Lee Xian, Cultivator of Guyon

The Meeting that Determines

Cin Xiu, Xian, Wei, and Lu Jian continued their journey through the gloomy forest. They feel more and more in the forest, the atmosphere is getting gripping. The tall trees shaded them, making it seem as if they were inside an endless green tunnel. The sunlight had difficulty penetrating the dense grass, leaving them in darkness.

On their way, Cin Xiu opened a conversation, "We should be careful. Someone or something sent the enemies last night. There's a good chance someone's trying to get in our way."

Xian nodded in agreement, "Right. This magic sword was extremely precious, and many wanted to obtain it. We need to stay alert."

They walked for a few more hours, through the silent forest, when suddenly they heard the sound of weak cries. They exchanged looks and followed the voice. As they approached the source of the sound, they found a badly injured man, lying among the bushes.

The man looked weak and pale. Cin Xiu and his friends immediately approached him and helped the man sit down. "Who are you? What the hell happened to you?" asked Cin Xiu gently.

The man let out a raucous voice, "My name is Zhuang. I am an adventurer lost in this forest. I was attacked by wild creatures. Please, please save me."

Cin Xiu's friends looked at each other, and they knew that they couldn't leave the man in this state. They gave him water to drink and treated his wounds.

After a while, Zhuang started to improve. He looked at Cin Xiu and his friends with gratitude. "Thank you for your help. You guys are good people."

Cin Xiu smiled, "There's no need to thank you. We just do what's right. Now, can you tell us why you're here and what you're looking for?"

Zhuang hesitated for a moment, then finally told a story. "I am looking for an ancient artifact that is said to be stored in this forest. The artifact is believed to have incredible power, and I wanted to use it for good. But I was attacked by these beasts that guarded this forest."

Cin Xiu and his friends exchanged glances again. They knew that their quest and Zhuang's quest had the same goal: to seek out extraordinary powers to use for good. They decided to help Zhuang in his search.

"Maybe we can work together," Wei said, "Thus, we can reach our goals faster."

Zhuang nodded excitedly. "I am so grateful for your offer of assistance. I'm sure with your strength and courage, we can reach the artifact together."

They continue their journey into the forest, this time with a new friend beside them. Although they do not yet know what lies ahead, they have one strong determination: to seek the strength they need to protect the world from the evil that lurks.

Cin Xiu, Xian, Wei, Lu Jian, and Zhuang continued to walk through the increasingly dense forest. They pay attention to every sound and movement around them, because they know that they are not alone in this forest. However, the natural atmosphere around them seemed calm, almost as if the forest itself was calm with their existence.

As the sun began to sink in the western horizon, they decided to take a break. They open their arms and share stories about their adventures before they meet. Zhuang told me about his solitary journey and the reason why he was looking for such an ancient artifact.

Cin Xiu listened carefully, and he felt that there was a depth in Zhuang's eyes that led him to believe that the man was not merely seeking power for himself. "We are also looking for ancient artifacts," Cin Xiu said eventually, "We believe it is the key to stopping the evil that is threatening this world."

Zhuang nodded, "We most likely have the same goal, even though the path we take is different."

As the night wore on, they decided to continue their journey. But shortly after they moved, they heard a strange sound from the bushes near them. It was a sound like the whirring of the wind, but it was very smooth, almost as if the wind had a sound of its own.

They immediately prepared for the fight, grasping their weapons. Suddenly, from behind the bushes, a strange forest creature appeared. The creature was similar to a wolf, but was larger and furry in pitch black. However, what was most striking was his eyes that glowed in the darkness, as if they had a life of their own.

These creatures, known as "Huli Jing" or "The Fox of the Forest," are mythical creatures who are said to have supernatural powers and can transform into humans. They were the guards of this forest, and they were not happy with the arrival of Cin Xiu and his companions.

The creatures circled Cin Xiu and his companions, his eyes glittering. "What are you doing in our woods?" the sound that came from the creature's mouth sounded terrifying.

Cin Xiu spoke calmly, trying to explain their purpose, "We are looking for an ancient artifact that is said to be stored within this forest. We don't mean to harm this forest or the creatures that look after it."

The Huli Jing exchanged glances for a moment, as if they were communicating with their own thoughts. Finally, one of them, who looked older than the others, stepped forward. "We will let you continue on your journey" he said, "But only if you promise that you will not use the artifact for evil purposes."

Cin Xiu and his friends immediately agreed, vowing that they would only use the power of the artifact for good. Thus, that Huli Jing let them go and let them continue their journey.

They continued their journey through the forest, but now with a different feeling. They have met the mythical creatures who guard this forest and understand the importance of maintaining the balance of nature. They are also getting closer to their destination, an ancient artifact believed to stop the evil that lurks the world.

However, the encounter with Huli Jing was only the beginning of their adventure. In the next chapters, they will face more challenges and surprises that will test their determination to protect the world from the evil that threatens them.