Benevolent Stranger

As the sun rose over Black Bamboo Village just like any other day, casting long shadows upon the village square where the children usually played. Fei Long Tian had woken up early, as usual, just before the sun crested the hills of bamboo that surrounded his village. He got up from the cold ground he had slept on and with a yawn, he patted down his long unkempt hair. "I have to look somewhat presentable; it is my birthday after all," he thought to himself as he walked down the narrow road of the village he called home. Fei Long Tian was turning 9 today. Despite this special occasion, his stomach rumbled with the pains of hunger as he broke into a jog, headed towards the town square. It was early in the morning, but the townsfolk were already busy setting up shops for the busy day to come.

Amidst the bustling activity in the town square, Fei Long Tian found himself treated as an unwelcome shadow, shunned by the villagers like a forgotten remnant. Their disdainful glares and harsh words pierced his heart like daggers, reminding him that he was seen as nothing more than an unwanted burden. "You're nothing but trash! Get lost and beg for food somewhere else!" they would sneer, their scornful laughter echoing in his ears.

But Fei Long Tian had grown accustomed to such treatment. It was a life he had known ever since he could remember, one of survival and resilience. He watched with a mix of longing and anticipation as the traveling merchants set up their colorful stalls, an annual event that promised the possibility of sustenance beyond his meager existence. With an air of determination, he bided his time, waiting for the opportune moment to steal from their wares.

For Fei Long Tian, the life of a thief had been a means of survival from a tender age. In the neighboring city called Crimson Flame City that governed over his town, he would slip through the crowds like a shadow, nimble and quick-fingered, stealing from vendors for food and a few coins to get by. Each pilfered morsel was a lifeline, a way to fend off hunger and stave off the bitter reality of his orphaned existence.

And so, as the day wore on, Fei Long Tian observed from the fringes, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he was seen as a nuisance rather than a human being. With the arrival of the merchants, he saw an opportunity to seize a taste of abundance, if only for a fleeting moment. Determination etched on his young face, he steeled himself for the impending act of thievery, a path he reluctantly walked to survive in a world that showed him no kindness.

Fei Long Tian's eyes narrowed as he lurked in the shadows of the town square, searching for the perfect target – something valuable that could grant him an entirely new life, a reprieve from his current empty existence. Along the way, he made sure to take a few smaller, less valuable items, ones that the merchants wouldn't even notice were gone, ensuring he wouldn't get caught or raise any suspicion as he slowly amassed his loot of course he didn't for get to steal himself some breakfast either. After several hours of perusing the stalls, a glint of sunlight caught Fei Long Tian's eye. There, hanging by the side of none other than Cheng Rong, the richest man in Crimson Flame City, was a small golden key about the size of Fei Long Tian's hand. The key looked ordinary and unassuming, but to Fei Long Tian, it was a jackpot – a priceless find that could change his life forever.

As Fei Long Tian's keen eyes examined the small golden key, a surge of intuition washed over him, whispering that this seemingly ordinary object held the key to something far greater. Deep within, he knew that this key was no ordinary trinket but the key to a treasure trove, the place where all the highly valued items for the upcoming auction that would take place two days later were concealed. The notion sent a shiver of excitement down his spine, for he had heard tales of the auction – a grand event where items of life-changing worth were auctioned off to the highest bidder.

As the sun raised higher in the sky reaching around noon, Fei Long Tian retreated further into the depths of the shadows. His heart pounded in his chest as he devised a plan to steal the key without raising any suspicion. He observed Cheng Rong, the rich merchant, chatting with a group of fellow merchants, their attention diverted by their animated conversation. This was his chance.

With every ounce of stealth he possessed, Fei Long Tian inched closer to his target. He timed his movements meticulously, synchronizing them with the lulling chatter of the crowd. Like a ghost, he slid through the bustling square, every step calculated, every breath measured. His heart seemed to beat in sync with the ticking seconds, each passing moment heightening the tension.

Finally, with bated breath, Fei Long Tian reached out and plucked the golden key from its resting place. His heart raced in his chest as he felt the weight of the key in his trembling hand. The sight of the key, now in his possession, ignited a fierce determination within him. This key held the potential to change his life forever, and he knew he couldn't afford to be caught.

His pulse thundering in his ears, Fei Long Tian retreated into the shadows once more, every fiber of his being urging him to move quickly and quietly. He darted through the maze of stalls, expertly navigating through the crowd, making sure no eyes lingered on him for too long. His senses were heightened, his instincts guiding him like an invisible force.

