Chapter 3

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Xiang knelt before the towering figure, her voice filled with determination. "Please accept me as your student. I promise I will never let you down. I will devote myself wholeheartedly to learning cultivation."

But the man's response was cold and unyielding. "No," he said flatly, leaving no room for argument.

Heartbroken, Xiang returned home with tears in her eyes. Her mother, Madam Li, noticed her distress and asked gently, "What happened, my dear?"

Xiang wiped her tears and said, "Today, I met someone extraordinary—a man who could teach me everything I need to know. He has the power, the wisdom... everything I've been searching for. But he refused to teach me."

Madam Li looked at her curiously. "And who is this man?"

"I don't know his name," Xiang admitted. "But he's the most majestic person I've ever seen. He's tall and handsome, almost like a god descended from the heavens. His face is striking, his eyes sharp and deep, and he wears the finest white clothes adorned with intricate silk designs. He carries a fan with a unique design and a sword with a blue gemstone embedded in its hilt."

Madam Li chuckled softly. "You've certainly observed him closely for someone you've only met once."

Xiang blushed but didn't deny it. Madam Li smiled knowingly. "I believe I know who you're talking about. He lives near our house and knows your father well."

Xiang's eyes lit up. "You do? Where does he live?"

Madam Li gave her the address, and without wasting a moment, Xiang ran to his house. The door was slightly ajar, and finding no one inside, she stepped in hesitantly.

The house was simple yet elegant, but it was in need of tidying up. Xiang decided to clean it thoroughly. She swept the floors, dusted the shelves, and even polished his belongings. Once everything sparkled, she thought of preparing a meal for him. However, she realized she didn't know what he liked and only knew how to make a simple noodle soup. Undeterred, she set to work.

Just as she finished, the door opened, and the man, Wen Shia, stepped inside. He stopped in his tracks, stunned to find his home spotless. His sharp eyes scanned the room until they landed on Xiang, who was nervously hiding behind a doorframe.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice sharp and authoritative.

Xiang stepped out, smiling shyly. "I just wanted to serve you, Master. I cleaned your house and made you some food. I hope you'll accept me as your disciple."

Wen Shia's expression hardened. "I am not your master, nor will I ever be. Leave my house at once."

But Xiang didn't back down. "Please, Master, I promise to do anything you ask. Just give me a chance."

"How did you even find my house?" he asked, clearly annoyed.

Xiang grinned. "My mother told me. She said you know my father."

"Your father?" Wen Shia frowned. "Who is your father?"

"Li Yunzi," she replied confidently.

His eyes widened slightly, but his expression remained stoic. "So, you are his daughter. That does not change my decision. Leave."

Xiang didn't argue further. Instead, she quietly placed the bowl of noodle soup on his table and left.

Day after day, Xiang returned to his house. She cleaned, cooked, and cared for his home without asking anything in return. She never once brought up her desire to become his disciple again. Slowly, Wen Shia began to grow accustomed to her presence. Though he said little, her persistence and dedication left an impression on him.

A month passed this way, and Xiang continued to serve him silently, hoping her actions would one day win his heart and approval.

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