In a quiet restaurant in Black Plum Village, a warm and cozy atmosphere filled the space as patrons came and went.
However, there were two figures who drew more attention than anyone else: a handsome young man with a mysterious aura and a young girl wearing a veil to cover her face.
They sat in a corner, quietly enjoying their lunch, but could not escape the attention of the many people around.
The young man was Shen Xiang, standing at around 190 cm tall. Though his body wasn't overly muscular, the hidden strength within him could be felt by anyone with a keen sense.
His skin was as pale as that of a baby, smooth and flawless. His long black hair flowed softly down his back, and his eyebrows were sharp, curving like a sword ready to cut through any obstacles.
His eyes, bright purple, gleamed with a deep intelligence, as though they could see into the soul of anyone who looked at him. Between his brows, there was a small amethyst-shaped gemstone that sparkled with a nearly magical light.
Despite his handsome and charismatic appearance, there was a dark aura that accompanied Shen Xiang. His strong and mysterious charm attracted the attention of many women in the restaurant.
However, there was also a sense of unease in their hearts, as if there was something more beneath the surface. Many could sense that he was not an ordinary man.
Next to him sat a young girl whose face was hidden by a veil. Only her eyes and a bit of skin were visible, but even so, anyone who looked at her could feel the extraordinary beauty she possessed.
Her hair was smooth and brown, long and flowing, and even though her face was concealed, an aura of purity and innocence radiated from her. This girl was Xia Ning Chang, one of Shen Xiang's future wives.
Their journey began two months ago. They had left the mountain that had been their home for over ten years.
The mountain had been destroyed when Shen Xiang made a breakthrough to the True Element Realm, a process that shook the earth and attracted the attention of powerful individuals from the surrounding borders of the Great Han Dynasty and the Evil Cloud Abyss.
Many suspected that this breakthrough marked the beginning of a great change, which was why Shen Xiang decided to leave the mountain with Xia Ning Chang.
They did not want to be involved with any forces or conflicts for the time being.
"Thank you, Uncle. Keep the change," said Shen Xiang, smiling at the restaurant owner, who was still in awe of the two guests' remarkable presence.
"Thank you, Young Master," replied the owner with great respect, holding a tael of gold in his hand, a significant amount for a small restaurant in this village.
After leaving the restaurant, Shen Xiang and Xia Ning Chang walked side by side, their hands intertwined.
Along the way, Shen Xiang asked with concern, "Chang'er, have you put on the item I gave you?"
Xia Ning Chang smiled softly, feeling the warmth of Shen Xiang's touch, and replied, "I have worn the necklace you gave me. No one can see it, but I can feel it protecting my body."
Shen Xiang smiled in satisfaction. "Good. Remember, if anyone asks about your cultivation level, you must answer honestly. As for me, I will hide my cultivation for now because I don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble."
Xia Ning Chang nodded in agreement. Although her appearance seemed innocent and naive, her thoughts had matured greatly due to the years spent together with Shen Xiang.
Their life together was filled with intense training and treasure hunting, which, though sometimes dangerous, always brought them closer together.
Upon arriving at a large tree, Shen Xiang's gaze fell upon something lying on the ground beneath it: a small black stone shaped like a box, almost hidden beneath the lush foliage.
Without hesitation, Shen Xiang picked it up and examined it closely. Xia Ning Chang, walking beside him, asked curiously, "Brother Shen, is that a valuable item?"
"Yes," Shen Xiang replied with a wide smile. "This is a very valuable treasure. Thank you, Chang'er, for being my goddess of fortune." Without thinking, he kissed Xia Ning Chang on the cheek as a token of his gratitude, causing the girl to be startled and her face to turn as red as an apple.
"You silly," Xia Ning Chang said shyly before running away, her deep embarrassment taking over.
Though she was accustomed to Shen Xiang's teasing and attention, the kiss still made her feel very self-conscious.
"Hahahaha..." Shen Xiang laughed heartily, chasing after Xia Ning Chang. Soon, the two stopped right in front of the gate of a sect called the Heavenly Pavilion.
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Central Capital, Great Han Dynasty.
Meanwhile, in a city far from where they were, a 12-year-old boy was diligently practicing in the backyard of his family's house.
This boy, Yang Kai, was very different from Shen Xiang. His body was thin and frail, yet there was determination in his eyes, showing a strong resolve. He practiced tirelessly, hoping one day to become strong enough to protect his family.
However, as he was practicing, an odd sensation washed over him. It was as if he had lost something, something he couldn't quite explain. He felt an emptiness, though he didn't know what exactly was missing.
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Author's Note : Yang Kai will only appear in a few chapters, and his fate will remain in this small world or head toward the Tongxuan Realm. Nevertheless, he will become the legendary Patriarch of the Yang Family.