With a final, fleeting glance around, Fei Long Tian vanished into the cover of the nearby alley, his heart still pounding from the adrenaline-fueled pursuit. He took a moment to catch his breath, his fingers tightly clutching the precious key that symbolized hope and a chance for a better life. As the echoes of the bustling town square faded, Fei Long Tian knew that his journey had just begun. The stolen key was now the key to his dreams, and he was ready to unlock the path to his destiny.

As the rush of adrenaline began to subside, Fei Long Tian's mind snapped back to reality, and a sense of urgency gripped him. He had stolen the key, but the real challenge lay ahead. Time was of the essence, for he had a deadline to meet. With the auction scheduled to take place two days later in Crimson Flame city, Fei Long Tian knew he had limited time to locate the vault and seize valuable items that could change his life forever.

The weight of the key felt heavier in his hand, reminding him of the task that lay before him. He had heard whispers of the vault's location, a place shrouded in secrecy, concealed within the depths of Crimson Flame City. His heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as he considered the daring feat he was about to undertake.

Yet, there was another pressing matter to address - returning the key to Cheng Rong before he noticed it was missing. The consequences of being caught with it were too dire to contemplate. With a resolve as strong as steel, Fei Long Tian knew that he couldn't afford to make any mistakes. He must be swift and precise, leaving no trace of his daring act.

The young orphan's determination intensified as he embraced the gravity of the situation. His journey had become a race against time, a daring dance between stealth and strategy. As the sun continued its slow descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Fei Long Tian steeled himself for the challenges ahead. With the stolen key in hand, he embarked on a daring quest to uncover the vault's location and snatch the life-changing treasures within, all while ensuring that he returned the key to its rightful owner, undetected. His fate hung in the balance, and he knew that the outcome of this audacious endeavor would shape the course of his life forever.

With a heart brimming with both hope and trepidation, Fei Long Tian wasted no time in departing Black Bamboo Village and embarking on the journey to Crimson Flame City. As he traversed the rugged terrain, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that the auction was scheduled to take place in the bustling city and not within the confines of his own village. This stroke of luck meant that he could make his move and disappear into the urban expanse before anyone realized the key was missing, this was something that he might not be able to do in Black Bamboo Village.

Every step he took brought him closer to the city that held the promise of a new destiny, and his anticipation grew with each passing moment. The city loomed on the horizon like a beacon of possibility, and Fei Long Tian's heart pounded with the weight of the opportunity that awaited him. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but the prospect of attaining a better life and leaving behind the shadows of his past fueled his determination.

As he reached the outskirts of Crimson Flame City, the sights and sounds of the vibrant metropolis enveloped him, stirring a mix of excitement and apprehension within his young soul. The looming auction, the coveted vault hidden within the city's depths, and the stolen key clenched in his hand - they were all pieces of a daring puzzle that he was determined to solve.

With a firm resolve and the wind at his back, Fei Long Tian ventured deeper into the city's heart, ready to seize the opportunities that lay before him. He knew that time was his ally and that the shadows of Black Bamboo Village would soon be behind him. As the city's bustling energy engulfed him, he felt a newfound sense of freedom and purpose, embarking on a journey that would test his courage, resourcefulness, and the resilience of his spirit.

Fei Long Tian's heart raced as he finally obtained a crucial piece of information - the location of the elusive vault. As he stealthily approached the designated spot, he felt the weight of anticipation and fear gnaw at him. The sight of the heavily guarded entrance sent shivers down his spine, and doubt began to cloud his mind. Doubt that he could evade the watchful eyes of the guards and doubts about the success of his audacious plan.

With nerves of steel, he observed the sentries, their unwavering vigilance instilling a sense of unease in him. He knew that a single misstep would spell disaster, revealing his intentions to those who stood between him and the treasures within the vault. The silence around him heightened the suspense, and he could hear the rhythmic thumping of his heart in his ears.

Just as he began to second-guess his capabilities, a sudden commotion erupted in the distance, startling both him and the guards. A loud bang and yelling reverberated through the air, causing the sentries to rush towards the disturbance, their attention diverted from the vault's entrance. It was his moment, a stroke of luck that he had not anticipated.

Seizing the opportunity, Fei Long Tian swiftly maneuvered towards the vault. His senses sharpened, every movement executed with precision as he expertly bypassed the remaining guards. He felt like a wisp of wind, a shadow gliding through the darkness, leaving no trace of his presence.

