Ling Xiao stood before Lian, demonstrating a complex martial arts move. Lian watched, his expression skeptical.
"Come, Lian, try it," Ling Xiao encouraged.
Lian remained still, eyes fixed on his master. "Master, what's the point of this? It looks like a chicken dance."
Ling Xiao sighed. "It's a powerful technique, Lian. Now, try."
Lian shook his head. "No, Master. Explain what that thing I saw was."
Ling Xiao's expression turned guarded. "Zhang is just an acquaintance."
Lian raised an eyebrow. "An acquaintance? Hmm, I still don't understand."
Ling Xiao chuckled. "Okay, okay. Have a seat."
They sat, and Ling Xiao asked, "Lian, do you remember anything about your childhood?"
Lian's brow furrowed. "Not really. Just a man's retreating back...and destruction everywhere. He had white hair."
Ling Xiao's eyes narrowed. "Go on."
Lian's eyes widened as the puzzle pieces fell into place. "Wait...do you mean the man from my dreams? The White-Haired Demon? What have I done to deserve this? Why does a demon want to kill me?"
Ling Xiao's expression turned cryptic. "What do you mean, a demon wants to kill you?"
Lian's drama queen persona emerged. "Oh no! You said I have to face my destiny, and my destiny is with the White-Haired Demon! He's going to eat me! Maybe my flesh, my blood...just like you always want to eat me, Master! But this time, it's different! It's a demon! How do I avoid it? Master, can I—"
Ling Xiao let Lian rant, his face tired but amused. He'd let his disciple exhaust himself before intervening.
Lian continued, unstoppable. "—and what if he's powerful? What if I'm not strong enough? Master, teach me more! Prepare me for this! I don't want to die! Especially not at the hands of a demon!"
Ling Xiao waited, patiently, as Lian's words poured out like a torrent.
Finally, when Lian paused for breath, Ling Xiao spoke, his voice calm and measured. "Lian, we'll face this together. But first, let's focus on your training. We have much work to do."
Lian's eyes widened, still frantic. "But, Master—"
Ling Xiao's firm tone cut him off. "Lian, trust me. We'll face the White-Haired Demon together."
Lian's expression changed, determination replacing fear. "Okay, Master. I'll trust you."
Their gazes met, and Ling Xiao nodded. The journey ahead would be perilous, but together, they'd face it.
Training resumed, with Ling Xiao guiding Lian through intricate martial arts moves. Lian struggled, his coordination laughable. Ling Xiao's frustration grew, his face reddening.
"Why aren't you learning, Lian?" Ling Xiao thundered. "This is the mortal realm! You need to cultivate, become a true cultivator to survive! Your martial arts are weak, even with a strong inner core. Are you intentionally not learning?"
Lian met his master's glare, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Master, I have a dream...to surpass you."
Ling Xiao's laughter was mocking. "You? Surpass me? Ha! Not in a million years, not in thousands of years to come. Not even when the gods prophesize it!"
Lian's drama queen persona returned, his expression mock-offended. "Master, how can you say that about me? I can surpass you!"
Ling Xiao chuckled, shaking his head. "You can't even learn a simple movement, and you call it a 'chicken dance.' That 'chicken dance' will help you surpass me? You'd rather intoxicate chickens with alcohol than cultivate!"
Lian's face fell, but Ling Xiao's teasing continued. "I'll just let the White-Haired Demon eat you up, and maybe it'll make a spicy stew out of you. Serve it with sticky rice, and I'll enjoy every bite!"
Lian clutched his stomach, horrified. "No, Master!"
Vivid scenarios of being devoured by the White-Haired Demon flooded his mind. Lian's determination surged. He began practicing the move with frantic intensity.
Ling Xiao watched, a knowing smile spreading across his face. Lian was driven by fear, and he'd just found the perfect motivator.
"Lian is one person who's driven by strange things," Ling Xiao mused, sipping his liquor. "Most are motivated by success, but Lian...he's fueled by what scares him. And I've just found the perfect catalyst to push him to his limits."
As Lian continued training, his movements became more fluid, more desperate. Ling Xiao's eyes sparkled with amusement, knowing that his disciple would stop at nothing to prove him wrong.
A figure emerged from the shadows, sitting beside him. Ling Xiao didn't flinch, accustomed to the stranger's silent appearances.
"You're wrong, Ling Xiao," the stranger said. "Lian isn't fueled by fear. He's fueled by..."
Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
The stranger poured himself a cup of liquor, his eyes fixed on Lian's intense training. "He's driven by a desire to prove himself, to surpass those he admires."
Ling Xiao's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. And what brings you here today?"
The stranger's gaze turned somber. "Bai Ye, the demon prince, has been injured. His fight with Jiang Wushi, the god of swords, has left him weakened. Few believes he is dead"
Ling Xiao's concern deepened. "Jiang Wushi seeks revenge for his disciple's death, believing Bai Ye responsible."
The stranger nodded. "Meanwhile, the Underworld Council of Elders considers releasing Jiang Chen, a powerful demon, from prison. His...uniqueness could tip the scales in their favor."
Ling Xiao's eyes narrowed. "Jiang Chen's release would destabilize the realms. What's the Council's motive?"
The stranger's expression turned cryptic. "Desperation. The Underworld faces internal strife, and Jiang Chen's powers could aid their cause. But his loyalty is questionable, and his release could have catastrophic consequences."
Ling Xiao's gaze snapped back to Lian, who continued training with reckless abandon. A sense of foreboding settled in his stomach.
"Lian's destiny is intertwined with Bai Ye's," the stranger whispered. "And Jiang Chen's impending release will only complicate matters."
Ling Xiao's eyes locked onto the stranger. "Keep me informed about Jiang Chen's status. I must prepare Lian for what's to come."
Zhang nodded in agreement with Ling Xiao. "I'll keep you informed."
Ling Xiao's expression turned concerned. "And Lord Bai Ye, how is he faring?"
Zhang's gaze turned somber. "Bai Ye's injuries are severe. He's gone into hiding, and no one has seen him since the battle with Jiang Wushi."
Ling Xiao's brow furrowed. "His condition worsens, I sense it. We must find him, aid him if possible."
Zhang's expression turned cryptic. "Finding Bai Ye won't be easy. He's vanished, leaving no trail. But I'll investigate, discreetly."
Ling Xiao nodded, his eyes locked onto Lian, who continued training with fierce determination. "Lian's destiny is tied to Bai Ye's. I must prepare him for what's to come."
Zhang vanished into the shadows, leaving Ling Xiao to ponder the uncertain future.