The morning sun peeked through the dense canopy of trees, bathing the Xu Mountain Sect in soft light. Xu Mei Ling stood impatiently outside the training hall, tapping her foot as she shot glares toward the barracks.
"Xu Ran! How long does it take to strap on boots and grab a sword?" she called, her voice echoing in the stillness.
From inside the barracks came a lazy response. "Patience, Mei Ling. I'm coming."
"Patience?" Mei Ling muttered under her breath. "We'll miss the entire market at Fengyang if we wait for you to crawl out of bed."
Moments later, Xu Ran emerged, his sword slung over his shoulder and a mischievous grin plastered on his face. "Relax, little sister. The market isn't going anywhere."
"I'm older by three minutes, and I'll remind you of that every chance I get," Mei Ling shot back, sticking her tongue out.
Before Xu Ran could respond, Yixuan stepped out of the library, brushing off his robes. "What's all the noise about?" he asked, his calm tone a sharp contrast to Mei Ling's agitation.
"We're heading to Fengyang for errands," Mei Ling explained. "You're coming with us."
Yixuan raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware I volunteered."
"You didn't," she said matter-of-factly, grabbing his arm. "Let's go before Xu Ran decides he needs another nap."
Xu Ran rolled his eyes but followed, the trio setting off down the winding path to Fengyang.
Fengyang was alive with activity. Merchants shouted their wares, children darted through the crowds, and the scent of roasted meat wafted through the air. Mei Ling led the way, her eyes darting between stalls as she mentally checked off items on the list.
"Mei Ling, slow down," Xu Ran groaned, struggling to keep up. "Not everyone has your endless energy."
"Then stay out of my way," she retorted, shoving a basket of herbs into his hands. "Hold this while I haggle."
Yixuan hung back, observing the bustling market. His gaze wandered, but something tugged at his senses—a feeling of unease.
"Do you feel that?" he asked, his tone low.
Xu Ran stopped mid-complaint and looked around. "Feel what?"
"Something's off," Yixuan replied, narrowing his eyes.
Before Xu Ran could respond, a commotion erupted near the center of the market. A group of town soldiers surrounded a man in simple, travel-worn clothes.
"You've been caught stealing," one of the soldiers barked, raising his sword.
The man smirked, unfazed by the circle of armed men. "Stealing? I took what was rightfully mine. Perhaps your lord should learn to pay his debts."
"Enough talk. Arrest him!"
As the soldiers lunged, the man moved with breathtaking precision. He didn't draw a sword; instead, with a flick of his wrist, an invisible force knocked the first soldier off his feet.
"What in the…" Xu Ran muttered, his jaw dropping.
The man stepped gracefully, dodging attacks and retaliating with bursts of energy that sent soldiers flying. His movements were fluid, almost like a dance, and his confidence was unwavering.
Yixuan watched in awe. "He's not using a weapon. That's pure qi manipulation."
Mei Ling's eyes widened. "Is that even possible?"
The fight was over in minutes. The remaining soldiers scrambled to retreat, leaving the man standing alone amidst the chaos. Dust settled, and the market slowly returned to its usual hum.
Yixuan stepped forward, his curiosity overriding caution. "Wait!"
The man turned, his sharp eyes locking onto Yixuan. "What do you want?"
"I saw what you did," Yixuan said, bowing slightly. "Your mastery of qi is extraordinary. Will you teach me?"
The man raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with skepticism. "Teach you? You don't even know my name."
"Then tell me your name," Yixuan replied.
The man chuckled. "Jia Li. But I'm not a teacher."
Mei Ling stepped in, her smile bright. "You're incredible! We'd love to thank you with a meal. Please, come back to Xu Mountain with us."
Jia Li hesitated, studying the trio. Finally, he shrugged. "Fine. But only for the meal."
Back at the Xu Mountain Sect, the group gathered in the dining hall. Jia Li ate with casual ease, while Mei Ling hovered nearby, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"So, Jia Li," she began, leaning closer. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
Jia Li smirked, setting down his chopsticks. "Here and there. Life's been a thorough teacher."
