THE RULER OF MAP

The fight in the Abyssal Core had been harrowing, but Zhang Xin and his companions emerged victorious, their unity and resolve proving stronger than the forces of darkness. Upon their return to the Zi Xuan Sect, they were greeted with a mix of awe and celebration. Yet, amidst the rejoicing, Elder Tang Cai Ji summoned them to the Grand Hall with a grave expression.

The Warning

Tang Cai Ji stood at the center of the hall, her usual composed demeanor now shadowed by worry. Zhang Xin and his team knelt respectfully before her. She gestured for them to rise, her voice clear and solemn.

"You have achieved what no others could—defeating the four high-ranking demon generals and sealing the Abyss. For that, I commend you," she began, her sharp eyes scanning the group. "However, I must warn you—demons never forget, and they never forgive. Their thirst for vengeance runs deep. Even now, whispers of a human and demon war echo across the realms."

The team exchanged uneasy glances. Lian Hua spoke softly, "Elder Tang Cai Ji, what must we do to prepare?"

Tang Cai Ji stepped closer, her aura commanding yet nurturing. "You are the future of this sect and, perhaps, of humanity's survival. You must cultivate further and ascend to new heights of power. To do so, I will send you to the Domain of Sacred Trials—a place where time flows differently, filled with peril but abundant opportunities for growth."

She handed Zhang Xin a map, the parchment ancient and etched with glowing symbols. "This map will guide you to the domain. There, you will find remnants of the Abyss's energy—an opportunity to turn their power into your strength."

"But beware," Tang Cai Ji continued, her tone heavy, "the trials in the domain are not for the faint of heart. It will test not only your strength but your character. You must work together and break through your limits. I expect you to return in one year, stronger and prepared for the battles that lie ahead."

A Private Conversation

As Zhang Xin and his team prepared to leave the hall, Tang Cai Ji stopped him. "Zhang Xin, come with me. There is more I need to discuss with you."

Zhang Xin followed her to her private chambers, where the air was thick with spiritual energy. Tang Cai Ji gestured for him to sit.

"You possess something that will make you a target, Zhang Xin," she said, her voice low and cautious. "The map you hold now—it is unlike any other. Its aura marks you to all who seek it, both human and demon alike. This map is a key to the City of Lumina Arcanis, an ancient city shrouded in mystery and great power. Many have sought it, but few have returned alive."

Zhang Xin furrowed his brow. "Why give me this map, Master, if it brings such danger?"

"Because the time has come for you to forge your own path," Tang Cai Ji replied. "You must go to Lumina Arcanis and find a man named Master Han Lingxiu. He is a specialist in concealing spiritual auras and will be able to mask the map's presence from prying eyes. He may also guide you to discover the map's true purpose."

She handed him another scroll, smaller and more discreet. "This contains the directions to Lumina Arcanis. While your team journeys to the Domain of Sacred Trials, you must take this journey alone. Your destiny is intertwined with this map, but it is also your greatest burden. Be cautious, Zhang Xin. Trust few and rely on your instincts."

Zhang Xin bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master. I will not fail you or the Zi Xuan Sect."

Tang Cai Ji smiled faintly, a rare display of warmth. "I know you won't, Zhang Xin. You are destined for greatness, but remember—strength is meaningless without wisdom. The choices you make now will shape the future of this world."

Parting Ways

The next morning, Zhang Xin and his team gathered at the sect's gates. Each carried a small bundle of supplies and their most trusted weapons. Zhang Xin stood before them, his gaze steady.

"You all have your path, and I have mine," he said. "This is not a goodbye, but a chance for all of us to grow. When we meet again in a year, let us be stronger and more united than ever."

Lian Hua stepped forward, her eyes lingering on Zhang Xin. "Be careful, Zhang Xin. You always take the heaviest burden, but don't forget—we're a team. We'll be waiting for you."

He nodded, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Take care of each other. The Domain of Sacred Trials will challenge you, but I believe in all of you."

The group watched as Zhang Xin turned and began his journey toward Lumina Arcanis. Their hearts were heavy, but their resolve was strong. They knew the road ahead was fraught with danger, but they were determined to emerge victorious.