The key he had risked everything for found its place in the vault's lock, and with bated breath, he turned it. A sense of relief washed over him as the door creaked open, granting him access to the trove of riches beyond. Time seemed to slow as he stepped inside, and his eyes widened at the sight of untold treasures that awaited him.

Fei Long Tian's heart raced with exhilaration as he gathered the most valuable items he could carry. He was acutely aware of the ticking clock, knowing that every passing second brought him closer to discovery. He moved with deftness, selecting the most precious items with calculated swiftness.

With his bag filled to the brim, he carefully closed the vault door, his heart pounding in his chest. As he made his way out, he couldn't help but feel a rush of triumph mixed with lingering apprehension. The journey was far from over, and he knew that his daring escape from the heavily guarded vault was just the beginning of the challenges that lay ahead.

High above the city, a mysterious middle-aged man dressed in blue attire with powerful features and an enigmatic presence stood like a celestial observer, his figure unseen by mortal eyes. His cultivation base allowed him to float effortlessly above the clouds, a silent witness to the events unfolding below. As he gazed upon Crimson Flame City, his penetrating eyes caught sight of Fei Long Tian, moving with the grace of a shadow in the dimly lit alleyways.

With an air of intrigue, the enigmatic man observed the young thief, marveling at the audacity and finesse displayed by the boy. Fei Long Tian's nimble movements and swift decisions impressed him, recognizing the potential hidden within this determined soul. The man's lips curved into a faint smile,

As Fei Long Tian vanished from view, the mysterious man's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of admiration for the young thief, and before anyone knew he was there he disappeared.

As Fei Long Tian darted through the labyrinthine alleyways, his heart still racing from the successful heist, he suddenly heard a powerful, ear-piercing shout, urging him to stop. To his surprise, the sound seemed to reverberate directly into his ears, as if the words were spoken solely for him to hear. Confused and intrigued, he turned around, only to find himself face-to-face with a handsome blue-clad middle-aged man.

The shock and bewilderment on Fei Long Tian's face mirrored the enigmatic man's faint smile. It was as though the man had appeared out of thin air, standing in the very skies just above the alleyway. The young thief's mind raced with questions, trying to fathom how this person could possess such awe-inspiring abilities.

The enigmatic man's presence was magnetic, and he held a sense of authority that captivated Fei Long Tian's attention. "Your body is frail and weak," the man frowned slightly as his voice resonated directly in Fei Long Tian's mind, bypassing all other noises around him. "But I suppose that can be fixed with time anyway."

Fei Long Tian's curiosity mingled with a touch of apprehension, unsure of the man's intentions. He furrowed his brow at the man's words, yet, deep down, he felt a strange connection, as if their paths were destined to cross. Unsure of how to respond, he simply looked back at the man, his heart pounding with a blend of wonder, trepidation, and fear in the presence of this enigmatic figure. "Hmmm. Your eyes also show your potential too it seems," the man continued to talk to himself, the man's eyes sparkled with brilliance as it looked like he just thought of something, a mischievous smile crept onto his face as he slowly said, "hand me all of the items you just stole."

*Whoosh* The enigmatic man's demand washed over Fei Long Tian like a wave crashing, leaving Fei Long Tian utterly stunned. How could this stranger possibly know about the items he had just stolen? His shock quickly turned to anger, evident in the intense glare he shot at the middle-aged man. Clutching his bag tighter, as if guarding his newfound treasures, Fei Long Tian hesitated for a moment, torn between defiance and a sense of wariness towards this mysterious figure. He couldn't deny the power and authority that emanated from the man, yet the thought of surrendering the fruits of his daring heist stirred a rebellious streak within him. However, something in the man's gaze, a hint of understanding and a flicker of respect, made him consider his next move carefully. Fei Long Tian weighed the consequences of his decision, unsure of whether to comply or stand his ground when the man suddenly spoke again, "you better hand it over when I ask boy, you know it's as easy as stepping on an ant for me to take it from you."

As the enigmatic man's words pierced Fei Long Tian's heart, he felt an unexpected pain in the depths of his being. Reluctantly, he made the swift decision to hand over the bag containing his hard-earned fortune, a sense of aggrievement washing over him. The loss stung, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and disappointment as he surrendered the treasures he had worked so hard to acquire.