"Do you travel alone?" she pressed.
"Usually. Less trouble that way," he replied, his tone indifferent.
Mei Ling's cheeks flushed, but her determination didn't waver. "You know, the sect could use someone like you. You'd fit right in."
Jia Li chuckled, shaking his head. "I doubt that. I'm not the type to stay in one place for long."
"That's fine," she said quickly. "You could stay as long as you like. No pressure."
Xu Ran smirked. "Careful, Mei Ling. You're laying it on a bit thick."
She glared at him but turned back to Jia Li with a smile. "Seriously, think about it."
"I'll think about it," Jia Li said with a teasing grin. "But don't get your hopes up, little one."
Mei Ling's face turned bright red. "I'm not little! And age doesn't matter."
Jia Li's laughter echoed through the hall, his amusement genuine.
Later that evening, the Master summoned Yixuan, Jia Li, Mei Ling, and Xu Ran to his chambers. His expression was grave as he addressed them.
"Yixuan," he began, his tone heavy. "The Empress and the seven princes have learned of your reincarnation."
Yixuan's jaw tightened. "How could they know? No one outside the sect has seen me."
"They don't know your appearance, but they've sent agents to monitor this region," the Master explained. "It's only a matter of time before they connect the dots."
"What should we do?" Mei Ling asked, her voice trembling.
"You must leave Xu Mountain," the Master said firmly. "It's no longer safe. We'll prepare a route, but you must be cautious."
Jia Li crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Sounds like trouble."
Yixuan turned to him. "Will you come with me?"
Jia Li smirked. "You're awfully trusting for someone in your position."
"I trust my instincts," Yixuan replied simply.
The Master nodded. "Jia Li, your skills are formidable. If you choose to stay, I ask that you protect Yixuan."
Jia Li shrugged. "I'll think about it."
That night, the tranquility of Xu Mountain was shattered by the sound of clashing steel and shouts.
Xu Ran burst into Yixuan's chamber, his face pale. "Soldiers! They've attacked the sect!"
Yixuan grabbed his sword and followed Xu Ran into the courtyard. Flames licked the edges of the buildings, and the air was thick with smoke. Soldiers bearing the emblem of the Sixth Prince stormed through, cutting down anyone who stood in their way.
Jia Li appeared beside them, his expression grim. "Stay close," he ordered, his voice firm.
The trio fought valiantly, their swords flashing as they defended the sect. Yixuan's movements were precise, his focus sharp as he cut through enemy ranks. Jia Li, true to form, used his qi to send soldiers flying, his power unmatched.
"Where's Mei Ling?" Xu Ran shouted, his voice panicked.
"She was with the Master!" Yixuan replied.
They pushed toward the main hall, where the Master and Mei Ling stood surrounded by soldiers. Mei Ling fought fiercely, her blade moving with determination, but the numbers were overwhelming.
"Mei Ling!" Xu Ran screamed, his voice breaking.
The Master turned to Yixuan, his gaze resolute. "Take them and go!"
"No!" Yixuan protested. "We can fight…"
"There's no time!" the Master snapped. "Protect him, Jia Li. That is your duty now."
Before Yixuan could argue further, Jia Li grabbed his arm and dragged him away. Xu Ran hesitated, his eyes locked on Mei Ling.
"Go!" Mei Ling shouted, tears streaming down her face.
"Mei Ling!" Xu Ran cried, his voice filled with anguish.
But Jia Li pulled him along, forcing him to retreat. The last thing Yixuan saw was Mei Ling standing back-to-back with the Master, their swords raised as the soldiers closed in.
The trio fled into the forest, the sounds of battle fading into the distance. Xu Ran collapsed to his knees, his body shaking with sobs.
"They're gone," he choked out. "Mei Ling... she's gone."
Yixuan placed a hand on his shoulder, his heart heavy. "We'll honor them. We'll make sure their sacrifice wasn't in vain."
Jia Li stood silently, his expression unreadable, but his clenched fists betrayed the storm raging within.
This was fate,to have brought Zhang Yixuan his way, it was fate. He also had a score to settle with the empress and the seven rulers of earth.