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The Phoenix-Soul Awakens
The wilderness stretches endlessly in all directions. The sun has dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the rocky terrain. Jiang Chen, still feeling the aftereffects of his battle with Lin Shaoyu, trudges forward with determination in his heart. His sword is sheathed at his side, and his hand is pressed against the wound on his side, the blood slowing to a trickle as he uses his internal energy to stabilize it.
Despite the pain, there's a new resolve within him—a quiet understanding that he has only just begun to tap into his true power. He knows that his journey won't be easy, but it is necessary.
Jiang Chen (thoughts, steadying his breath): "The Phoenix-Soul is still within me... I can feel it. But it's too wild. Unstable. I need control... I need to reach the Nine Sects Alliance."
As Jiang Chen walks, a strange sensation washes over him—a sudden, overwhelming warmth in his chest. The Phoenix-Soul stirs, and for a moment, the world around him seems to hum with energy. He stops, placing his hand over his heart, feeling a pulsing energy growing stronger by the second.
Jiang Chen (thoughts, frowning): "What is this? A… resonance? The Phoenix-Soul… it's reacting to something. But what?"
The air around him crackles as if in response to his thoughts. Suddenly, a burst of light erupts from his chest, and for a split second, time slows down. In this moment of clarity, Jiang Chen experiences a fragment of his past life—memories of a battle, of fire and destruction, of wielding immense power. It overwhelms him, and the surge of energy dissipates just as quickly as it arrived.
Jiang Chen (gasping, barely staying on his feet): "It's... it's there. I remember now... but I can't hold onto it. Not yet."
He takes a deep breath, steadying himself, and continues onward, his steps more resolute than before. His journey is just beginning, but he can already feel the weight of his destiny bearing down on him.
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The Bandits
As Jiang Chen travels further, the landscape grows darker and more ominous. The road winds through a narrow gorge surrounded by towering cliffs. The path is treacherous, but Jiang Chen remains focused on his goal—the Nine Sects Alliance.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoes through the gorge, and a group of rough-looking bandits emerges from the shadows. They are armed with crude weapons—swords, daggers, and long spears—and their eyes gleam with greed as they spot Jiang Chen.
Bandit Leader (snarling, stepping forward): "Well, well, what do we have here? A lone traveler, just ripe for the taking. Hand over your money and your weapons, and we'll let you go... for now."
Jiang Chen (looking them over, unfazed): "I don't have much. But I'm not in the mood to entertain your games."
Bandit Leader (laughing cruelly): "You're either brave or foolish, boy. Doesn't matter. You're not leaving here without paying the toll."
Jiang Chen feels the Phoenix-Soul stir again, its power urging him to act. His hand instinctively tightens around the hilt of his sword. He knows he can't afford to waste time on these fools—but neither can he underestimate them.
Jiang Chen (thoughts, quietly): "I've been weak so far. It's time to show what I can do."
In a flash, Jiang Chen unsheathes his sword. The Time Manipulation ability surges within him, and the world slows to a crawl. He watches as the bandits' movements become sluggish, their weapons slow and predictable. He moves with precision and grace, his sword flashing like a bolt of lightning, cutting through the air.
One by one, the bandits fall, unable to react in time. Jiang Chen's strikes are quick and efficient—he disarms them with ease, each move a dance of calculated speed and deadly force.
Bandit Leader (eyes widening, panicking): "Wait! We… we don't have to fight! Please—"
The Bandit Leader is silenced when Jiang Chen's blade stops just inches from his neck. The time manipulation dissipates, and the world returns to its normal pace. The bandits are on the ground, incapacitated but alive.
Jiang Chen (coldly, sheathing his sword): "Stay out of my way."
The bandits scramble to their feet, fear in their eyes. The Bandit Leader nods quickly, signaling to his group to retreat. Jiang Chen watches them go, his gaze cold and focused. He doesn't care about the bandits, but the encounter serves as a reminder of the danger that lies ahead. His power is growing, but so are the risks.
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Arrival at the Nine Sects Alliance
Several days later, Jiang Chen arrives at the gates of the Nine Sects Alliance. The entrance is grand—two towering stone pillars with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes flank the gates. The air is thick with the scent of incense, and the sounds of martial training echo from within. The atmosphere is both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Jiang Chen approaches the gates, but two guards stand in his way. They eye him suspiciously, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.
Guard 1 (sternly): "Halt. State your name and your business."
Jiang Chen (calmly, bowing slightly): "I am Jiang Chen. I seek entry to the Nine Sects Alliance. I wish to train and learn."
Guard 2 (eyeing him skeptically): "A lone traveler seeking to train? That's rare. And what makes you think the Nine Sects will accept you?"
Jiang Chen (quietly but confidently): "I have no other choice but to succeed. I will prove my worth."
The guards exchange a glance. They seem to sense Jiang Chen's unwavering determination, but they are still cautious. After a moment, they step aside, allowing him to pass.
Guard 1 (grudgingly): "Very well. But remember this—strength is everything here. If you're not strong enough, you'll be thrown out like the rest."
Jiang Chen nods, his eyes focused on the path ahead. The gates open, revealing the sprawling compound of the Nine Sects Alliance—an ancient stronghold of martial arts schools and sects. The path to power begins here, and Jiang Chen is ready to walk it.
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Meeting Liu Xiu
Inside the Nine Sects Alliance, Jiang Chen begins his training. The Sect Elders look him over with cautious interest, but they are not eager to accept him without proof of his abilities. He is given a training room and told to begin his cultivation.
After several days of arduous training, Jiang Chen meets Liu Xiu, a young swordsman with a calm and composed demeanor. Liu Xiu is known for his skill with the sword, and despite his friendly appearance, he's not someone who will go easy on Jiang Chen.
Liu Xiu (smiling as they spar): "Your movements are unrefined, but there's potential. Let me see what you can do with your sword."
The two engage in a friendly sparring match, and Jiang Chen struggles at first—his technique is raw, but his instincts are sharp. Liu Xiu gives him pointers, teaching him how to channel his power more effectively.
Liu Xiu (after a few rounds, offering a piece of advice): "You're all over the place. If you want to master your sword, you need balance. Discipline. Power without control is useless."
Jiang Chen (determined): "I'll master it. I won't stop until I do."
Liu Xiu (grinning): "We'll see about that. But first, you'll need to learn how to survive here. The Nine Sects Alliance is no place for the weak."
Their sparring continues, and despite the difficulty, Jiang Chen feels a sense of camaraderie with Liu Xiu. This will be his first real test in the Nine Sects Alliance, and it will not be the last.
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End of Chapter 2