A few weeks after the competition ended, Xiao Shao felt like he was at a crossroads in his life. Although he had grown tremendously in terms of physical strength and fighting ability, there was still something that was bothering him. The world he knew felt increasingly small, and he was starting to feel trapped in it. He knew that in order to truly reach his full potential, he had to explore this world, face more challenges, and meet people from different places.
That night, after training hard in the dojo, Xiao Shao sat pensively outside the dojo, looking at the twinkling stars in the dark sky. The night breeze felt cool on his skin, and the sounds of nature brought peace to his heart. Without realizing it, his thoughts returned to Li Yun. What was he really looking for in his life? Why did he feel so heavy even though their fight was over?
"There are no answers here," he muttered to himself. "I have to look for them out there. In the wider world."
The decision came so suddenly, as if the entire universe was supporting him. Xiao Shao knew that in order to continue his journey, he would have to leave the dojo and embark on a journey beyond the world he knew. This world was full of secrets, and he would never know how strong he could become if he stayed in one place. This was the perfect time to explore, meet new people, and face greater challenges.
---
In the morning, Xiao Shao went to Master Wu to tell him his decision. Master Wu, who had treated Xiao Shao like his own son, listened attentively. Although he could see that Xiao Shao was still young and not fully prepared to face the dangers of the outside world, he did not dissuade his disciple from his decision.
"Xiao Shao," Master Wu said in a calm voice, "I knew that one day you would feel this way. The outside world is filled with challenges far greater than what we can face here. However, it is the path you must choose if you wish to find yourself."
Xiao Shao bowed his head, honored by Master Wu's words. "I thank you, Master. I will not forget your teachings."
"Don't just rely on the techniques you've learned," Master Wu continued, "Seek answers out there, but always remember, the greatest power lies within yourself. Use your heart and mind to choose the right path."
With Master Wu's permission, Xiao Shao set out on the journey he had longed for. He packed up his essentials and left the dojo that had been his home for so long. Before leaving the city, he had a chance encounter with Li Yun. When their eyes met, there was an unspoken understanding between them.
"Are you really leaving?" Li Yun asked in a low voice, but there was a hint of worry in his voice.
Xiao Shao nodded, "I have to find something bigger, Li Yun. This world is too big to stay in just one place."
Li Yun sighed, and for a moment, his gaze softened. "I understand. Be careful out there, Xiao Shao. This world is full of dangers you can't imagine."
Xiao Shao smiled slightly, though there was a feeling he couldn't quite explain. "Be careful too, Li Yun. Who knows, we might meet again." With a wave of his hand, Xiao Shao left the city and began his journey towards an unexpected adventure.
---
Day after day, Xiao Shao explored the wider world. He passed through remote villages, walked through dark forests, and traversed high mountains. Every place he visited taught him new lessons, both about physical strength and about life itself. He met all kinds of people—friendly merchants, dangerous fighters, and ordinary people struggling to survive in this harsh world.
One day, when he arrived at a large city by the river, Xiao Shao felt something was different. The city seemed peaceful, but there was something disturbing, as if there was a secret hidden behind it. As he walked deeper into the city, he heard rumors of a mysterious organization that controlled most of the activities there. The city guards spoke of it with fear, and some merchants also began to avoid talking about the organization.
Curious, Xiao Shao decided to find out more. He began visiting some of the darker places in town—brothels, gambling dens, and even small taverns frequented by dangerous people. It was here that he first met a young woman named Mei Hua.
Mei Hua was a very attractive woman,with long flowing jet-black hair and eyes filled with mystery. She seemed to know more about the city's underworld than ordinary people would want to know. When Xiao Shao approached her, he felt a strong aura around Mei Hua, like she was no ordinary woman.
"What are you looking for here, traveler?" Mei Hua asked, her eyes sharply assessing Xiao Shao.
"I just want to know more about this city," Xiao Shao answered cautiously. "Something is wrong here, and I think I can help."
Mei Hua smiled faintly, then said, "You are too bold for a newcomer. This city is full of secrets that are not easily revealed."
Xiao Shao sensed that there was more hidden behind Mei Hua's words. "I am not afraid of secrets. I only want to know the truth."
Mei Hua stared at him for a moment longer, as if judging whether he could trust Xiao Shao. "You may be more than you think. If you really want to know, you must be prepared to face the dangers that come with it."
With mixed feelings, Xiao Shao decided to follow Mei Hua. The two of them walked through the darker alleys of the city, heading towards more dangerous places, where they might be able to find clues about the suspicious organization.
---
On the way, Xiao Shao began to feel a deeper sense of tension. It turned out that this city was not only a place for adventure and the search for power, but also a place where he would face some of the greatest challenges of his life. In his search for true power, he would not only fight with external enemies, but also with feelings and emotions that were growing stronger inside him—feelings that began to emerge between him and Mei Hua.