Xu Shang sat cross-legged on the ground, consuming a lotus petal as his injuries gradually began to heal.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning tore through the night sky, striking straight down toward him. Xu Shang’s eyes widened, but he had no time to dodge. Yet, strangely, the lightning did not strike him; instead, it formed a mysterious rune beside him. The rune shimmered with an eerie light before merging into his body.
Xu Shang felt a change occurring within him as a surge of immense power rose in his chest. He closed his eyes to contemplate this newfound strength. Immersing his entire being in this sudden power, he felt as though his body were enveloped in a warm, potent energy. It coursed through his meridians, cleansing every cell and filling him with unprecedented vitality.
As the rune integrated with him, his consciousness seemed to expand. He could perceive subtle changes in his surroundings and even catch the flow of spiritual qi in the air. Opening his eyes, he found his vision sharper; not even the faintest light or the slightest sound escaped his senses.
Xu Shang attempted to harness this new power. He retreated to a deserted mountain cave, where he discovered that his spiritual qi circulated several times faster than before and was far more refined. He extended his palm and flicked his wrist; a thin stream of spiritual qi flowed out, forming a complex pattern in the air—a sigil more intricate and advanced than anything he had previously mastered.
"Could this be the legendary 'Apocalypse Rune'?" Xu Shang exclaimed in surprise. "A mysterious power that only manifests during celestial anomalies or momentous opportunities. It grants the cultivator superhuman abilities and can even unlock hidden potential, pushing them to a new realm."
He took a deep breath, attempting to exert control over the power. He knew that while it was formidable, failure to govern it properly could lead to unforeseen consequences. He focused his mind, slowly guiding the energy through his body to become accustomed to its flow and transformations.
As time passed, Xu Shang’s mastery over the power grew. He began applying it to combat and found significant improvements in his speed, strength, and reaction time. His strikes became sharper, his defenses more solid, and he could even predict an opponent's attack trajectory to react in advance.
In the days that followed, Xu Shang continued to cultivate and explore the mysteries of this power. He noticed that whenever he reached a certain level of progress, the rune within him would shine with a brighter light, as if guiding him toward higher realms. As his power grew, he remained humble. He understood that with great power came great responsibility. He resolved to use this strength to help those in need and to combat forces that threatened peace and justice. He believed this was the only way to truly realize his worth.
After losing to Xu Shang, Su Lie underwent a period of deep self-reflection. He began to realize how much pain and fear his past actions had inflicted upon the villagers of Sanqing Town. Filled with remorse and self-reproach, he longed to atone for his errors and become a better man. He began quietly helping the villagers with tasks like repairing homes, tilling fields, and even patrolling at night to protect the village from wild beasts. At first, the villagers were suspicious and distrustful of his behavior, but over time, they gradually felt the sincerity of his change.
While in seclusion, Xu Shang heard of Su Lie’s transformation. He was surprised, yet felt a sense of relief. He knew that changing a person was no easy task, but Su Lie’s steps forward suggested that there was still room for goodness in his heart.
By chance, the two met again under the old locust tree at the village entrance. Xu Shang looked at the man he had once loathed, only to find that the arrogance and coldness were gone from his eyes.
Su Lie broke the silence first. "Xu Shang, I know I did many wrong things in the past. I don’t ask for your forgiveness; I only hope to spend the rest of my life making amends."
Xu Shang remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "Su Lie, the past is the past. What matters is your choice now. If you truly wish to change, then take real action."
Su Lie lowered his head. Xu Shang spoke again, "I am preparing to leave Sanqing Town."
Startled, Su Lie asked, "Where do you intend to go?"
Xu Shang thought for a moment. "I am going out to gain experience!"
Su Lie suddenly thought of something. "There are many sects within the Renti Empire. You should consider joining one; it would provide a support system if you encounter danger out there."
Xu Shang nodded without speaking. Su Lie cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Take care," before departing.
Xu Shang stood under the old locust tree, watching Su Lie’s figure fade into the distance. He knew that although Su Lie had turned over a new leaf, he still needed time to earn the villagers' full trust. As for himself, he was about to embark on a new path—that of the journey.
At that moment, Su Biyun stepped out from behind the tree. Her figure appeared elegant in the moonlight. Her eyes carried a mixture of expectation and resolve; it was clear she had made up her mind to follow Xu Shang.
