New Found Friend
Li Rong emerged from the river, his body refreshed and rejuvenated after his impromptu bath. As he dressed himself, his senses keenly attuned to the surrounding forest, he detected a faint disturbance nearby—a commotion of voices and movement that piqued his curiosity.
Following the sound, Li Rong soon came upon a clearing where a group of young cultivators, clad in similar attire, had gathered around a boy who lay on the ground. Their voices carried an air of superiority, their disdain evident as they mocked the fallen boy for his lack of progress in cultivation.
With a furrowed brow, Li Rong observed the scene before him, his heart heavy with pity for the boy who bore the brunt of his peers' ridicule. Though he had only just arrived in this unfamiliar place, he could not stand idly by and watch as injustice unfolded before his eyes.
Stepping forward with silent determination, Li Rong addressed the group, his voice steady and unwavering. "Is this how you treat your fellow cultivator?" he asked, his gaze piercing as he met the eyes of each person in turn. "Where is your sense of camaraderie and mutual respect?"
The boy at the forefront of the group, his chest puffed out with false bravado, sneered at Li Rong's words. "What business is it of yours?" he retorted, his tone laced with arrogance. "This weakling has failed to make any progress in his cultivation, despite years of training. He is unworthy of our respect."
Li Rong's expression remained impassive, though inwardly, he seethed with indignation at the boy's callous words. Without hesitation, he turned his attention to the fallen cultivator, extending his hand in a gesture of solidarity. "What is your name?" he asked softly, his voice a soothing balm among the turmoil.
The boy on the ground, his eyes wide with surprise at Li Rong's intervention, hesitated for a moment before responding. "I am Tian De," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I am of no consequence. Please do not trouble yourself on my behalf."
Li Rong's heart went out to Tian De, and his resolve was strengthened by the boy's humility despite adversity. "Nonsense," he declared firmly, his gaze unwavering as he met Tian De's eyes. "No one deserves to be treated with such cruelty. Allow me to assist you."
As Li Rong helped Tian De up from the ground, he offered a sympathetic smile, his eyes reflecting genuine concern. "Are you alright?" he inquired, his voice soft and reassuring. "Those were harsh words they spoke."
Tian De nodded gratefully, a flicker of gratitude shining in his eyes as he met Li Rong's gaze. "Thank you," he replied, his voice tinged with humility. "I am Tian De. Who might you be?"
"I am Li Rong," came the reply, accompanied by a slight nod of acknowledgement "I entered this valley with the intention of reaching Qing Town. Can you help me find my way there?"
Tian De's expression faltered for a moment, his brow furrowing in consternation. "I'm afraid you're nowhere near Qing Town," he explained apologetically. "This valley is known as the Cloud Chained Valley, and it is overseen by my sect, the Soaring Wind Sect."
Li Rong's eyes widened in surprise at this revelation, his mind racing to grasp the implications of his unwitting detour. "Then where am I?" he asked, a note of confusion creeping into his voice.
Tian De offered a sympathetic smile, his gaze friendly and reassuring. "The closest town to here is Jiang Bei Town," he explained, his tone gentle and understanding. "It's known for its bustling commerce and auction houses, all run by the influential Ji family."
Understanding dawned on Li Rong's features as he absorbed this information, his mind already developing a plan for their next course of action. "Thank you, Tian De," he said sincerely, with gratitude evident in his voice. "I would be grateful for your guidance to Jiang Bei Town."
Tian De nodded in agreement, his expression being one of unwavering determination. "Of course," he replied, his voice resolute. "I will guide you to Jiang Bei, to repay you for your assistance earlier."