However, to his surprise, as he tossed the bag over, the man's laughter filled the air, breaking the tense atmosphere. "What? Are you not resigned?" the man chuckled, his tone teasing yet with an undertone of warmth. And then, with a swift movement, the man tossed something back to Fei Long Tian - a small stack of three worn books.

Fei Long Tian caught them, his astonishment growing. The man's actions left him baffled, unsure of what to make of the situation. The books in his hands felt unfamiliar yet oddly inviting. Fei Long Tian's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but wonder what significance these seemingly ordinary books held. As he looked up to meet the man's gaze once more, he saw a glimmer of amusement in the enigmatic man's eyes. "Hmph, you really thought I coveted your measly treasure, didn't you?" A hint of sarcasm was present in his voice. "Take these manuscripts as a gift for catching my eye. As for this trash," the man said, gesturing to Fei Long Tian's bag of treasure, "I'll return it to its original owner. Consider yourself an innocent man."

As Fei Long Tian stood there, still grappling with the turn of events, the enigmatic man had one more surprise in store. From within the folds of his robes, he produced a small jade token, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Handing it to Fei Long Tian, he spoke in a voice that carried both gravity and kindness, "Take this token and cultivate diligently."

Before Fei Long Tian could find the words to respond, the man vanished from his sight as swiftly as he had appeared. Disbelief painted across his face, Fei Long Tian clutched the jade token tightly, unable to comprehend the surreal encounter that had just taken place. The weight of the token in his palm seemed to symbolize the weight of the mysterious man's words and the enigmatic journey that lay ahead. It was as if destiny had reached out to meet him in the most unexpected of ways, leaving him with more questions than answers and a sense of purpose that went beyond anything he had ever imagined.

With the memory of the enigmatic man still lingering in his thoughts, Fei Long Tian finally stepped out of the alleyway and back into reality. As the city's bustling noises surrounded him, he felt a mix of bewilderment and wonder at the surreal encounter he had just experienced. With a heavy heart, he realized that the treasures he had stolen were now gone, but the mysterious jade token still clutched in his hand filled him with a sense of hope and purpose.

Deciding to find a new place to spend the night just outside of Crimson Flame City, Fei Long Tian wandered through the outskirts until he stumbled upon an abandoned stable. It was filled with moldy hay, but in the current circumstances, it was a sanctuary for him to rest. With a sigh, he lay down on the musty bed, the events of the day swirling through his mind.

As sleep claimed him, Fei Long Tian's dreams were filled with visions of the fortuitous encounter he had with the enigmatic man. The memory of their meeting, the stolen treasures, the jade token, and the mysteries that surrounded him danced through his mind like celestial patterns. As he drifted into slumber, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life had taken an unexpected turn, and the path he now treaded was intricately intertwined with a destiny he had yet to fathom.

With the first light of dawn filtering through the cracks in the stable's wooden walls, Fei Long Tian stirred from his dreams with a start. His heart pounded in his chest, and a sense of urgency gripped him as he frantically searched through the hay for the books gifted to him by the enigmatic man. His fingers dug through the moldy straw with desperation, his mind racing with the fear that it had all been a dream, that the books and the jade token were mere illusions, but then, his touch brushed against the worn covers of the manuscripts, and relief washed over him like a soothing wave. Clutching the precious tomes to his chest, he realized that the encounter with the mysterious man was no mere figment of his imagination but a reality,

Sitting in the dimly lit stable, Fei Long Tian held the jade token in his hands, his gaze fixated on its surface, trying to discern its mysteries. Suddenly, as if in response to his curiosity, the token began to emit a soft, ethereal glow. Fei Long Tian's eyes widened in astonishment as he witnessed the stream of information flowing from the jade into his mind, like a river of ancient knowledge. The flood of revelations outlined the path of martial arts cultivation, illuminating the different realms and stages he could strive to achieve.

He learned that there were ten stages within each minor realm, and three stages within each major realm. The cultivation journey was divided into five major realms, each more formidable and profound than the last. The first major realm, Qi perception realm marked the beginning of a cultivator's journey to harness the spiritual energy known as Qi. In the Qi perception major realm there were 3 minor realms, the lowest being Qi condensation, then there was Qi refining, and then Qi governing realm, after pushing past Qi governing one would break through to the next major realm, Core emerging realm which started at core formation, then it moved to gold core realm, and then finally core shattering realm. After that the major realms become the martial principle realm, the soul viewing realm, and the enlightenment realm, but those were for further down the line in his training.

