Lee Xian, Cultivator of Guyon

The Battle in the Forest

The journey of Cin Xiu and his companions towards the Nine Gates Towards Strength continued. They had passed various exams and accumulated valuable experience, but their journey was far from over. In addition to the conflicts and trials they have faced, they also encounter moments that warm their hearts and trigger empathy.

When they reached a dense forest, the natural atmosphere changed drastically. The tall, shady trees created a shadow underneath, giving a cold feeling that contrasted with the sun shining brightly outside the forest. The low boisterous sound of the stream flowing nearby added a calm impression to the atmosphere of the forest.

Cin Xiu's friends, Wei and Xiao Mei, looked at each other in confusion. They had lost their clue and felt lost in the middle of an unknown forest. Without a clear direction, the two of them felt anxious and confused.

It was then, Cin Xiu showed his clear leadership nature. He spoke calmly to Wei and Xiao Mei, trying to ease their worries. "We'll find a way out of here. Importantly, we must stay together and work together" Cin Xiu said firmly.

The two of them nodded, feeling calmer with Cin Xiu's guidance. They decide to follow the stream, expecting it will take them to a more open place and perhaps find useful clues.

Meanwhile, Cin Xiu was talking to Yeong, who had all this time looked quiet. He tried to understand more deeply about the nature of their mysterious friend. "Yeong, we have been together on this long journey, but you have always taken care of yourself. Is there something you want to share or tell me?"

Yeong was silent for a moment, and finally he decided to open his heart to Cin Xiu. "Actually, I am the secret keeper of the royal family. I went from the palace to pursue my own desires and learned more about the world out there. This was my first real trip, and I felt a little adrift among great friends like you."

Cin Xiu nodded in understanding. "We all have our own fears and doubts, Yeong. Don't feel swayed, because we'll always be there for each other to support."

"Well, you're all ready to listen to my story?" asked Cin Xiu with a smile. "When it's safe?" said again.

The conversation made Yeong feel closer to her friends. The two of them followed Wei and Xiao Mei who were walking in front.

After a while, they arrived at the edge of a larger river. There, they saw a young lady who looked puzzled. The woman looked as lost as they were, and Cin Xiu approached her empathetically.

"Can we help you?" ask Cin Xiu.

The woman looked at them with relief. "I got lost in this forest and didn't know how to get out. Thank you for your offer of help."

Cin Xiu, Wei, Xiao Mei, and Yeong then discussed with the woman and tried to find a way out together. During their journey together, they listen to the woman's story of her personal journey and adventures, which creates a bond between them.

However, in the middle of their conversation, they suddenly heard a rumbling sound from behind the dense bushes. They soon realize that they are not alone in this forest. Something big and terrible emerged from the bushes.

Suddenly, a large creature jumped out of the bushes. It was a huge tiger with bright yellow fur and eyes that exuded sharpness. This ferocious beast stood tall, stalking Cin Xiu and his companions.

When he saw the tiger, Xiao Mei immediately jumped back while screaming in fear. Wei stood between Xiao Mei and the tiger, trying to protect his friend. Yeong was getting ready to act, while Cin Xiu, calmly, tried to talk to the tiger.

"We won't hurt you. We just want to find a way out of this forest," Cin Xiu said in a calm voice. He tried to maintain control over this situation and avoid unnecessary fighting.

The tiger seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if considering Cin Xiu's words. However, suddenly, another ferocious beast appeared from behind him. A giant bear with thick brown fur stood beside the tiger, and it seemed like they were working together.

Cin Xiu and his companions were now faced with two huge beasts that were ready to attack. They feel sandwiched between a tiger and a bear, without many options.

As the situation grew increasingly tense, suddenly, the young lady they had met earlier stepped forward. He looked calm and spoke to the tiger and bear in a soft voice. "You don't have to hurt them. They're my friends, and we just want to find a way out of this forest."

Miracles happen. The tiger and bear seemed to listen to the young woman and no longer showed any signs of aggression. They even left quietly, letting Cin Xiu and his friends continue their journey.

Cin Xiu and his friends looked at the young lady with gratitude. "Thank you for your help. We are almost in great danger" Cin Xiu said.

The young lady smiled kindly. "No problem. In this forest, we are all part of the same nature. It's a rule of nature that we should help each other."

After the incident, the young lady decided to join Cin Xiu and his friends on their journey. Her name was Mei Ling, and she had a deep knowledge of this forest. He explains that this forest is home to many beasts, and sometimes they have to navigate the rules of nature in order to survive.

During a trip with Mei Ling, Cin Xiu and his friends learn a lot about the forest ecosystem and how to live a balanced life with nature. They feel increasingly connected to their surroundings, and their empathetic nature is growing.

Mei Ling also talked about her own journey, how she sought meaning in her life and pursued peace in this realm. The story made Cin Xiu and his friends reflect on their own goals on their journey.

They had discovered a kind of wisdom within the forest and a new friendship within Mei Ling, but their adventure still continued.