The small room was quiet, lit only by the soft flicker of the hearth. Tang Xan placed the food he had brought from home on the table and sat cross-legged, feeling the weight of the day pressing lightly against his shoulders. He was used to solitude, but today, he had company—an unusual one.
"Ahh!" boomed a voice, breaking the silence. The lion spirit's voice echoed, full of playful energy and hunger. "I am a spirit… but I also need food! Give me some!"
Tang Xan laughed, shaking his head. "I'm joking! I thought you'd laugh. But really, I don't need food—our souls are one. Whatever I eat, you eat. We share everything, bro."
The lion let out a delighted roar, reverberating through Tang Xan's mind. "I like that! But listen carefully, Tang Xan. Today, we focus on learning a new attack. You must grow stronger. First step: power testing. There's a tournament soon—you'll need to punch the panel perfectly."
Tang Xan nodded, determination blazing in his light-blue eyes. "I understand."
Before they could begin, the door opened softly, and a young maid stepped in. Carrying her cleaning supplies, she glanced at Tang Xan with polite shyness.
"Hello," she said gently, her face slightly pink. "My name is Rose. I'm here to clean the room."
Tang Xan waved a hand casually. "Alright. Clean it. I'll be going out for a while."
Rose's cheeks deepened in color, and she stammered slightly. "N-no… you can sit. I'll clean without disturbing you."
Tang Xan smiled and nodded. "Okay. Go ahead."
Inside his mind, the lion's voice resonated like a booming command. "Tang Xan! Focus! You must train! Your strength flows through your mind, through your spirit! Power first, above all else!"
"Yes! Yes!" Tang Xan answered, closing his eyes. Energy began to hum through his body, spreading from his core to every muscle. Sparks of his aura flickered like fire in the dim room, and the lion's presence strengthened him from within.
Rose, watching quietly, tilted her head curiously. "Are you… participating in the tournament?"
Tang Xan opened one eye. "Yes. I don't fight for rewards. I only want strength. Strength… that is all."
Rose's eyes sparkled. "Oh… I see. I work as a maid for two years to earn money for my family—my dad and mom. I'm participating too."
Tang Xan gave a small, respectful nod. "That's good. Do your best, Rose."
Rose smiled warmly. "Thank you."
She began cleaning meticulously, moving quietly around the room, dusting and arranging things with care. Tang Xan, meanwhile, focused inward, letting his aura pulse and spread. Thoughts sharpened; energy concentrated in every limb. His mind and spirit merged with the lion's presence, a silent conversation of power and intent.
As Rose prepared to leave, Tang Xan called softly, "Stop."
Rose paused, turning back. Tang Xan reached into his pouch and pulled out a bundle of money—5000 rupees. "Here… take this. For cleaning," he said firmly but kindly.
Rose hesitated, shaking her head. "No… I didn't—"
Tang Xan smiled. "I insist. You earned it. Take it."
The lion purred in his mind. "Tang Xan, you're very caring and good. That was noble."
Rose finally took the money, but in that instant, Tang Xan noticed something alarming—her hand was injured. A small cut, hidden beneath her sleeve, bleeding slightly. His eyes widened.
The wind outside howled, rattling the windows. Shadows danced across the walls like fleeting warnings. The room held a tense stillness, but inside Tang Xan's mind, the lion roared, energy crackling like lightning.
A silent promise had been made: to protect, to grow, and to fight for those who could not fight for themselves. The training, the tournaments, the challenges—they were all preparation. Strength was no longer just about victory—it was about responsibility.
The fire crackled, the aura pulsed, and Tang Xan's mind whispered back to the lion: a silent dialogue of power, will, and determination.
And in that quiet room, the weight of the mind talk marked the beginning of something far greater.
End of Chapter 9