Chapter3: The Calm Before Strength

As Xian Shun strode through the lively market streets of Lóng Xīn Hún Chéng (龙心魂城 – Dragon Heart Soul City), he felt a rare and fragile sense of calm settle within him. The vibrant colors of the merchant stalls, the rich aromas of street food, and the harmonious chatter of the crowd seemed to momentarily drown out the constant weight of expectations. His cousin, Mei Lian, walked beside him, her laughter brightening his mood as she shared lighthearted stories. For the first time in days, Xian Shun felt a sliver of peace in the world.

But tranquility in Dragon Heart Soul City rarely lasted long.

As they passed a stall selling herbal remedies, a sharp voice cut through the market's gentle hum—a voice dripping with familiar disdain.

"Well, look who it is—the Xian family's 'great hope.'"

Xian Shun turned to face Gu Shen Tao (古神涛), the second son of the rival Gu Shen family. Tall and imposing, with a presence that could silence a room, Gu Shen Tao was everything Xian Shun had been struggling to become. Already at Level 4, he wielded his strength like a badge of honor, flanked by an entourage that followed him like shadows.

Gu Shen Tao's smirk widened as he stepped closer, his voice loud enough to turn heads. "Still stuck at Level 2, I see. For someone hailed as a prodigy, you've certainly fallen far behind."

The words stung, but Xian Shun maintained his composure. Mei Lian moved forward defensively, her gaze hardening.

"Leave him alone, Gu Shen Tao. We're minding our own business."

Gu Shen Tao chuckled, ignoring her protest. "Oh, don't be so quick to protect him, Mei Lian. I'm not here to cause trouble. Just curious, that's all. With all the pressure on Xian Shun, you'd think he'd have made some progress by now." He leaned closer, his eyes glinting with malice. "But no. While the rest of us advance, the 'prodigy' is still struggling to keep up."

A crowd began to form, drawn by the tension, their hushed whispers feeding the weight pressing on Xian Shun's shoulders. He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the calm he'd felt just moments before.

"I'm not here to entertain your insecurities, Gu Shen Tao," he replied evenly. "If you're looking for a fight, try somewhere else."

Gu Shen Tao's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "You're lucky your father's reputation shields you. Without it, you'd be nothing more than a forgotten failure in this city." His sneer deepened. "Let's see how long the Xian family can keep pretending you're their future."

Before Mei Lian could retort, Xian Shun placed a hand on her shoulder, urging her to remain calm. His gaze didn't waver as he met Gu Shen Tao's scornful stare. "When the time is right, you'll see my strength. I'm in no rush."

Dissatisfied with Xian Shun's calm response, Gu Shen Tao gave a dismissive scoff and turned away, gesturing for his followers to leave. "Let's go. I'd rather not waste time on someone who hides behind excuses."

As Gu Shen Tao and his entourage faded into the crowd, Mei Lian turned to Xian Shun, her eyes filled with concern. "You handled that well," she said quietly, though her voice betrayed a hint of worry. "But I know his words got to you."

Xian Shun managed a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I've grown used to it," he murmured. "One day, I'll prove them all wrong. Until then… patience."

Mei Lian sensed the turmoil beneath his calm façade. "Why don't we go back home? You shouldn't have to deal with this today."

But Xian Shun shook his head. "I need some time alone, Mei Lian. Go on without me—I'll catch up later."

Mei Lian hesitated, worry clouding her expression. "Are you sure? The city can be dangerous on your own, especially after something like this."

"I'll be fine," he reassured her, his tone steady. "I just need a moment to clear my head."

With a reluctant nod, Mei Lian turned back toward home, her steps slow, as if still uncertain about leaving him. When she finally disappeared into the crowd, Xian Shun turned his gaze to the distant edge of the city—the border of Dragon Heart Soul City.

The hours seemed to melt away as Xian Shun wandered, the weight of unspoken doubts and frustrations pulling him toward the outer edges of the city. Before he knew it, he found himself at the city's border—a place where few dared to go alone. Here, a powerful barrier shimmered faintly, the city's protective veil against the wilderness beyond. Outside this invisible wall lay an untamed land, teeming with monstrous beasts and dangers that even seasoned cultivators feared.

He stared into the unknown, captivated by the silent allure of the wild. Beyond this line, there were no expectations, no judgments—only the raw power of nature and the freedom to become stronger or fall. For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to step through that boundary, to leave behind everything familiar and face the perils of the outside world alone. Perhaps out there, beyond the city's walls, he could find the strength he so desperately sought.

The wind stirred, tugging at his robes, and he closed his eyes, letting the breeze carry away the lingering tension. Standing here at the edge, he felt the overwhelming desire to prove himself—to break free from the shadows cast by others' expectations. But he knew he wasn't ready. Not yet. One day, though, he would cross that line. One day, he would become someone the world couldn't ignore.

For now, he waited, letting the storm within him settle. The world beyond the city beckoned, and with it, the promise of change. But today, he would hold back, fueling his resolve for the battles still to come.