The warm rays of the morning sun filtered through the dense canopy, casting a golden glow on the forest floor. Xuan Li stirred, his body aching but alive. He opened his eyes and felt a slight dizziness, his mind still fuzzy from the events of the previous day. Sitting up, he noticed that his wounds had mysteriously healed, leaving behind faint scars. He muttered to himself, "So this is the effect of cosmic energy... It's truly miraculous."
Suddenly, a distant scream shattered the tranquil morning. Alert, Xuan Li jumped to his feet, his heart racing. Without hesitation, he dashed toward the sound, weaving through the forest with newfound agility and speed.
"Help! Someone, help us!" a panicked voice cried.
Following the noise, Xuan Li arrived at a clearing and froze. A finely designed wagon, adorned with intricate golden carvings, stood surrounded by a pack of grotesque monsters. Their crimson eyes glowed with malice as they lunged at the guards protecting the wagon. One soldier, caught off guard, was moments away from being struck down by a monstrous claw.
Before the soldier could scream again, Xuan Li appeared like a blur and delivered a devastating punch. The monster exploded into pieces, its gruesome remains splattering across the ground. The other monsters halted, their instincts screaming danger as they sensed Xuan Li's overwhelming aura. In a cacophony of growls, they turned tail and vanished into the forest.
The soldier staggered back, wide-eyed with gratitude. Bowing deeply, he exclaimed, "Thank you, warrior, for saving us!"
Xuan Li nodded curtly. "Who are you, and what are you doing in such a dangerous forest?"
"We are escorts from the royal capital, Celestial Crown City," the soldier explained, catching his breath. "We were heading to Tianluo Kingdom, escorting the Seventh Princess, but we got separated from our main troops."
As he spoke, the door of the wagon creaked open, and a girl emerged. She was no older than ten, with flowing purple hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a white and purple gown embroidered with celestial patterns. A delicate veil concealed part of her face, but her sparkling violet eyes shone with an ethereal grace. She stepped down elegantly and bowed slightly to Xuan Li.
"My name is Princess Yunyao," she said softly. "Thank you for saving us."
Xuan Li returned the gesture, acknowledging her noble status. "It was nothing, Princess. But may I ask why someone of your station is traveling with only a few soldiers in such a perilous forest?"
Yunyao sighed, her voice tinged with concern. "We were ambushed and separated from the main troops. We've been trying to regroup but lost our way."
Xuan Li glanced at the weary guards and the fragile state of the wagon. "What is your plan now, Princess?"
Yunyao hesitated, her gaze lowering. "I... I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
Xuan Li sighed, running a hand through his hair. "If the Princess permits, I can escort you until we find your main troops."
Yunyao's eyes brightened, her hope rekindled. "Thank you, kind warrior!"
"I'm Xuan Li," he said with a small smile. "Former disciple of Shen Wu Sect."
At his introduction, Yunyao's eyes widened slightly, and she muttered under her breath, "So it's really you... from back then..."
Xuan Li raised an eyebrow. "Did you say something, Princess?"
She shook her head quickly, her cheeks reddening. "N-No, it's nothing. But, um... could you please put on a shirt?"
Xuan Li blinked and looked down, realizing he was still half-naked. Flustered, he quickly excused himself, retrieved his bag from the cave, and donned his clothes. Rejoining the group, he climbed into the wagon alongside Yunyao.
As the wagon rumbled through the forest, Yunyao turned to him. "Xuan Li, you said earlier that you used to be a disciple of Shen Wu Sect. Why did you leave? It's such a renowned sect."
Xuan Li's expression darkened momentarily as memories of his recent past flooded his mind. With a helpless smile, he replied, "I didn't leave by choice. Let's just say... I wasn't capable enough back then. Now, I'm on a journey to grow stronger, and when I'm ready, I'll return to the sect."
Yunyao listened intently, her eyes sparkling. "You sound like a tragic hero, striving against all odds to become powerful."
Xuan Li chuckled softly. "I wouldn't call myself that."
The two continued chatting, their conversation occasionally interrupted by monster attacks. Each time, Xuan Li leaped into action, dispatching the beasts with precision and ease. After two days of travel, the group finally emerged from the forest, arriving at the gates of Ziyang City.
Standing at the city gates was a contingent of armored soldiers, led by a towering man exuding an air of authority. His aura indicated he was a Level 2 Essence Sensing cultivator. Spotting the wagon, he approached swiftly.
"Princess Yunyao, thank the heavens you're safe!" the man exclaimed, bowing deeply.
"We owe our safety to this warrior," Yunyao said, gesturing toward Xuan Li.
The man turned to Xuan Li, his sharp eyes scrutinizing him. "Thank you for escorting the Princess. May I know your name?"
"Xuan Li," he replied calmly.
The leader's expression stiffened slightly. "Xuan Li? From Shen Wu Sect? I've heard... rumors that you were deemed incompetent. How did you manage to survive the forest, let alone protect the Princess?"
Xuan Li's eyes flashed coldly. "Who said I was incompetent? My way of cultivation is simply different."
A faint pressure emanated from him, causing the leader to sweat slightly. Forcing a smile, the man quickly waved off the tension. "No offense intended, young warrior. Here, take this as a token of our gratitude."
He handed Xuan Li a small pouch of coins. The Princess waved from the window of the wagon as it prepared to depart.
"Xuan Li," she called out, her voice gentle but firm. "Let's meet again when we've both grown stronger."
Xuan Li froze for a moment, her words triggering a faint memory of another girl who had said the same thing to him long ago. As the wagon disappeared into the bustling streets of Ziyang City, Xuan Li stood in silence, lost in thought.
Shaking off the feeling, he turned and gazed at the vibrant city before him. The towering buildings and lively streets seemed to hum with opportunity.
"For now," Xuan Li muttered, "I'll stay here for a while and see what this city has to offer."
With a determined step, he entered Ziyang City, ready for the next chapter of his journey.