A Glimpse of Lumina Arcanis

As Zhang Xin traveled alone through treacherous mountains and dense forests, the scroll's directions guided him. Days turned into weeks, and the journey tested his endurance and resolve.

Finally, he reached the outskirts of Lumina Arcanis. The city was hidden within a valley, its gates adorned with glowing runes that pulsed with ancient energy. The air was thick with power, both alluring and ominous.

Zhang Xin stood before the gates, clutching the map. "Master Han Lingxiu," he murmured. "Let's see what secrets you hold."

With a deep breath, he stepped forward, ready to face the next chapter of his destiny.

Zhang Xin stood at the gates of Lumina Arcanis, the city he had journeyed weeks to find. The towering gates, etched with glowing runes, hummed with an ancient power that seemed to resonate with the map in his possession. As he stepped inside, the city revealed itself in all its splendor—a mix of towering buildings, vibrant markets, and streets teeming with people from all walks of life.

Exhausted from his journey, Zhang Xin sought lodging at a small inn near the city's main square. The innkeeper, a cheerful man named Old Ren, welcomed him warmly.

"You've come a long way, young man. Rest well—Lumina Arcanis has much to offer," Old Ren said, showing Zhang Xin to a modest but comfortable room.

That night, Zhang Xin lay on the bed, his thoughts drifting between the map's mystery and the challenges that awaited him. Sleep came quickly, the weariness of his journey finally catching up to him.

The City's Secrets

The next morning, Zhang Xin woke early, eager to explore the city. After a simple breakfast at the inn, he ventured into the bustling streets. The city was alive with energy—vendors shouting about their wares, street performers dazzling crowds, and scholars discussing ancient texts in quiet corners.

As he wandered, Zhang Xin listened carefully to conversations, piecing together fragments of the city's history and culture. He learned that Lumina Arcanis was a hub of knowledge and power, a place where warriors, scholars, and mystics came to hone their abilities.

While exploring, Zhang Xin's attention was drawn to a large gathering near the city's central arena. A crowd had formed, cheering and shouting as two men battled fiercely in the arena below. Curious, Zhang Xin joined the throng to watch.

The Arena

The arena was a grand structure, its circular stands packed with spectators. In the center, two warriors clashed with dazzling skill. One was a burly man wielding a massive battle axe, his movements powerful but methodical. The other was a nimble fighter armed with dual blades, his speed and agility unmatched.

Zhang Xin's gaze shifted to a raised platform overlooking the arena, where a regal woman sat surrounded by attendants. She wore intricate robes adorned with silver and gold embroidery, her presence commanding and elegant. Someone in the crowd whispered, "That's Mei Ling, the elder daughter of the royal Feng family, rulers of Lumina Arcanis."

As the fight continued, it became clear that the nimble fighter was losing. Despite his agility, the burly man's relentless strikes overwhelmed him. With a final blow, the nimble fighter collapsed to the ground, unable to continue.

The crowd roared in approval, but Zhang Xin's brows furrowed. Something about the burly man's demeanor—arrogant and overconfident—rubbed him the wrong way.

Without hesitation, Zhang Xin stepped forward, his voice cutting through the noise. "I challenge you!"

The burly man, surprised but amused, laughed. "Another fool who thinks he can take me down? Very well, boy. Step into the arena."

The Fight

Zhang Xin leapt into the arena, his sword gleaming under the sunlight. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and even Mei Ling seemed intrigued.

The burly man, whose name Zhang Xin learned was Gao Tian, smirked as he hefted his battle axe. "Let's see if you can last longer than the last one."

The fight began. Gao Tian charged with brute strength, swinging his axe in wide arcs that shook the ground. Zhang Xin, however, was calm and precise. He dodged with ease, his movements fluid and calculated.

"You'll have to do better than that," Zhang Xin said, his voice steady.

Gao Tian growled in frustration, increasing the ferocity of his attacks. But Zhang Xin seized the opening, countering with a flurry of strikes. His swordplay was swift and elegant, each movement a testament to his training.

The tide of the battle shifted. With a final, well-aimed strike, Zhang Xin disarmed Gao Tian, sending the battle axe flying. Gao Tian stumbled back, defeated. The crowd erupted into cheers, chanting Zhang Xin's name.