Farewell and New Beginnings

One day after the tournament, Li Xuehua found herself in her home, surrounded by her parents who were helping her pack her belongings. Though they knew their daughter was strong and capable, worry lingered in their hearts as they prepared to bid her farewell. It was a bittersweet moment for them, proud of Li Xuehua's achievements but also concerned for her well-being.

Li Hua couldn't help but voice her concerns. "My child, you're venturing into the unknown. We worry for your safety and what lies ahead," she confessed, her voice tinged with both love and anxiety.

Li Xuehua smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and reassurance. "Mother, Father, I understand your worries. But I promise you, I will remain strong and vigilant. I will train hard and protect myself. And remember, I will return to visit you every summer break without fail," she assured them, her voice filled with sincerity.

Her father nodded, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Li Xuehua, you have always been our beacon of strength. We trust in your abilities and we know you will make us proud," he said, his voice filled with a father's unwavering faith.

Just as they were finishing packing, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Li Xuehua's parents exchanged curious glances, and Li Xuehua went to answer it. To her surprise, she found Master Zhi standing outside, accompanied by Xin Tiu, his new disciple.

Xin Tiu's eyes were filled with a mixture of longing and sadness, his heart heavy with the prospect of Li Xuehua's departure. In his young and innocent heart, he had already fallen in love with her, though he was clueless about the nature of his feelings. He made a silent vow to grow strong so that he could always be by Li Xuehua's side and protect her.

Li Xuehua greeted them warmly. "Master Zhi, Xin Tiu, it's good to see you both," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection.

Master Zhi nodded, his expression a mix of pride and solemnity. "Li Xuehua, you have proven yourself to be an exceptional warrior. Wulong Academy awaits you, and I have no doubt that you will make great strides in your training," he acknowledged.

Xin Tiu, unable to hide his melancholy, looked at Li Xuehua with sadness in his eyes. "Li Xuehua, I... I don't want you to go," he murmured, his voice trembling with emotions.

Li Xuehua placed a comforting hand on Xin Tiu's shoulder, her eyes filled with empathy. "Xin Tiu, our paths may diverge for now, but our bond remains unbreakable. Remember, I will return every summer break to visit you and the village. You won't be alone," she reassured him, her voice soothing and gentle.

Just then, Xin Tiu, feeling a surge of courage and vulnerability, asked Li Xuehua if he could go to the back house to retrieve something for her. Curiosity piqued, Li Xuehua agreed, and Xin Tiu quickly made his way to the back house.

A few moments later, Xin Tiu emerged, holding a carefully carved wooden doll in his hands. The doll was a perfect replica of Li Xuehua, capturing her beauty and essence. Li Xuehua's eyes widened in surprise and awe as she accepted the gift.

"Xin Tiu, this doll is incredible. You carved it yourself?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Xin Tiu nodded, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yes, I wanted to give you something to remember me by," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Li Xuehua's heart swelled with warmth and appreciation. She rarely smiled, but in that moment, a radiant smile adorned her face. Her heart skipped a beat as Xin Tiu's emotions overwhelmed him, and he impulsively planted a kiss on her cheek before quickly retreating, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Confusion crossed Li Xuehua's face as she watched Xin Tiu run away. "Why did he...?" she trailed off, her thoughts interrupted by the realization that Xin Tiu's feelings might go beyond their close friendship. However, the thought of romantic love hadn't crossed her mind.

Li Xuehua's parents, observing the scene from a distance, exchanged knowing glances. They understood the complexity of young hearts and the budding emotions that often accompanied adolescence. With a smile, Li Xuehua's mother whispered to her husband, "Ah, young love. It's a journey they'll navigate in their own time."

As Li Xuehua bid farewell to her parents, she clutched the wooden doll close to her heart, a symbol of the bond she shared with Xin Tiu and a reminder of the friendship they cherished. With her belongings in tow, she joined Master Zhi and prepared to embark on the next chapter of her martial arts journey at Wulong Academy.

As she walked away, Li Xuehua couldn't help but wonder about the depths of Xin Tiu's emotions and the complexity of their relationship. She carried both excitement and a sense of curiosity in her heart as she stepped into the unknown, eager to face the challenges and embrace the new experiences that awaited her at Wulong Academy.