With a gaze filled with determination and a plea, she said softly, "Xu Shang, I know you worry about me, but I hope you will let me go with you. I can take care of myself, and I can help you, too."
Xu Shang looked at Su Biyun, a surge of complex emotions rising within him. He knew she had possessed an unyielding spirit since childhood, but the dangers of this journey were beyond her imagination. He shook his head, his tone resolute. "Yun'er, I cannot agree. This journey is too dangerous; I don't want you to be harmed."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Su Biyun's eyes, but she did not give up. She took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound firmer. "Xu Shang, this isn't a whim. I know what I want and what I am capable of. I hope you will give me this chance."
Xu Shang fell silent. He understood her resolve and acknowledged her ability and courage. Yet, as her older brother, he felt a duty to protect her from danger. However, looking at her determined eyes, he realized she had grown up; she was no longer the little girl who needed his constant guardianship.
"Yun'er," Xu Shang finally began, his voice softening with compromise, "if you are truly determined to come, I cannot stop you. But you must promise me that, at all times and in all places, your safety comes first."
A smile bloomed on Su Biyun's face; she knew this was his way of showing trust and respect. "I promise you, Xu Shang. I won't let you down."
"Then I will wait for you here tomorrow morning," Xu Shang said with a heavy heart.
"Yay!" Su Biyun laughed happily, skipping about like a child. Xu Shang smiled on the surface, but his heart was filled with melancholy.
The next morning, sunlight bathed the earth. Su Biyun, carrying her pack, arrived early under the old locust tree. She waited quietly for Xu Shang. Soon, however, her initial excitement and anticipation began to turn into anxiety and unease. She scanned the surroundings for him, but there was nothing save for the morning breeze and the occasional passing bird.
As the seconds ticked away, a sense of foreboding rose in her heart. She began searching the village, asking if anyone had seen him, but everyone shook their heads in ignorance. Finally, she discovered a letter behind the old locust tree.
The envelope was inscribed with the words "To Biyun, with love." The strokes were strong and vigorous—it was clearly Xu Shang’s handwriting. Her hands trembled slightly as she took a deep breath, opened the envelope, and pulled out the letter.
On the paper, Xu Shang’s script was clear and firm:
*Biyun,*
*By the time you read this, I will have already embarked on my journey. I know you wanted to come with me, but forgive my selfishness; I have chosen to go alone.*
*This journey is fraught with the unknown and danger, and I do not wish to drag you into it. You are a clever, brave woman, and I trust you will understand my decision. I hope you will continue your life in Sanqing Town, protect yourself, and safeguard our home.*
*Please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye, but I believe this is the best choice for you. I will continue to improve myself and become stronger, until one day, I have enough power to protect you and all those we hold dear.*
*Take care, Biyun. When I return, we will watch the flowers bloom on this old locust tree together.*
*Xu Shang*
Tears shimmered in Su Biyun’s eyes as she gripped the letter tightly, her heart a storm of conflicting emotions. She felt disappointed and sad, yet a sliver of relief washed over her—she knew he made this decision out of his care and protective nature.
Standing under the old locust tree, she took a deep breath and fought to compose herself. She knew she could not just give up. She had to become stronger so that one day she could fight alongside Xu Shang.
"Xu Shang, wait for me," Su Biyun vowed silently. "I will become stronger until the day I can stand by your side."
Xu Shang stood nearby, watching her silently. His figure was hidden between the rising sun and the tree’s shadows; only the glint in his eyes betrayed his presence. His heart was filled with conflict and struggle. He knew leaving her behind was cruel, but for her safety, he had no other choice.
After Su Biyun stood under the tree for a long time, her gaze firm as if conversing with the absent Xu Shang, he felt her resolve. She was not discouraged by his departure; rather, her will had only hardened.
"Biyun, you must wait for me. I will return," he whispered to himself. He knew he could not linger; his journey had only just begun, and Su Biyun had her own path to follow.
Xu Shang turned and slipped away quietly, without a sound. His figure gradually vanished into the morning light as if he had never been there at all. Yet, in his heart, the image of Su Biyun remained clear, fueling his resolve as he moved forward.
Su Biyun remained under the old locust tree for a long time. Only when the sun hung high in the sky did she slowly pack her bags, ready to begin her own journey of cultivation. Although she could not travel with Xu Shang, she could improve herself in Sanqing Town and prepare for their future reunion.