CHAPTER 9:Meeting with new friends!!

After finishing his lunch, Zhang Xin retreats to his secluded room to begin his daily cultivation practice. With eyes closed, he sits in a deep meditative state, focused on the flow of energy within him. Suddenly, he senses an unfamiliar presence near his window. The feeling grows stronger, unsettling him, until he opens his eyes to find a shadowed figure watching him intently through the window.

Startled, he speaks, "Who's there?" But the figure starts to flee. Reacting instinctively, Zhang Xin jumps up and gives chase. Using his cultivated powers, he channels his energy to summon a radiant rope of light, which he casts forward, wrapping around the mysterious person's form. The light solidifies, stopping the intruder in their tracks.

As Zhang Xin approaches, he can make out a young woman with striking features: long, snowy-white hair and eyes that glimmer with a purple hue, matching her violet attire. Despite the initial tension, he releases his hold on her.

Zhang Xin: "Who are you, and what were you doing spying on me?"

The girl hesitates, visibly distressed, and finally speaks. "I wasn't... I mean, I wasn't spying. I was only... exploring the city. I stumbled across your energy, and... I got curious."

Zhang Xin looks at her thoughtfully. Her mysterious aura and her initial reaction seem honest, yet something about her story doesn't sit right with him.

Zhang Xin: "Exploring, you say? Then why the need to hide?"

The girl looks away, unable to answer directly. The encounter leaves Zhang Xin with a mix of curiosity and caution, unsure of her true intentions. But with a nod, he lets her go.

Later, Zhang Xin strolls through the marketplace. The crowd is thick, but his mind keeps drifting back to the peculiar girl. Suddenly, he notices her again, hurrying through the crowd, glancing back as if expecting to see someone chasing her.

Zhang Xin calls out to her: "Hey! Wait!"

She stops, looking at him with wide eyes, and he steps forward, confused but intrigued.

Zhang Xin: "Why are you in such a hurry?"

But before she can answer, a distant voice shouts her name, muffled by the crowd. She sighs, and in a swift motion, she takes his hand and presses a delicate ring into his palm. Its intricate design is unlike anything he's seen before.

The girl whispers, "Keep this. We'll meet again." And just like that, she vanishes into the throng.

Zhang Xin stands there, examining the ring in his hand. He slips it onto his finger, feeling a strange warmth emanate from it. His mind reels, questions piling up with no answers.

As the day wanes, he returns to his quarters, where his benevolent grandfather is waiting, ready to bid him farewell for the next chapter of his journey. Zhang Xin kneels before him, a quiet, reverent moment passing between them.

Grandfather: "Zhang Xin, you're about to set out into the world, and it will test you in ways you can't yet foresee. But remember, no matter what challenges come, hold true to who you are."

Zhang Xin nods solemnly. "I promise, Grandfather. I'll honor your trust and protect those who depend on me."

The grandfather places a small vial of carefully crafted pills into Zhang Xin's hand, a symbol of love and protection.

Grandfather: "These will help you when times are dark. Use them wisely."

Zhang Xin, with a heavy but grateful heart, whispers, "Thank you, Grandfather. I'll make you proud."

The next morning, Zhang Xin, accompanied by his loyal companions Li Han and Lynn, begins his journey toward the Zi Xuan Sect. The path is filled with rugged terrain and dense forests, but they travel on, overcoming obstacles with a mix of determination and camaraderie. Finally, they reach the hallowed grounds of the Zi Xuan Sect.

Word of Zhang Xin's remarkable performance in the entrance test spreads, and soon his name is whispered among the other disciples. Li Han, eyes shining with pride, hurries over to Zhang Xin.

Li Han: "Zhang Xin! I heard Master Tang Cai Ji decided to take you under her wing as a disciple.

Zhang Xin smiles humbly. "It's just a rumor, Li Han. Things weren't exactly as they said."

Before they can speak further, a young man with a formidable sword approaches.

Young man: "Congratulations on becoming Master Tang's disciple, Zhang Xin."

Zhang Xin inclines his head politely. "Thank you, Senior."

But the young man laughs, "We're equals now. Call me Brother San."

San Ji then offers to lead Zhang Xin and Li Han to their quarters, their new home within the sect. Once they reach the rooms, Zhang Xin notices a young man inside, deeply engrossed in his studies, scribbling notes, tearing pages, and tossing them onto the floor.

Zhang Xin hesitates, then approaches the young man. "Excuse me, Senior."

The young man, seemingly lost in thought, doesn't acknowledge him. Zhang Xin wonders if he's engaged in some intense cultivation technique. With a surge of curiosity, Zhang Xin steps forward and picks up one of the discarded papers, immediately recognizing an intricate design he's familiar with. Unable to resist, he grabs a pen and quickly notes down a solution to the unfinished diagram on the page.

The young man snaps out of his concentration, looking up in surprise. He breaks into a wide grin and pulls Zhang Xin into a hug.

Young man: "This... this is exactly what I needed! Thank you! I'm Xiaobo, and from now on, just call me friend, not senior."

Xiaobo laughs, giving Zhang Xin an enthusiastic pat on the back.

Xiaobo: "You know, Zhang Xin, you're pretty handsome, too. But I think I've got a bit of charm myself, don't you think?"

Zhang Xin chuckles, feeling an unexpected warmth at Xiaobo's friendly nature. Before long, Xiaobo invites Zhang Xin to join him for a gathering with other friends that evening. With a grateful nod, Zhang Xin agrees.

As the sun sets, Zhang Xin stands on the terrace, watching the last rays of sunlight fade into the horizon. With a sense of solemnity, he makes a silent promise.

Zhang Xin: "I'll be a light for others, just as my grandfather was for me. I'll shield those I care about from the darkness and help them find their way."

With the promise of a new adventure looming on the horizon, Zhang Xin's journey unfurled before him, filled with the promise of encounters with otherworldly beings and challenges beyond his imagination. One particular thought lingered in his mind - the need to safeguard his loved ones, especially his parents, against the sinister forces led by the notorious demon leader fanhua. The weight of this responsibility only served to ignite a fiery determination within Zhang Xin, propelling him forward into the unknown with unwavering resolve.

And so, as the night descended and enveloped the world in its embrace, Zhang Xin readied himself for the upcoming gathering with Xiaobo and his friends. With a newfound sense of purpose and a heart brimming with courage, Zhang Xin stepped into the shadows, prepared to confront whatever malevolent entities may cross his path, all the while keeping a steadfast vow to protect those he held dear and to lead them towards the light amidst the encroaching darkness. Thus began his odyssey, a tale of bravery, friendship, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow.