Martial Arts of the Universe

In the dead of night in Wuyu City, the glow of torches blazed in every corner of the streets. The air carried the scent of iron, mingled with the metallic stench of blood still pooling on the ground. A city once peaceful was now filled with the screams and groans of Xiao Jian's loyal followers, who had been mercilessly slaughtered. Their bodies lay scattered across the palace courtyard, creating a horrifying sight.

In the main courtyard of the palace, Xiao Jian stood tall, clad in a grand black robe embroidered with gold. Despite being surrounded by thousands of fully armed soldiers, his expression remained calm, without a hint of fear. Beside him, Wang Mei clutched his hand tightly, her face pale, yet her eyes filled with determination. Behind them, a seven-year-old boy stood trembling. He was Xiao Tian, their only son. Though still young, there was a flicker of courage in his gaze, as if he understood that this night was a turning point in his life.

Before them, a young man stood atop the stone steps, clad in blood-red battle armor with the Wang royal emblem etched onto his chest. Wang Chong, Wang Mei's younger brother, glared at his sister with intense hatred. A smirk of mockery played on his lips, and behind him, the kingdom's generals, along with powerful figures from various sects and influential families, stood ready to eliminate this small family.

Wang Chong stepped forward confidently, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at his sister and brother-in-law.

"Xiao Jian, tonight I will take your life, along with your wife and child. I will seize the throne that rightfully belongs to me!"

Wang Chong's voice echoed through the palace courtyard, met with the roaring cheers of his troops.

Xiao Jian let out a deep sigh. His expression remained unchanged, yet his eyes held a profound disappointment. In a calm but resolute voice, he replied,

"Brother Wang Chong, why are you doing this? If you desire the throne, I would not hesitate to give it to you. After all, I never wanted this throne. I merely governed and waited for you to come of age. Once you were ready, I would have handed it over to you."

However, instead of being moved, Wang Chong burst into laughter. His laughter rang through the courtyard, filled with scorn and cynicism.

"Haha! Xiao Jian, don't be naïve! Do you think I'm a fool? Who would willingly step down from power once they've grown comfortable ruling? No one! I cannot allow you to relinquish the throne with an unwilling heart. I will eliminate all of you!"

Wang Mei's eyes trembled. Her heart ached to see the younger brother she had cherished turn into someone so consumed by his thirst for power. With a trembling voice, she made one last attempt to persuade him.

"Wang Chong, please, let your sister go! I promise I will not interfere with your rule in Wuyu City."

Yet, the only response Wang Chong gave further solidified his ruthless intentions.

"Haha! Forgive me, Sister. But I cannot let you leave."

His gaze was filled with cruelty as he raised his hand, issuing a command to his troops.

"Kill them all!"

His order rang out like thunder, and thousands of armored soldiers immediately tightened their formation around them. The gleam of swords and spears shone under the moonlight, casting terrifying shadows over the bloodstained ground.

The imperial generals stood at the front lines, leading their troops. There was no hesitation, no mercy in their eyes. To them, this was nothing more than an execution carried out under the orders of their new leader.

Xiao Jian let out a slow breath. He turned to Wang Mei, who was still gripping his hand tightly, then glanced at his son, Xiao Tian, whose small body trembled, yet whose gaze began to harden.

"All three of you must die! You are not worthy of ruling the Wang kingdom!"

Wang Chong's voice rang like a death knell, marking the beginning of the massacre.

The dark night felt even more suffocating. The wind howled, carrying the scent of death.

Thousands of armed soldiers charged in unison, their footsteps shaking the earth, sending a suffocating pressure through the air.

"Kill! Kill!"

The shouts echoed from all directions. They rushed forward with eyes full of hatred, raising swords, spears, and various other weapons, ready to claim the lives of the last remaining family.

Xiao Jian stood at the front, his body tense, his gaze cold yet filled with an overwhelming killing intent. His right hand gripped a pitch-black sword tightly, the weapon that had accompanied him through countless battles. The night wind blew, lifting the hem of his robe, now stained with splashes of blood.

Beside him, Wang Mei stood just as firmly. Her delicate hand clutched her husband's arm tightly, yet her eyes did not belong to a weak woman. There was determination, a burning courage. Behind them, Xiao Tian stood with his small body trembling, but his clear eyes reflected something different-fear, anger, and sorrow that he still could not fully comprehend.

Xiao Jian exhaled slowly before speaking, his voice heavy and resolute.

"Mei'er, protect our son. I will clear a path for you to escape."

Wang Mei shook her head firmly. There was no fear in her, only unwavering resolve.

"My husband, I cannot leave you to die alone. If you are going to die, we will die together."

Her gaze was unwavering, her voice devoid of hesitation. The thousands of soldiers closing in did not shake her heart, as if she had already prepared herself to face death.

Among the crowd of soldiers, Wang Mei spotted a man sitting leisurely atop his warhorse. His golden brocade robe billowed around him, his face clean and expressionless. He was an envoy from the Ming Dynasty, yet he remained nothing more than a spectator. He showed no intention of intervening. Wang Mei's eyes filled with pain and disappointment, but there was no time to dwell on it now.

Xiao Jian clenched his jaw, then looked at Wang Mei with deep seriousness.

"No! If you and Tian'er die, no one will seek justice for us. But if you survive, you can fight for justice for me and my people who have died at their hands!"

Before Wang Mei could respond, Xiao Jian tightened his grip on his sword. With a single powerful motion, he raised it high.

"Kill!"

His voice echoed like thunder. At that moment, he channeled his inner energy into the sword, causing it to tremble and release a dense black aura that enveloped its blade. In the blink of an eye, Xiao Jian shot forward like lightning, charging straight into the enemy ranks before him.

Swiiish!

Craaak!

With a single slash, several heads were severed instantly, blood spraying into the air like a fountain from hell. The headless bodies collapsed to the ground with heavy thuds, while agonized screams filled the night.

But even though he was strong, the sheer number of enemies made the battle difficult. Several blades managed to slash his body, leaving wounds that continued to bleed.

Klang! Klang! Klang!

The clash of weapons echoed endlessly.

"Don't let him escape!" Wang Chong shouted from a distance, his voice filled with delight as he watched his brother-in-law being surrounded from all sides.

A royal general, a large man with a thick beard, smirked confidently.

"Your Majesty need not worry. No one will leave this place alive. The three of them will die."

Xiao Jian continued to fight, his body already covered in wounds. Suddenly-

Srrt!

A long spear pierced through Xiao Jian's chest from behind!

However, he did not scream. Instead, he became even more ferocious. His eyes turned red, his breathing grew heavier, but his sword continued to slash mercilessly.

Plof! Plof! Plof!

Several more heads were severed. Xiao Jian kept moving forward, slaughtering anyone who blocked his path.

With his last bit of strength, he finally broke through the encirclement and managed to escape the enemy's grasp. But his body was already too weak. Blood poured from his wounds, staining his once-pristine white robes a deep crimson.

At last, Xiao Jian stopped running. His breathing was ragged, his body struggling to stay upright. He turned back, looking at Wang Mei, who was still holding Xiao Tian's hand tightly.

"My wife, you must take Tian'er and leave Wuyu City. Go as far as you can. Remember, your brother-our son's uncle-is the one behind all of this! You must avenge me!"

Wang Mei's eyes widened, tears streaming down her face.

"My husband, no! I will stay with you! We will live and die together!"

"No! You must live. Go!"

With the last of his inner strength, Xiao Jian flung Wang Mei and Xiao Tian far away from the battlefield.

As she was thrown back, Wang Mei could only watch as her husband turned around, raising his black sword once more.

"I will slaughter all of you."

Xiao Jian leaped, charging into the soldiers still pursuing him. This time, he did not hold back his inner energy.

As a Level 6 King Warrior, Xiao Jian's power far surpassed General Wang, who was only at Level 4. But the sheer number of enemies left him overwhelmed.

Shoott!

Sreeet!

"Aaaargh!"

The energy from his sword slashed through dozens of soldiers in a single strike. Their bodies were cleaved in half, blood spraying in all directions.

However, Xiao Jian's body grew weaker. His wounds were too many, his blood nearly drained.

At that moment, a sharp, poisoned sword suddenly pierced through his back!

Srekkk!

The blade stabbed straight through his heart.

"Ugh... uhuk...!"

Xiao Jian coughed up fresh blood, his eyes losing their light. He struggled to turn his head-and there stood Wang Chong, his face full of satisfaction, still gripping the hilt of his now blood-drenched sword.

"Brother-in-law, I can no longer allow you to live."

"NO...! FATHER!"

Xiao Tian screamed hysterically as he saw his father stabbed.

The boy tried to run forward, but Wang Mei held him tightly.

"Tian'er, we must go! Do not waste your father's sacrifice!"

"No, Mother! I have to save Father!"

But Wang Mei refused to let him go. With tears streaming down her face, she picked up her son and ran as fast as she could, leaving behind her husband, who now stood drenched in his own blood.

Xiao Tian's eyes had turned completely red, as if reflecting the fury burning within him. From the corners of his eyes, streaks of blood trickled down, leaving terrifying crimson marks on his face. Yet, his gaze remained locked onto one figure-his father, now standing at the edge of death.

Xiao Jian's body could barely stand upright anymore. Dozens of spears and swords had pierced him from the front and back, creating gaping wounds that continued to pour fresh blood. His once-magnificent robes were now tattered and soaked in crimson, just like the sword he used for support, trembling in his grip.

Although his breaths were ragged and his body was on the verge of collapsing, Xiao Jian's eyes still burned with uncontainable hatred. With the last of his strength, he straightened himself slightly, his sharp gaze locked onto the man who had destroyed everything.

"Wang Chong, your death will come soon," he rasped, his voice hoarse but firm. Every word carried an unshakable resolve. "My son will surely avenge me."

Standing before him, Wang Chong merely scoffed coldly. A cynical smirk formed on his lips, reflecting the arrogance deeply ingrained within him. Calmly, he stepped closer, looking down at Xiao Jian as if he were nothing more than a fallen warrior doomed to destruction.

"You shouldn't get your hopes up," he said in a tone dripping with contempt. "They won't be able to escape! I will send them to hell to accompany you!"

After uttering those words, Wang Chong turned away and faced his army-hundreds of soldiers standing in perfectly disciplined formation, awaiting their next command. Their eyes were filled with unwavering loyalty, devoid of any hesitation toward their leader.

With a voice that echoed across the battlefield, Wang Chong raised his hand and issued an undeniable order.

"Capture them and bring them back, dead or alive!"

Without the slightest hesitation, the well-trained troops responded with a resounding roar that shook the air.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Xiao Jian's Identity...

Wang Chong's face turned crimson with rage, his fury reaching its peak. His sharp eyes radiated a terrifying killing intent, and with every breath he took, the air around him seemed to tighten, filled with an overwhelming pressure.

His gaze locked onto the man before him, overflowing with uncontrollable hatred. The veins in his neck bulged, and his fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, ready to claim a life without the slightest hesitation.

"Xiao Jian. I will end your life first," he said coldly, his voice laced with cruel mockery. "Don't worry, you won't be lonely. Soon, your wife and child will follow you to Hell!"

His tone was filled with certainty, leaving no room for his victim to escape his fate.

Xiao Jian stared at Wang Chong, his eyes filled with deep hatred and sorrow. His face had turned pale-not out of fear of death, but because the cruelty before him was beyond anything he had imagined.

"Wang Chong! You are truly a monster!" he shouted, his voice trembling-not from fear, but from a mixture of rage and disappointment. "My wife and child are your own sister and nephew! How could you treat them like this? Someone like you won't escape the fate of suffering a more agonizing downfall than this!"

His words were not merely expressions of anger but a curse born from the depths of his soul. Deep inside, Xiao Jian hoped that karma would soon catch up to Wang Chong and bring him the punishment he deserved.

However, Wang Chong merely let out a low chuckle. His sinister laughter echoed like that of a demon who had just ensured the complete destruction of his victim.

"Too much talking!"

Baang-

Without giving Xiao Jian another moment, Wang Chong swung his sword with full force. The razor-sharp blade slashed through the air at a terrifying speed, glinting with deadly light before splitting Xiao Jian's body in two.

Fresh blood sprayed into the air, mingling with a death cry that was cut off in an instant. Xiao Jian's severed body crashed to the ground, creating a gruesome sight. His life was snuffed out in a blink, without a shred of mercy.

Wang Chong gazed at the mutilated corpse before him, his expression devoid of even the slightest remorse. Instead, deep within his hate-filled eyes, there was a chilling satisfaction.

"My poor brother-in-law," he murmured, his voice dripping with scorn. "I will not let anyone threaten my position. To me, there are no family or friends. Anyone with the potential to take my place will meet a brutal death!"

His tone was laced with arrogance, as if he alone held the right to decide life and death.

His expression grew even more terrifying-his eyes burning with rage, his lips curling into a sadistic smile, and his gaze colder than any demon's.

Wang Chong clenched his fists tightly, his muscles tensing as if he wanted to destroy everything in his path. A menacing aura radiated from his body, creating a suffocating pressure that would instill overwhelming fear in anyone who dared to look at him.

***

Wangmei and Xiao Tian kept running, their breaths ragged, their bodies drenched in sweat, while the shadows of their pursuers grew closer in the distance. Their breathing was labored, but they had no choice but to keep running, desperately trying to leave the Wuyu Region behind.

However, their journey came to an abrupt halt when they reached the edge of a vast and immense river. The water was dark, its current so strong that it created small whirlpools, as if eagerly waiting to swallow anyone who fell in. The rumbling sound of the water crashing against itself only added to the tense atmosphere.

This was the Wang River, the most infamous river in the entire Wang Kingdom. Not only was it extraordinarily wide, but it was also teeming with hidden dangers. Ferocious beasts lurked within, their strength not to be underestimated. Some of them were even known to possess power equal to that of a King-tier warrior. To make crossing this treacherous river possible, the Wang Kingdom had built a suspension bridge stretching across it.

At that moment, Wangmei and Xiao Tian stood in the middle of the suspension bridge. The wooden planks beneath their feet creaked softly, accompanied by the howling wind that blew fiercely, swaying the supporting ropes.

But they could not move forward.

At the far end of the bridge, several Wang Kingdom soldiers stood waiting, their weapons drawn. Their eyes gleamed with arrogance, as if they were certain that Wangmei and Xiao Tian's fate had already been sealed. Meanwhile, when they turned back, the royal troops chasing them had arrived, surrounding them from both directions. There was no escape.

They were trapped.

From the ranks of soldiers ahead, a large-built man clad in black and gold battle armor stepped forward. He was the Wang Kingdom's General-a man known for his cruelty and cunning. A sinister smirk curled on his lips, his gaze filled with arrogance and undisguised desire.

"Your Majesty, it would be wise for you to surrender! Your deaths won't be too painful," he sneered, his eyes shamelessly scanning Wangmei from head to toe, as if assessing a valuable prize he was about to claim.

Wangmei glared at him with pure hatred. Her heart churned with rage and despair. There was no way out, but surrender was not an option. If she gave up, her son, Xiao Tian, would surely be killed.

Without a word, Wangmei reached into her dress and pulled out a short sword she had been hiding. The cold gleam of the blade immediately made several soldiers tense.

"You want me to surrender? Keep dreaming!" Wangmei shouted, her voice filled with unwavering determination.

Without hesitation, she swung her sword to the side-

Slash-

The ropes of the bridge were cut cleanly!

In an instant, the bridge's balance was disrupted. Wangmei then turned to Xiao Tian, and before her son could protest, she pushed him with all her strength.

"Mother, no!" Xiao Tian cried out, trying to grab her hand, but Wangmei's push was too strong.

His small body was flung into the air, falling straight into the raging river below.

Splash!

The icy water engulfed him, and in an instant, the powerful current of the Wang River dragged him far from the bridge. Xiao Tian struggled to move his arms, desperately fighting against the relentless current, but he was not strong enough. He could only scream, his eyes still searching for his mother's figure above.

"Mother! Mother!" his small voice echoed amidst the deafening roar of the river.

Wangmei looked down at him, her eyes brimming with tears-but she held them back. She only gave a bitter smile.

"My son, you must live. No matter what happens, you must survive."

Her gaze turned sharp as she shifted her attention to the Wang Kingdom's General. Her eyes now burned with fury and murderous intent.

"You treacherous bastard, I will kill you all!"

A terrifyingly cold aura erupted from her body. Wangmei was no ordinary woman. She was a renowned warrior, possessing an extraordinary ice-based energy. Her short sword now glowed with a brilliant blue light, a thin layer of frost coating its blade, radiating a chill that cut through the air.

The battle began.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The clash of weapons echoed in the dead of night. Wangmei fought like a lioness protecting her cub. Every slash of her sword was swift and sharp, forcing the soldiers to take a step back. Her blade, coated with ice, could freeze the enemy's weapons in an instant.

But the enemies were too many.

Puchi!

Suddenly, Wangmei's body jolted. Fresh blood spurted from her mouth, staining her gown.

Several long spears had pierced her from behind.

Wangmei trembled, her body gradually weakening. Yet, she remained standing with the last of her strength. Gasping for breath, she turned toward the river. In the distance, she could still see Xiao Tian slowly sinking into the raging current.

Her face was covered in blood, but she still tried to smile.

"Xiao Tian..." she whispered softly before her body finally collapsed, lifeless.

In the distance, Xiao Tian's eyes turned red. He had just witnessed his mother's death before his very eyes, yet he could do nothing. The river's current was too strong, dragging his body farther and farther away.

Whether he lived or died, no one knew.

On the now nearly collapsing bridge, General Wang stared at Wangmei's lifeless body.

"What a waste... Such a beautiful empress, now covered in wounds," he said, his tone regretful, though his eyes still gleamed with depravity.

One of his subordinates gathered the courage to speak. "General... if possible, please do not touch the empress's body. After all, she was our king's elder sister. If His Majesty finds out, we could all face his wrath."

The soldier spoke with his head bowed. He knew all too well the perverse nature of his general, a man who had defiled who knew how many women.

General Wang scoffed before replying, "Hmm... You don't need to worry. I still have my limits. Now, let's return and present the empress's body to His Majesty."

Another soldier hesitated before asking, "General, what about Xiao Tian? He was swept away by the river. Should we search for him?"

General Wang sneered coldly. "Search for him? Why waste our time? That boy is as good as dead. This river is filled with ferocious beasts. There's no need! He has already become their meal. Now, let's go back!"

With that, they left the bridge, carrying Wangmei's body back to the kingdom.

Wang Chong welcomed them with an icy expression. After hearing the full story, he simply nodded, showing no concern for Xiao Tian. To him, the boy was already dead.

"Prepare a funeral for my sister! As for Xiao Jian's body... just throw it into the Soul-Tracking Hounds' den."

Without hesitation, Xiao Jian's corpse was tossed into the den of the king's vicious hunting dogs.

However, none of them knew... both bodies were slowly transforming into a tree branch.

***

Somewhere far away, neither in the Ming Dynasty nor in Wuyu City, atop a towering mountain that pierced through the clouds, stood a middle-aged man alongside a woman whose beauty rivaled that of a goddess. Their faces bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Jian and Wangmei, yet the aura they emitted was far more terrifying.

The woman stood calmly at the edge of the peak, her mesmerizing eyes gazing at the vast sea of clouds before her. However, her gaze seemed to transcend space and time, seeing something beyond the reach of ordinary vision. Although her expression remained soft and graceful, a deep sadness was evident in her eyes.

"My husband, are we not being too cruel by leaving our child like this?" Her voice was gentle, yet she could not conceal the unease within it.

The man beside her gave a faint smile, but if one looked closely, his body trembled slightly, as though her words had struck something deep within his heart.

"He will be fine." His voice was filled with certainty, yet a hint of forced conviction lingered in his tone. "If he cannot survive in such a small world, then he is not worthy of being my son."

The woman shifted her gaze away from the sea of clouds and looked at her husband. Doubt still lingered in her expression.

"Husband, why don't we bring Tian'er with us?" Her voice carried the sincere concern of a mother who loved her child more than anything in the world. "He would grow stronger under your guidance. With the bloodline he carries, he could become a great expert in this universe."

It was then revealed that the man and woman standing atop the mountain were indeed Xiao Jian and Wangmei. The bodies that had been slain in the Wang Kingdom were merely substitutes, not their real forms.

Xiao Jian gazed into the distance, his sharp eyes reflecting boundless wisdom. He took a deep, steady breath before speaking.

"Tian'er must find his own path in cultivation. The hatred now rooted in his heart will serve as a catalyst that accelerates his growth. If he were by my side from the beginning, he might develop faster, but his potential would never reach its peak."

His voice carried absolute conviction, leaving no room for argument. His eyes reflected a wealth of experience and understanding of the world.

"True experts are not those who grow up in comfort. They are the ones who survive hardships, suffering, and humiliation. Without adversity, one can never grasp the true meaning of strength. Only those who have endured countless trials can stand at the peak of the cultivation world."

Wangmei remained silent, though her heart was still heavy with worry. She understood her husband's reasoning, but a mother's instincts could not be so easily suppressed. Nothing was more painful for a mother than leaving her child alone in a cruel world.

Yet, she knew she could not argue with Xiao Jian's decision. He was not just a husband and father-he was the Supreme God Emperor. The choices he made were not only for his family but for the balance of the entire universe.

Xiao Jian then reached out and gently held Wangmei's hand. His touch seemed to carry the intent to soothe her troubled heart.

"It is time for us to leave," he said, his voice turning more serious. "I cannot remain away from my clan any longer. If I stay here too long, a great catastrophe will descend and shake the entire universe."

Wangmei looked at her husband with resignation. She wanted to say something, but in the end, she could only let out a soft sigh and nod.

Xiao Jian then pulled Wangmei along with him. With every step they took, their bodies slowly ascended into the sky.

Once they reached a certain height, he extended his hand and tore open the space before them. A dimensional rift appeared, connecting them to a place far beyond the reach of ordinary beings.

Without hesitation, the two stepped inside and disappeared into the rift, leaving this world behind as they journeyed to a realm beyond human imagination.

Xiao Tian was swept away by the strong currents of a great river. His small body was dragged into the dark depths, tossed around helplessly. His face was pale, his eyes shut tightly, and his breathing was barely perceptible. Unconscious, he drifted along with the rushing river, unaware of where the current would take him.

Around the vast and fast-flowing river, various ferocious beasts began to approach. Their eyes gleamed sharply, filled with the lust to hunt. Some crept along the riverbank, waiting for the right moment to strike, while others swam swiftly beneath the water, patiently circling Xiao Tian's body. The river, which had once been calm, turned menacing with the presence of these predators.

A few meters away from Xiao Tian's body, one of the beasts advanced. It was a massive reptilian creature with jet-black scales. Opening its jaws, lined with razor-sharp teeth, it prepared to swallow the seemingly helpless child whole. But just as the beasts were about to pounce, something unexpected happened.

Suddenly, Xiao Tian's body began to glow.

The light appeared abruptly, bursting from within him with an overwhelming intensity. A golden-white radiance enveloped his body, spreading in all directions in an instant. Like a miniature sun igniting beneath the water, the brilliance was so blinding that it forced the beasts to shut their eyes in panic.

Roars and screeches filled the air. The aquatic creatures that had been circling Xiao Tian frantically swam away, their tails creating massive ripples on the river's surface. The beasts on land, already poised to attack, hurriedly retreated, their bodies trembling with fear. Some even collapsed, their legs shaking as if they had just witnessed something beyond comprehension.

The scene was utterly shocking.

The ferocious beasts inhabiting this river were not ordinary creatures. They were feared by humans-monsters possessing terrifying power. Even the weakest among them were classified as second-tier beasts, equivalent to a third-rank martial artist in the human world. Meanwhile, the strongest among them was a beast king, an existence on par with an Earth King warrior, capable of shaking an entire region with its mere presence.

And yet, now, all of them trembled in fear. Not a single one dared to approach. They could only watch the glowing child with wary eyes before ultimately choosing to flee as far as possible.

That light, radiating from the body of a seemingly dying child, had been powerful enough to drive away all these fearsome creatures.

How could this be possible?

A human child, unconscious and barely clinging to life, had caused such terror among the beasts? What exactly was happening inside Xiao Tian's body? What was hidden within him that enabled him to emit such a powerful light?

However, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the light gradually faded. The once-blinding glow diminished over time, vanishing without a trace.

Now, all that remained was Xiao Tian's small body, still drifting along the rushing river, once again appearing fragile and powerless.

***

By the calm riverbank, two figures were seen practicing together. The first figure was a little girl, around eight years old, her hair tied in a ponytail, swaying with the gentle breeze. The second figure was an old man, his body still sturdy despite his advanced age. His eyes were sharp and filled with wisdom. He sat on a rock, carefully observing the girl's every movement.

The little girl was practicing a sword technique. Although the sword in her hands was merely made of wood, every swing felt alive, rhythmic, and unpredictable. The wind seemed to follow the movement of her sword, creating a mesmerizing harmony.

"Ziyan Rouxi, it's time for us to go home. You've been practicing since morning until the sun is nearly setting. I ended up wasting so much time just to accompany you," the old man grumbled lazily.

The little girl named Ziyan Rouxi stopped her training and pouted. "Grandfather, you rarely have time to accompany me in training, yet you're already complaining so much. It seems it's true-you don't care about me at all!"

Her small face looked even cuter when she pouted, but before the old man could respond, his gaze was drawn to something in the river. His eyes narrowed, and his expression turned serious.

"Wait here!" he suddenly shouted, startling Ziyan Rouxi.

