The air in Lianhua felt thick with tension as the old man’s piercing gaze bore into Xu Wang’s soul. His eyes, deep like an endless abyss, seemed to strip away all pretense and secrecy.

  "Are you an Ajna Qi Technique user?" The old man’s voice was firm, unwavering, as if he had already decided the answer before Xu Wang could speak.

  Xu Wang hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking his head. "No, I am just an aura user traveling the world, enjoying its beauty." His voice was calm, measured, hiding the racing of his heart.

  The old man’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Don’t lie to me, boy. I can see the cores in your eyes. Your Ajna is weak now, but it’s there. Dormant, waiting to be unlocked."

  Xu Wang took a step back, instincts fring. Wang Li and Mei Ling immediately moved closer to him, their hands twitching toward their weapons.

  The old man chuckled. "Rex, I’m not here to harm you." His voice was ced with amusement, yet there was an undeniable authority in his tone. "At least not yet."

  Xu Wang’s fingers clenched. "Who are you?"

  The old man exhaled through his nose. "Names have power. But for now, just call me Master Yu." He tilted his head slightly, watching Xu Wang like a hawk observing prey. "You’re at the bottom of the dder, just a basic Qi user fumbling in the dark. But I am a Qi Master. If you truly want to understand Ajna, I can help you grow. Just follow me."

  Xu Wang’s jaw tightened. "I appreciate the offer, but I’m not looking for a master."

  Master Yu’s smile faded. "A shame."

  In an instant, his hand shot forward like lightning. Before Xu Wang could react, an iron grip cmped around his arm.

  "You don’t get a choice."

  With a sudden burst of force, Master Yu lifted Xu Wang into the air as if he weighed nothing.

  "Xu!" Wang Li’s voice rang out as she lunged forward, her bde fshing.

  Mei Ling followed right after, her body moving with deadly precision.

  But Master Yu merely sighed. With a flick of his free hand, an invisible force bsted them backward, sending them skidding across the ground.

  "I don’t have time for this." He turned to Wang Li, his grip on Xu Wang tightening. "If you want to see him again, come to the Yang Cn. Tell the guards you seek an audience with their Master, and show them this."

  He reached into his robe and pulled out a jade ring, tossing it onto the ground near Wang Li.

  Then, without another word, he unched into the sky, Xu Wang still in his grasp.

  Wang Li and Mei Ling recovered just in time to see them vanish beyond the rooftops.

  "Xu!" Wang Li’s scream of fury echoed through the vilge.

  ### **The Journey to the Yang Cn**

  Wang Li's hands trembled as she picked up the jade ring. Her heart pounded, anger and helplessness churning inside her like a raging storm.

  Mei Ling was breathing heavily beside her, frustration clear in her expression. "That man... He wasn’t ordinary."

  Wang Li exhaled sharply. "Of course not. He’s a Qi Master. And he took Xu." She crushed the ring in her grip before pocketing it. "We’re going after him."

  Mei Ling nodded, regaining her composure. "The Yang Cn... What do you know about them?"

  Wang Li’s lips pressed into a thin line. "They’re Mudhara Qi users, experts in the Root Chakra. Their power is drawn from the foundation of all Qi—the essence of survival, stability, and primal strength. They control the nd in Lianhua and have a reputation for being ruthless."

  Mei Ling’s expression darkened. "And now, we have to walk straight into their territory."

  "Yes." Wang Li’s fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword. "And we will burn the pce down if we have to."

  They made their way through the vilge, heading toward the towering estate of the Yang Cn.

  The moment they reached the entrance, heavily armored guards blocked their path.

  "State your business," one of them demanded.

  Wang Li tossed the jade ring forward. "We seek an audience with your Master."

  The guards exchanged gnces before picking up the ring.

  "Wait here." One of them disappeared into the estate.

  Minutes stretched like hours before he returned, nodding. "Follow me."

  Wang Li and Mei Ling exchanged gnces before stepping inside.

  ### **Xu Wang’s Trial**

  Xu Wang hit the ground hard, pain fring through his ribs. He coughed, tasting blood.

  The room he was in was dimly lit, with walls of dark stone and flickering torches casting eerie shadows.

  Master Yu stood over him, his expression unreadable. "You may be strong for your level, but you’re still weak."

  Xu Wang forced himself up, his muscles screaming in protest. "You kidnapped me just to tell me that?"

  Master Yu sighed. "You have potential, boy. But you refuse to acknowledge it. So I will force it out of you."

  Before Xu Wang could react, Master Yu’s fist crashed into his gut.

  A sharp, unbearable pain exploded through his body.

  Xu Wang gasped, blood dripping from his lips.

  Master Yu’s eyes gleamed with something between amusement and challenge. "Come now. You were chosen by fate, weren’t you? Chosen to bear the burden of the Dual Spirits. And yet, look at you. Weak, bleeding, pathetic."

  Xu Wang’s vision blurred, but he gritted his teeth. He tried to push himself up, but another strike sent him crashing down again.

  "You don’t even understand your own Qi." Master Yu’s voice grew harsher. "Ajna is not just about perception. It is about crity. Knowing oneself. Seeing beyond illusions. And yet, you refuse to see even your own weakness."

  Xu Wang’s breath came in ragged gasps. His body screamed at him to surrender.

  But he wouldn’t.

  He **couldn’t.**

  Master Yu’s foot pressed against his chest, pinning him down. "If you want to survive the path ahead, you will learn. Even if it means breaking you first."

  Xu Wang’s vision dimmed as blood pooled beneath him.

  His world was spinning, his consciousness slipping.

  Somewhere, far away, he could hear Wang Li’s voice in his mind.

  "Stay alive, Xu... I’m coming for you."

  To be continued.....