CHAPTER 4: Light the DARKNESS!!

Zhang Xin's heart raced with anticipation as he heard the Golden Dragon's words. "A competition?" he repeated, his voice thick with surprise. "Why do I need to compete? What's so important about this competition?"

The Golden Dragon, Zhu Wei, fixed him with a serious gaze, his golden eyes shimmering in the dim light. "This competition, held in the Starlight City, is crucial. It will test your strength, your skills, and your resolve. Only those who perform well will receive the rewards that could change the fate of your world. For you, Zhang Xin, the reward could be the very key to unlocking your full potential—and mine."

Zhang Xin's mind whirled. "Unlock your full potential? What do you mean?"

Zhu Wei nodded gravely. "You are my only hope. In this world of cultivation, you must cultivate faster, learn new techniques, and enhance your skills. You need to be prepared. You must win this competition to claim what you need."

Zhang Xin swallowed hard, his heart pounding. "But... How do I even begin?"

The dragon's massive form shifted, his voice gentle yet firm. "I will guide you. First, you must understand cultivation and choose your path. There is much you must learn."

With a wave of his claw, the Golden Dragon conjured an ethereal map in the air, glowing with mystical symbols and ancient energy. "This map will show you the secret techniques—powerful abilities that will enhance your strength and help you reach your goal."

Zhang Xin's eyes widened with wonder. "A map of techniques?"

Zhu Wei nodded. "Yes. Each technique represents a different aspect of cultivation, but you must choose the one that resonates most with you. The first skill I want you to learn is the 'Art of the Light.' It will be the foundation of your power."

Mastering the Art of the Light

Zhang Xin stood before the map, his hands trembling with a mix of excitement and fear. He could see various techniques listed, each more daunting than the last. But one skill caught his attention—Art of the Light. Its glow seemed to call out to him, as if it were meant for him alone.

Taking a deep breath, he focused all his energy into learning the technique. He followed the ancient steps shown on the map, the symbols appearing in his mind's eye as he performed each movement with precision. At first, the power felt foreign, like trying to hold water in his palms. But slowly, Zhang Xin began to feel the energy flowing through him—his control growing stronger with each passing moment.

With a final, decisive gesture, Zhang Xin completed the last movement. A radiant light burst from his hands, illuminating the surroundings with a brilliance he had never felt before. He stood there, breathless, as the energy subsided. A sense of profound achievement washed over him.

Zhu Wei's voice rumbled through the air. "You have done well, Zhang Xin. But this is just the beginning. The Art of the Light is your first step. Now, you must grow stronger. You must choose your weapon."

The Mountain of Lightning: Choosing a Sword

The map shimmered, and the landscape shifted. Zhang Xin found himself standing before a magnificent mountain—the Mountain of Lightning. It was a place of awe-inspiring beauty, surrounded by brilliant bolts of lightning and crackling energy. The mountain held countless swords, each one a weapon forged with ancient power.

"Choose wisely," the Golden Dragon's voice echoed in the distance. "The sword you choose will be your companion, your strength in the coming battles."

Zhang Xin looked around, his eyes scanning the countless blades displayed before him. Each sword had its own unique aura, and Zhang Xin felt the power emanating from each one. But something was off. None of them seemed to call to him.

His gaze fell upon a shimmering Ice Sword—its blade gleamed with an icy cold, and its aura radiated a sharp, crisp energy. Zhang Xin reached for it, but as his fingers brushed the hilt, a strange feeling washed over him. It didn't resonate with him. He could sense its coldness, but it felt... distant. He withdrew his hand, moving on.

Next, his eyes landed on an Ancient Sword named Under the Moon. Its silvery blade shimmered softly, bathed in the light of an unseen moon. It was beautiful, but Zhang Xin felt no connection to it either. It was as if the sword had no place in his journey.

Frustration began to build in Zhang Xin's chest. He walked further, his mind a storm of thoughts. "None of these swords are right. Am I... am I failing?"

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the mountain. It was the voice of the sword itself. "If you seek your true power, come to me."

Zhang Xin's heart skipped a beat as he turned to see a Majestic Sword, its blade glowing with a golden light, standing tall at the center of the mountain. The name Light the Darkness was etched upon its surface.

He approached it slowly, drawn by the power radiating from it. As his fingers brushed against the hilt, he felt an overwhelming surge of energy course through him. The sword was embedded deep within a stone, but Zhang Xin, driven by an unseen force, gripped it with both hands.

As soon as his fingers made contact, a blinding light engulfed him. The world around him shifted, the ground vanishing beneath his feet, and he was swallowed by darkness.

The Demon's Challenge

Zhang Xin found himself in a pitch-black realm, the air thick with tension. A voice echoed from the shadows, a low, mocking laugh.

"So, you think you are worthy of wielding Light the Darkness?" The demon's voice dripped with scorn. "You have no idea how to wield it. You will never master the sword. You will fail, and your parents, your world... they will all fall before the demonic reign."

Zhang Xin clenched his fists, his heart racing with anger. "I will not fail. I will defeat you and save my people. I will not let you or your demons bring darkness to this world."

The demon's laughter filled the air. "Then show me your power, little human."

With a roar, Zhang Xin swung the sword with all his might. The light of the blade exploded from its tip, slicing through the shadows. The demon howled in pain, its form shattering into dust. As the last of the darkness vanished, Zhang Xin stood victorious, the sword still glowing brightly in his hand.

A dragon's voice—soothing and powerful—spoke from the ether. "You have done it, Zhang Xin. You have unlocked the second level of the map and proven your strength. You have surpassed the demon and earned new skills. But this is not the end. It is only the beginning."

The wise and powerful Golden Dragon reveals a tragic history of how demons decimated all dragons in the ancient war, leaving only the Golden Dragons surviving. Although Zhang Xin's father freed the Golden Dragons, the demon leader sealed the dragon's powers and body, entrapping its soul. As Zhang Xin learns about the dragon's plight, a bond forms between the two as they share a common goal of overcoming the demons.

The Dragon entrusts Zhang Xin with a task - to unseal its powers and body, seeking Zhang Xin's help to break the shackles placed by the demons. Zhang Xin, now understanding the dragon's history and the sacrifices made, vows to assist it in regaining its full strength and freedom. This newfound alliance sets the stage for an epic journey filled with challenges, growth, and the hope of defeating the demons together.In this fantasy world, Zhang Xin is on a quest to unseal a mysterious seal with the help of the powerful Golden Dragon. The only way to break the seal is by obtaining the rare substance known as the "golden dragon blood." The Dragon reveals that the competition reward is precisely this elusive substance, sparking Zhang Xin's determination to cultivate his skills and participate in the challenging competition.

Despite the daunting task ahead, Zhang Xin remains resolute and promises to assist the Dragon by winning the competition. Their bond grows stronger as they prepare for the arduous journey ahead. However, the Dragon solemnly declares that it is time for Zhang Xin to return to their own world, leaving our protagonist with a sense of urgency and purpose.

As Zhang Xin prepares to depart, the weight of the mission ahead hangs heavy in the air, promising a dangerous yet thrilling adventure that will test both his skills and resolve.