"Where are you going, Grandpa? Don't-" Her words trailed off as she followed his line of sight. Not far from them, the body of a small child was floating along the current. The river was strong, and not far ahead, a towering waterfall awaited. If the child continued drifting, he would plunge into the endless abyss of the falls.

Without hesitation, the old man stepped onto the water, running at an incredible speed. In an instant, he reached the child's body and lifted him before he could be carried further. Returning to land, he placed the boy on the ground and checked his condition.

"He's still breathing..." he muttered.

He immediately channeled his internal energy into the boy's body. It didn't take long before the boy suddenly coughed violently, spewing out a large amount of water from his mouth.

Ziyan Rouxi crouched down, her face close to his, staring at the boy with curiosity. Her round eyes observed the boy's pale face, which was slowly regaining color.

Then, the boy fully opened his eyes, staring directly into Ziyan Rouxi's eyes, which were so close to his.

"Are you the angel of death? Why doesn't your face look scary?" he asked weakly.

Smack!

Ziyan Rouxi immediately slapped his face.

"Ow... Why did you hit me?" The boy held his cheek, his eyes filled with confusion.

"What did you just say? Angel of death? Do you really want me to kill you?" Ziyan Rouxi crossed her arms, her face full of anger.

The boy tried to get up, but his body felt crushed. Pain spread from his head to his feet, making him groan softly.

The old man continued channeling internal energy into his body. "Don't move too much! Your body has suffered quite a bit of damage. Let me heal you first."

The boy felt warmth enveloping his body. The sharp pain gradually faded, replaced by a comforting sensation. However, the old man frowned. He was astonished. The boy's injuries should have been more severe, yet his body had extraordinary healing abilities. Even without help, he might have survived. But if he had continued drifting, his body could have been torn apart by the ferocious river.

After a while, the boy could finally move. He slowly sat up and clasped his hands together respectfully.

"Senior, thank you for saving me."

The old man did not respond immediately. He was still in shock. Something was strange about this boy. He couldn't see his bone structure or body composition as he normally would. It was as if some force was concealing his true nature.

Finally, the old man spoke. "Boy, how did you end up in this river? Where are you from? Let me take you home."

The boy shook his head slowly.

"Do you not remember what happened?"

The boy shook his head again, but this time, he answered, "No, I haven't forgotten. But I no longer have a home to return to."

The old man furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"

The boy took a deep breath. His voice trembled as he answered, "My village was attacked by bandits. They didn't just steal; they slaughtered all the villagers and burned our homes. My parents were killed... I jumped into this river to escape. Now, I don't know where to go."

His expression showed deep sorrow. His innocent eyes reflected a pain that was hard to conceal. He wasn't lying, but he also wasn't telling the whole truth. There was a part of his story he hid, afraid that this old man might have ties to the Wang Kingdom.

The old man let out a long sigh. He could feel the sincerity in the boy's words. A child this young couldn't possibly fabricate such a heartbreaking story with such a genuine expression.

After thinking for a moment, the old man finally said, "If you have no home, come with me. I am the leader of a sect not far from here."

The boy looked at the old man, his eyes briefly shining before he lowered his head respectfully. "If Senior allows it, I will not refuse."

The old man laughed. "Hahaha! Good! But from now on, don't call me Senior. Call me Grandpa Fa Wa. From now on, I will consider you my grandson. After all, you no longer have a family, so there's no harm in me becoming your family. Now, tell me your name."

The boy hesitated. He didn't want to reveal his clan's name. If his identity was discovered by people from the royal family, his life would be in danger again. Finally, he answered simply, "Thank you, Grandpa. My name is Tian."

"Hahaha! Good, good! How old are you, Tian?"

"I just turned six years old."

Fa Wa was surprised. This child was only six? His body was larger than other children his age. His muscles were also stronger. If he hadn't been told, Fa Wa would have guessed the boy was already ten years old.

Fa Wa then turned to his granddaughter and said, "This little girl here is my granddaughter. Her name is Ziyan Rouxi. You can call her Big Sister. She is older than you."

Xiao Tian looked at Ziyan Rouxi, who was still staring at him with an annoyed expression. He remembered the slap from earlier and decided to remain silent.

Fa Wa chuckled at their expressions. "Hahaha! Now, wait here for a moment. Grandpa will go catch some fish for us to eat. Tian must be hungry."

With light steps, Fa Wa walked toward the riverbank, leaving the two children staring at each other in silence.