CHAPTER 22: The road back to zi xuan sect!!

After their arduous journey through the dark temple and the fierce battles within, Zhang Xin and his companions emerged at last from the mountains. The morning sun warmed their faces, and they felt the weight of their exhaustion but also a surge of relief and pride. Every bruise and scrape felt like a badge of honor.

As they descended the mountain path back to the Zi Xuan Sect, their steps were slow but steady, with a new bond formed among them. Each of them had faced their fears and pushed beyond their limits, and now they returned home together, stronger than ever.

At the entrance to the sect, they spotted Tang Cai Ji standing calmly, her expression serene as she awaited their arrival. Her gaze softened as she took in their worn faces, her presence a source of calm that made them all feel immediately at ease.

When they reached her, she looked over each of them, her eyes lingering for a moment on their various injuries. Finally, she gave a slight nod, her tone carrying the faintest warmth. "You have all done your best," she said, her voice steady but filled with pride. "The challenges you faced in the temple are not for the faint of heart. You each showed resilience and courage, and I am proud of the strength you have shown."

The group straightened, a sense of pride swelling within them as her words sank in. Hearing such praise from their revered master meant more than any victory.

Tang Cai Ji continued, "However, your journey is not over. In two days, the Royal Fight Arena in Jing Fu Empire will hold a grand competition. This time, it will not be about individual strength alone. You must learn to work as one, to understand each other's strengths and support each other's weaknesses. Only with unity and teamwork can you hope to succeed."

They all nodded, the excitement of the upcoming challenge beginning to spark within them. Xiaobo, ever the enthusiastic one, clenched his fist. "Then we'll show everyone what the Zi Xuan Sect is made of!"

Tang Cai Ji's lips curved into a slight smile. "Good. Use this time to rest, reflect, and strengthen your bond as a team." She gave a final nod and turned, leaving them to their preparations.

With her words echoing in their minds, Zhang Xin looked at his team and grinned. "How about we take Master Tang's advice and get to know each other a little better? Let's grab some food and relax a bit before the big day."

The group agreed, and together they headed into the town below the sect, finding a lively restaurant that was bustling with people. They took a large table, ordering a spread of dishes that filled the air with rich aromas, and soon the table was covered with food.

As they ate, the exhaustion from their mission faded, replaced by laughter and teasing. Wei Luo, always ready with a quick comment, pointed at Chen Bo and smirked. "Chen Bo, I swear I saw you freeze when that monster lunged at you. What happened to all your boasting about being fearless?"

Chen Bo grinned, holding up his chopsticks in defense. "Hey, even fearless people have a healthy respect for monsters twice their size. Besides, I was just giving them a chance to show off their strength."

Xiaobo laughed, raising his cup in a mock toast. "To Chen Bo, the brave 'strategist' who almost became monster food."

Laughter echoed around the table as they all toasted, and even Zhang Xin found himself chuckling as he watched his friends unwind. But as he glanced at Lian Hua, he noticed her quiet demeanor. She smiled politely at the jokes but didn't say much, her expression reserved as she observed the group with her calm, steady gaze.

Zhang Xin didn't push her, but he made a mental note of her silent nature. She carried a serious air, but there was a strength in her that he respected. He wondered what stories and experiences lay behind her quiet exterior.

Turning his attention back to the group, Zhang Xin leaned forward with a grin. "By the way, the Storm Moon Sect will be at the competition. Word is, they think they're unbeatable this year."

A collective groan went around the table as his teammates remembered their longtime rivals. Xiaobo crossed his arms, a determined spark in his eye. "I can't wait to show them who's really unbeatable."

Mei Lan smiled, her gaze as sharp as ever. "Let them talk all they want. We'll let our actions speak for us."

Chen bo, ever the joker, rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, and in case they're too scared to show up, I'll make sure to 'scream and run' just to encourage them."

Zhang Xin laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, Chen Bo, but save your famous 'scream and run' technique for when it really counts, alright?"

As the night wore on, the team found themselves laughing harder than they had in ages, the light-hearted moments easing the tension of their recent battles. They exchanged funny stories from their training, teased each other about past mistakes, and shared plans for the future.

By the time they left the restaurant, they were a little more unified, a little stronger, and a lot more confident in each other. The two days leading up to the competition would be their chance to prepare, and Zhang Xin felt a newfound determination to make sure they'd stand as one when they faced their rivals in the arena.

Walking back to the sect with his friends beside him, Zhang Xin couldn't help but feel grateful. Their bond was their true strength, and he was ready to lead them into whatever challenge lay ahead.

The two days before the competition passed quickly, with the team training relentlessly to prepare for the Royal Fight Arena in Jing Fu Empire. Each member brought their own unique skills, but Tang Cai Ji's words echoed in their minds: this was not a test of individual strength, but of unity and teamwork.

On the final evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues across the Zi Xuan Sect's training grounds, the team gathered for one last practice. Zhang Xin stood in front of his companions, his gaze steady but his voice carrying a calm intensity.

"Alright, everyone," he began. "Tomorrow is our chance to show the world what we're made of. But remember, we're only as strong as our weakest link—so we fight as one. No one gets left behind, no matter what."

Xiaobo thumped his fist against his palm with a grin. "Don't worry, Zhang Xin. We'll bring our A-game."

Mei Lan nodded, her expression sharp and focused. "Let's make sure all our moves are synchronized, so no one can break our formation."

"Exactly," Zhang Xin replied, impressed by their commitment. "Our strength lies in trusting each other. If one of us falters, the others are there to cover."

As they practiced, Zhang Xin took note of Lian Hua once more. She was as skilled as ever, moving with a quiet grace that seemed almost effortless. She didn't speak much, but her serious nature and precision in her movements made it clear she was deeply focused on the task ahead.

Finally, as the moon rose high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the training grounds, they decided to call it a night. Zhang Xin gathered them around one last time, a sense of camaraderie filling the air.

"Rest well, everyone," he said, clapping a hand on Xiaobo's shoulder. "Tomorrow, we'll show the Jing Fu Empire the strength of the Zi Xuan Sect."