Chapter 2

A New Beginning**

Xiang agreed and nodded softly, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and hope. "Okay, but why do you want to adopt me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Li Yunzi smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Because I don't have a daughter," he explained gently. "My wife has always longed for one. She feels lonely at times, and I believe you would bring joy to our lives. You are kind-hearted, resilient, and full of potential. That's why I want to adopt you."

Xiang's cheeks flushed at his words. It was the first time anyone had spoken so highly of her. She hesitated, looking down at her tattered clothes and dirty hands. "But... I'm not like the people you know. I'm dirty, and everyone always runs away from me," she murmured, her voice tinged with shame.

Li Yunzi shook his head firmly, his expression kind but resolute. "Not to us," he said. "You are worthy of love and care, just like anyone else. Come with me."

He extended his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, Xiang took it. His grip was warm and reassuring as he led her to his home. When they arrived, Xiang's eyes widened in awe. The house was enormous, with towering gates and a beautifully manicured garden. It was unlike anything she had ever seen.

As they entered, Li Yunzi called out to his wife, "Look, my dear! I've brought you a gift!"

His wife, Li Huan, emerged from the house. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Xiang. Without a word, she rushed forward and enveloped the girl in a warm embrace. "Welcome home, my child," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

From that day on, Xiang became a part of their family. They gave her the name Li Xiang, symbolizing her new life and identity. Li Huan doted on her, showering her with love and care as though she had always been their daughter. For the first time in her life, Xiang felt a sense of belonging.

However, adjusting to her new life wasn't easy. The grandeur of the palace felt overwhelming, and the whispers of the servants and nobles often made her feel out of place. Some would mock her past, calling her a "street rat" behind her back. Though Li Huan and Li Yunzi treated her with nothing but kindness, the hurtful words of others lingered in her mind.

One day, Li Huan noticed Xiang sitting alone in the garden, her shoulders slumped and her eyes downcast. She approached her gently and asked, "What troubles you, my dear?"

Xiang hesitated before replying, "I don't belong here. Everyone thinks I'm... different."

Li Huan's heart ached for her. She knelt beside Xiang and took her hands in hers. "You are not different, Xiang. You are our daughter, and you deserve to be here. But I understand how hard this must be for you. Perhaps what you need is guidance—a teacher who can help you grow and find your place in this world."

With that, Li Huan began her search for a suitable mentor for Xiang. She wanted someone who could not only teach her skills but also nurture her spirit.

Meanwhile, far away in the celestial realm, Wen Shia stood in a serene garden, lost in thought. The air around him was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers, but his mind was elsewhere. Suddenly, a messenger approached him and bowed deeply. "The Heavenly God has summoned you," he announced.

Without hesitation, Wen Shia made his way to the Heavenly God's palace. He bowed respectfully and asked, "Why have you called me, Heavenly God?"

The Heavenly God, seated on a throne of shimmering light, regarded him with a solemn expression. "I have an important mission for you," he said. "You must go to Earth and find the Element Stone. It is a powerful, multi-colored stone that holds immense energy. Its existence must remain a secret, for it could bring great destruction if it falls into the wrong hands."

Wen Shia frowned slightly. "Where on Earth is this stone?" he asked.

The Heavenly God's gaze was unwavering. "That is for you to discover. The previous Heavenly God hid it well to protect it. You must find it and ensure its safety. Do not return until your mission is complete."

Wen Shia nodded. "I understand. I will leave at once."

The next day, Wen Shia descended to Earth and arrived at the Nanjing Mountains. His first task was to find a place to stay. As he wandered through the lush landscape, he encountered Li Yunzi, who greeted him with a warm smile. "What brings you here, young man? Are you looking for something?"

Wen Shia eyed him cautiously. "How do you know me?" he asked.

Li Yunzi chuckled. "Who wouldn't recognize you? You're the god who once helped people when no one else would. Tell me, how can I assist you?"

Wen Shia relaxed slightly. "I need a place to live," he said.

Li Yunzi gestured toward a nearby house. "There's a house right next to mine. You are welcome to stay there."

Grateful, Wen Shia moved in and began his search for the Element Stone.

One day, as Wen Shia practiced his skills atop a hill, Xiang spotted him from afar. He was dressed in pristine white robes that fluttered in the wind, and he held a beautiful fan in his hand. His movements were graceful and precise, as though he were painting the air with his skills. The fan flew from his hand, marking the air before returning to him effortlessly.

Xiang couldn't take her eyes off him. To her, he seemed like a celestial being. She mustered her courage and ran up to him.

"Will you make me your student?" she asked eagerly. "I want to learn cultivation and swordsmanship!" Her eyes sparkled as they lingered on the elegant sword at his side.

Wen Shia looked at her and immediately refused. "No, I'm not going to teach anyone."

"Please!" Xiang pleaded. She dropped to her knees, clasping her hands together. "Please take me as your student!"

But Wen Shia remained firm. "No," he said, his voice final.