After a long day filled with heavy decisions, Lin Tian retired to his guest room, his thoughts a whirl of contemplation. He had already made his intentions clear to the Li family, offering them a chance to transcend their current status and join the bright future he was building in Horizon City. But he could feel the weight of the choices yet to be made, especially with Li Jian's fiancée and her family still left to consider.
Lin Tian lay down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling with a sense of quiet resolve. His mind drifted to the faces of those he had spoken to, the Li family's expressions ranging from doubt to awe. He had given them a chance, but now it was up to them to decide.
Meanwhile, Li Jian stood at the entrance of the guest room, his mind racing with excitement and nervous anticipation. He had always believed in his fiancée, but this was more than just an opportunity for her—it was the chance for an entirely new life, a chance to rise to the holy level of cultivation. But he knew that convincing her family would not be easy, especially when faced with such a monumental change.
"Master," Li Jian spoke softly, knocking lightly on the door before entering, his face a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I'm going to speak with her now. Please, wait for us here."
Lin Tian nodded, a brief smile playing on his lips. "Go ahead, Jian'er. This is your path as much as it is hers."
Li Jian gave a final nod before turning, and his mother, Madam Li Qing, emerged from behind him. "I will accompany you, son," she said firmly, her face filled with concern but also determination. She had always been the steady force in their family, and this moment was no different. Her steps were steady as she followed Li Jian, her thoughts heavy with the knowledge of the responsibility ahead.
As they approached the Mei family mansion, the sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the grounds. The soft rustling of leaves seemed to mirror Li Jian's racing thoughts. He turned to his mother for reassurance.
"Mother, do you think they'll accept it?" Li Jian asked, his voice wavering with uncertainty.
Madam Li Qing glanced at him, her expression serene but firm. "The decision lies in their hands now, Jian'er. But remember, this is an opportunity that will change everything for them. If they are wise, they will see it as the chance it truly is."
When they entered the Mei family mansion, Mei Ling'er was waiting anxiously in the parlor. Her deep, almond-shaped eyes were wide with anticipation, her posture tense. She was a vision of quiet grace, her long, silky black hair cascading down her back, framed by delicate features.
Li Jian's heart ached to see her like this, knowing how much the unknown weighed on her. He stepped forward, his voice soft yet filled with warmth. "Ling'er, we need to talk."
She stood, her brow furrowing with a touch of concern. "Jian'er, what is it? You're making it sound so serious."
Li Jian's voice trembled as he began recounting everything—his master's promises, the chance for a life beyond their wildest dreams, and the opportunity to rise to the holy level of cultivation. He spoke with fervor as if trying to convey all the gravity of the situation in a single breath.
Mei Ling blinked, disbelief coloring her face. "But… this is so much to take in. Cultivation at the holy level? Horizon City? I don't know what to think, Jian. How can we be certain? This all seems too unreal."
Li Qing stepped forward then, her voice calm but unyielding. "Ling'er, this is not just an offer. It's a life-changing opportunity for both our families. We have struggled for so long, and Ancestor's proposal is a chance to rise beyond what we ever thought possible."
Mei Ling's gaze shifted between Li Jian and his mother, the weight of the decision settling upon her. She looked down at her hands, trembling slightly, before lifting her eyes to meet Li Jian's. "If you truly believe in this, Jian'er… if you believe this is the right path, then I'll trust you."
Li Jian's heart swelled as he took her hands in his, his voice low but filled with sincerity. "I believe in it. I believe in you. And together, we will rise to a future we could never have dreamed of."
Mei Ling smiled softly, her eyes glistening. "Then I'm with you, Jian. We will go to Horizon City. We'll face this together."
The next morning, the Mei family arrived at the Li family estate. Mei Ling walked in beside her parents, Mei Jun and Mei Xiu, both of whom carried an air of quiet dignity.
Mei Jun, a tall man with graying hair and a stern face, had a gaze that seemed to see right through you. His deep, gravelly voice carried an authority that could not be ignored. Mei Xiu, his wife, was a striking woman with delicate features. Her hair was streaked with strands of silver, and her eyes—softer than her husband's—held wisdom and warmth.
Lin Tian stood as they entered, his expression composed but observant. The families exchanged polite bows, and Lin Tian gestured for them to sit.
"Lord Lin Tian," Mei Jun began, his voice respectful but firm, "we have heard the promises you made to our families. But as you can understand, we need to see the truth for ourselves. We need confirmation."
Lin Tian nodded, his expression serene. "I understand, Master Mei. It is only natural that you seek assurance. The path I offer you is one of great change, but the rewards are unparalleled."
Mei Ling stepped forward, her voice steady but laced with uncertainty. "Lord Lin Tian, you speak of power beyond what we can even imagine. But how can we truly know that such an offer is real? We are but simple people—how can we rise to the holy level?"
Lin Tian looked at her, his gaze piercing yet calm. "What you are now does not define what you can become. Watch carefully."
With that, Lin Tian extended his hand, and a pulse of energy erupted from his palm. The air around them seemed to vibrate with power, and the room seemed to heat up with a surge of energy.
The light seemed to distort and warp as the energy enveloped the Li and Mei families. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as a hum of power filled the air, the temperature rising with each passing second.
Li Wei gasped, his eyes wide with astonishment. "This… this is real."
Li Jian stood frozen, feeling his energy resonate with Lin Tian's power. The power surged through him, unlocking a potential he never thought possible. Mei Ling'er's eyes widened as she felt the same force touch her soul. Her heart raced, the sensation of power coursing through her body, unlike anything she had ever experienced.
Mei Jun stood tall but silent, his expression unreadable, though a flicker of awe passed through his eyes. Mei Xiu, on the other hand, held her breath as she felt the surge of energy. She placed a hand over her heart as if to steady herself.
Lin Tian's voice echoed through the room, firm yet kind. "Your cultivation qualifications have now been raised to the holy level. The path to true strength lies before you. It is not only an offer of power—it is a future for all of you."
Mei Jun bowed deeply, his voice filled with reverence. "We are forever grateful, Lord Lin Tian. This… this is a gift we never dreamed of and we'll work like an ox to repay the grace pf secior."
Mei Ling'er, her face filled with awe, stepped forward. "Lord Lin Tian. We will stand by you, in Horizon City, and take this chance."
Li Jian smiled proudly, looking at his fiancée, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Master Lin Tian."
Lin Tian nodded, his expression still calm. "Go now, and prepare for the journey ahead. Horizon City awaits, and within it, a new life."
As the Mei family left, Lin Tian retired to his guest room once more. His heart was filled with a quiet satisfaction. The foundation of Horizon City was growing stronger, and with each new family that joined, the city's future became brighter.
He lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, knowing that the path ahead would be filled with challenges, but also with promise. The families had taken the first steps toward something greater.
And with that, he closed his eyes, allowing sleep to overtake him, knowing that the seeds of the future had been planted.