beneath the hoods, gleaming with purpose and determination. They halted suddenly, the leader giving a sharp glance over his shoulder.
"Captain, we've reached the city," one of the figures spoke, his voice low but urgent.
The leader's voice was deep and gravelly, a tone that spoke of countless battles fought and survived. "We've been tracking him for days now. We can't afford to lose him, not now."
He paused, his gaze fixed ahead, his eyes hardening with a cold, unyielding resolve.
"If we fail, everything we've done will be for nothing. The Venerable will make sure of that."
The other figures, their faces still hidden, shuddered slightly at the mention of the Venerable. A being of immense power, one who had reached the Innate stage and wielded control over not just his body. A being whose displeasure was something no one ever wished to encounter.
"We move in silently," the captain ordered. "Our target is close. The rumors of his spiritual root have drawn attention, and we cannot afford to let another step slip away."
The group nodded in unison, knowing the danger that lay ahead. Their mission was simple: track and seize. Their quarry, Feng Yi, was unaware that he was being hunted. Yet, they were determined to succeed, for the Venerable had made it clear: failure was not an option.
With silent, coordinated movements, the group slipped through the trees, the shadows swallowing them whole as they drew nearer to the city where Feng Yi had taken residence. The hunt had begun...
---------
Feng Yi relaxed his muscles but his eyes flashed with a deep kill intent...
"Since you are here, why don't you come in?".