CHAPTER 3: Meet up of old friends!!

Li and Haoyu's Reunion

The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the city. It had been years since Li and Haoyu last saw each other. The years had not been kind to time, leaving traces of sorrow and mystery in their wake. Yet, when they finally reunited, it felt as if nothing had changed. The bond between them was still strong, untouched by time, but something was different in the air tonight—something that neither of them could quite place.

"Haoyu," Li spoke softly, breaking the long silence. His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of emotion. "It's been ages. How have you been?"

Haoyu's eyes softened as he met Li gaze. He looked at his old friend, noting the weight of exhaustion and concern in his eyes. "I've been well," Haoyu answered, though his tone was guarded, "But you, Li, what brings you here tonight? Something feels off."

Li exhaled deeply, his expression unreadable. "I came to see my old friend again," he replied, though his words didn't match the tension in his voice. "I've been thinking about... a lot of things."

Haoyu leaned forward, sensing the unspoken words hanging between them. "What things?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper, as if afraid to disrupt the fragile silence.

Li shifted uncomfortably. After a moment, he spoke, his voice low. "Zhang Xin… He's troubled. More than usual. I don't know what's going on, but I can feel something's not right."

Haoyu's gaze sharpened at the mention of Zhang Xin's name. His brows furrowed as memories of the boy's mysterious past flashed before his eyes. "Zhang Xin? What's happening to him?"

Li's voice dropped to a near whisper, as if the walls themselves might be listening. "It's about his father. Zhang Jingyi, the ruler of the map..."

Haoyu's face tensed. He leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "The map? What does Zhang Jingyi have to do with this?"

Li's eyes darkened as he glanced around, making sure no one was listening. "Fanhua. Fanhua has taken his parents. They're captive. All because of the map. It's... too dangerous."

Haoyu's breath hitched at the name. Fanhua. The very name sent chills down his spine. He remembered the ruthless, cunning figure all too well. "Fanhua is after the map? But why? What makes this map so important?"

Li clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "That's what I need to know too. But Zhang Xin… He doesn't know. He's been kept in the dark about his father's fate, and now he's inherited something far greater than he could ever understand."

Haoyu's voice turned grim. "This sounds like a nightmare. If Fanhua has them, Zhang Xin is in far more danger than he realizes."

Li nodded gravely. "It's not just his parents at stake. There's something more—something much more dangerous about this map and Zhang Xin's connection to it. I can't shake the feeling that it's all tied together... and Fanhua is pulling the strings."

They sat in silence, the weight of the conversation sinking in. Both knew the stakes were higher than ever before. Zhang Xin was unknowingly caught in the middle of something much bigger than himself, and the only question that lingered in their minds was: What did Fanhua want with the map?

Zhang Xin's Awakening in the Sea of Consciousness

In the midst of a storm, with rain pounding against the windows, Zhang Xin stirred in his sleep, only to be awoken by a sharp pain in his hand. His vision blurred as he slowly became aware of the blood dripping from his fingers. Startled, he looked around, realizing he was no longer in his bed but in an unfamiliar place, alone in the depths of his own mind.

The space around him was vast, an endless void that seemed to stretch forever. He was standing at the center of his sea of consciousness, a place he had never fully understood, a realm within himself. A voice broke through the silence, deep and resonant.

"You've awoken," it said.

Zhang Xin spun around, heart racing. Before him stood a golden dragon, its eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom. Its massive form loomed over him, and its scales shimmered like gold in the dim light.

"Who... Who are you?" Zhang Xin's voice trembled with confusion and fear.

The dragon's eyes softened, but its voice remained firm. "I am Zhu Wei, the guardian of your soul. You are in the sea of consciousness. This is where you will find the answers you seek, if you are ready."

Zhang Xin stepped back, his mind reeling. "I don't understand... Where am I? Why am I here?"

Zhu Wei studied him intently. "You are here because you need to understand the truth about yourself, your powers, and the map. You are the son of Zhang Jingyi, the ruler of the map. The one who has been taken by Fanhua."

Zhang Xin's heart raced, his pulse quickening. "My father? Zhang Jingyi? What do you mean he's been taken? What map? What's going on?"

The dragon's eyes darkened. "Your father's powers have been sealed, and Fanhua has imprisoned him. The map you speak of is no ordinary map. It holds the key to unimaginable power, and it's your legacy to protect."

Zhang Xin's world tilted. The weight of Zhu Wei's words hit him like a physical blow. "Fanhua has him? What does Fanhua want with my father? What does this map mean?"

Zhu Wei lowered his head, his golden scales reflecting the flickering light. "Fanhua seeks the map to control the power within it. Your father sealed it away, knowing its dangers. But now, it's yours. You must find it. And to do so, you must unlock your true potential."

Zhang Xin's mind raced. "But how? How do I unlock my powers? How do I save my parents?"

The dragon's gaze softened with empathy. "There is a way. The Jing Ling Pill. It will awaken the powers sealed within you. But be warned—taking it will not be easy. It will come at a price. And if you are not careful, it may destroy you."

Zhang Xin's eyes flashed with determination. "I'll do it. Whatever it takes, I'll save them."

Zhu Wei sighed deeply. "Very well. You must take the pill, but remember, this path will be filled with peril. Your strength will be tested. Are you truly ready to pay the price for power?"

