In the depths of the Tenebrous underground world, two years had elapsed since Ling Tian's arrival. His existence now served as a poignant reminder of the transience of life. The spiritual array, an ancient edifice of arcane proportions, stood as a bulwark against the demon race, a testament to its enduring presence over millions of years.
Jiang Chen's voice echoed through the cavernous space, "The spiritual array has stood tall for millennia, safeguarding humanity against the demon race."
"Astonishing," another voice chimed in. "The demon lifespans are roughly five times that of humans, fueling speculation and wonder."
Ling Tian's eyes widened in shock. "Demons? What do you mean?" he asked, his voice laced with trepidation.
Jiang Chen's expression turned warm and reassuring. "Finally, you awaken, Ling Tian. I am Jiang Chen, your ally and protector."
Ling Tian's eyes narrowed. "Where am I? What happened to my parents?" he implored, his voice tinged with sadness.
Jiang Chen's expression turned somber. "You are in the world of Tenebrous, Ling Tian. Your father, Ling Ming, entrusted me with safeguarding you from your enemies."
Ling Tian's eyes trembled. "My parents... are they...?"
Jiang Chen's voice was laced with regret. "I'm sorry, Ling Tian. Your parents are gone. Forgive me."
Ling Tian's eyes overflowed with tears as he cried out in anguish. Jiang Chen approached him, his eyes filled with compassion.
"The flames that consumed your home may have been extinguished, but the fire of vengeance burns within you. Let it fuel your journey, Ling Tian."
Ling Tian wept all day, his heart heavy with grief. Jiang Chen left the room, leaving him to his sorrow.
"Jiang Chen, who is that kid?" someone asked.
"Ling Tian, son of Ling Ming," Jiang Chen replied.
"Poor kid, losing both parents. That's tough," the person said.
Jiang Chen's expression turned stern. "Ling Tian is brave, though his cultivation is weak and slow. He's seventeen years old and at the level eight early Qi refinement stage. I'll train him under Sensei Qingfeng."
Ling Tian stepped out of the room, into the bustling town. The cacophony of noises and sights assailed his senses. He navigated the winding streets, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
As he walked, he encountered four kids with extraordinary auras.
"Halt, young one!" one of them shouted.
Ling Tian froze, his eyes locked on the quartet.
"Bo Liu, have you seen this boy around?" one of them asked.
Bo Liu shook his head. "Nope, first time seeing him."
Xun Liu asked, "Then who are you?"
Ling Tian took a deep breath. "I'm Ling Tian. I mean no trouble. May I leave?"
Xun Liu nodded. "Yeah, you can go. We're not looking for trouble."
He introduced himself and his friends. "I'm Xun Liu, this is my brother Bo Liu, Jie Lit with the red gloves, and Zhe Zhang with blue hair."
Ling Tian nodded, bidding them farewell. "Nice meeting you all."
As Ling Tian walked away, the quartet watched him, their faces inscrutable.
Ling Tian continued on, unaware of the attention. He walked for what felt like an eternity, taking in the sights and sounds.
Eventually, he reached the town's edge, staring out at the unknown territory. A gentle breeze rustled his hair, and he felt an inexplicable pull.
With resolve, Ling Tian stepped forward, only to be halted by an invisible force. A massive spiritual array loomed before him, captivating and intimidating.
Ling Tian's eyes widened in awe. "What is this?" he wondered, unaware of the array's purpose or significance.Suddenly, a purple electric gas flowed in the sky, containing two demon cultivators. "Huh! Isn't this the demon race land, and this spiritual array is divided the human race from the demon race? Then I have to leave here," Ling Tian murmured.
Ling Tian quickly left, navigating through the bustling market. His eyes scanned the vibrant stalls and vendors, searching for something that caught his attention.
Amidst the chaos, an elderly man beckoned him. "Come, young one! Acquire this magnificent talisman, imbued with the essence of the universe!"
Ling Tian approached the stall, intrigued. The old man held up a small, intricately carved stone, radiating a soft, ethereal glow.
"This talisman, my young friend," the old man began, "is a masterpiece crafted with the utmost care and infused with concentrated spiritual energy. It serves as a powerful tool to manifest your desires, protect against negative influences, and balance your inner self."
Ling Tian listened intently, captivated by the old man's words. "How much?" he asked, his hand reaching for the talisman with a sense of longing.
"Ah, young one, this talisman is priceless," the old man replied with a warm smile. "However, I sense that you are a worthy individual, and I shall offer it to you for... 500 spirit stones."
Ling Tian's eyes widened in shock. "What! 500 spirit stones?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with incredulity.
The old man's smile remained unwavering. "A small price to pay for the transformative power it holds. But I sense you are not one to haggle, so I shall give you a fair deal."
Ling Tian hesitated, weighing the cost. Yet, as he gazed at the talisman, he felt an unshakable conviction that the ancient relic held the key to his destiny.
"I'll give you 420 spirit stones," Ling Tian said, his voice firm.
The old man's expression turned benevolent. "Very well, young one. I shall accept your offer."
Ling Tian purchased the talisman, and as he turned to leave, the old man murmured, "Sorry, young one. This talisman is stolen, and you shall have to face the consequences of its rightful owner."