Meanwhile, in Yuanfeng Country, an extraordinary event was taking place. The major sects of Yuanfeng had united, sharing resources and techniques in a rare show of cooperation. The royal palace grounds buzzed with activity as at least a hundred disciples gathered, each one representing the finest talent of their respective sects. Among them were also disciples from Tianluo Kingdom, further highlighting the gravity of the occasion.
As the gathered crowd settled, the stage was illuminated by the arrival of seven prominent figures. These were none other than Tian Wu of the Shen Wu Sect, Jian Tian of the Heavenly Edge Sect, Yan Rihong of the Blazing sun Sect, and Ao Tianhong of the A Dragon Dive Sect. Joining them were three illustrious representatives from Tianluo Kingdom: Zhu Yifeng, elder of the Rising Star Pavilion; Lian Ruoyan, grandmaster of the Moonlit Blade Sect; and Fang Xinyao, headmistress of the Celestial Harmony Hall.
Tian Wu stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the murmurs among the disciples. His voice resonated through the assembly as he began, "As you all know, the purpose of this gathering is of utmost importance. But allow me to reiterate: you, the top one hundred disciples of Yuanfeng and Tianluo Kingdom, have been chosen for a rigorous training session that will span one and a half years. This training is in preparation for a critical mission in the Hyeolma Jiyeon continent."
The disciples nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of their responsibility. The air was thick with anticipation as Tian Wu continued, "As for the leaders who will guide you through this journey, they are the finest talents from both countries, individuals who have proven their strength and potential."
With a wave of his hand, ten individuals ascended the stage, their presence drawing gasps of admiration from the gathered crowd. These were none other than Princess Yunyao and her brother, Prince Yunfeng, from the Yuanfeng royal family; Long Zhenyu of the Dragon Dive Sect; Lie Hongzhi of the Blazing sun Sect; Ling Yuna of the Heavenly Edge Sect; Lei Zhen of the Shen Wu Sect; Princess Mei Xue; and Mei Zihan, her elder brother from Tianluo Kingdom royal capital Tianque Cheng ,Feng Lihua from Thousand Blossoms Sect ,Han Wuying from the Silent Moon Sect
The collective aura of these ten leaders was awe-inspiring, but none stood out more than Ling Yuna. As the awakened Ten Thousand Sword Empress, her presence exuded a sharp, almost tangible sword intent that made the hairs of those nearby stand on end. Her early Level 2 cultivation radiated a power that left even the most talented disciples speechless.
Tian Wu spoke again, his tone heavy with resolve. "These eight leaders will oversee your training. They embody the pinnacle of strength and discipline, and you will learn much under their guidance. Remember, your mission is not just a trial of your abilities but a responsibility. You are the only hope for the survival of both Yuanfeng and Tianluo Kingdom."
The disciples nodded once more, their expressions a mix of determination and reverence. They understood the gravity of the task before them. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but they were ready to face it head-on, driven by the trust placed in them and the need to protect their homelands.
With that, the stage was set for a journey that would test their limits, forge new alliances, and shape the fate of two nations. As the disciples dispersed to begin their training, a sense of resolve filled the air,
As the evening deepened, the royal riverside campsite glimmered with the soft glow of campfires. Dozens of tents lined the area, providing shelter for the 100 disciples gathered for their joint mission. Among them stood a particularly majestic and spacious camp, reserved for the ten leaders who had been chosen to guide this endeavor. Inside, five female leaders—Mei Xue, Princess Yunfeng, Feng Lihua, Han Wuying, and Ling Yuna—had gathered, their conversation flowing naturally in the quiet of the night.
Princess Yunfeng let out a soft sigh, her face reflecting a rare moment of melancholy. Mei Xue, ever observant, noticed and asked, "What's the matter? You seem a little down."
Princess Yunfeng hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's just... I was thinking how much better it would be if that warrior could join us in this battle."
Mei Xue tilted her head, intrigued. "Which warrior are you talking about?"
Princess Yunfeng's gaze turned distant, lost in thought. "I had only a brief encounter with him, but he was incredibly strong... and handsome."
Mei Xue's curiosity deepened. "Hmm. What's his name? Do you know anything more about him?"
Princess Yunfeng hesitated, then smiled. "He told me not to reveal too much, but at least I can share his name. His name is... Xuan Li."
Mei Xue blinked in surprise, her expression betraying a flicker of shock. "Say what?"
Ling Yuna, who had been quietly listening, also seemed startled. "Xuan Li?" she echoed incredulously.
Princess Yunfeng nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile as she began to recount her encounter. "I met him in the forest while traveling to your kingdom, Princess Mei Xue. During the journey, I was separated from my troops and attacked by a pack of monsters. Then, out of nowhere, he appeared. In a blink of an eye, he killed every single one of them. He saved my life."
Mei Xue's face held a polite smile, but inside, her thoughts were turbulent. Xuan Li met this girl before me? Does she like him too?
Breaking the silence, Ling Yuna scoffed, her tone sharp. "The Xuan Li I know is a coward—hesitant, spineless, and absolute trash. He doesn't have the willpower to be anything more."
Princess Yunfeng frowned, her voice firm. "The Xuan Li I know is nothing like that. He's strong, brave, and decisive."
Mei Xue said nothing, but her thoughts swirled. Princess Yunfeng is right. The Xuan Li I know is the bravest person I've ever met—righteous, kind, and unwavering. There are plenty of people with the same name. Surely, Ling Yuna must be mistaken.
Ling Yuna crossed her arms and glanced at Princess Yunfeng. "If you ever meet this 'Xuan Li' again, introduce him to me. I'd like to see for myself just how strong he really is."
Princess Yunfeng smiled, her confidence unwavering. "Okay, I'll make sure of it."
Just then, an instructor entered the tent, his expression stern. "Ladies, what are you still doing awake? Everyone else is asleep. You should rest too."
Princess Yunfeng pouted, her tone playful. "That's not fair! It's not even that late."
Mei Xue sighed, shaking her head. "You know there's no special treatment in camp. Let's call it a day."
The group reluctantly dispersed. Mei Xue lay down on her cot, staring at the tent ceiling as her thoughts lingered on the name that had been spoken earlier. Xuan Li... where are you now? I know you must still be training, pushing yourself. I have to train just as hard. When we meet again, I want to stand proud beside you.
With that thought, Mei Xue finally closed her eyes, her resolve firm. The night outside was calm, the quiet only broken by the occasional rustle of leaves and the gentle flow of the river.