Zhang Xin hesitated only for a moment before nodding resolutely. "I'm ready."

With a heavy heart, Zhu Wei handed him a small, glowing pill. Without another word, Zhang Xin swallowed it. The moment it touched his tongue, a surge of energy flooded his body, overwhelming him with its intensity. He fell to his knees as the pain exploded through him, his veins burning with power, his muscles twisting and reshaping. The world around him blurred, spinning out of control as his mind struggled to stay anchored in reality.

Blood dripped from his hand as the transformation took hold, his body breaking through its physical limits. The pain was excruciating, but Zhang Xin gritted his teeth and pressed on, unwilling to succumb.

"I won't stop," he muttered to himself. "I won't fail."

The process was grueling, but through the darkness, Zhang Xin felt his power surge—rising within him, stronger and more potent than ever before. A golden light enveloped him as his body finally began to settle, his transformation complete.

Zhu Wei looked on, his voice filled with pride. "You've done it, Zhang Xin. You have unlocked your true potential. But this is only the beginning.

Zhang Xin struggled to rise to his feet, his body feeling heavier than before, but also more powerful. "What do you mean? What should I do next?" he asked, still catching his breath.

Zhu Wei's golden eyes gleamed, and he nodded in approval. "You have unlocked your inner potential. But this is just the beginning. You must cultivate your powers quickly. There is a competition coming up in one month—a competition that will test your strength and your control over the techniques you've inherited."

"A competition?" Zhang Xin's voice wavered with surprise. "What kind of competition? And why is it so important?"

Zhu Wei's form shifted slightly, his massive body exuding an aura of ancient wisdom. "This competition is a test of cultivation, of power, and of survival. Cultivators from all over the world will gather to compete, to prove their worth. It is a place where only the strongest will rise. Those who participate will be judged, and their future will depend on the results. It's a rare event, one that could change your life forever."

Zhang Xin's mind raced with questions, but before he could ask more, the golden dragon continued. "But to be ready for this competition, you must understand the essence of cultivation. You must learn how to unlock the full extent of your abilities."

Zhang Xin frowned, still struggling to process everything. "Cultivation? What is that exactly? How does it work?"

Zhu Wei's eyes gleamed as he spoke. "Cultivation is the process of refining your body, mind, and soul to unlock the true potential of your power. It is about mastering various techniques, harnessing energy, and sharpening your inner strength. There are many paths, many techniques, but you must find the one that suits you best."

Zhang Xin nodded, trying to make sense of it all. "And what are these techniques? How do I learn them?"

The dragon's massive head lowered, and his voice grew solemn. "There are many cultivation techniques, each one tied to different aspects of power. They are not all the same. Some will suit you, others will not. But you must start by understanding the basics."

Zhu Wei raised one clawed paw, and as he spoke, the air seemed to shift around them. "Here are the main cultivation techniques:

1. Ice Techniques – Mastering the element of ice, controlling freezing power and cold.

2. Fire Techniques – Harnessing the destructive force of flames and heat.

3. Earth Techniques – Manipulating the power of the earth, creating walls and fissures.

4. Healing Techniques – Harnessing energy to heal and restore life.

5. Sword Techniques – Mastery over blades and the art of combat.

6. Light Techniques – Harnessing pure light energy, a rare and powerful technique.

7. Dark Techniques – Mastery over shadow and the unseen, a dangerous art.

8. Lightning Techniques – Commanding the storm, controlling bolts of electricity.

9. Storm Techniques – Creating violent weather and harnessing its chaotic power.

10. Wind Techniques – Commanding the air, manipulating wind to your will."

Zhang Xin absorbed every word, his mind buzzing with the possibilities. "Are there others? What do I need to learn?"

Zhu Wei nodded. "There are many other techniques, but these are the primary ones. Those who cultivate these techniques often possess special instruments to assist them. These can include pagodas, ancient stones, cauldrons, and other tools. Each instrument amplifies the cultivator's abilities and helps them control their powers."

Zhang Xin's eyes widened. "What about me? What technique do I have? And what instruments do I possess?"

The golden dragon studied him for a moment, then spoke with a hint of pride in his voice. "You, Zhang Xin, are born with Light Techniques—a rare and powerful form of cultivation. Not many can cultivate this technique, for it requires an innate connection to the essence of light. It will be your strength, but also your challenge. Your power will grow with time, but you must learn to control it carefully."

Zhang Xin felt a surge of pride at the dragon's words, but a shadow of doubt lingered. "Light? But… What else do I have? What instruments do I possess?"

Zhu Wei's eyes gleamed. "You possess a Map, one of the most coveted and dangerous artifacts in this cultivation world. It is tied to your destiny, Zhang Xin. The map will guide you, but also lead you into danger. It is both your key and your burden."

Zhang Xin's heart raced. The map—his father's legacy—was now in his hands. But what did it mean? What was its true power? And what was Fanhua after?

"You must cultivate faster," Zhu Wei continued, his voice filled with urgency. "The competition is only a month away. You need to master your techniques, your powers, and your instruments. If you wish to survive and protect those you love, you must be ready."

Zhang Xin looked at the dragon, his resolve hardening. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes to master my powers."

The golden dragon nodded. "Then begin your cultivation now. There is no time to waste."