As the newfound knowledge settled within him, Fei Long Tian's heart raced with excitement and determination. He realized that he hadn't even scratched the surface of the vast world of cultivation. The realization that he was not even a Qi Condensation cultivator yet fueled his desire to grow stronger and embark on the arduous path of cultivation.

With the jade token clutched in his hand, Fei Long Tian felt an indomitable resolve taking root within him. He knew that he held the key to a destiny far greater than he had ever imagined. As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its warm glow upon the world, Fei Long Tian made a silent vow to himself - to pursue the path of cultivation, to ascend through the realms, and to uncover the true potential that lay within him. The journey ahead was daunting, but with the enigmatic man's gift of knowledge, he now possessed the guidance to face the challenges that awaited him.

As Fei Long Tian continued to immerse himself in the stream of information flowing from the jade token, he discovered the true significance of the three worn books he had received from the enigmatic man. The jade revealed that these books were not mere tomes but precious cultivation manuscripts that held the keys to unlocking hidden potential.

The first book he opened was a mental cultivation method called Indomitable Martial Spirit technique, a profound art that allowed cultivators to refine their energy and harness the power of the heavens into their bodies. With this technique, Fei Long Tian could cultivate his mental fortitude, enhancing his focus, perception, and resilience while helping to direct his cultivation on the right path. It promised to be the foundation for unlocking the deeper mysteries of cultivation.

The second book contained an offensive martial skill labeled Celestial Sword arts, a technique that harnessed the essence of Qi to unleash devastating attacks. Fei Long Tian's eyes widened with excitement as he realized the potential of this martial skill in bolstering his combat prowess. With diligent practice, he could elevate his martial prowess to new heights, becoming a force to be reckoned with in battles.

The third book held the secrets of a movement technique titled Heavens Traversing technique, a graceful and agile way of traversing the world. Fei Long Tian marveled at the elegance of this technique, realizing that with its mastery, he could move with unparalleled speed and grace, evading foes and surmounting obstacles with ease.

As he absorbed the knowledge from the jade, Fei Long Tian felt a profound sense of gratitude towards the enigmatic man. These manuscripts were precious gifts, a treasure trove of wisdom and potential. With the jade token and the cultivation manuscripts in his possession, Fei Long Tian knew that his destiny had been forever altered. His journey towards becoming a formidable cultivator had just begun, and the path ahead was filled with challenges and wonders beyond his wildest dreams. Determination and excitement surged within him, and he vowed to devote himself wholeheartedly to the art of cultivation,

As the realization dawned upon Fei Long Tian that the offensive martial skill and the movement technique were beyond his reach until he achieved the first minor realm of cultivation, Qi condensation, he felt a mixture of eagerness and impatience. He knew that he had to lay a solid foundation before he could grasp the full potential of those powerful techniques. With unwavering determination, he decided to focus his efforts on the mental cultivation method first.

Finding a quiet corner of the abandoned stable, Fei Long Tian settled into a comfortable position, cross-legged on the floor. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, following the guidance from the mental cultivation manuscript. He began the process of meditation, quieting his mind and concentrating on his breathing.

With each breath, he felt a connection to the flow of Qi within himself and the world around him. He visualized the Qi circulating through his body, cleansing and purifying his meridians as he slowly directed it towards his Dantian. Time seemed to lose its meaning as Fei Long Tian delved deeper into the realm of mental cultivation. He focused on refining his thoughts, honing his mental fortitude, and building a stronger connection with the spiritual essence that surrounded him.

Through hours of diligent practice, Fei Long Tian could sense progress in his cultivation. His mind became clearer, his thoughts more focused, and his perception sharper. He discovered an inner strength he had never known before, and a sense of peace washed over him.

Hours turned into days as Fei Long Tian devoted himself to the mental cultivation method. He experienced the subtle changes within himself, and his understanding of the art deepened with each passing day. He knew that this was only the beginning of his journey, and there were countless challenges ahead, but he felt a newfound sense of purpose and determination.

As he continued to cultivate with unwavering dedication, he also learned patience and the importance of perseverance. Fei Long Tian knew that the path of cultivation was not an easy one, but he was willing to embrace the trials and tribulations that came with it. With the mental cultivation technique as his foundation, he was ready to unlock the mysteries of Qi condensation and eventually harness the full power of the offensive martial skill and the movement technique that awaited him. And so, in the stillness of the abandoned stable, Fei Long Tian embarked on his cultivation journey, determined to rise from the shadows and forge a destiny worthy of the enigmatic encounter that had forever changed his life.