Wake

"Uncle Zhang, did you say Xiaoqian is awake? " Xing Jue exclaimed excitedly when he heard the news. Seeing Uncle Zhang nodding in confirmation, Xing Jue burst into laughter, his excitement bubbling over. Without another word, he vanished from the garden with a few quick flashes, his movements a blur.

As she watched Xing Jue rush off, a pang of sadness struck Lady Liang's heart. She couldn't quite explain it, but seeing him so eager to see Xiaoqian… it filled her with a strange mix of emotions.

Perhaps sensing his daughter's mood, Family Head Liang approached Lady Liang and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "My dear," he said gently. "I know you have feelings for Young Master Xing, but he… He's not the right one for you."

Truth be told, Family Head Liang had never been fond of Xing Jue. He'd always seen him as nothing more than a pretty-faced boy, completely unworthy of his talented daughter. But recently… His opinion of the young man had begun to shift.

Seeing Xing Jue unleash his true strength had been… eye-opening, to say the least. The sheer power, the raw talent he'd displayed… It was breathtaking.

And it was precisely because of that display… That Family Head Liang had started to doubt whether his precious daughter was good enough for Xing Jue after all.

"Thank you, Father," Lady Liang replied with a small smile. She understood what he was trying to say. Xing Jue… He was extraordinary. A force to be reckoned with. As for her…? She was just a mere Martialist. It was foolish… Unrealistic… to think she could ever be enough for someone like him.

"Bang! "

"Xiaoqian! "

The door swung open, and Xing Jue rushed inside, a wide grin on his face.

"Master." Xiaoqian glanced up from where she was sitting at the table, combing her hair. A delicate smile graced her lips.

"Xiaoqian, you're alright! That's amazing! " Seeing Xiaoqian fully recovered and back to her usual self filled Xing Jue with relief. He rushed over and scooped her up in a hug, unable to contain his joy.

Taken aback by Xing Jue's sudden display of affection, a blush crept onto Xiaoqian's face. To be honest, Xing Jue had never displayed any romantic interest in her. She had always been more like a sister to him, a trusted confidante. But that didn't mean he didn't care for her deeply. And now that she was finally healed… His happiness knew no bounds.

As he caught sight of the surprised, almost embarrassed look on Xiaoqian's face, Xing Jue finally realized that he'd perhaps gotten a bit carried away. He quickly set her down, a blush creeping onto his own face.

"Master, how is the Soul Devouring Skill coming along? " Now that she was certain of his well-being, a wave of relief washed over Xiaoqian. Recalling the technique she'd bestowed upon him, she decided to inquire about his progress.

"Well…" Xing Jue hesitated. "It's with me, but… to be honest… It's a lot harder to cultivate than I thought it would be. I've been practicing non-stop, but… I've only managed to scratch the surface." He sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. He'd always considered himself to be quite talented. With most battle skills, all he needed was a single glance to grasp their essence. But the Soul Devouring Skill… It was different.

"Master, you underestimate the Soul Devouring Skill." Seeing Xing Jue's frustration, Xiaoqian chuckled softly. "It is no ordinary technique. Even amongst my people, the Soul Eater Clan, very few were able to master it. Only those with extraordinary talent and potential were even allowed to attempt its cultivation." She paused.

"And even then… Due to its complexity, every disciple had to be guided by an elder. It was the only way to ensure that they didn't succumb to its dangers."

"You're serious?" Xing Jue's jaw dropped.

He'd had no idea…

In his culture… Sharing powerful techniques was practically unheard of! To think that the Soul Eater Clan had gone to such lengths, personally guiding their most promising disciples…

They really must have considered it a priceless treasure!

Which made his situation even more dire. He had no one to guide him! How in the world was he supposed to master something like this?!

As if sensing his growing despair, Xiaoqian smiled reassuringly.

"Fortunately for you, Master, I managed to pick up quite a bit while eavesdropping on those lessons." She winked. "I'd be happy to pass on what little I know."

"Really?!" Xing Jue's eyes widened with hope. "That would be amazing! What are we waiting for then? Let's start now! I'm dying to master that soul burst technique! "

"Master," Xiaoqian chuckled. "The path to mastering the Soul Devouring Skill is a long and arduous one. There are no shortcuts. You must perfect each stage before moving on to the next."

"The easiest is Soul Healing," she continued. "Then comes Soul Defense, Soul Attack, and Soul Movement. And finally… after you've mastered those… you can attempt to cultivate the Soul Burst technique. Each breakthrough will test your limits. Each success will send tremors through your very soul. That's why… It is crucial that you find a secluded place to cultivate. Somewhere… peaceful."

With every word that Xiaoqian spoke, Xing Jue felt his understanding of the Soul Devouring Skill deepen. He had been trying to cultivate each aspect of the technique simultaneously, wondering why he wasn't making any progress. Now he knew.

He'd been going about it all wrong!

Meanwhile, in the Liang family's main hall…

Every seat was filled.

At the head of the table sat Xing Jue and Xiaoqian.

"Young Master Xing, Miss Xiaoqian has only just recovered," Family Head Liang said warmly. "Why the rush? Stay a while longer! We insist! Consider it a token of our gratitude for all that you've done for us."

"Thank you for your kind offer, Family Head Liang, but I'm afraid we can't impose on your hospitality any longer," Xing Jue replied politely. "We still have a lot to accomplish, and we've already taken up far too much of your time."

