Jian's words hung in the air, leaving Ling Xiao and Mei Lin in a state of stunned silence. The prophecy, it seemed, was far more complex and mysterious than they had ever imagined.
Mei Lin was the first to break the silence. "What do you mean by 'natural order'?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism.
Jian's smile grew wider. "The natural order refers to the delicate balance between the physical and spiritual worlds," he explained. "A balance that has been disrupted by human greed and ambition."
Ling Xiao's eyes narrowed. "And how does this prophecy relate to me?" he asked.
Jian's gaze locked onto Ling Xiao's. "You, Ling Xiao, are the chosen one," he said. "The one destined to restore balance to the world and bring harmony to the physical and spiritual realms."
Ling Xiao felt a surge of incredulity. Chosen one? Destined to save the world? It all sounded like a fantastical fairy tale.
Mei Lin, however, seemed to be taking Jian's words seriously. "What makes you think Ling Xiao is the chosen one?" she asked.
Jian pulled out a small, leather-bound book from his robes. "This is the ancient text of the prophecy," he explained. "It speaks of a young cultivator with a rare and powerful spiritual energy. An energy that matches Ling Xiao's exactly."
Ling Xiao's eyes widened as Jian opened the book, revealing intricate symbols and diagrams that seemed to dance across the pages.
As he gazed at the ancient text, Ling Xiao felt a shiver run down his spine. Could it be true? Was he really the chosen one, destined to save the world?
The thought sent a surge of excitement and trepidation through him. He knew that he had a long and difficult journey ahead of him, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay in store.