He may have gotten off to a rocky start with the Family Head, but he wasn't about to be rude. They had, after all, given him and Xiaoqian shelter for an entire month.

"You wound me, Young Master Xing! If it wasn't for you… Who knows what would've become of my precious daughter?!" Family Head Liang sighed dramatically.

"Lady Liang, you saved my life and Xiaoqian's life. Helping you was the least I could do." Xing Jue smiled.

He would never forget what Lady Liang had done for them. Never.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xing Jue and Xiaoqian took their leave. Throughout their goodbyes, Lady Liang remained silent.

She kept her head bowed, her gaze fixed on the ground.

She couldn't bear to let Xing Jue see the tears welling up in her eyes. Not now.

Not ever.

Only when his figure had disappeared from view did she finally allow herself to look up. She watched him go, her heart aching, her vision blurring.

Thanks to Family Head Liang, Xing Jue learned of an ancient mountain range deep within the heart of the Netherworld Empire. It was a place of legend… Shrouded in mystery… and teeming with ferocious demonic beasts. Even seasoned Martialists and Martial Lords dared not venture into its depths.

Family Head Liang's warnings about the dangers that lurked within the mountains did little to deter him. In fact… Xing Jue knew… He knew in his heart… That this perilous mountain range… would be the perfect training ground to master the Soul Devouring Skill.

With their destination set, Xing Jue and Xiaoqian set off towards the mountains. Eager to begin his training, Xing Jue pushed himself to his limits, his steps swift and sure.

"Thud! "

His heart skipped a beat.

They'd been making good time, but… What was that?

As he turned around, fear constricted his chest.

Xiaoqian lay sprawled on the ground, her face deathly pale.

Without hesitation, Xing Jue rushed to her side.

He channeled his soul energy, carefully guiding it into her weakened body.

Slowly… her color returned.

"Xiaoqian, what happened?! Are you alright?! Did your injuries… Did they reopen? "

"I'm… I'm fine, Master." Xiaoqian looked away, her words hesitant.

"Xiaoqian, what is it? " Something was wrong. He could sense it.

"It's just…" Xiaoqian hesitated again, a flicker of fear flashing in her eyes. "It's just… Since my awakening… My cultivation… It's been sealed at the early stage of the Martial Lord realm."

"Sealed?! " That didn't make sense!

Fear clawed at Xing Jue's chest.

"Why… Why didn't you tell me?! " He questioned, his voice trembling. He searched her face, his mind racing.

"How… How do we break this seal?!"

He couldn't accept this. He wouldn't.

She had to recover! She had to regain her full strength! He refused to believe that her injuries had condemned her like this!

As if sensing his fear, Xiaoqian forced a smile.

"It's alright, Master. It's alright. It's only temporary, I'm sure of it. Give it time. My strength… It'll return. You'll see." Her voice was calm… But there was a tremor beneath the surface… a tremor that betrayed her carefully constructed facade.

Xing Jue studied her face, his heart aching.

She was putting on a brave face, but he could see right through her.

"No," he said, his voice firm. "We're not walking anymore. " He paused, his gaze softening. "Come on. Let's find an inn in the next town. You need to rest."

"Thank you, Master." Xiaoqian knew, deep down, that he was right. Pushing herself any further in her weakened state was reckless… foolish, even. "That would be lovely."

As luck would have it, there was a bustling town just ahead. But instead of heading straight for an inn, Xing Jue steered them towards a grand, multi-storied restaurant.

He couldn't let Xiaoqian go hungry now, could he?

"Try some of this, Xiaoqian." Xing Jue gestured towards the lavish spread he'd ordered. But even though he'd been famished, Xiaoqian's appetite seemed to have deserted her. She picked at her food, her brow creased with worry.

Xing Jue, on the other hand, had no such reservations. He devoured his food as if he hadn't eaten in days.

"Xiaoqian, why aren't you eating? " Xing Jue asked between mouthfuls, glancing at her with concern. She really was a delicate, refined eater. Almost… ladylike.

"Don't mind me, Master. I've had plenty," she said with a soft smile. "You, on the other hand… You look starved! "

Even though she was worried sick, seeing him like this, so carefree… It brought a genuine smile to her lips.

"Look, I told you, I forgot my money! I promise I'll pay you back double next time! Just let me go! "

An old man's voice suddenly wafted into their room from the neighboring private booth, shattering their peaceful lunch.

"Shut your trap, old man! I'll show you 'double! ' And who are you calling 'brother?!' You're old enough to be my grandfather! Trying to weasel out of paying your tab? You've got another think coming! "

A younger man's voice, obviously enraged, filled the room.

"Oh, come now! It's the truth! My family… We're loaded! " The old man's voice was oddly cheerful, considering the situation.

"You're unbelievable," the younger man roared. "You think you can fool me with that pathetic excuse? Fine! Have it your way! Looks like you need to be taught a lesson!"

A deafening crash echoed through the restaurant as one of the walls exploded.

Xing Jue and Xiaoqian watched in astonishment as a large, burly figure came crashing through the wall and landed in a heap on their floor.

"I told you to be careful," a familiar, annoyingly cheerful voice chimed in.

Moments later, a disheveled old man in tattered robes, looking every bit the beggar, sauntered through the very same hole in the wall.